


Explore stunning free botanical gardens featuring historic ruins, wildlife habitats, and seasonal flowers in the heart of York.
Venue Type
Outdoor
Typical visit duration
All day
Booking
Walk-in
Recommended ages
0 months (newborn)+
Gourmet sandwiches, toasties, hot drinks and sweet treats
Hours: 09:00-16:00 daily
What a beautiful park! Perfect for a picnic, bring your pet for a walk, a casual getaway, or just relaxing in the sun. Many people come here for strolls and families to unwind. The trees and greenery provide shade, and if you're lucky, you might even spot a cute squirrel.🐿️🌰 There are historical sites and museums to visit, a cafe, and shady seating areas by the river with plenty of benches. There's even an ice cream shop. We spent a wonderful afternoon here, and it was a great experience.🌞✨
Spent a gorgeous sunny afternoon here and didn't want to leave. The Museum Gardens are FREE and the kind of place where you can just spread out on the grass and let the day go by — plenty of people strolling through, but it never felt crowded or hectic. Lovely, civilised atmosphere. The historic abbey ruins give it real character, and the scent of roses drifting across the lawns is something else. So peaceful I actually dozed off for twenty minutes. A little green oasis in the heart of York. Highly recommend.
I really enjoyed visiting York Museum Gardens. The gardens are beautifully maintained, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing walk. One of the highlights is the stunning ruins of St Mary's Abbey, which add so much character and history to the surroundings. The combination of the ancient ruins, lush greenery, and colorful flowers creates a beautiful and unique atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to sit, unwind, and take in the scenery while enjoying a glimpse of York's rich history. A must-visit spot in York for anyone who loves history, nature, or photography. Highly recommended!
Amazing public garden and is free to enter. You are free to roam around some of the ruins and there is a lovely lake to walk by which is the best in summer with the sunshine out. There is a massive green grassy area perfect for lying down or reading etc. This garden is surprisingly quiet even with many people walking through.
A very good place for a picnic lunch in York. We went there after arriving at York Station, and it took around 15–20 minutes to walk there while taking photos along the way. It was a lovely and relaxing walk. The gardens are beautifully maintained, with well-kept trees, flowers, and green spaces that make the whole area feel peaceful and refreshing. We enjoyed having lunch there and recharging our energy before continuing to explore other places in York. We also loved seeing the impressive ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, which add so much history and character to the gardens. A perfect spot to relax, enjoy nature, and start your visit to York.
Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026
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This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026
