St Olave's Church Marygate
A historic Catholic church with a 15th-century tower and beautiful stained-glass windows, offering a quiet place for reflection.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Better light for windows
St Olave's Church Marygate
Best Time
Better light for windows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Catholic church with a 15th-century tower and beautiful stained-glass windows, offering a quiet place for reflection.
"A quaint, cosy church with a peaceful atmosphere, enhanced by organ music."
🤫 A Place for Quiet
This is an active church, not a tourist spot. Visit for reflection, not crowds.
☀️ Visit for Light
Can be dark inside. Visit earlier for better light to see windows.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
15th-Century Tower
Exterior
Admire the historic architecture of the church's prominent 15th-century tower, a testament to its long history.
Knowles Stained Glass
Interior
Marvel at the beautiful stained-glass windows, particularly those by artist Knowles, adding color and artistry.
Organ Practice Ambiance
Interior
Experience the unique atmosphere created by the sound of the refurbished organ during practice sessions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Quiet Place of Reflection
Timing Your Visit for Light
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Visiting York for a few days next month. What are your recommendations?
🤫 A Place for Quiet
This is an active church, not a tourist spot. Visit for reflection, not crowds.
☀️ Visit for Light
Can be dark inside. Visit earlier for better light to see windows.
quiet places in york?
🎶 Organ Music Bonus
Catching an organ practice adds to the ancient church atmosphere.
📍 Near St. Mary's Abbey
Conveniently located near other historical sites like St. Mary's Abbey.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 A Place for Quiet
This is an active church, not a tourist spot. Visit for reflection, not crowds.
☀️ Visit for Light
Can be dark inside. Visit earlier for better light to see windows.
🎶 Organ Music Bonus
Catching an organ practice adds to the ancient church atmosphere.
📍 Near St. Mary's Abbey
Conveniently located near other historical sites like St. Mary's Abbey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St Olave's Church is appreciated for its quaint, cosy atmosphere and historical significance, particularly its 15th-century tower and stained-glass windows. Visitors enjoy the ambiance, especially when organ music is playing. However, some find the interior quite dark, even during the day, which can detract from the experience.
"This is a really quaint little church, cosy you would say. They seem to take care of it really well."
Elk Hunter
"Visited to see the stained glass windows by Knowles, who had a shop in Stonegate where a remnant can still be seen. My wife has a family connection.
There was an organ practice going on during our visit which added to the ancient church atmosphere, mist enjoyable.
Otherwise, this is quiet place of reflection, an active church. Definitely not a tourist destination. And lighting is much needed, we visited late on a sunny afternoon but it was very dark."
Anthony Hibbs
"It was raining out in the garden so we spend a little more time in this beautiful church"
Kenn Madsen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Olave's Church is located near St. Mary's Abbey and the Yorkshire Museum. It's easily accessible on foot within the historic city walls of York.
Yes, it's situated in a central area of York, close to other major attractions, making it relatively straightforward to locate.
York city center is well-served by buses, and the church is within walking distance from most central bus stops. The nearest train station is York Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, St Olave's Church is an active place of worship and generally free to enter. Donations are welcome.
As an active church, hours can vary. It's best to visit during daylight hours, but it's advisable to check for any specific service times or closures if you have a particular time in mind.
Entry is typically free, as it is a functioning church. Visitors are encouraged to make a donation if they wish.
You can visit during services, but it's important to be respectful of worshippers. Some visitors find attending a service enhances the experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you can admire the 15th-century architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows (especially by Knowles), and the refurbished organ. It's a quiet place for reflection.
Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of services and other visitors. The interior can be dark, which might affect photo quality.
It's described as quaint, cosy, and a quiet place of reflection. The sound of the organ can add to the ancient church atmosphere.
No, it's considered more of a quiet, historic church rather than a primary tourist destination.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms is not widely available, but as an active church, basic amenities might be present. It's best to inquire on-site if needed.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, being in the heart of York, there are numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants nearby, offering a variety of dining options.
You'll find traditional British pubs, cafes for lighter bites, and various international cuisines within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, especially the 15th-century tower, and the stained-glass windows inside are key photographic subjects.
It's generally best to avoid flash photography in churches to respect the atmosphere and prevent damage to delicate interiors. Always check for signage.
Early to mid-afternoon might offer the best balance of natural light for the interior stained glass, though the exterior can be photographed throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider it as a short, peaceful interlude between more active sightseeing. Its proximity to the Yorkshire Museum and St. Mary's Abbey makes it an easy addition to a family's itinerary without requiring a significant time commitment. Remember to manage expectations for younger children, as it's not a place for running or loud exploration.
🚶 Solo Travelers & History Buffs
As noted by visitors, it's not a bustling tourist hub, which can be a significant advantage for those seeking a more authentic and peaceful encounter with history. Its location near other key historical sites also makes it an efficient addition to a solo exploration of York's heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
The church is noted for its stained-glass windows, particularly those created by artist Knowles. These artistic additions bring vibrant color and narrative to the interior, enhancing the spiritual and aesthetic experience for visitors. The presence of a recently refurbished organ further contributes to the church's atmosphere, with organ practice sessions often adding a beautiful auditory dimension to a visit.
While not a primary tourist attraction, St Olave's offers a quiet place of reflection and a chance to connect with the historical and spiritual fabric of York. Its proximity to other significant sites like St. Mary's Abbey and the Yorkshire Museum makes it a convenient stop for those interested in the city's heritage.
Experiencing the Interior
Many visitors find the atmosphere enhanced by the sounds of the church. The refurbished organ is a highlight, and catching an organ practice session is often cited as a particularly enjoyable aspect of a visit, adding a layer of living history and ambiance.
It's important to remember that St Olave's is an active church, not solely a historical monument. Visitors are encouraged to maintain a respectful demeanor, especially if services or practices are underway. This active status contributes to its authentic feel, offering a genuine glimpse into a place of worship that has served its community for centuries.
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