Part 2: York’s Quiet Beauty – Museum Gardens, St Mary’s Abbey, Yorkshire Museum & More
While York’s Minster and busy streets are breathtaking, sometimes the city’s quiet corners hold the most magic. In Part 2 of our York adventure, we slowed down to savour Museum Gardens, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, the Yorkshire Museum, York Art Gallery, and the charming St Olave’s Church. These spots offer a reflective, intimate journey through history, art, and nature.
Museum Gardens
Right in the heart of York, Museum Gardens is a peaceful haven. Wandering along the winding paths, we stumbled upon Roman walls, medieval gates, and the dramatic ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. Springtime brought delicate blooms, and a few cherry blossoms made for the perfect photography spots. It’s a place where you can breathe, pause, and feel centuries of history beneath your feet.
St Mary’s Abbey
Founded in 1055, St Mary’s Abbey grew to be one of northern England’s largest Benedictine monasteries. Dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539, its crumbling gothic arches, partial walls, and majestic columns still whisper stories of York’s medieval past. The ruins are strikingly romantic — no wonder photographers and even wedding shoots frequent this site.
Yorkshire Museum
The Yorkshire Museum, nestled within Museum Gardens, houses treasures spanning Roman artefacts, medieval finds, and British paintings from the 14th to 21st centuries. We loved discovering detailed mosaics, historic coins, and local archaeological artefacts — it’s perfect for anyone curious about history or looking for a contemplative indoor experience after strolling the gardens.
York Art Gallery
Located at Exhibition Square, York Art Gallery offers a wide range of artworks, from traditional British paintings to contemporary pieces. Highlights include portraits, landscapes, and still life, along with rotating exhibitions showcasing modern media art and local artists. Don’t miss the statue of William Etty in front — a York-born painter famous for nudes and historical works, who also contributed to preserving the City Walls.
St Olave’s Church
A small detour just behind Museum Gardens, St Olave’s Church honours Saint Olaf, one of England’s oldest Norwegian saints. Its mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture, quiet interior, and stained glass windows offer a reflective pause without needing a dedicated visit — perfect if you’re already exploring the gardens.
Practical Tips
- Museum Gardens: Free entry, open daily; ideal for a stroll or picnic.
- St Mary’s Abbey: Located within Museum Gardens; accessible at all times; photography allowed.
- Yorkshire Museum: Adults £9.50, Youth/Students £8.55, Children £4.75, under 5 free; online booking recommended.
- York Art Gallery: Closed Mon & Tue, open Wed–Sun 10am–5pm; general entry free, special exhibitions may charge.
- St Olave’s Church: Free entry, best to visit while at Museum Gardens.
Walking through these quiet corners, the city’s history seems to breathe around you. The combination of serene gardens, medieval ruins, and art collections creates an atmosphere quite unlike the bustling streets around the Minster. If you ever wander York, these intimate spots are not to be missed — they show the city’s depth, charm, and quiet beauty in a way that lingers long after your visit.