Yorkshire Museum Gardens

York featuring heritage architecture and a park
York showing a park
York which includes flowers and a garden
York which includes interior views
Yorkshire Museum Gardens


Relax in a tranquil park that houses one of the most popular museums in York and offers peaceful lawns that border the River Ouse.

Take a break from sightseeing in York Museum Gardens, a green park that spreads out around the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. Visit just to enjoy the colourful flowers and relaxing picnic areas or come to take in sights such as the fascinating regional museum and the 19th-century observatory.

The gardens were established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, who sought land for building a museum. The land was sold on the condition that these gardens should be created. Wander them today and imagine them as they were then.

Stroll through the gardens at different times of year to see them in a variety of colours. Look for borders lined with North American plants, a garden bursting with star-shaped flowers and beds with flora designed as homes for butterflies. The park attracts over 40 species of bird, including treecreepers and sparrowhawks, as well as the endangered tansy beetle.

Take some time to explore the medieval ruins in the gardens. St. Mary’s Abbey was built by wealthy Benedictine monks in 1088. St. Leonard’s Hospital, built around the same time, is said to be the largest medieval hospital in Northern England. Elsewhere in the gardens lies the Multangular Tower, which was a Roman fortress, and the Hospitium, a medieval guesthouse.

Spend hours exploring the Yorkshire Museum, which can be found in the heart of the gardens. It is one of the earliest purpose-built museums in the U.K. and it holds archaeological and paleontological artifacts that trace the natural history of the region. Learn about the history of stargazing in the York Observatory.

Join one of the weekly tours around the gardens, run on Sundays by local experts. Tours are free and will shed light on the history of the abbey and the different plant species growing here.

York Museum Gardens are free to enter and open daily. Walk here from York Station in under 10 minutes. Other attractions such as the York Minster and York Art Gallery, are located on neighboring streets.

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Things to do near Yorkshire Museum Gardens

Explore the charming Yorkshire Museum Gardens, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll amidst beautiful landscapes and historic ruins. Nearby, indulge in local shopping and immerse yourself in vibrant festivals that showcase the region's rich culture. Whether you're after a delightful picnic or a cultural experience, the gardens offer a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment for every visitor.

Shopping

Only 186m from Yorkshire Museum Gardens, Newgate Market offers a vibrant atmosphere with local vendors. For a more extensive shopping experience, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is 1.9km away, featuring designer brands. If you're up for a drive, Xscape Yorkshire is 12.4km distant, providing family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Heworth Golf Club, where you can immerse yourself in the outdoor sports atmosphere. Alternatively, visit Yearsley Pool for a refreshing swim with family vibes, or catch a game at Bootham Crescent Stadium to experience the local sports scene.

Adventure

Explore York Maze, located 1.9km from Yorkshire Museum Gardens, for a fun-filled day with family vibes as you navigate through its intricate paths. For a thrilling experience, head to York Motorsports Village, 1.2km away, where you can enjoy exhilarating karting adventures.

Nightlife

Enjoy a captivating evening at York Theatre Royal, only 62m away, where you can indulge in culture and romance. For family fun, visit the nearby York Observatory to explore the cosmos, or venture 1.2km to The Wacky Warehouse for arcade adventures and delightful entertainment.

Find the best attractions near Yorkshire Museum Gardens

Yorkshire Museum Gardens is a delightful destination for culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Within and around the gardens, you can explore historic buildings, charming churches, and picturesque streets. Notable attractions include the Yorkshire Museum and the nearby York Castle Museum, ensuring a rich cultural experience for visitors. Whether you're strolling through the gardens or delving into local history, there's plenty to discover in this vibrant area of York.

  • York Minster: This magnificent cathedral, located a mere 124m from the gardens, boasts stunning Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows. Visitors can explore its rich history and climb the tower for breathtaking views of York.
  • Shambles: Just 249m away, Shambles is a charming medieval street lined with quaint shops and cafés. Its cobbled pathways and overhanging timber-framed buildings create a delightful atmosphere, reminiscent of a bygone era.
  • York City Walls: Stretching 249m from the gardens, these ancient walls offer a unique perspective of the city’s history. Walk along the well-preserved battlements for panoramic views and enjoy the cultural significance of this iconic landmark.

Best time to go to Yorkshire Museum Gardens

The best time to visit Yorkshire Museum Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Yorkshire Museum Gardens falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Yorkshire Museum Gardens falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
April46.4°F (8.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Yorkshire Museum Gardens

To save money during your visit to Yorkshire Museum Gardens, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance often yields the best rates, particularly on Mondays. For spontaneous travellers, check last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Combine your hotel with flights and activities for additional savings, and don’t forget to filter by price to find the best offers. Utilising public transport can also help you keep costs down while exploring the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Yorkshire Museum Gardens are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Yorkshire Museum Gardens about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Yorkshire Museum Gardens is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Yorkshire Museum Gardens is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation at the Yorkshire Museum Gardens with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.