Hidden Gems in York

Whenever I travel, I like to seek out hidden gems and lesser visited locations.  As result, I know all the hidden gems in York, my hometown. 

Most visitors flock to York Minster, York city walls, Clifford’s Tower, The Shambles and the Jorvik Viking Centre. 

But behind these popular, busy York attractions, there are lots of less known (and less visited) things to do in York. These hidden gems range from quirky attractions, cosy churches, romantic hotels and hidden historic buildings. 

Read on to discover the best hidden gems in York as chosen by me, a York local.

Best historical hidden gems in York city centre

The Roman Baths

9 St. Sampson’s Square, YO1 8RN

You can walk past the Roman Baths in York and wouldn’t know they exist.

That’s because the ancient baths are located in the basement of a working pub – aptly called The Roman Baths Pub! How many cities can boast 2,000 year old Roman ruins in a pub?!

When you enter the pub, you turn right for the bar or turn left to descend the stairs to the basement ruins. 

The baths were built between 71 AD and 122 AD and the original complex would have covered 200 square metres. Today, you can view the remains of the caldarium (hot room), a section of the frigidarium (cold room), and a small plunge pool. 

The small, cramped ruins of the bathhouse are fascinating to visit.  Useful information boards give an insight into what life was like for Roman soldiers in Eboracum (the name for York in Roman times). 

Plus, after you finish your visit, you can pop upstairs for a pint!

A local’s tip – If you are looking for quirky places to stay in York, The Roman Baths Pub offers accommodation.

Useful information – Adults cost £3.50, children under 16 are free, free entry  to York Pass holders. Open everyday from 11 am – 5 pm.

Holy Trinity Church

Goodramgate, YO1 7LF

Holy Trinity Church is a true hidden gem in York as you cannot see it from any of the surrounding roads. It is hidden behind Goodramgate and Low Petergate, two of the busiest pedestrianised streets in York city centre. 

You enter by an unassuming 18th century archway wedged between two shops. It is easily missed and many visitors to York walk past without knowing the gem which lies behind.

It is a small, 15th century church containing unusual box pews (the only box pews in York) and ornate stained glass windows.

You will feel as if you have stepped back in time when you enter this cosy church. 

However, the church is not as hidden as it once was. It has gained recent popularity since being used as a filming location for the BBC series ‘Gentleman Jack.’

A local’s tip – Grab a picnic from a local bakery and escape the busy city centre in Holy Trinity’s tranquil garden. This is where you will find locals enjoying the sun (and a bit of peace) on their lunch break from work.

Useful information  – Holy Trinity Church is a free to enter York attraction though donations to the upkeep of the church are gratefully received.  The church can be accessed from Goodramgate or from Low Petergate via Hornpot Lane. 

Bedern Hall

Bartle Garth, YO1 7AL

You can combine a visit to Holy Trinity Church to tiny Bedern Hall. It lies hidden behind the opposite side of the street to Holy Trinity Church.

This hall is often overlooked in favour of the larger and more visited Barley Hall or Merchant Adventurers Hall. However, if you are on Goodramgate, I think Bedern Hall is well worth a look. 

To find Bedern Hall, walk towards Monk Bar and keep your eyes peeled for a small sign on the right for Bedern Hall. Follow the cobbled stone lane to reach the 14th century building nestled among private homes.

Bedern Hall was once the dining room, or refectory, for the ‘Vicars Choral’ who were the choir of York Minster.

There are historical exhibits about the history of the hall and how this area of York has changed over time. You’ll find it hard to believe that this upmarket area was once a Victorian slum and red light district!

Today, the hall is home to four of York’s most ancient guilds including the Company of Cordwainers and the Freemen of the City of York.  

Useful information – Bedern Hall is free to enter but donations are welcome towards the upkeep of the building. There are toilets and a cafe on site. The hall is open everyday from 10.30 am – 4 pm.

The Shrine of St. Margaret Clitherow

35 The Shambles, YO1 7LX

This tranquil hidden gem in York is found in the middle of one of York’s busiest tourist attractions, The Shambles.

Nestled amongst the cafes and shopfronts is a plain looking wooden door. This is the entrance to the shrine and chapel dedicated to York born saint, Margaret Clitherow. 

Margaret and her husband ran a butchers shop on The Shambles in the 16th century. She was martyred in York in 1586 for refusing to admit to harbouring Catholic priests. A small plaque on York’s Ouse Bridge marks the spot where Margaret suffered a grisly death by pressing (despite being pregnant at the time). 

The free to enter chapel offers a peaceful respite from York city centre. Visitors are also welcome to join the Roman Catholic mass held every Saturday at 10 am.

A local’s tip – If you want to attend mass, arrive early as the chapel only holds 30 people.

If you aren’t religious, it is still worth entering the tiny chapel. I think it gives a sense of what a Shambles house would have looked like in the 16th century. 

The Multiangular Tower

Museum Gardens, Museum Street, YO1 7FR

The Multiangular Tower is the best preserved Roman remain in York . However, many visitors walk past this 2,000 year old attraction assuming it is part of York’s medieval city walls. 

The Roman era tower is tucked into a quiet corner of the Museum Gardens. As you approach the Yorkshire Museum from the main entrance, the Tower is on your right.

The Multiangular tower was originally one of two towers which overlooked the River Ouse. They stood on the west side of Eboracum’s huge Roman legion fortress which housed an estimated 6,000 soldiers. 

If you look carefully, you will different layers of stone used to build the tower. The original, lower half of the tower dates back to the 3rd Century.  The different stones used in the upper section of the tower walls were reconstructed in the medieval era. 

The tower is free to enter and I advise going inside the tower to fully appreciate its size.  You will generally find that you can enjoy the tower all to yourself!

Want to find more free things to do in York? Check out my guide here.

Useful information – The Multiangular Tower has the same opening hours as Museum Gardens – everyday from 9 am – 6 pm.

York’s Edible Wood

Between Museum Gardens and York Art Gallery

I only discovered the Edible Wood in York a few years ago. Each time I visit, it is a delight to see the garden develop and mature. 

It was created in 2015 and is packed with edible flowers, shrubs and trees. Don’t pick anything as many of the plants are poisonous! 

Useful information – York’s Edible Wood is free. It has the same opening hours as Museum Gardens, everyday from 9 am – 6 pm.

Dean’s Park

45 Lord Mayors Walk, YO31 7PJ

Dean’s Park is not hidden, in fact millions of visitors see the park each year as it lies directly behind York Minster. However, I am always surprised at how few people enter the park after touring York Minster. 

The leafy park offers fantastic photo opportunities of York Minster but it also has historical significance.

The Minister’s Cathedral Library is located here in what was once the private chapel for the Archbishop of York. 

Plus, there are 12th century remnants of an arched walkway (thought to be part of an Archbishop’s palace) which house a WWII memorial. 

If you’re visiting York with kids, this is a great spot for a run around or an impromptu picnic.

Useful information – Dean’s Park and the Cathedral Library are free to enter. Open every day from dawn till dusk. 

All Saint’s Church

North Street, YO1 6JD

All Saints Church is a Grade I listed building which sits between Skeldergate Bridge and Lendal Bridge. It boasts an outstanding collection of 13 high quality stained glass windows dating back to the 14th and 15th Century.

Some of the windows depict rare and unusual images not usually found in medieval era stained glass. The most famous window here is the ’15 Stages of Doom’ which depicts 15 natural disasters that will occur if people do not follow the teachings of the Bible. 

The church is free to enter and I think it  is well worth the 10 minute walk from the city centre.

Useful information – Opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10 am. – 4 pm and to 6.30 pm on Sundays.

Barley Hall

2 Coffee Yard, YO1 8AR

Barley Hall is a timber framed 14th century townhouse that is accessed by a narrow snicket from busy Stonegate.

Although it is a popular attraction, I had to include it on my hidden gem in York list for two reasons. Firstly, the hall was completely hidden under the framework of a more modern building until the 1980’s. Plus, it cannot be seen from any of the surrounding roads. 

Barley Hall provides an excellent insight into what life was like in medieval York.  Its rooms have been authentically decorated and furnished to reflect the life of a medieval era merchant. My favourite room is the tiled banqueting hall. 

Useful information – Adult entry costs £8.25, children (5-16) cost £4.95, family of four £23.00. You can buy combined tickets to Barley Hall and Jorvik. It is also included in the York Pastport card.

Opening hours are seasonal, usually 10 am – 3 pm in winter and 10 am – 5 pm in summer. I advise checking the latest opening hours here before you visit.

Baile Hill and Bitchdaughter Tower

Price’s Lane, YO23 1DG

No-one visit Baile Hill, even though it is a similar artificial hill to Clifford’s Tower. It is simply a hill (nor ruins or tower) but history buffs will still love it!

When William the Conqueror seized York in 1068, he ordered the construction of two defensive sites, one on either side of the River Ouse.

Both sites timber frame buildings built on top of artificially constructed hills.  One fortress was eventually fortified in stone; The Clifford’s Tower you see today. 

The second site on the other side of the Ouse fell into disrepair.  All that remains today is a portion of the artificial mound or motte that the fort was built on. 

Baile Hill is on the other side of Ouse Bridge from Clifford’s Tower and can be viewed from the city walls.

Nearby is the wonderfully named Bitchdaughter Tower, one of the corners of York’s famous city walls. It was originally part of the Baile Hill fort and was also used as a prison which is maybe where it got its name from!

St. George’s Church

27 George Street, YO1 9PZ

If you’ve ever heard the legend of the infamous highwayman, Dick Turpin, than you might like to visit his grave in St George’s Church.

The 19th century church standing today was built on the site of a much earlier 16th century church. is not only a beautiful church. Dick Turpin’s grave is in the graveyard outside the church. His headstone also includes the alias name he was using when arrested – John Palmer.

If this has piqued your interest into York’s gruesome past, you can also visit York Tyburn where Dick Turpin and many others were publicly executed.  The gallows here was in use up until 1801! The site adjacent to The Knavesmire is marked by a stone boulder.

Useful information – You can find York Tyburn at 286 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1ET.

Hidden gems in York outside York city walls

The Bar Convent

17 Blossom Street, YO24 1AQ

The Bar Convent, opposite Micklegate Bar, is the oldest working convent in England. It was founded in 1686 and today is home to a convent, a school, an historical exhibition and an excellent cafe. 

In the 17th century, the nuns lived and worshiped in secrecy under the guise of the school. There is an engaging interactive exhibition charting the convents’ history and development.

Don’t miss the ornate top floor ‘hidden’ chapel. It has multiple secret exits which were designed to facilitate a quick escape for the nuns in case of a raid. The domed roof of the chapel cannot be seen from the street; instead it is cleverly hidden under a pitched roof on the exterior.

The Bar Convent is also home to the remains of the left hand of St. Margaret Clitherow.

Useful information – The foyer, Georgian parlour and cafe are free to enter. I highly recommend the cafe which has a gorgeous garden at the back.

The exhibition costs £6 per adult, £2 for children aged 6 – 15. Under 6’s are free. 

Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm (last admission 4 pm) though it is closed on bank holidays and some religious holidays. The cafe is open from Monday to Saturday 8 am-3 pm.

If you’re looking for unique York accommodation, The Bar Convent also offers highly rated B &B accommodation.

Goddard’s House

27 Tadcaster Road, YO24 1GG

I lived in York for ten years before I discovered Goddard’s House!

This National Trust owned property is a 20 minute walk from York city centre and backs onto York Racecourse. It was once the home of the Terry’s family who owned the famous Terry’s Chocolate Factory in York (makers of the Chocolate Orange). However, Goddard’s is not your average historic house!

The house was built and decorated in the ‘arts and crafts style.’ Several rooms are furnished in a 1930’s style which was when the Terry’s lived here.

Highlights are the schoolroom where kids can play a selection of old games and the elegant lounge. You can sit on the sofas, read historical information about the house whilst sipping on a glass of sherry provided via an honesty box. 

Make sure you leave time to explore the 4 acre, landscaped gardens. In addition to colourful borders, a kitchen garden and a wilderness garden, there is a croquet pitch, bowling green and tennis court. Visitors can borrow playing equipment free of charge from the ticket desk. 

Finally, there is an excellent cafe with an outdoor terrace. I highly recommend the chocolate orange cake!

Useful information – Tickets cost £6.50 adults, kids £ 3.25, family ticket £17.90, free to National Trust members.

The house and garden close every winter and only open on weekends during spring. At all other times the house is open from Wednesday to Saturday only. Check seasonal opening times here before you visit. 

Goddard’s House is a 1.5 mile walk from the centre of York. Alternatively, catch the No. 4 or No. 13 bus from outside York train station which stops outside Goddard’s House. 

York Cold War Bunker

Monument Close, YO24 4HT

I think the Cold War bunker is one of York’s more unusual hidden gems. It cannot be seen from the road and sits incongruously amidst residential flats.

This cold war relic was in use between the 1960’s and the 1990’s and remains as it was when last used.

You can tour the engine room, operation room and the staff quarters. Here you will learn what life was like for the local volunteers who were prepared to give up everything in order to monitor the fallout of a nuclear explosion. 

Entrance to the bunker is by pre-arranged guided tour only. It is a fascinating tour and you will feel as if you are stepping back in time to a sobering period of history. 

Useful information –  £9.90 for adults, free to members of English Heritage. Hourly tours are limited to 20 people.

The Acomb based bunker is 1.5 miles from York rail station.  I advise catching the No. 1 bus from York which stops on the main road close to the bunker. 

There is limited accessibility for wheelchair users and you should expect several steps, stairs and cramped rooms.

If you are visiting with children, the video at the start of the tour contains graphic images of war.  You can choose to wait outside the room for your tour group if you do not wish to see the film.

York Cemetery

Cemetery Road, YO10 5AJ

York Cemetery is a Grade II listed landscape and is one of only two privately owned Victorian cemeteries in the U.K.

It was founded in 1837 and today covers 24 acres. It is a working cemetery so access is limited at times but I think it is well worth a visit.

You can download self guided walking trails here, which cover topics such as military, social and local history and the environment.

If you’re looking for unusual things to do in York for couples, this is it.

Useful information – Opening hours are 8.30 am – 4 pm on winter weekdays and 10 am – 4 pm on winter weekends. summer opening hours are 8.30 am to 4.15 pm on weekdays and 10 am – 6 pm on weekends.

It is a 15 minute walk from Clifford’s Tower. Alternatively, catch the No. 18 or the No. 26 bus from Piccadilly which stops on Fishergate, a five minute walk away from the cemetery.

I hope this guide to my top pick of the hidden gems in York has been useful for your upcoming trip. Let me know if you stumble across another York attraction that you think should be on this list.