Museum Gardens
A serene oasis in York, blending ancient Roman and medieval ruins with vibrant gardens and riverside walks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tulips and blossom in bloom
Museum Gardens
Best Time
Tulips and blossom in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene oasis in York, blending ancient Roman and medieval ruins with vibrant gardens and riverside walks.
"A cartwheel-friendly slice of history with flower power, perfect for a peaceful wind-down."
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic! Plenty of benches and grassy spots make it ideal for a relaxed meal.
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a walk along the riverbank for lovely views and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St. Mary's Abbey Ruins
Central Gardens
Evocative medieval abbey ruins, once rivaling the Minster in scale. A stunning backdrop for photos.
Roman Multangular Tower
Western Edge
A well-preserved Roman defensive tower offering a glimpse into York's ancient past.
Edible Garden
Near Yorkshire Museum
Discover a variety of plants with edible parts, beautifully maintained and informative.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
History Around Every Corner
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic! Plenty of benches and grassy spots make it ideal for a relaxed meal.
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a walk along the riverbank for lovely views and a peaceful escape.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ruins and gardens offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos.
🏛️ Museum Combo Ticket
Museum tickets can often be used over multiple days; confirm with staff.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Bring a picnic! Plenty of benches and grassy spots make it ideal for a relaxed meal.
🚶♀️ Riverside Stroll
Enjoy a walk along the riverbank for lovely views and a peaceful escape.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The ruins and gardens offer fantastic backdrops for memorable photos.
🏛️ Museum Combo Ticket
Museum tickets can often be used over multiple days; confirm with staff.
🦆 Watch the Ducks
Mind the local ducks; they're known to strut with confidence!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Museum Gardens for its beauty, tranquility, and historical significance. It's described as a peaceful escape from the city bustle, perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls. While the gardens are free and well-maintained, some note the lack of on-site toilets and cafes.
"Gorgeous, peaceful, tranquil and overall calming gardens open for free to the public with plenty of benches, bins, floral areas, walks and places to stop. Outside of the York Museum, it still has the original walls and parts of an old historic building, clearly well looked after and treasured. I found my visit here very nice, it’s a great place to take photos and get outside, away from the bustle of the town."
Grace Pullen
"A really lovely place! The ground are a great place to spend a few hours with a picnic in the sun. While we visited there was the Eboracum festival which was fantastic! The museum itself it great and filled with info. The ticket can be used across multiple days - however, when I asked staff members they said I could use it the following day. The next day, the museum was closed so we felt a bit disappointed (kind of out fault for not checking closed days, but also expect staff would say it was closed too)."
John Robbie Clark
"I've often enjoyed a stroll or a picnic in these beautiful gardens on my frequent visits to York. They were especially beautiful on my latest spring visit, when they were filled with colourful tulips and tree blossom. Located just outside the city walls, close to Bootham Bar and the Minster, they have lots of grassy space for children to run and play in, well tended flowerbeds, a lovely rock garden, and a riverside walk with a convenient exit to the riverbank and cruises. They're also rich in history, with some evocative Roman and medieval ruins. In the Middle Ages, these gardens were the grounds of St Mary's Abbey, which rivalled the Minster in size and grandeur until it was dissolved in the 16th century. Its ruins are still impressive, and I've seen them used as a backdrop for wedding photos. There's also an observatory containing a refractor telescope, but I've never actually seen it open for visits. It's well worth spending a couple of hours in the museum. There are lots of benches and a picnic area, but no toilets; the nearest ones are a 5 minute walk away at Bootham Bar. No café either, but there are vendors selling ice-cream, coffee and snacks near the entrance. I could happily spend the whole day here. A lovely place to escape the bustle of the city centre!"
Valerie Hinchliffe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Museum Gardens are centrally located in York, easily accessible on foot from the city center. They are situated just outside the city walls, near Bootham Bar and the York Minster. If arriving by train, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from York Station.
There is no dedicated parking within the gardens themselves. The nearest public car parks include the Marygate Car Park and the Bootham Row Car Park, both a short walk away. Consider public transport or walking if possible.
Yes, the main paths within Museum Gardens are generally well-maintained and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, offering a pleasant experience for all visitors.
There are no public toilets directly within Museum Gardens. The nearest facilities are located about a 5-minute walk away at Bootham Bar.
Yes, Museum Gardens are completely free to enter and explore, making them a wonderful public space for everyone to enjoy.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Museum Gardens is free for everyone. You can wander through the grounds, admire the ruins, and enjoy the scenery without any admission fee.
Museum Gardens are generally open from dawn until dusk. However, specific access to certain areas or the Yorkshire Museum within the grounds will have their own operating hours. It's always best to check the Yorkshire Museum's official website for the most up-to-date information.
Some visitors have reported being able to use their Yorkshire Museum ticket across multiple days, but it's crucial to confirm this with staff upon purchase, as policies can change.
Yes, Museum Gardens occasionally host events like festivals (e.g., Eboracum Festival) and can be used as a venue for private functions like weddings. Keep an eye on local event listings for any upcoming activities.
Yes, there is an admission fee for the Yorkshire Museum itself, which is located within the gardens. The gardens, however, remain free to access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive ruins of St. Mary's Abbey and the Roman Multangular Tower, wander through beautifully maintained flower beds and an edible garden, enjoy a riverside walk, and relax on the numerous benches.
Absolutely! The historical ruins, diverse flora, and scenic river views make Museum Gardens a photographer's paradise, especially during the golden hours.
Yes, picnics are very welcome in Museum Gardens. There are plenty of open grassy areas and benches perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
There is no cafe directly within the gardens. However, vendors selling ice cream, coffee, and snacks are often found near the entrance, and numerous cafes and restaurants are a short walk away in the city center.
Dogs are generally allowed in Museum Gardens, but they must be kept on a lead. Please be respectful of other visitors and the garden environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, especially with the Minster in the background, are iconic. The Roman Multangular Tower offers a different historical perspective. The vibrant flower beds and riverside paths also provide beautiful photographic opportunities.
Early mornings or late afternoons (golden hours) offer the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
For professional photoshoots, especially for events like weddings, it's advisable to check with the Yorkshire Museum or relevant local authorities regarding any permits or fees that may apply. The ruins are often used as a backdrop for wedding photos.
Generally, personal photography is allowed and encouraged. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide shots of the ruins and details of the flora. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive abbey ruins. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing skies and reducing reflections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Walk Through History
Adding to the historical tapestry is the Roman Multangular Tower, a well-preserved section of the original Roman fortress that once stood on this site. This sturdy structure provides a fascinating glimpse into York's Roman origins, dating back to the 4th century AD. Standing within its walls, one can almost feel the presence of Roman soldiers guarding the city. The gardens also feature remnants of the medieval city walls, further embedding the visitor in layers of history.
Beyond the major ruins, the gardens themselves are a historical landscape. The layout and features have evolved over centuries, reflecting different eras of use and preservation. It's a place where history isn't just read about, but walked through and experienced, making it a unique destination for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Nature's Embrace in the City
A unique feature is the edible garden, a delightful section showcasing a wide array of plants with edible leaves, stems, berries, and roots. It's both informative and visually appealing, offering a chance to learn about plants in a practical, engaging way. The mature trees provide ample shade, and the open lawns are perfect for relaxation or a leisurely picnic.
The riverside walk offers a different perspective, with gentle paths leading along the River Ouse. This area is particularly tranquil, providing lovely views and a chance to observe local wildlife. The combination of historical structures and flourishing plant life makes Museum Gardens a truly harmonious blend of nature and heritage.
Social
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