St. Williams College
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St William's College

4.4
·13 reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic college in York, often a starting point for tours, known for its architecture. Check for renovations before visiting.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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St. Williams College

St William's College

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic college in York, often a starting point for tours, known for its architecture. Check for renovations before visiting.

4.4
(13 reviews)

"Facade covered by scaffolding, limiting views, but a great starting point for tours. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Confirm Accessibility First

Scaffolding can block views. Always check recent visitor info before heading out!

Great Tour Starting Point

Many historical tours, like the Bloody Tour, begin here. Great for context!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Courtyard

Historic Courtyard

Exterior

A charming courtyard offering a glimpse into York's architectural past. Often a starting point for local tours.

Architectural Facade

Architectural Facade

Exterior

Admire the historic building's exterior, showcasing traditional York architecture. Note any visible restoration efforts.

Bloody Tour of York Starting Point

Bloody Tour of York Starting Point

Exterior

A popular meeting spot for the 'Bloody Tour of York,' offering a unique perspective on the city's darker history.

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Planning Your Visit

Check for Renovations

Before your visit, confirm if St. William's College is accessible. Past reviews indicate extensive scaffolding and limited interior access due to ongoing work. Check local listings or contact the venue for the latest updates on renovations and viewing opportunities.

Combine with Nearby Attractions

St. William's College is centrally located in York. Plan to visit alongside other historic sites like The Shambles or the York Minster to maximize your day. Consider booking tours that start or end here to get the most out of its historical context.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Obsessed with my flat !!! #ysj #yorkstjohn #freshers #york #yorkstjohnuniveristy
@summerlily03
20K likes • 179.6K views

Confirm Accessibility First

Scaffolding can block views. Always check recent visitor info before heading out! Reddit

Great Tour Starting Point

Many historical tours, like the Bloody Tour, begin here. Great for context! Reddit

I am a final-year student at York St John, my visa was cancelled after a 4-month historic work breach during a mental health crisis after my father’s death. No possible way out, no forgiveness, No way of completing my BSC. @ysj.su @studentmindsorg @jcwiuk @amnestyuk @bbcnews #UKImmigration #FYP #HumanRightsUK #RightToRemain #foryoupage❤️❤️
@stasha253
18.8K likes • 532.5K views
#yorku #universitylife #university #yorkucampus
@girlsfromda6
14.6K likes • 157.4K views

Nearby Food Options

The Shambles courtyard offers decent street food. Perfect for a quick bite! Reddit

Historic Building Charm

Appreciate the old houses and architecture that York is known for. Reddit

York University Dorm Tour 🩷”Im Just a Girl”#yorku #yorkuniversity #contentcreator #unistudents #premedstudent #viral
@breniqueramona
13.8K likes • 132.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Confirm Accessibility First

Scaffolding can block views. Always check recent visitor info before heading out! Reddit

Great Tour Starting Point

Many historical tours, like the Bloody Tour, begin here. Great for context! Reddit

Nearby Food Options

The Shambles courtyard offers decent street food. Perfect for a quick bite! Reddit

Historic Building Charm

Appreciate the old houses and architecture that York is known for. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors note St. William's College's prime location in York's historic center, often serving as a starting point for tours. However, recent reviews frequently mention extensive scaffolding and limited interior access due to ongoing renovations, which can detract from the viewing experience. Reddit

"Today I visited the college and found out why there are no reviews. The entire facade is covered by scaffolding and tarps. It has been, apparently for some time. I examined the scaffolding permit and found it expires on April 23, 2018. Hopefully the scaffolding will come down. When it does, you MAY be able to see the courtyard. No one, it seems, is allowed into the interior."

J. wexler

"Was the starting point of the Bloody Tour of York tour was fantastic and a good place to meet the guide Mad Alice"

Thomas Gayler

"Close to St Williams Sundial Pokemon GO Gym"

Phil Smailes

What People Like

Central location
Tour starting point
Historic architecture

What People Dislike

Scaffolding/renovations
Limited interior access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. William's College is located in the heart of York, making it easily accessible on foot from most city center attractions. If arriving by train, it's a pleasant 15-20 minute walk from York Station. Numerous bus routes also stop near the city center, a short walk away. Reddit

On-street parking is very limited in the historic center of York. It's recommended to use one of the city's park and ride services or public car parks, such as the one at York Station or Coppergate Shopping Centre, and then walk to the college. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore York. There are cycle racks available in various locations around the city center, though you'll need to find one close to the college. Be mindful of pedestrian zones within the historic core. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

St. William's College is primarily viewed from the exterior, and access to the interior may be restricted or unavailable due to renovations. Typically, there is no admission fee for viewing the exterior. Always check for current access information. Reddit

As the college is often viewed externally, there are no set opening hours. However, if any interior access or specific events are planned, it's best to check local listings or the official York tourism website for any scheduled times. Reddit

Past visitor experiences indicate that the college facade has been covered by scaffolding for extended periods. It's crucial to verify the current status of any renovations or access restrictions before your visit. Reddit

Access to the interior of St. William's College has been reported as limited or unavailable due to ongoing renovations. Visitors often only get to see the exterior and courtyard. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The courtyard offers a picturesque setting for photos. Capturing the architectural details of the building's facade is also popular, though scaffolding can sometimes be an issue. Reddit

When accessible, the historic architecture and courtyard provide good photographic opportunities. However, recent reports of extensive scaffolding may impact the visual appeal for photographers. Reddit

Interior access is often restricted, so taking photos inside may not be possible. Focus on capturing the exterior charm and any visible courtyard features. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, St. William's College is very close to The Shambles, which has a courtyard with decent street food options. You'll also find numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the surrounding historic streets of York. Reddit

You can find a variety of food options, from traditional pub fare and British cuisine to international street food. The Shambles area offers quick and casual dining experiences. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

Day-Trippers to York

For day-trippers, St. William's College is a convenient stop as it's centrally located near other major York attractions like The Shambles. Plan your visit to coincide with the start or end of a historical walking tour that uses it as a meeting point. Reddit

Be sure to check for any ongoing renovations that might affect exterior views. If the college is partially obscured, focus on the surrounding historic streets and consider grabbing a quick bite from the street food vendors in The Shambles courtyard nearby. Reddit

History Enthusiasts

History buffs will appreciate St. William's College for its architectural style and its role in York's historical narrative. It's often a key point for guided tours that delve into the city's past, offering insights into its medieval heritage. Reddit

While interior access might be limited, the exterior provides a good sense of the building's historical presence. Researching the college's specific history or joining a specialized historical tour can enhance your understanding and appreciation of its significance. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding St. William's College

St. William's College is a historic building located in the heart of York, England. It's known for its architectural significance and its role as a meeting point for various historical tours. While often admired for its exterior charm, past visitor experiences have highlighted potential limitations due to ongoing renovations, with scaffolding frequently obscuring parts of the facade. Reddit

Historically, the college has served as a starting point for popular city tours, including the 'Bloody Tour of York,' offering visitors a unique narrative of the city's past. Its proximity to other major attractions like The Shambles makes it a convenient stop for those exploring York's medieval streets. Reddit

When planning a visit, it's essential to check for the latest information regarding accessibility and any ongoing restoration work. This will help manage expectations and ensure you can best appreciate the college's historical presence in York. Reddit

Navigating York's Historic Center

York's historic center, where St. William's College is located, is a pedestrian-friendly area best explored on foot. The narrow, winding streets like The Shambles are a key part of the experience, offering a step back in time. Reddit

While walking is ideal, be aware that some areas can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. For longer distances or if you have mobility concerns, consider using local buses or taxis. Parking within the immediate vicinity of the college is extremely limited, so utilizing the city's park and ride services or central car parks is highly recommended. Reddit

Many visitors find that combining a visit to St. William's College with explorations of nearby landmarks like York Minster, Clifford's Tower, and the city walls provides a comprehensive experience of York's rich history and architecture. Reddit

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