10 Hidden Gems in York You Need to Visit
When you think of York, what comes to mind? Perhaps the city's medieval walls, its towering Minster, or its historic streets and alleyways. But there is so much more to York than meets the eye. As a city with a rich and varied history, it is full of hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered. In this article, we'll take a tour of 10 hidden gems in York that you need to visit, from secret gardens and hidden alleys to quirky museums and unusual bars.
The York Observatory
Tucked away in the gardens of the Museum Gardens, the York Observatory is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the city's astronomical history. Built in 1832, it features a collection of telescopes, astrolabes, and other scientific instruments, as well as displays on the history of astronomy in York. Visitors can learn about the city's most famous astronomer, John Goodricke, who made important discoveries about the nature of variable stars, as well as the story of the York astronomer who discovered Uranus. The observatory is open to the public on selected days throughout the year, so be sure to check ahead to avoid disappointment.
Barley Hall
Located on Coffee Yard, just off Stonegate, Barley Hall is a stunning example of a medieval townhouse. Dating back to the 15th century, it was once home to the influential Priors of Nostell and has been carefully restored to its former glory. Visitors can explore the Great Hall, the kitchen, and the private chambers, which are furnished with authentic medieval items and artifacts. Don't miss the stunning stained glass windows, which are some of the best-preserved examples of medieval glass in the country.
The Treasurer's House
The Treasurer's House is a hidden gem that is easy to miss, but well worth a visit. Tucked away behind the Minster, it was once the home of the treasurer of York Minster, and is now a museum that offers a glimpse into life in the city in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the house's elegant rooms, which are decorated with antique furniture and paintings, and learn about the fascinating history of the house, including the ghostly apparitions that are said to haunt its corridors.
Holy Trinity Church
Hidden away down a narrow alley off Goodramgate, Holy Trinity Church is one of the city's most beautiful and atmospheric churches. Dating back to the 12th century, it features stunning stained glass windows, intricate carvings, and an impressive collection of tombs and memorials. Visitors can explore the church's fascinating history and architecture, and take a moment to sit in the peaceful interior and soak up the atmosphere.
The National Centre for Early Music
Located in the heart of the city on Walmgate, the National Centre for Early Music is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors. Housed in a beautifully restored medieval church, it is dedicated to promoting early music and is home to a year-round program of concerts, workshops, and events. Visitors can explore the stunning interior of the church and attend one of the center's many events, which range from medieval and renaissance music to contemporary classical and folk.
Fairfax House
Fairfax House is a hidden gem that is tucked away on Castlegate, just a short walk from the Minster. Built in the 18th century for a wealthy merchant family, it is a beautifully preserved Georgian townhouse that is now a museum. Visitors can explore the elegant rooms and learn about the history of the house and its occupants, as well as admire the stunning collection of period furniture and art.
The Roman Bath
The Roman Bath is a hidden gem that is tucked away beneath a shop on St Sampson's Square. Discovered during the excavation of the shop's basement in the 1930s, it is one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman bathhouse in the country. Visitors can explore the remains of the bathhouse, which include a cold plunge pool, a heated room, and a sauna, and learn about the fascinating history of Roman York.
The Guy Fawkes Inn
Located on High Petergate, just a stone's throw from the Minster, the Guy Fawkes Inn is a hidden gem that is steeped in history and legend. Named after the infamous Gunpowder Plot conspirator who was born in the city, the inn is said to be haunted by the ghost of Guy Fawkes himself. Visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal in the atmospheric bar, which is decorated with antique furnishings and memorabilia, and take a moment to imagine the conspiracies and plots that were hatched within its walls.
St Mary's Abbey
Tucked away in the Museum Gardens, St Mary's Abbey is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by visitors to the city. Founded in the 11th century, it was once one of the richest and most powerful abbeys in the country, and its ruins are a testament to its former grandeur. Visitors can explore the abbey's atmospheric ruins, which include the towering west front, the chapter house, and the refectory, and learn about the abbey's fascinating history and architecture.
The Holy Trinity Churchyard
The Holy Trinity Churchyard is a hidden gem that is tucked away behind the city walls, just a stone's throw from the Minster. It is a peaceful and atmospheric spot that is perfect for a quiet stroll or a moment of reflection. Visitors can admire the beautiful gravestones and monuments, which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, York is a city that is full of hidden gems, from medieval alleys and secret gardens to quirky museums and unusual bars. These 10 hidden gems are just a few of the many treasures that are waiting to be discovered. So the next time you visit York, take some time to explore these lesser-known spots and discover the city's hidden history and charm. You never know what secrets you might uncover.
