Sight guide · York · United Kingdom
Visiting Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum
Botanical gardens beside the Ouse surround the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, once one of the richest Benedictine abbeys in England, and part of the Roman fortress wall.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Kaly99, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum is a garden in Museum Gardens, York. Allow 1.5–2 hours; it is low cost. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Garden
- Area
- Museum Gardens
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, outdoors, kids and nature
- Best months
- June–July and September
About Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum
Botanical gardens beside the Ouse surround the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, once one of the richest Benedictine abbeys in England, and part of the Roman fortress wall. The Yorkshire Museum inside has Roman, Viking and medieval collections, including the Middleham Jewel.
Tip: The gardens are free; picnic among the abbey ruins before visiting the museum.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1.5–2 hours.
- Cost: Low cost.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Museum Gardens.
Best time to visit Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum
Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- July: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- June: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
When to visit York has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen York Minster and York City Walls.
- No. 9 of the 15 sights in our York things-to-do list.
- A family favourite in York with kids.
If you like Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum
- York City Walls — City Centre, 1–2 hours
- JORVIK Viking Centre — Coppergate, 1.5 hours
- National Railway Museum — Leeman Road, 2–3 hours
- Clifford's Tower — Castle Area, 45 minutes
Staying near Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum
Where to stay in York compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum?
Plan 1.5–2 hours.
+Is Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum free?
No, it is low cost. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum?
June–July and September for the most comfortable weather. The gardens are free; picnic among the abbey ruins before visiting the museum.
+Do I need to book Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is Museum Gardens and Yorkshire Museum good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in York. York is one of England's best small cities for children: the free National Railway Museum, JORVIK's Viking ride, Clifford's Tower, ghost walks and the walls themselves turn history into an adventure, and the centre is compact and flat.