York Museum Gardens
Historic Riverside Gardens with Abbey Ruins!
York Museum Gardens is a beautiful 10-acre riverside garden in the heart of York, set against the spectacular ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey. The gardens feature a fascinating mix of attractions, including the Edible Wood, Artists Garden, Mosaic Map, champion trees, fern garden, prairie border, rock garden, butterfly border and East Asia border. Wildlife flourishes with more than 40 bird species alongside butterflies, moths and insects.
Families can enjoy the fun Squirrel Trail, while regular plant sales and monthly birdwatching events provide extra reasons to visit throughout the year.
Refreshments are available from the Ciao kiosk, or visitors can relax with a picnic beside the River Ouse.
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Our Top Tip:
Review Rating 4.7
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Open every day
Times: 9am to 6pm
Admission: Free
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Full Opening Times & Costs here – Check them!!
Contact details here
Opening Times & Admission Prices
Opening Days: Open daily
Opening Times: 9am to 6pm
Admission Prices: Free – donations welcome!
Garden tours take place every Saturday and Sunday at 12pm with a suggested £5 donation
Check for this years full York Museum Gardens Visitor Information before you travel – just in case!
Local Weather for the York Museum Gardens
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About the York Museum Gardens
York Museum Gardens are 10 acres of wonderful gardens set on the bank of the river Ouse nd the backkdrop of St. Mary’s Abbey.
Key features of the garden include the Edible Wood, an Artists Garden and the new Mosaic Map.
The artists garden changes its installation each year and feature artwork like the Japanese dry landscape garden in 2026.
There are champion trees, a fern garden, prarie border, rock garden, butterfly border, East Asia birder and a story telling area.
And wildife includes over 40 species of bird, moths, butterflies and insects.
For kids of all ages, there is the Squirrel Trail to folow to uncover the 10 hidden treasures of the garden!
Watch out for the plant sales events which happen quite regularly.
And there is a monthly bird watching event – check out the webiste event page for details.
Refreshments are availble at Ciao near the entrance, a kiosk selling a selection of sandwiches, cakes, ice cream, hot and cold drinks.
Or you can bring a picnic but no alcohol or bbqs and take away all your rubbish!
Note – toilets are available to use in the Museum.
Accessibility at the York Museum Gardens
The gardens are wheelchair accessible with a series of wheelchair friendly pathways around the space. Full Accessibility at York Museum Gardens.
Dogs at the York Museum Gardens
Dogs are welcome on leads in the garden.
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Images © York Museum Gardens
Local Accommodation near to York Museum Gardens
If you are looking for somewhere to stay near the York Museum Gardens then look here for your local York Accommodation.
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Visitor Reviews of York Museum Gardens
Visitor Review Score 4.7 stars
Don’t take our word for how genuinely super these gardens are.
Here is what visitors think about their visit to York Museum Gardens:
Sarah J. loved the peaceful abbey ruins, colourful planting and relaxing riverside setting.
David Wilson enjoyed the variety of gardens, historic atmosphere and abundance of wildlife.
Emma Richardson praised the Squirrel Trail, making it a fun day out for children.
Mark Thompson highlighted the beautiful butterfly borders and impressive collection of mature trees.
Helen Carter appreciated the well maintained gardens, regular events and excellent city centre location.
Local gardens and attractions near to York Museum Gardens
Treasurer’s House Gardens: Approx. 0.5 miles. Award-winning walled garden beside York Minster with colourful seasonal planting.
Deans Park: Approx. 0.4 miles. Peaceful lawns and flowerbeds beside magnificent York Minster.
Beningbrough Hall Gardens: Approx. 8 miles. Formal gardens, woodland walks and magnificent herbaceous borders.
Map, Location, Directions & Contact Details for York Museum Gardens
All information was believed to correct at the time of publication