Parish of All Saints, Pavement: York’s Historic Beacon Church
Discover York’s historic All Saints, Pavement—home to a medieval lantern tower beacon and centuries of rich heritage in the city’s heart.
Nestled in the heart of York’s bustling city centre, All Saints, Pavement is a remarkable Anglican church with origins dating back to the 10th century. Known for its distinctive octagonal lantern tower, once a beacon for travellers, this church blends medieval architecture with rich historical layers, including Anglo-Danish artifacts and exquisite stained glass. Open weekdays and Saturdays, it offers visitors a serene spiritual haven amid York’s vibrant market area.
A brief summary to Parish of All Saints, Pavement
- High Ousegate, York, YO1 8RZ, GB
- +447388510894
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on a weekday or Saturday between 10am and 4pm for quiet exploration and to appreciate the stained glass and medieval features.
- Attend one of the regular Sunday services if you want to experience the church’s vibrant worship and choral traditions.
- Look for the unique 14th-century Passion window at the west end and the Anglo-Danish child’s grave cover inside.
- Take time to admire the octagonal lantern tower from outside, a rare architectural feature that once guided travellers.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Several city bus routes serve York city centre with stops within 5 to 10 minutes’ walk of All Saints, Pavement. Typical journey times from York railway station are 10–20 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £2–£4 one way.
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Train and Walk
From York railway station, a 20-minute walk through the historic city centre leads to All Saints, Pavement. The route is mostly flat and suitable for most visitors.
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Taxi
Taxis from York railway station to the church take around 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares typically range from £6 to £10.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement 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 Parish of All Saints, Pavement
A Storied Past Rooted in Early Christian York
All Saints, Pavement stands on a site with Christian worship stretching back over a millennium. Originally established as a Norse Christian church in the 10th century, the present structure was comprehensively rebuilt in the 14th century to a rectangular plan. There is a tradition that the church was founded as early as AD 685 for St Cuthbert, and it is recorded in the Domesday Book as being held by the Bishop of Durham on behalf of the King. Over the centuries, the church has undergone significant architectural changes, including the demolition of the chancel in 1782 to accommodate York’s expanding market and rebuilding of its north wall and west end in the 19th century.The Iconic Lantern Tower: A Guiding Light
One of All Saints’ most striking features is its octagonal lantern tower, added around 1400 and rebuilt in 1837. This tower historically served as a beacon for travellers navigating the city, making it a distinctive landmark within York’s skyline. The lantern’s elegant design and historical significance contribute to the church’s unique character, symbolizing guidance and welcome.Architectural and Artistic Treasures Inside
Inside, visitors encounter a wealth of historic and artistic elements. The west end houses a rare 14th-century window depicting scenes from the Passion and Resurrection of Christ, while the north aisle features memorial windows dedicated to The Royal Dragoon Guards and recent conflicts such as Afghanistan. The finely crafted hexagonal oak pulpit, dating from circa 1634, is notable for its decorative sounding board and its association with John Wesley, who once preached from it. Additionally, a pre-conquest Anglo-Danish child’s grave cover from the early 10th century offers a tangible link to the church’s ancient origins.Community and Regimental Connections
All Saints, Pavement serves as the Guild Church of York and the Regimental Church of The Royal Dragoon Guards, reflecting its ongoing role in the city’s civic and military life. It is a preferred place of worship for ex-service associations in the area, emphasizing its importance beyond purely religious functions. The church also hosts regular worship services, including Holy Communion, Mattins, and Evensong, fostering a vibrant spiritual community.Visiting and Experiencing All Saints
The church welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, offering free entry to explore its historic interior and tranquil atmosphere. Its central location adjacent to York’s main shopping district makes it an accessible cultural and spiritual retreat. The combination of medieval architecture, rich history, and ongoing community engagement makes All Saints, Pavement a compelling destination for those interested in York’s heritage and religious traditions.Preservation and Restoration Efforts
Throughout its history, All Saints has benefited from careful restoration, notably in 1887 by architect George Edmund Street. This work included cleaning the stonework, restoring pinnacles, and installing stained glass by Charles Eamer Kempe. The church’s preservation ensures that its architectural and artistic treasures remain vibrant for future generations, maintaining its status as a cherished landmark in York’s historic core.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Shadows of York Ghost Walk
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Unmissable attractions to see
Coppergate Shopping Centre
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JORVIK Viking Centre
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Ghost keeper - Meeting point
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St Mary's Church
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28 Shambles
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Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
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The Shop That Must Not Be Named
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Shambles Market
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Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate Sign
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Merchant Adventurers' Hall
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The Spurriergate Centre
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Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
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Shambles
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Essential places to dine
Ate O'Clock
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Pavement Vaults
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Marzano Italian & Grill
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Rustique Restaurant
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Cosy Club
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Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Wine Stories
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Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
The Blue Barbakan
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Corner Grill House
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31 Castlegate Restaurant
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Valhalla York
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The Cut & Craft York
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D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
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Las Iguanas - York
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Bill's York Restaurant
0.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Gift Gallery
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Dog & Bone Vintage
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Give The Dog A Bone
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Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
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Pride of York Souvenirs
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Fenwick York
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York Souvenir's
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Take One Gifts
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Barghest
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Cello by Collectables
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Sterling Souvenirs
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Hop York
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Pivní York
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Plonkers
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Vudu Lounge
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Victor J's
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Pitcher & Piano York
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Dusk
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Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kuda
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BlueBox
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Club Salvation
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Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
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Big Fellas Nightclub
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Arabian Night Lounge
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Quadrophenia Night
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The Lab Nightclub Leeds
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The Key Club
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Wire
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
