Our world-famous Victorian street reopened in June 2012 with more to see and explore of the life of the rich and poor – with new backstreets, authentic York businesses and thousands more goods on display.

Originally built in 1938, Kirkgate is a recreated Victorian street which has become the most iconic part of York Castle Museum and its schoolroom, police cell, Hansom cab and cobbled street surface all remain.

New research means that every single shop on the street is now based on a real York business, all of which operated here between 1870 and 1901. Our costumed guides can tell you more about each shop when you arrive…