The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre is a historic house, museum, and chapel located in York. This 2026 visitor guide provides current details on opening times, admission fees, and transport to assist with planning a visit.
Important! Entry to the Bar Convent is included within the Visit York Pass. If you’re planning to visit several attractions in Yorkshire, this can save you significant amounts of money.
Note: This guide was updated in February 2026 to reflect current admission prices.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Monday – Saturday: 10:00 to 17:00 (Last entry 16:00). Closed Sundays. |
| Ticket prices | Adult: £9.50; Concession: £7.50; Child (6-17): £2.00; Family: £20.00. |
| Address | 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ. |
| Nearest transport | York Railway Station (approx. 300 metres). |
| Visit duration | 1.5 to 2 hours. |
Bar Convent York opening hours
The Bar Convent is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 10:00 to 17:00. The final admission for the exhibition is at 16:00 to ensure visitors have sufficient time to view the museum and chapel before closing.
The on-site café operates on a slightly different schedule, opening from 08:00 to 15:30, with hot food served until 14:45. The entire facility is closed on Sundays and bank holidays.
Five great things to do while you’re in York
- 🧭 Discover York’s highlights on a small group walking tour.
- ⛵ Drift along the Ouse on an evening happy hour boat cruise.
- 👻 Delve into ghosts and gruesome history on the Shadows of York tour.
- 🏞️ Take a day trip to the North York Moors and Whitby.
- 🍫 Make your own chocolate bar at York Cocoa House.
Bar Convent York ticket prices
Admission to the museum exhibition is £9.50 for adults, £7.50 for concessions (students and seniors), and £2.00 for children aged 6 to 17. A family ticket, covering two adults and two children, is available for £20.00, with additional children priced at £1.00 each.
The Bar Convent is included in the Visit York Pass. This city pass also grants entry to other attractions such as York Minster, the JORVIK Viking Centre, and the York Castle Museum. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
Why book the Visit York Pass?
- 🎟️ Access to 40+ Top Attractions: Enjoy entry to York’s most iconic sites, including York Minster, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Castle Museum, and Clifford’s Tower.
- 💰 Significant Cost Savings: Save a substantial amount on admission fees compared to purchasing individual tickets at each attraction gate.
- 🚢 River Cruise or Bus Tour: Includes a choice between a scenic City Cruise on the River Ouse or a 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket to navigate the city with ease.
- 📱 Instant Digital Delivery: No need for paper vouchers; receive your pass instantly on your smartphone for a seamless, contactless entry experience.
- ⏱️ Tailored to Your Trip: Choose from 1, 2, 3, or 6-day options, providing the flexibility to explore York’s medieval streets and Viking history at your own pace.
How to get to the Bar Convent York
The Bar Convent is located on Blossom Street, situated just outside the city walls at Micklegate Bar. It is a five-minute walk from York Railway Station, making it easily accessible for those arriving by train.
Local bus services stop frequently on Blossom Street directly outside the entrance. For those driving into the city, the Park & Ride services (particularly the Askham Bar route) provide a direct connection to the nearby station interchange.
Parking at the Bar Convent York
There is no dedicated visitor parking available on the Bar Convent premises. The nearest public parking facility is the Nunnery Lane Car Park, which is approximately a 200-metre walk from the entrance.
Alternative parking can be found at the Queen Street Car Park near the railway station. Both locations operate on a pay-and-display basis and include designated bays for Blue Badge holders.
How long to spend at the Bar Convent York
A standard visit to the exhibition and chapel takes between 90 minutes and two hours. This timeframe allows for a full walk-through of the heritage displays and time to view the historic rooms.
Visitors planning to use the café or spend time in the garden should allow an additional 30 to 45 minutes. The site is compact, with all museum sections located within the same wing of the building.
Accessibility at the Bar Convent York
The Bar Convent is fully accessible for wheelchair users and guests with limited mobility. A lift provides access to the exhibition and chapel on the upper floors, while the café, shop, and garden have level access.
Accessible toilets are available on-site. While the building is a historic property, modern adaptations ensure that all public displays and facilities are reachable for all visitors.
What to see at the Bar Convent York
The Heritage Exhibition details the history of the house as a secret convent established in 1686. Displays include 18th-century artefacts, interactive digital stations, and the “Treasures of the Bar Convent” gallery.+1
The Hidden Chapel was constructed in 1766 with eight escape routes and a dome concealed from external view. It was built during a period when Catholic worship was illegal in England and remains a space for prayer today.+1
The Georgian Parlour and Grand Staircase reflect the 18th-century design of the house. These areas have been preserved to show the building’s history as a school for girls.
The Secret Garden is an enclosed courtyard located at the rear of the property. It is accessible through the café and provides a quiet outdoor space for visitors.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Arrive before 11:00 to secure a table in the café before the lunch period. |
| Crowds | The site is generally quietest on weekday afternoons after 14:30. |
| Layout | The exhibition is self-guided; collect a floor plan at the reception desk. |
| Entry process | No advance booking is required; tickets are purchased at the main desk. |
| Logistics | Luggage storage is available for guests visiting from the railway station. |
Frequently asked questions about the Bar Convent York
| Search query | Answer |
| Is the Bar Convent suitable for children? | Yes, the exhibition includes interactive displays and family activity sheets. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Bar Convent? | No, tickets for the exhibition are sold on arrival at the reception. |
| Is the Bar Convent open on Sundays? | No, the entire site is closed to the public on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Bar Convent? | Small bags are permitted; a luggage area is available for larger items. |
Things to do near the Bar Convent York
- Micklegate Bar Museum: A gatehouse museum located 100 metres from the convent.
- York City Walls: A medieval walking route accessible via the steps at Micklegate Bar.
- National Railway Museum: A large heritage site located a 10-minute walk away.
- York Castle Museum: A social history museum located approximately 15 minutes away on foot.
More Yorkshire travel articles
Other Yorkshire travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Do I need to book York Dungeon tickets in advance?
- The National Railway Museum in York: A parking guide.
- Practical guides to visiting the Yorkshire Museum, Clifford’s Tower, the York Castle Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre and York Minster.
- What to expect at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Fairfax House.
- Practical visitor guides to Malham Cove, the Ribblehead Viaduct, Aysgarth Falls and Linton Falls in the Yorkshire Dales.
