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Museum Gardens

York, United Kingdom•4.7(9.4k)•Botanical Garden, City Park, Museum

Explore stunning free botanical gardens featuring historic ruins, wildlife habitats, and seasonal flowers in the heart of York.

York Museum Gardens offers visitors a serene escape combining natural beauty with historical significance. The gardens span extensive grounds featuring the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, the Multangular Tower, and connections to the Yorkshire Museum, creating a unique blend of horticultural display and heritage exploration. Families can discover diverse garden areas including the Artists' Garden, Edible Wood, wildflower meadows, and champion trees while enjoying outdoor learning opportunities. The venue is particularly welcoming to families with young children, offering pushchair-friendly pathways throughout the main gardens (9am-6pm daily). Educational features like The Squirrel's Trail quiz engage children in nature discovery, while the gardens' animal and insect populations provide natural wildlife watching opportunities. The site is completely free to access, making it an affordable family outing. Refreshment options are available on-site, with Ciao York providing gourmet sandwiches, hot drinks, and treats near the Museum Street entrance. Visitors are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy among the botanically rich surroundings. The gardens are maintained by York Museums Trust, a charity dedicated to preserving this fantastic public space for future generations.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:00
Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
Sunday: 09:00 – 18:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Ciao York

Gourmet sandwiches, toasties, hot drinks and sweet treats

Hours: 09:00-16:00 daily

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Google Reviews

4.7(9.4k reviews)
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N P

N P

2 months ago

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.🌞✨

M
Mela Guasta

Mela Guasta

3 months ago

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.

S
samima thapa

samima thapa

3 months ago

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!

T
Tomek

Tomek

3 months ago

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
Audy P. nont

Audy P. nont

4 months ago

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

Events at Museum Gardens

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Museum Gardens

Is Museum Gardens free to visit?

Entry to Museum Gardens is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Museum Gardens suitable for?

Museum Gardens is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Museum Gardens dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Museum Gardens.

Is there parking at Museum Gardens?

Museum Gardens doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Museum Gardens?

Yes — Ciao York is on site at Museum Gardens. Gourmet sandwiches, toasties, hot drinks and sweet treats

Is Museum Gardens pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Museum Gardens is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Museum Gardens?

Museum Gardens is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Museum Gardens by public transport?

Museum Gardens is well-served by public transport.

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