Ryedale Folk Museum

Hutton-le-Hole, North Yorkshire YO62 6UA

Tel: 01751 417367

e-mail: info@ryedalefolkmuseum.co.uk

Ryedale Folk Museum is a wonderful working museum insight into bygone eras. Here you will find the finest collection of thatched buildings in Yorkshire - the rescued and restored houses chart the changes in rural life, from the simplicity of the early Tudor crofter's cottage to the cosy Victorian clutter of the White Cottage.

There were mines and railways in nearby Rosedale, bringing a completely different way of life to the moors - explore the story behind these and the Elizabethan glass furnace and other moorland industries. Rural workers such as tinsmith, wheelwright, blacksmith, saddler, shoemaker and joiner each have a workshop with the tools of their trade on display and regular demonstrations take place including weaving, spinning, woodwork and cane and rushwork. An outstanding collection of tools also records the extraordinary changes in agriculture over the last 300 years, from wooden pitchforks onwards.

In the growing gardens, there are the medicinal herbs of the crofter's garth and the more recent cottage garden flowers, whilst the Victorian vegetable garden contains old varieties of vegetables as they used to be. The working landscape explores the way it was once used and how the way of life has altered it over the years. Farm animals, rare wild flowers and historic crops are sights to be seen here and a project is underway to help conserve the vanishing cornfield flowers. Over 40 varieties are growing here. A gift shop sells a selection of books, maps and souvenirs. Open March to November - ring for details.