The Multangular Tower is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Britain and features later medieval additions on its upper levels.
The park was designed by Sir John Adey Repton, the son of the famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton.
St Mary's Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539, leaving the ruins that define the modern landscape of the gardens.
The gardens host an observatory built in 1832, which remains one of the oldest in the United Kingdom still in its original location.
The collection of native and exotic plants includes species sourced globally during the 19th century as part of the society's scientific mission.
York Museum Gardens is a 10-acre botanical park established in the 1830s by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society. The grounds contain the 11th-century ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, once the wealthiest Benedictine monastery in northern England. Visible Roman architecture includes the Multangular Tower, a section of the city’s original defensive walls dating to the 3rd century. The gardens feature an extensive collection of rare trees and shrubs, including a mulberry tree planted in the 18th century. Visitors can access the Yorkshire Museum located within the park’s perimeter, which houses significant archaeological finds. The gardens are designed in a naturalistic landscape style, contrasting with the structured medieval stonework. It serves as a public space for both historical study and botanical observation in central York.
The view of the St Mary's Abbey ruins framed by the arched windows against the backdrop of the park lawn.
Walk the perimeter near the river to see the best views of the abbey ruins without the central crowds.
Visit the flower beds near the main entrance during late spring for the peak blooming period.
Check the Yorkshire Museum website for occasional evening events held within the gardens.
Do not attempt to climb or sit on the historical masonry ruins, as they are protected archaeological sites.
The gardens may close during extreme weather conditions such as high winds.
