May Half-Term at the Yorkshire Museum and York Museum Gardens

Saturday 23 May – Sunday 31 May 2026 | Book Tickets

Step back in time and discover Eboracum, Roman York, in a programme of family-friendly activities this May Half-Term. 

The much-anticipated Eboracum Roman Festival returns to York Museum Gardens with live demonstrations, activities, storytelling and talks throughout the weekend on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, as well as a programme of Roman-themed activities, workshops and performances throughout the week at the Yorkshire Museum. 

Explore thousands of years of Yorkshire’s history through astounding artefacts and extraordinary exhibits and don’t miss our brand new exhibition Chariots, Treasure and Power: Secrets of the Melsonby Hoard

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Eboracum Roman Festival

The Living History Encampment returns to York Museum Gardens on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May.

You’ll be transported back to AD71 when Romans arrived and settled in Eburaci (the Roman settlement in York) and experience what life would have been like all those years ago. Activities, demonstrations, talks and trails over the weekend offer an immersive experience for all ages, celebrating York’s Roman heritage. 

Little warriors can get involved in the Kids Barbaric Battle, there’ll be live re-enactments and demonstrations of Roman life, costumed interpreters, fun activities and storytelling, as well as talks by celebrity authors Terry Deary and Greg Jenner. Curators and historians from across York will offer object handling sessions and mini excavations to bring the city’s Roman past even closer.

This year’s festival has been organised by the Yorkshire Museum in partnership with York Minster, York Archaeology, University of York, Roman Bath Museum, Uncomfortable York and City Screen.

Entry to the Eboracum Roman Festival is free, however, some activities and talks require pre-booking and occur an additional charge. 

To view the full programme, visit the Eboracum Roman Festival webpage.

What’s On at the Yorkshire Museum

All May Half-Term activities are suitable for all ages and included in general admission, except the Nature Trail which costs £1 per booklet. Book tickets.

Roman Games
Tuesday 26 May, Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May | 10am – 5pm
Included in general admission
Drop into the Rec Room during your visit and settle into a relaxed, welcoming space where you can play with a selection of Roman-inspired games.
From the mischievous fun of Horrible Histories to our very own Roman Ludus board game, there’s plenty to spark curiosity and friendly competition. Gather your team, challenge your friends, and see if you’ve got what it takes to build Rome in a day! 

Creative Families
Wednesday 27 May 2026 | Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm
Included in general admission
Get hands-on in an artist-led creative workshop where you’ll make your own Roman mosaic, inspired by our Four Seasons Mosaic exhibit. 

Shakespeare and Rome
Thursday 28 May 2026  | 1.30pm – 1.55pm and 3pm – 3.25pm
Included in general admission
Inspired by Roman objects in the Yorkshire Museum, and performed on the historic mosaic floor, this short play explores questions of history and memory, and the importance of the seemingly insignificant – through the words of Shakespeare. 

Meet Me at the Yorkshire Museum
Saturday 23 May, Sunday 24 May and Friday 29 May 2026 | Drop in between 11am – 4pm (Performances at 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm and 2.30pm)
Included in general admission
Have you ever wanted to meet a Roman? HistoryRiot return with another interactive storytelling experience, centred around life in Roman York. Discover tales of the brave and bold, told by a Roman and set on a real Roman mosaic, through stories, games and laughter. 

Daily activities: 

Nature Trail
Daily, except Mondays  | 10am – 4.30pm
Collect a trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk | £1 per sheet*
Enjoy the outdoors with our new self-led Nature Trail, taking you on a journey through the Museum Gardens to explore nature and wildlife. Pick up a trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk and don’t forget to collect a small chocolate prize at the end!

*Museum admission is not required to take part in the Nature Trail. 

Gallery Talks
Daily | Times advertised on the day
Included in general admission
Join a member of our Visitor Experience team for a short, insightful talk on their favourite Roman artefact from the collection.

Object Encounter
Daily, 10am – 4.30pm
Included in general admission
Get hands-on in the Roman York gallery as you encounter replicas of real Roman objects based on The Ryedale Hoard, available to handle on-gallery.

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General admission tickets last 12 months and allow unlimited free entry to the Yorkshire Museum, offering great value days out for the family all year! 

Please note, the Yorkshire Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, closed Mondays as usual. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk on the day.

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Looking for more ways to entertain the family throughout the holidays? Find out more about our May Half-Term programme at our other sites.

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