UPDATED FEBRUARY 2021! Having lived in York for over a year four years now (!), I really know this city – every nook and cranny, every snickelway, every street and every stone. York may be a small city geographically, but it is absolutely full of things to see and do. So much of York’s charm is getting lost and wandering the cobblestone streets just for the sake of doing so. And whenever you choose to get lost, you’ll undoubtedly stumble upon a few things you wouldn’t have otherwise seen.

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

The Best Hidden Gems In York

I’ve already written about my top 5 things you must do in York, plus there’s some beautiful Instagram locations around the city as well. Here are 18 of my favorite secret places dotted around York – churches, cafes, pubs, museums, and more. A lot of these places are free as well, since there’s plenty to do in York for free! These ones truly are York’s hidden gems!

1) Gatehouse Coffee

Having a prime location built into the actual city walls, Gatehouse Coffee is probably my favorite coffee shop in the city. Not only can you walk out along the barbican of the gate to the city, but you can also enjoy your drinks on the rooftop terrace with views towards the Minster, or cozy up in the indoor rooms. Their chai tea latte is the only hot beverage I’ll buy (and for someone who doesn’t drink coffee or tea, that says a lot). Gatehouse is definitely one of the best coffee shops in York!

2) Coffee Yard to Stonegate

One of my favorite snickelways (small, narrow, hidden streets and passageways) in a city that’s famous for them, is the passageway from Coffee Yard to Stonegate. The street takes you through Barley Hall, the medieval house museum, and you can even take a peek inside the hall! Look for the entrance under the Thai tapas restaurant. (Find out the best snickelways in York here!)

3) Museum Gardens

York Museum Gardens is my favorite place in the city. I always bring friends and guests here to show them around, simply because it’s a wonderful place (especially on a sunny day!). The gardens are tucked away between the train station and the Minster on Museum Street. Not only are the gardens home to the Yorkshire Museum and the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, but you can see the Roman Multangular Tower, the Hospitium, an herb garden, and nice views of the river. My favorite time to visit is in spring, when the flowers are blooming.

4) St. Olave’s Church

Just outside the Museum Gardens is St. Olave’s Church, home to my favorite door in York! This pretty little church was first mentioned in 1055, rebuilt in the 1400s, and underwent substantial repairs in the early 1700s. It is dedicated to the patron saint of Norway, St. Olaf—and this church was the first known church dedication to the saint anywhere in the world. It’s definitely one of York’s hidden gems.

5) Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

I walk past this place nearly every single day, and it never ceases to amaze me. Tucked in between the busy streets of Fossgate and Piccadilly is the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall, a guildhall built between 1357 and 1361 that today is a tourist attraction and museum. My favorite part of the building is near the chapel, where they keep track of the flood levels on the wall. The River Foss runs nearby and the gardens are lovely!

6) The culvert in the Undercroft of York Minster

While York Minster is one of the most popular places to visit in the North of England and hardly a hidden gem, delve underground and you might find something more surprising. Not only can you see the remains of Roman barracks, but there is even a culvert (a drain carrying water) that still has water flowing through it today that dates back to the Romans! And while you’re at it, make sure to visit the Chapter House in York Minster for some pretty hilarious stone carvings 😉

7) Bar Convent

I couldn’t make a list of secret places in York without mentioning Bar Convent, a Roman Catholic convent that is still operational today! Located just outside of Micklegate in an unassuming brick building, Bar Convent is home to England’s oldest living convent, founded in 1686 by Mary Ward. There was great religious turbulence when the convent was founded, with the sisters concealing their identity. The icing on the cake of all of this is the hidden chapel, built in 1769. There are 8 separate exits to allow quick escape in case it was raided by the authorities! There is also a fantastic exhibition in the convent as well.

8) The Lamb and Lion’s beer garden

While the Lamb and Lion pub is a nice enough pub, it is one of my favorites in the city for its giant beer garden. The views from the back over to York Minster are incredible! You can also see the City Walls. The pub is sandwiched in between the Minster and the walls at Bootham Bar! Stay for a pint or two—you won’t regret it (unless it’s raining). You can also check out my favorite bars and pubs in York!

9) Holy Trinity Church Goodramgate

One of my favorite finds since living in York would definitely be this church on Goodramgate. Hidden away off of a very busy street, entering the gardens is like walking into a peaceful oasis. The church itself dates from the 12^th century, although most of its features are from the 15^th century. It’s open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00am-3:00pm.

10) Roman Baths

What could be more York-like than having the remains of a Roman bathhouse underneath a pub?! The Roman Baths is a pub on the busy St. Sampson’s Square, but underground are the remains of the bathhouse where Roman soldiers went to blow off some steam. While the museum is quite small, there’s lots of information about the life of Roman soldiers living in Eboracum (as York was known). Reward yourself from a pint at the bar after taking in all the history!

11) Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

This is one of the shortest streets in the city of York, and has one of the longest names! It was first mentioned in 1505 as “Whitnourwhatnourgate,” which some have translated to “what a street!” It connects Colliergate and Pavement, and it’s right around the corner from the Shambles. Part of St. Crux, a medieval church, remains on the site. You might not notice it, but it’s definitely one of the best hidden gems in the city!

12) Plague Stone

The Plague Stone is located just outside of the city center between Little Hob Moor and Hob Moor. It dates back to 1604, when people infected with the plague in York were forced outside of the city. People left food and other essentials at the stone, and those infected with the plague would leave money in water or vinegar to pay for it. You can just make out the effigy of knight on the bigger stone, who was supposedly a knight from the Roos family—this was put here in 1717. If you’re venturing outside of York’s city center, this hidden gem is definitely worth a stop!

13) Tyburn

Just across from the Plague Stone and the entrance to Little Hob Moor, at Knavesmire by York Racecourse, is the Tyburn. This is the historic site of York’s public hangings—a gallows was erected in 1379, and was an execution site until the last hanging in 1801. One of the most famous people to be hanged here was Dick Turpin in 1739. It’s right on Tadcaster Road, and it’s easy to combine seeing the site with the Plague Stone.

14) Stonegate Devil

Stonegate is one of the most popular shopping streets in the city, and as one of the main roads in the Roman fortress of Eboracum (as York was known) it dates back 1900 years. In the 16^th century, there was a printers or bookshop at 33 Stonegate. If you look up you’ll find a little carved red devil—the Stonegate Devil represents the printer’s apprentice, who had to carry hot metal type. Keep an eye out for it as it’s easy to miss.

You might also want to keep an eye out for two other hiddem gems: the golden bible, which hangs above number 35 Stonegate (just two doors down) and dates to 1682 when the shop was a bookshop, and the statue of Minerva. This small statue is at the intersection of Stonegate, High Petergate, and Minster Gates—Minerva was the Roman goddess of drama and wisdom, and there is a stack of books under her elbow as the statue is located at another former bookshop. Plus, there are some fantastic bookshops in York!

15) St. Leonard’s Hospital Crypt

Next to York Explore Library and Museum Gardens are some of the ruins of St. Leonard’s Hospital. At one time it was the biggest hospital in the north of England. It was founded after the Norman Conquest, and this building was built after the former St. Peters Hospital was damaged by fire in 1137. The vaulted crypt is all that’s left, and the structure on top would have been the chapel.

16) York Cat Trail

One of the best free things to do in York is the York Cat Trail! Scattered throughout the city are about 20 cat statues. You can pick up a leaflet for a self-guided tour at York Glass on the Shambles, or from the Cat Gallery on Low Petergate. I’ve done the whole trail once myself. It’s really fun to wander around the city on the lookout for all the statues! You can also download the Cat Trail brochure if you want an online version. (There’s another trail brochure by the Cat Gallery which you can download here.)

17) Holgate Windmill

Holgate Windmill is slightly outside of York’s city center, but another fantastic hidden gem to visit in York. It’s the last surviving windmill in York, and has been restored to be functional today—making traditional stone-ground flour. There are informational displays inside and it’s staffed by volunteers. The windmill is open on certain days (usually weekends) from 11am to 4pm and there’s a small entry charge for admission. You can find out more information on visiting Holgate Windmill on their website.

18) Cholera Burial Grounds

Cholera broke out in the city of York in 1832, and at least 185 people died of the disease. There is a small burial ground, which is located just across the street from York’s train station and the Principal Hotel. A lot of people don’t notice this hidden gem on their way to or from the station. But there are about 20 gravestones left here.

Planning Your Trip

York is just two hours away from London by train, making it an easy daytrip or long weekend away. I always use Trainline to find the best deals for train tickets.

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

• Budget: Safestay York or The Fort Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
• Luxury: The Grand

You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!

Booking.com

The nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford Airport, although Manchester Airport is more convenient as it has far more international flight options. I use Skyscanner to find the best deals on flights. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Looking to book a tour in York? Check out these tours!

York is full of secret places, mysterious snickelways, and hidden gems. Although it’s a very tourist-centered town, there’s plenty to do and see in the city beyond the main attractions!

Have you ever been to York? What hidden gems have you discovered?!

Check out my other York posts:

The Complete Guide to the Best Instagram Spots in York

The Best Snickelways in York

20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely Free

The Best Walks in and Around York, England

The Best Bars and Pubs in York, England

The Best Restaurants in York, England

The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York, England

All of my York posts!

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

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