York Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor of York, located in St Helen’s Square at the heart of the city centre. This 2026 visitor guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport options, accessibility, and practical visitor requirements to assist with trip planning.
Entry to York Mansion House is included in the York City Pass, which you can save you significant money if visiting several York attractions.
Note: This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect the current Wednesday to Sunday opening schedule and the most recent admission rates for the historic house and kitchens.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | Wednesday – Sunday: 10:30 to 16:00 (Last entry 15:30). |
| Ticket prices | Adult: £7.00; Concession: £5.50; Child (5-16): £3.50; Under 5s: Free. |
| Address | St Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL. |
| Nearest transport | York Railway Station (approx. 650 metres). |
| Typical visit time | 60 to 90 minutes. |
York Mansion House opening hours
York Mansion House is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday, between 10:30 and 16:00. The final admission to the house is at 15:30 to allow visitors sufficient time to view the collections before the building closes.
The house is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, though it occasionally opens for special events or 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.
York Mansion House ticket prices
Standard admission for adults is £7.00, while concessions (seniors and students) are priced at £5.50. Children aged 5 to 16 are admitted for £3.50, and children under the age of five enter for free. Residents with a valid YorkCard may be eligible for discounted entry rates.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
York Mansion House is included in the Visit York Pass scheme. Other attractions also included in this pass are:
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 York Mansion House
The house is located in St Helen’s Square, which is a central pedestrianised area near the Guildhall and Lendal. It is approximately a 10-minute walk from York Railway Station via Lendal Bridge.
Multiple local bus routes stop at nearby Museum Street or Station Road, both of which are within 300 metres of the entrance. Because the house is in a pedestrian zone, buses and taxis cannot drop passengers directly at the front door.
Parking at York Mansion House
There is no parking available at York Mansion House due to its location in a restricted pedestrian zone. The nearest public car park is Marygate Car Park, which is approximately a 10-minute walk away through the Museum Gardens.
Alternative parking is available at Esplanade Car Park or Boothams Row. For those visiting for a full day, the York Park & Ride service is recommended, with the Rawcliffe Bar (Route 2) service dropping passengers at Museum Street, 150 metres from the house.
How long to spend at York Mansion House
Visitors typically spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the different floors of the house. This allows time to view the civic silver collection, the state rooms, and the restored kitchens.
The experience is self-guided, though staff are stationed in various rooms to provide factual information about the items on display. If attending a guided tour or a specific talk, visitors should allow an additional 45 minutes.
Accessibility at York Mansion House
York Mansion House is fully accessible to visitors with physical disabilities and wheelchair users. A modern lift provides access to all public floors, including the state room and the basement kitchens.
Accessible toilets are located on-site. While the building is an 18th-century structure, it underwent a major restoration to ensure that those with limited mobility can access all parts of the visitor experience.
What to see at York Mansion House
The State Room is the primary architectural highlight of the house, featuring original 18th-century plasterwork and large-scale portraits of former royalty and city officials. It is still used today for official civic functions and ceremonies.
The Restored Georgian Kitchen is located in the basement and demonstrates how food was prepared for mayoral banquets in the 1700s. It contains original cooking apparatus and interactive displays regarding the domestic life of the house.
The Civic Silver Collection is one of the most significant collections of its kind in the UK. The display includes ceremonial maces, swords, and drinking vessels that represent the history of the York Mayoralty.+1
The Great Staircase and upper hallways contain various furniture and artefacts original to the house. These areas provide insight into the architectural transition between different Georgian styles.
Practical visitor tips
| Aspect | Tip |
| Timing | Visit during the morning session at 10:30 to avoid the higher footfall in St Helen’s Square during the afternoon. |
| Crowds | As a smaller venue, the house rarely feels overcrowded, but school groups may visit on weekday mornings. |
| Layout | The house is arranged over four floors; use the lift or the central staircase to move between levels. |
| Entry Process | Tickets are purchased at the entrance desk; there is no requirement to book a specific time slot in advance. |
| Logistics | There are no dedicated café facilities on-site, but numerous food options are located immediately outside in the square. |
Frequently asked questions about York Mansion House
| Query | Answer |
| Is York Mansion House suitable for children? | Yes, there are interactive elements in the kitchen and family-friendly information points throughout. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for York Mansion House? | No, the house operates on a walk-in basis for general admission. |
| Is York Mansion House open on Sundays? | Yes, it is open on Sundays from 10:30 to 16:00. |
| Are bags allowed at York Mansion House? | Small bags are permitted, but there is no cloakroom for large suitcases or pushchairs. |
Things to do near York Mansion House
- York Guildhall: A historic civic building located directly behind the Mansion House.
- York Minster: The city’s cathedral, located a five-minute walk from St Helen’s Square.
- Fairfax House: A restored Georgian townhouse offering a similar period experience, located 10 minutes away.
- Jorvik Viking Centre: An underground museum located approximately 600 metres from the house.
More Yorkshire travel
Other Yorkshire travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at the Bar Convent, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and Fairfax House.
- Do I need to book York Dungeon tickets in advance?
- The National Railway Museum in York: A parking guide.
- Practical visitor guides to Malham Cove, the Ribblehead Viaduct, Aysgarth Falls and Linton Falls in the Yorkshire Dales.
- Complete guide to visiting Stump Cross Caverns.
