Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
The Yorkshire Museum, home to some of the richest archaeological finds in Europe, is set amidst its own Gardens, which offer picnic areas and scenic walkways.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,175 reviews
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660
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75
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28
Terrible
59
Docs On Vacay
Malaysia3,068 contributions
Nov 2022
Can you spot the 'ghosts' in these pictures? 👻
In this park, cleverly installed by artists are 'ghosts', which is in line with York's theme of being the most haunted city in the world. 'Haunted' is a term most nonchalantly used here. I stick with the word 'serene'. 🌸
York Museum Gardens is located in the heart of York, just next to the River Ouse.
The ruins in the pictures, St Mary's Abbey, have lasted a millennium - since 1088.
Truly, York is a quaint city filled with history and lore. 🏰
In this park, cleverly installed by artists are 'ghosts', which is in line with York's theme of being the most haunted city in the world. 'Haunted' is a term most nonchalantly used here. I stick with the word 'serene'. 🌸
York Museum Gardens is located in the heart of York, just next to the River Ouse.
The ruins in the pictures, St Mary's Abbey, have lasted a millennium - since 1088.
Truly, York is a quaint city filled with history and lore. 🏰
Written 4 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your helpful and kind review! We love to hear that you found the ghosts and the gardens serene - and a little bit spooky! Hope you will visit us again soon.
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Val W
Merthyr Tydfil, UK1,223 contributions
Apr 2022
As the Museum Gardens is near where we stay, we walk through it more than once but we always make sure that we set time aside for a "proper" visit as well.
The ruins of St. Mary's Abbey are within the gardens and well worth a look. There are some other interesting historical feature including some Roman sarcophagi tucked away on one area and the Medieval Hospitium that is now largely used for weddings. It is possible to see into the graveyard of the small but fascinating Church of St. Olave's which is practically next to one of the entrances on the Abbey side.
It is lovely garden to just sit and relax and for children to play. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Our favourite part of all is the Edible Garden / Wood which is packed with interesting plants and wonderful smells.
Like many other visitors we find the squirrels endearing and next time we go we intend to do the Squirrel Trail even though we know that it doesn't actually involve the actual squirrels.
It is very convenient for other sites and experiences including York Minster, the walls, the Yorkshire Museum and the Tour Bus.
The ruins of St. Mary's Abbey are within the gardens and well worth a look. There are some other interesting historical feature including some Roman sarcophagi tucked away on one area and the Medieval Hospitium that is now largely used for weddings. It is possible to see into the graveyard of the small but fascinating Church of St. Olave's which is practically next to one of the entrances on the Abbey side.
It is lovely garden to just sit and relax and for children to play. It is an ideal picnic spot.
Our favourite part of all is the Edible Garden / Wood which is packed with interesting plants and wonderful smells.
Like many other visitors we find the squirrels endearing and next time we go we intend to do the Squirrel Trail even though we know that it doesn't actually involve the actual squirrels.
It is very convenient for other sites and experiences including York Minster, the walls, the Yorkshire Museum and the Tour Bus.
Written 16 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful review, Val! The gardens really are packed with interesting things to see. I hope you will visit us again soon!
Written 3 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK8,24,835 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
No trip to York would be complete without a visit to Museum Gardens ,in my opinion a must go destination if you're planning a trip to this historic Roman walled city.
I love walking around this garden area ,there's so much to see,so much to enjoy and so much to take in,the gardens itself are fantastic ,the variety of plants and trees are impressive ,the pathways well laid out ,it's great taking a stroll and taking in the great architecture .
The architecture in the gardens is special,there are remains of the Roman Fort of Eboracum ,the Multangular Tower and sections of the Roman Walls command your attention,the ruins of St Leonard's Hospital look fascinating ,the ruins of St Mary's Abbey are intriguing and the Hospitium simply beautiful ,add to this the wonderful Observatory and the Yorkshire Museum makes this such a wonderful garden area to explore ,my twin brother Stephen and I were in York for a weeks holiday and Museum Gardens were at the top of our list of places to visit,we had a great few hours in here ,loved it ,it's most definitely a place I highly recommend you check out if you're planning a trip to York.
I love walking around this garden area ,there's so much to see,so much to enjoy and so much to take in,the gardens itself are fantastic ,the variety of plants and trees are impressive ,the pathways well laid out ,it's great taking a stroll and taking in the great architecture .
The architecture in the gardens is special,there are remains of the Roman Fort of Eboracum ,the Multangular Tower and sections of the Roman Walls command your attention,the ruins of St Leonard's Hospital look fascinating ,the ruins of St Mary's Abbey are intriguing and the Hospitium simply beautiful ,add to this the wonderful Observatory and the Yorkshire Museum makes this such a wonderful garden area to explore ,my twin brother Stephen and I were in York for a weeks holiday and Museum Gardens were at the top of our list of places to visit,we had a great few hours in here ,loved it ,it's most definitely a place I highly recommend you check out if you're planning a trip to York.
Written 18 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thankyou for your lovely and detailed review of everything York Museum Gardens has to offer. We are glad to hear how much you enjoyed the place both as a garden and as a historical site. We appreciate your recommendation and we look forward to welcoming you again!
Written 31 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
robert j
4 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We went to a Jack Savoretti concert on the 18th July . Now we have been to many outdoor concerts but this is the only one where the stage is at the TOP of the hill . l do know the logistics of the venue may determine it's position but it makes for difficult viewing for the audience because unless you are stage front you are trying to see over the heads of people in front and on higher ground. Ancient amphitheatres , arenas , cinemas and sports facilities all look down on the " stage ". On the plus side the bars were a very slick operation , big queues dealt with in minutes by a very efficient system and bar staff.
Written 20 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah L
Oakham, UK3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
We went to see a Jack Savoretti gig in the gardens, expecting to either be seated or take our own chairs. However a week before we received an email informing us that the event was standing only! The gates opened at 5.00pm, the event finished 10.30.... so the expectation was that we would stand for over 5 hours.
We managed to sit on a bit if grass but after 2 hours it was damp. And due to the staging being at the top of a slope we didn't see Jack at all. There were no large screens.
We heard other people complaining around us.
If we had been offered a refund we would not have gone. For us it was a break of trust. We will not return for a similar event.
We managed to sit on a bit if grass but after 2 hours it was damp. And due to the staging being at the top of a slope we didn't see Jack at all. There were no large screens.
We heard other people complaining around us.
If we had been offered a refund we would not have gone. For us it was a break of trust. We will not return for a similar event.
Written 22 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam K
Portsmouth, UK334 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Great place to visit. The gardens, the church ruins and Museum all full of history. Well worth a visit.
The gardens are well maintained by volunteers, the church is a great photo opportunity and the Museum is definitely worth a visit, full of artifacts and history.
The gardens are well maintained by volunteers, the church is a great photo opportunity and the Museum is definitely worth a visit, full of artifacts and history.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there! Thank you so much for your kind review!! We are so pleased to hear you enjoyed your visit to us. Do come back and visit us again soon.
Written 25 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GoingGuide
Nottingham, UK2,495 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
The grounds, situated next to the River Ouse, consist of a sekection of spaces that feature historical buildings and ruins from different periods - including the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, a medieval hall, the York museum and a section within the historic wall that pirtrays a selection of modern sculptures. Free to enter the gardens and just wander around, though there may be a charge for the museum (currently closed due to COVID). Located within walking distance from the city centre, close to York Minster and the Railway Museum. Suitable for all ages and abilities.
Written 26 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK2,873 contributions
Jul 2021
The gardens provide a respite from the frenetic activity of the city. We enjoyed a quiet hour or so people watching, eating our picnic and enjoying the hot weather.
We then walked around to see the ruins of the abbey. Like other parts of York it is not very well looked after compared to other city parks but pretty none the less.
We then walked around to see the ruins of the abbey. Like other parts of York it is not very well looked after compared to other city parks but pretty none the less.
Written 22 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela B
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We were given a tour of the museum gardens by Martin and he did an amazing job. He had an incredible knowledge of the plants and history of the gardens and an infectious enthusiasm which made for a brilliant experience. The tour was free but you could give a donation, which we felt was well deserved.
Written 13 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thanks so much for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed your tour of the gardens with Martin and got to learn so much about the history of the site. We hope you will visit us again soon!
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kittysk6
Stockport, UK261 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Another fab year of ghost hunting.
Beautiful gardens especially in the autumn. And we do love to visit while the Ghosts as here.
The Abbey ruins provide a beautiful backdrop.
Always on our to do list when we visit, highly recommend a pleasant stroll through the gardens any time of year in and weather
Beautiful gardens especially in the autumn. And we do love to visit while the Ghosts as here.
The Abbey ruins provide a beautiful backdrop.
Always on our to do list when we visit, highly recommend a pleasant stroll through the gardens any time of year in and weather
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your lovely review! We are so happy to hear that the Ghosts in the Garden has become an annual tradition for you. We hope you will visit us again soon!
Written 9 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are dogs on leads allowed in the gardens?
Written 26 October 2018
yes, dogs are allowed in tge park
Written 3 November 2018
York Museums Trust
York, United Kingdom
Hi Rebecca
Unfortunately, barbecues aren't permitted in the Museum Gardens but you are more than welcome to bring along a picnic!
Written 9 May 2018
Is this disabled friendly and does it have disabled toilets ?
Written 19 December 2016
In the museum there is a lift to all floors and disabled toilets in the basement. There is a ramp leading to the entrance and there are ramps all around the gardens plus lots of benches to sit on and watch the world go by. Was £7.50 to get into the museum unless you are on certain benefits and then it's £4
Written 8 January 2017
Hiya,
Are the museum gardens and museum free to enter if no, how much is it?
Thanks :)
Nat
Written 21 June 2016
At night-time the Museum Gardens over 2017 Christmas are charging £15 per adult for entry to see some commerical light show. Reviews indicate it is not worth that sort of money, so avoid around Christmas time.
At all other times, access to the Museum Gardens themselves is free and it is idyllic specially on a warm summer's day.
Written 4 December 2017
Is there parking here? if not were is the nearest place to park?
Written 29 April 2015
John H
North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
From Bootham turn into Marygate and turn right just before the Bay Horse into the car park. After leaving your car return to Marygate and the entrance to the gardens is adjacent to St Olave's Church.
There are no toilets but there are free public toilets in the library. Walk to the other end of the gardens and leave via the Museum Street gates. Turn left and follow the railings round to the York Explore! building. Take the stairs or lift to the first floor for toilets and baby changing facilities.
Written 5 May 2015
Is the coffee shop open for the evening meal?
Written 25 April 2015
Do you mean Bennett's? It was not open on the days we were there, but I think it is open on Friday nights. You may have to check with them directly. Sorry I cannot help you completely with this enquiry.
Written 25 April 2015
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