St Olave's Church York: A Medieval Gem of History and Reflection
Discover York’s medieval St Olave’s Church, a tranquil sanctuary rich in Viking heritage, stunning stained glass, and centuries of history.
St Olave's Church in York, founded before 1055 by Earl Siward, is a remarkable medieval Anglican church showcasing 15th-century perpendicular architecture. Rebuilt after Civil War damage, it features a striking tower, historic stained glass by Knowles, and a serene interior with notable monuments and a refurbished organ. Nestled near York's Museum Gardens, it offers visitors a peaceful space for reflection amid rich Viking and medieval heritage.
A brief summary to St Olave's Church York
- Marygate, York, YO30 7DT, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during early afternoon for the best natural light through the stained-glass windows.
- Listen for organ practice sessions to experience the church’s unique auditory atmosphere.
- Look closely for the carved mice on pews by 'The Mouseman'—a charming hidden detail.
- Take time to explore the Stations of the Cross and the 18th-century monuments inside.
- Combine your visit with nearby York Museum Gardens and St Mary’s Abbey for a full historical experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
York city center buses connect frequently to stops within a 10-15 minute walk of St Olave’s Church. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4. Service frequency is high during the day but reduces in evenings and Sundays.
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Train
York Station lies about 2.5 km from St Olave’s Church. A taxi or local bus from the station takes 10-15 minutes, with taxi fares around £7-£10. Walking is possible in 30-40 minutes along mostly flat terrain.
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Walking
From York city center, a 15-20 minute walk along paved paths leads to St Olave’s Church. The route is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, passing through historic streets and near Museum Gardens.
St Olave's Church York 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 St Olave's Church York
Origins and Medieval Rebuilding
St Olave's Church traces its origins to before 1055, founded by the Danish Earl Siward. The present structure largely dates from the 15th century, when major rebuilding expanded the church, especially on the north side, under Archbishop George Neville. The perpendicular style is evident in the magnesium limestone construction, with a distinctive tower rebuilt between 1478 and 1487. This medieval foundation gives the church its asymmetrical charm and historical depth.Endurance Through Conflict and Restoration
The church suffered significant damage during the 1644 siege of York in the English Civil War, when it was used as a gun platform by Parliamentary forces. Restoration efforts in the early 18th century revived much of the structure. Later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the east end was extended with a chancel and enlarged again in 1908, incorporating the original 15th-century east window. The uncarved corbels were artistically completed in 2000–2001, inspired by biblical themes, adding a modern layer to its historic fabric.Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Visitors can admire the nave’s alternating circular and polygonal columns with Doric capitals, and a roof containing beams dating back to the 15th century. The church’s stained glass windows, particularly those crafted by artist Knowles, add vibrant color and narrative to the interior. The refurbished organ enhances the tranquil atmosphere, often heard during practice sessions. The church also houses notable 18th-century monuments and memorials, contributing to its rich internal character.Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Dedicated to St Olave, the patron saint of Norway and a figure linked to York’s Viking heritage, the church embodies centuries of religious and cultural evolution. It remains an active place of worship and a quiet sanctuary for reflection, distinct from busier tourist hubs. The presence of carved pew mice by 'The Mouseman' and the Stations of the Cross invite visitors to discover subtle artistic details throughout.Setting and Surroundings
Located on Marygate, just behind St Mary's Abbey and near the Yorkshire Museum, St Olave’s is nestled within York’s historic city walls. Its proximity to other key heritage sites makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the city’s medieval past. The churchyard includes the grave of artist William Etty, adding another layer of local historical interest.Living Heritage and Visitor Experience
St Olave’s continues to serve its parish community while welcoming visitors who seek a peaceful encounter with history. The church’s Grade I listed status reflects its architectural and historic importance. Photography is generally permitted, though the interior’s subdued lighting may challenge image capture. The church’s intimate scale and serene ambiance offer a unique contrast to York’s grander ecclesiastical landmarks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Norman House
0.4 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.5 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.
Roman Column
0.5 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Historic England - York Office
0.5 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Medieval Walls
0.5 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Roman Bath
0.5 km
Discover ancient Roman baths beneath a lively York pub, blending history and hospitality in the heart of the city.
National Trust - Treasurer's House, York
0.5 km
Explore the grandeur of Treasurer's House in York, a captivating historical museum that unveils the rich tapestry of English heritage.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.6 km
Discover York's rich history and vibrant culture at the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
The Bloody Tour of York
0.6 km
Discover the haunted tales of York on The Bloody Tour, where history and ghostly legends intertwine for an unforgettable experience.
Sundial Column
0.6 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum Gardens
0.1 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
Yorkshire Museum
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
York Observatory
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
King's Manor - University of York
0.2 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.2 km
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
Multangular Tower
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
Invisible Cities - Walking Tours York
0.2 km
Alternative walking tours of York led by local guides with lived experience of homelessness, blending history, personal stories, and social impact.
York City Sightseeing
0.2 km
Discover York’s 2,000 years of history aboard an open-top bus with live guides, hop-on hop-off freedom, and multilingual commentary.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.2 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
Association Of Voluntary Guides Meeting Place
0.2 km
Starting point for free, expert-led walking tours revealing York’s rich history and vibrant culture every day except Christmas.
York Art Gallery
0.2 km
Discover centuries of British art and vibrant contemporary exhibitions in York’s historic and beautifully restored art gallery.
Exhibition Square
0.2 km
A historic and vibrant cultural square in York, blending art, architecture, and community in the city’s heart.
William Etty
0.2 km
A dignified granite statue in Exhibition Square honoring York-born William Etty, a pioneering painter of nudes and historical scenes.
York Theatre Royal
0.3 km
Discover York Theatre Royal, a historic gem blending medieval roots with Victorian Gothic and modernist design, alive with over 270 years of theatrical heritage.
Black window cat
0.3 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
Essential places to dine
Roots York
0.1 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
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.
Brew & Brownie
0.3 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.4 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
The Rise
0.4 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.4 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.4 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
The Botanist York
0.4 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.4 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.4 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.4 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
Turtle Bay York
0.5 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Côte York
0.5 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Los Moros
0.5 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Imaginarium
0.3 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.3 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Snowhome
0.4 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.4 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
York Minster Shop
0.4 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Rookscroft
0.4 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.4 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
The Cat Gallery
0.5 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.5 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Hidden Treasures
0.5 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Fairer World
0.5 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
Paper Doll
0.5 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.5 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Cello by Collectables
0.6 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Pandora
0.6 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eagle & Child
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.3 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
The Maltings
0.3 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Lendal Cellars
0.4 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.4 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.4 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Evil Eye
0.4 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Revolution York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.4 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Dusk
0.5 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.5 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.5 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
York Tap
0.5 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.5 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Victor J's
0.5 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Flares - York
0.4 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
BlueBox
0.5 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Club Salvation
0.5 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.6 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.6 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.6 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Kuda
0.8 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)
1.7 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.6 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.8 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.4 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.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.6 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
34.6 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 Key Club
34.8 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.8 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
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
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
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
