York Mansion House at St. Helen’s Square
Explore York Mansion House, the oldest Lord Mayor’s residence, set in historic St. Helen’s Square with Georgian grandeur and interactive heritage.
York Mansion House, located in the heart of York’s St. Helen’s Square, is the oldest official residence of a Lord Mayor in the UK. This grand Georgian townhouse, built in 1725, offers visitors a rich glimpse into York’s civic history, featuring elegant state rooms, a historic Georgian kitchen, and a remarkable collection of gold and silver. Open to the public since 2018, it hosts interactive exhibits, seasonal events, and guided tours that celebrate nearly 300 years of mayoral life.
A brief summary to York Mansion House
- St. Helen’s Square, York, YO1 9QL, GB
- +441904553663
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit Wednesday to Sunday from 10:30am to 5pm; last admission is at 4pm.
- York residents receive a 50% discount on admission with proof of address.
- Enjoy daily cooking demonstrations in the Georgian kitchen at 11:30am.
- Use the free interactive handheld guides for an enriched experience.
- Check for occasional closures due to private events before visiting.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Public Bus
Local bus services connect York Railway Station to St. Helen’s Square with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day. Tickets cost around £2-£3. The stop is within a short walk of York Mansion House.
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Walking
From York Railway Station, a 15-minute walk along well-paved city centre streets leads directly to St. Helen’s Square. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Taxi
Taxis from York Railway Station to York Mansion House take about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6 to £10. Taxis can be booked in advance or hailed at the station.
York Mansion House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about York Mansion House
A Historic Civic Landmark in York’s Centre
York Mansion House stands proudly on the south-western side of St. Helen’s Square, an important open space in York’s city centre. Constructed in 1725, it is the oldest residence of a Lord Mayor in the United Kingdom and has served as a focal point for York’s civic and social life for nearly three centuries. The Mansion House reflects the wealth and prestige of York’s governance, embodying Georgian elegance and grandeur. Its location within St. Helen’s Square places it amid a historic urban junction where several key streets converge, including Coney Street, Lendal, and Stonegate.Architectural Grandeur and Interior Highlights
The building’s Georgian architecture impresses with its symmetry, refined details, and stately presence. Inside, visitors can explore four floors of richly decorated rooms, including the grand State Room where official functions were held, and the Lord Mayor’s reception rooms adorned with period furnishings. One of the Mansion House’s standout features is the meticulously restored Georgian kitchen, where daily cooking demonstrations bring 18th-century culinary traditions to life. The house also displays an extensive collection of gold and silver regalia associated with the Lord Mayor’s office, illustrating the ceremonial importance of the role.Interactive Experiences and Seasonal Events
Since opening to the public in 2018, York Mansion House has embraced interactive technology and engaging exhibits to enrich the visitor experience. Free handheld guides and touchpads provide fascinating historical insights, while children’s trails and special events cater to families. The Mansion House hosts the annual York Georgian Festival, dance classes, festive celebrations, and themed evenings such as Murder Mysteries. These activities highlight the building’s continuing role as a vibrant cultural venue.St. Helen’s Square: A Historic Urban Hub
St. Helen’s Square itself has a layered history dating back to Roman times when the area marked the south-western gate of Eboracum. The square evolved from an 18th-century graveyard into a bustling public space surrounded by notable buildings such as St. Helen’s Church, the former Yorkshire Insurance Company building, and the historic Terry’s Tea Rooms. Today, it remains a lively meeting point with shops, cafés, and restaurants, often animated by street performers and seasonal festivities like the city’s Christmas lights and tree.Visitor Amenities and Accessibility
York Mansion House welcomes visitors Wednesday through Sunday, with last admission at 4pm. It offers facilities including wheelchair access, disabled toilets, a passenger lift, and a gift shop. York residents benefit from a 50% discount on admission with proof of address, and English Heritage members receive a 25% discount. The Mansion House is also a licensed venue for weddings and corporate events, blending historic charm with modern hospitality.Preserving York’s Civic Heritage
The Mansion House continues to be cared for by dedicated volunteers and staff who maintain its historic fabric and deliver engaging programming. As one of York’s most significant heritage sites, it offers a unique window into the city’s governance, social customs, and architectural legacy. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of York’s past and the enduring traditions of its civic leadership.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
The Norman House
0.2 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Anglian Tower
0.2 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.2 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
Parliament St
0.3 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
Roman Column
0.3 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.3 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Ouse Bridge
0.3 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.3 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.3 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Bootham Bar
0.3 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.3 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
0.3 km
Explore the Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow in York, a serene sanctuary steeped in history and spiritual significance, perfect for reflection and discovery.
11 Shambles
0.3 km
Explore the enchanting 11 Shambles in York, a medieval street with charming shops, historic architecture, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.3 km
Discover the beauty of Dame Judi Dench Walk in York, a tranquil path celebrating the iconic actress amidst stunning scenery and rich history.
Unmissable attractions to see
The York Ghost Walk
0.1 km
Discover York’s haunted history through an atmospheric evening walk filled with ghostly tales and historic intrigue around Davygate.
City Screen Picturehouse
0.1 km
A lively independent cinema and cultural venue in York blending film, live entertainment, and a welcoming cafe-bar atmosphere.
Coney St
0.1 km
York’s historic Coney Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shopping, dining, and riverside charm in the city centre.
Locked in Games York
0.1 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
Stonegate
0.1 km
Discover Stonegate, York’s historic street where Roman roots meet medieval charm and vibrant cultural heritage in the city’s heart.
Black window cat
0.1 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
The York Cat Trail
0.1 km
Discover York’s historic streets through a whimsical trail of cat statues blending folklore, art, and city heritage.
Mannion & Co
0.1 km
A cosy York bistro famed for artisan brunch, deli boards, and a hidden courtyard in the city’s historic heart.
Huntfun York
0.1 km
Explore York’s historic heart through a captivating, family-friendly treasure hunt filled with cryptic clues and hidden gems.
Peregrine Falcon Mural
0.2 km
Discover the awe-inspiring Peregrine Falcon Mural in York, a vibrant piece of street art that captures the city's rich culture and artistic spirit.
York Armoury
0.2 km
Discover authentic historical arms, armour, and movie swords in York’s premier specialist gift shop on atmospheric Stonegate.
Yorkshire Wheel
0.2 km
Experience York’s historic skyline from a unique panoramic Ferris wheel in the heart of the city’s vibrant St Sampson’s Square.
Coffee yard
0.2 km
Discover the quiet charm and medieval heritage of Coffee Yard, a historic snickelway nestled in the heart of York’s old city.
Barley Hall
0.2 km
Step into Barley Hall, York’s beautifully restored medieval townhouse, and experience the vibrant domestic life of 14th-century England.
The Red House Antique Centre
0.2 km
Discover a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles in York’s historic Red House, where over 60 dealers offer unique finds for every budget.
Essential places to dine
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.0 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.0 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.1 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.1 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Turtle Bay York
0.1 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.1 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
The Botanist York
0.1 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Brew & Brownie
0.1 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Las Iguanas - York
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Latin American flavours and lively cocktails in York’s historic city centre at Las Iguanas.
The Star Inn The City
0.2 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
The Cut & Craft York
0.2 km
Stylish steakhouse in York’s historic St. Sampson’s Square, famed for premium cuts, craft beers, and inviting modern ambiance.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.2 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
Los Moros
0.2 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
The Whippet Inn
0.2 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Wine Stories
0.2 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.1 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
The Imaginarium
0.1 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.1 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Paper Doll
0.2 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Rookscroft
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Cello by Collectables
0.2 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
The Cat Gallery
0.2 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
Shared Earth
0.2 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
SOCTOPUS
0.2 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.3 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Hidden Treasures
0.3 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
The Medieval Scribe
0.3 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
York Minster Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Pandora
0.3 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lendal Cellars
0.0 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.1 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Revolution York
0.1 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Dusk
0.1 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
The Punch Bowl
0.1 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.1 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.1 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.2 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.2 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Evil Eye
0.2 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Victor J's
0.2 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.2 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
The Maltings
0.2 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Vudu Lounge
0.2 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Pivní York
0.3 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
0.1 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Flares - York
0.2 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.4 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.4 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Kuda
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.3 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.4 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.9 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.5 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.7 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.7 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.9 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.9 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Cultural Heritage
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
