Murton Park: The museum which tells the story of Yorkshire's rich farming history

Murton Park has been enchanting visitors for generations and is home to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, designed to appeal to all ages. Steve Teale reports
Steve Teale
By Steve Teale
Published 21st Sep 2023, 00:00 BST

It is, as one visitor puts it, a real York treasure. Murton Park in North Yorkshire has been home to a farming museum for over 40 years and is described as a must-see for anyone interested in the history of farming or the region’s agricultural heritage.

The main museum gallery is full of machines and implements; from historic vehicles and carts to ploughs and hand tools.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Step upstairs to find our Women’s Land Army Exhibition, which tells the story of their role in the nation’s food production during the First and Second World Wars.

Emma Grimmer, Collections Manager at Murton Park, York, Farming Museum, behind the shop counter of FR Stubbs Ironmongers, which used to be at Foss Bridge House, York. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.Emma Grimmer, Collections Manager at Murton Park, York, Farming Museum, behind the shop counter of FR Stubbs Ironmongers, which used to be at Foss Bridge House, York. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.
Emma Grimmer, Collections Manager at Murton Park, York, Farming Museum, behind the shop counter of FR Stubbs Ironmongers, which used to be at Foss Bridge House, York. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty.

A spokesman said: “Love tractors? Be sure to check out our Sawkill Building, housing lovingly restored tractors that belonged to John Scardifield, including Fergusons, Farmalls, and Nuffields.

“We also have a large archive, library and photograph collection which is available to view by appointment.”The machines and implements in their care are a testament to the continual development of farming practices through the 19th and 20th centuries.

From historic vehicles and carts to the hand tools and implements used on the farm throughout the county, the collection tells the story of Yorkshire’s farming past.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Much of this collection is on permanent display in our galleries. Larger objects are displayed in the open spaces around the museum. The museum is also home to a research library, archive and an impressive photographic collection. Researchers should contact the museum via email or telephone.

David the Blacksmith working at the forge at museum. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James HardistyDavid the Blacksmith working at the forge at museum. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty
David the Blacksmith working at the forge at museum. Picture By Yorkshire Post Photographer, James Hardisty

Murton Park is described as “a must-experience, one-stop Living Museum for those who love to create memories that can span the eons of time”.

Perfect for all generations and crafted to especially engage the young. Murton Park is not only a remarkable open-air museum experience like no other, it is much more and also plays home, and host, to some of the best known and most accomplished historical re-enactment Societies in the North of England.

With its own museum, railway, animals, playground and special Living History Sites (where you can even explore life as a Viking or Roman) it has something here for everyone, whatever your age.

Related topics:North YorkshireYork