Museum Gardens
Museum Gardens are ten acres of botanical gardens in the centre of York, managed by York Museums Trust. Within them you will find the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, the Multangular Tower from the Roman fortress, the medieval Hospitium, St Leonard's Hospital and York's observatory, all within a few minutes of the Minster.
Photos
Dave Seymour
History in a garden
Few city parks pack in this much. The Multangular Tower and a stretch of wall mark the western corner of the Roman legionary fortress, and the ruined arches of St Mary's Abbey stand on the lawns along with its walls and gateway. The Hospitium, St Leonard's Hospital and the Yorkshire Museum complete the picture, so you can trace York from Roman times to the Middle Ages in a single stroll.
A botanical garden
The gardens are a listed botanical garden, planted with native and exotic trees, both deciduous and evergreen. Look out for the old Common Pear Tree and an Oak Barked Beech. On a fine day the lawns are one of the city's most popular picnic spots. Bring a blanket in summer.
Planning a visit
The gardens open daily apart from Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day. Marygate and Bootham Row car parks are nearby. For a coffee, Rise. Coffee is about 170 metres away, and Bootham Bar and the Minster are a short walk east. Come early in the morning for quiet lawns, or in late afternoon when the light falls on the abbey ruins.
Highlights
- Ten acres of listed botanical gardens
- Ruins of St Mary's Abbey
- Roman Multangular Tower
- Medieval Hospitium and St Leonard's Hospital
- York's observatory
Good to know
- Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
- Nearest car parks are Marygate and Bootham Row.
- A popular picnic spot in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: york.gov.uk · yorkmuseumgardens.org.uk