York Landmarks and Monuments

(York, North Yorkshire, England, UK)



The face of York has certainly changed over the centuries, with many important landmarks from its past still standing within the heart of the city. When tourism began to show its face in the 1960s, York was soon designated an important area of conservation, with the prosperity of the city further enhanced by the arrival of the university at this time.

In 2007, York was awarded the title of 'European Tourism City of the Year' and today very much celebrates its past. For a taster of what the city has to offer in the way of history, take a stroll along the medieval shopping street named the Shambles, and then perhaps walk along the ancient City Walls, before heading to St. Helen's Square, home of the magnificent Guildhall.


Picture of the facade of Fairfax House, York

Fairfax House

Address: Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 655543
This stunning 18th-century house, in the Micklegate area of York, features a splendid interior with an outstanding collection of Georgian furniture, silver and ceramics. With many events and exhibitions throughout the year, King's Manor was recently voted the best Georgian Townhouse in the whole of the United Kingdom.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday and Saturday - 11:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00, Friday - 11:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Image of York's Castle Howard

Castle Howard

Address: Estate Office, York, YO60 7DA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1653 648333
Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th-century mansion with extensive collections and simply breathtaking grounds. Set to the north of the city centre, Castle Howard features regular guided tours, numerous exhibitions, paintings, archaeological excavations, seasonal events and festivals, a plant centre, a café and a gift shop. Castle Howard is one of the most spectacular landmarks in the whole of York and is a major local tourist attraction.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

The Treasurer's House

Address: Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 624247
The Treasurer's House, in the city centre, is an impressive medieval hall and is owned by the National Trust. Named after the Treasurer of York Minster, the Treasurer's House was built over a Roman road. Behind the 17th-century exterior you will find the story of Frank Green, one of the city's most famous residents, who created lavishly decorated rooms, furnished in the styles spanning four different centuries.
Open hours: March to November, Monday to Thursday - 11:00 to 23:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families, children under five years old and members of the National Trust are free

York City Walls view

York City Walls

Address: York, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
The medieval City Walls have surrounded the city for more than 1,000 years and stretch for around 5 km / 3 miles. These historic walls include four well-preserved gatehouses, walking tours and excellent views of the city centre.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to dusk
Admission: free

Merchant Adventurers Hall

Address: Fossgate, York, YO1 9XD, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 654818
Merchant Adventurers Hall, in the Walmgate area, was built between 1357 to 1361. This important medieval guildhall is considered to be the finest medieval guildhall in the whole of Europe. Attractions at the Merchant Adventurers Hall include the grand hall, with illustrated panels about guilds and trade, a large collection of antique furniture, paintings, silver, weights and measures, stone carvings and wonderful, historic architecture.
Open hours: daily - 09:30 to 17:00
Admission: discounts available for children and families, children seven years old and under are free

Barley Hall

Address: 2 Coffee Yard, Stonegate, York, YO1 8AR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 610275
The Barley Hall is widely considered to be the finest, medieval townhouse in York and was built in the 15th century. Featuring many hands-on exhibits, attractions at Barley Hall including historic, antique furniture, paintings, audio and guided tours, guides dressed in medieval costumes, and many special events throughout the year.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - 12:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children ten years old and under are free

Picture of Clifford's Tower, York's Fishergate district

Clifford's Tower

Address: Tower Street, York, YO1 9RY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 646940
Clifford's Tower stands proudly on the top of a hill in the Fishergate district, close to York city centre. This impressive, historic tower was originally built more than 1,000 years ago by William the Conqueror and Clifford's Tower provide some of the most spectacular, panoramic city views.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 10:00 to 18:00, October - 10:00 to 17:00, November to March - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

King's Manor

Address: Exhibition Square, University of York, York, YO1 2EP, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 433996
King's Manor, in the historic Bootham district, dates back to medieval times. This impressive building has been used for many purposes over the years and these days King's Manor is now part of the University of York complex.
Open hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 16:00, Friday - 10:00 to 15:45
Admission: free



Bootham Bar

Address: De Grey Rooms, St. Leonards Place, York, YO1 7HB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
Bootham Bar, in the outskirts of the city centre, is one of four original entrances into the city and dates back more than 800 years. This is the city's oldest gateway and is certainly amongst the most important landmarks in the city.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to dusk
Admission: charge

Dean's Residence

Address: Deans Park, York, YO1 7JQ, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
Dean's Residence, in the city centre, was originally built in the late 19th century, but was completely rebuilt as a much grand house many years later. Attractions at Dean's Residence include stunning architecture and landscaped gardens. Dean's Residence is not currently open to members of the public.

Lendal Tower

Address: York Waterworks Plc, York, YO1 7DL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 622171
The stunning Lendal Tower was built in the 14th century and was originally used as a defense tower, providing panoramic views across this area.
Open hours: daily

Monk Bar

Address: Off Lord Mayors Walk, York, YO1 2LH, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 634191
One of the four medieval gatehouses that form part of the famous City Walls, dating back to the 14th century.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for students and seniors, children are free

Norman House Ruins

Address: Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 624247
Located in central York, the Norman House Ruins have become a major tourist attraction and provide an important insight about how the Norman's once lived in the city.
Open hours: daily

The Roman Column

Address: Minster Yard, York, YO1 7JL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
The Roman Column is the only remaining column of 36 that once supported a grand Roman hall. This has become one of the most important historic landmarks within the city centre and stands in the sport where Constantine was proclaimed Emperor in York many hundreds of years ago.
Open hours: daily

St. Mary's Lodge

Address: Museum Gardens, York, YO1 2DR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 629745
Constructed in the late 15th century, St. Mary's Lodge can be found in the Museum Garden and features impressive Tudor-style architecture.
Admission: charge

Merchant Taylors' Hall

Address: Aldwark, York, YO1 7BX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 632967
Merchant Taylors' Hall is one of four surviving historic Guildhalls and is situated in the city centre. Built more than 500 years ago, the Merchant Taylors' Hall has many period features and splendid architecture.
Open hours: May to October, Tuesday - 10:00 to 16:00

Multangular Tower

Address: Museum Gardens, York, YO1 7FR, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 629745
Dating back to the 13th century, the Multangular Tower is a unique Roman fortress with ten sides. The famous Multangular Tower is to be found within the centrally located Museum Gardens.
Open hours: daily - 08:00 to dusk
Admission: free

De Grey Rooms

Address: St. Leonards Place, York, YO1 7HB, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
Built in the mid-19th century, the De Grey Rooms contain a number of elegant, stylish rooms, including a vast ballroom. The De Grey Rooms are now home to the main Tourist Information Office.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00

The Guildhall

Address: St. Helen's Square, York, YO1 9QN, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 613161
The Guildhall, in the heart of the city centre, dates back to the 15th century and this is one of the most historic landmarks still standing in York. With an exhibition area containing interesting historical facts about the city, the Guildhall has become a popular major sightseeing attraction.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Mansion House

Address: St. Helen's Square, York, YO1 8QW, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 552012
The 18th-century Mansion House is home to the Lord Mayor of York and contains many important, historic artefacts, including the city plate and silver collection. Guided tours are available and should be booked in advance.
Open hours: hours vary
Admission: charge

East Riddlesden Hall

Address: Bradford Road, Keighley, York, BD20 5EL, England
Tel: +44 (0)1535 607075
East Riddlesden Hall, on the outskirts of the city, is owned and managed by the National Trust. This 16th-century building has many attractions for holiday makers prepared to leave the city centre, including an oak barn, antique Yorkshire furniture, stunning architecture, guided tours, landscaped gardens, seasonal events, a café and a gift shop.
Open hours: Saturday - 13:00 to 17:00, Tuesday and Wednesday, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families, members of the National Trust are free

Nunnington Hall

Address: Nunnington, York, YO62 5UY, England
Tel: +44 (0)1439 748283
Nunnington Hall is situated to the north of central York and this impressive 17th-century manor house features antique furniture, paintings, period features and a stunning, walled garden.
Open hours: Wednesday to Sunday - 13:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and families

St. Williams College

Address: 4-5 College Street, York, YO1 7JF, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 557216
Built in the mid-15th century, St. Williams College has many period features and is now a popular venue for meetings.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 11:00 to 15:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children

York Railway Station

Address: Station Road, York, YO24 1AA, England
Tel: +44 (0)1904 621756
The Railway Station, in city centre, was built in the 1870s and was once the central of the railway network in the United Kingdom and the largest train station in Europe. Attractions at the Railway Station include stylish architecture and period, Victorian features.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free