York Museum Gardens

Opening times

What times will the York Museum Gardens be open?

The main gardens will be open from 9am to 6pm.

The Artists’ garden will be open from 10:30am to 4:30pm.

View a map of the gardens here.

Will I need to book a ticket and is there an entry cost?

No, the gardens will be open for everyone to enjoy. As a charity, York Museums Trust opens the gardens free of charge. As we open York Museum Gardens we ask anyone who enjoys the gardens to consider donating to the charity, to help York Museums Trust continue to maintain such a fantastic space for generations to come. Please donate here.

Will there be refreshment facilities available?

Ciao York is open everyday from 9am-4pm and offer gourmet sandwiches, toasties, hot drinks and sweet treats. They are situated at the Museum Street entrance to the gardens.

Sketch by Origin is also nearby at York Art Gallery open Wednesday to Sunday.

Can visitors bring picnics?

Yes, but we ask all visitors to take their litter away with them. It is also important to highlight that no alcohol is permitted in the gardens.

Are there toilets?

Unfortunately there are no toilets in York Museum Gardens, the nearest toilets are available at Bootham Bar or within the city centre at Silver Street.

Visitor Information on the Hosepipe Ban (July 2025)

We are ensuring that watering is kept to a minimum in this dry period. Although the Gardens are exempt from the domestic hosepipe ban, we will continue to work in line with the latest guidance from Yorkshire Water. Thank you for your understanding.

Echoes of Yorkshire: The Museum Illuminated

24 October – 2 November 2025

Light, colour and music surround you at the extraordinary light and sound installation created by internationally acclaimed Luxmuralis in the York Museum Gardens this autumn. Immerse yourself in the story of the historic site with contemporary light and music showcasing the Yorkshire Museum’s age-defining artefacts and extraordinary exhibits. Join us to celebrate all that the museum and its gardens bring to our city and the wider north of England.