York Museum Gardens

York Museum Gardens is a botanical garden and museum district located near the River Ouse, spanning approximately 10 acres with plant collections, the Yorkshire Museum, and several historic buildings. The grounds combine living plant displays with preserved structures that date to different periods.

The gardens were established in 1830 by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society on land provided by the British Royal Family to house their collections. The site preserves remains from Roman times, including part of the fortress of Eboracum, alongside medieval ruins.

The site contains remnants of medieval structures like St Mary's Abbey ruins and the Hospitium, which visitors encounter while walking through the grounds. These buildings reflect York's religious past and create a historical backdrop within the plant collections.

The grounds are easy to navigate on foot, with well-marked paths and multiple viewpoints throughout the site. The warmer months are ideal for visiting when the plant collections are at their peak and the walkways are dry.

The grounds are home to six champion trees, including a monkey puzzle specimen, which serve as botanical references for scientific study. These specimens are exceptionally old and rare, making this site a notable location for tree researchers.

Location: City of York

Inception: 1835

Official opening: 1830

Operator: York Museums Trust

Website: https://yorkshiremuseum.org.uk/york-museum-gardens

GPS coordinates: 53.96140,-1.08806

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:40