Fairfax House: A Masterpiece of Georgian Elegance in York
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
Fairfax House is a beautifully restored Georgian townhouse in York, originally built in the mid-18th century for Viscount Fairfax and his daughter Anne. Renowned for its exquisite stucco ceilings, intricate woodwork, and a nationally significant collection of English Georgian furniture, it offers an immersive glimpse into the refined domestic life of the Georgian elite. Now a museum, it features engaging exhibitions, family-friendly activities, and expert interpretation.
A brief summary to Fairfax House
- FairFax House, Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN, GB
- +441904655543
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10:50 am-11 am
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on weekday mornings to enjoy fewer crowds and a more personal experience.
- Explore the family-friendly mouse trail and dress-up activities for an engaging visit with children.
- Take time to admire the intricate stucco ceilings and carved woodwork, especially the main staircase.
- Check out the museum shop for unique Georgian-inspired gifts and souvenirs.
- Consider joining the Friends of Fairfax House for access to exclusive events and supporting preservation efforts.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus services 1 or 10 from York city centre, which run every 10-20 minutes and stop near Castlegate. The journey takes approximately 10-15 minutes. Single fares cost around £2.50 GBP. Note that services may be less frequent on Sundays.
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Taxi
A taxi ride from York railway station to Fairfax House takes about 10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £6-£10 GBP. Taxis are readily available at the station and in the city centre.
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Walking
From York city centre, Fairfax House is a 15-20 minute walk along mostly flat, paved streets. The route is accessible but may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to occasional narrow pavements.
Fairfax 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 Fairfax House
Architectural Grandeur and Historical Origins
Fairfax House was constructed around the early 1740s and purchased in 1759 by Charles Gregory Fairfax, 9th Viscount Fairfax of Emley, as a winter townhouse for himself and his daughter Anne. The house was remodelled by the esteemed Yorkshire architect John Carr between 1761 and 1765, who enhanced its Georgian elegance with symmetry, high ceilings, and refined proportions. The interior boasts some of Yorkshire’s finest mid-18th-century plasterwork and carved woodwork, with stucco ceilings crafted by Giuseppe Cortese or James Henderson, reflecting both artistic mastery and subtle religious symbolism tied to the Fairfax family's Catholic faith.Rich Interiors and Decorative Arts
The interiors of Fairfax House are a showcase of Georgian craftsmanship and style. The richly decorated rooms feature elaborate stucco ceilings themed to each room’s function, with motifs such as portrait busts of literary figures in the library and patriotic symbols on the main staircase. The house contains a remarkable collection of English-made Georgian furniture, clocks, silver, and paintings, largely assembled through the bequest of Noel Terry and subsequent acquisitions. Highlights include a rare wooden panel carved by Grinling Gibbons during his apprenticeship in York and fine examples of eighteenth-century glass and musical instruments, offering a vivid window into the tastes and lifestyle of the period’s wealthy elite.Transformation and Preservation through the Centuries
Over its history, Fairfax House has served varied roles—from a private residence to a gentlemen’s club, and notably as St George’s Cinema and Dance Hall in the early 20th century. Despite these changes, much of the original decorative detail was preserved, often boxed in rather than destroyed. By the 1970s, the building faced decline until York Civic Trust undertook a meticulous restoration from 1982 to 1984, led by architect Francis Johnson. This extensive project involved structural reinforcement and painstaking cleaning of plasterwork, restoring the house to its Georgian splendour. Today, York Conservation Trust owns the property, ensuring its ongoing preservation and public accessibility.Visitor Experience and Educational Engagement
Fairfax House operates as a museum dedicated to eighteenth-century domestic life and Georgian architecture. Visitors can explore fully furnished period rooms that evoke the atmosphere of the original inhabitants. The museum offers lively exhibitions, audio-visual displays, and family-friendly activities such as a mouse trail and period costume dress-up. Knowledgeable room guides enrich the experience with stories of the Fairfax family and the house’s history. The museum also hosts events and educational programs, making it a vibrant centre for cultural heritage in York.Significance and Cultural Legacy
As a Grade I listed building, Fairfax House is one of Britain’s finest examples of Georgian townhouses and a key site for the study of eighteenth-century architecture and domestic culture. Its collection of English Georgian furniture is among the most comprehensive in Europe, and its preservation offers invaluable insight into the social history of the era. The house also reflects the complex religious and political context of its time, subtly expressed through its decorative schemes. Fairfax House continues to inspire and educate visitors, embodying York’s rich heritage and architectural excellence.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ouse Bridge
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Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
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York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
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Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The York Ghost Merchants
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Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ghost Hunt of York
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Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The Stonebow
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A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
York Mansion House
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Explore York Mansion House, a Georgian gem in the heart of York, showcasing the rich history and elegant lifestyle of the 18th century.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
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Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
Barley Hall
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Discover the rich history of York at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse showcasing life in the 15th century.
The Deathly Dark Tours
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Unearth the chilling tales of York's past with The Deathly Dark Tours, where ghostly legends and history intertwine for an unforgettable adventure.
Bedern Hall
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Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
St Anthonys Garden
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Explore St Anthony's Garden in York, a serene retreat filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Roman Column
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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
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Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
The Norman House
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Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Unmissable attractions to see
St Mary's Church
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Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
JORVIK Viking Centre
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Step into Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre, where history comes alive through immersive rides, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
Ghost keeper - Meeting point
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Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
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Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
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Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
York Army Museum
0.1 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
Coppergate Shopping Centre
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Historic York’s vibrant open-air shopping centre blending culture, retail, and dining in the city’s ancient heart.
Clifford's Tower, York
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Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
The York Dungeon
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Step into York’s darkest history with live actors, chilling shows, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
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Step into York’s medieval past at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a stunning timber-framed guildhall alive with history, commerce, and community spirit.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement
0.2 km
Discover York’s historic All Saints, Pavement—home to a medieval lantern tower beacon and centuries of rich heritage in the city’s heart.
The Spurriergate Centre
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A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
York Castle Museum
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Step back in time at York Castle Museum, where historic prison walls and a vibrant Victorian street bring York’s rich past vividly to life.
York Gift Center
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Discover authentic York souvenirs and local crafts in a charming historic gift shop nestled in the heart of the city.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
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York's longest-running ghost tour—authentic paranormal history told nightly by passionate guides.
Essential places to dine
Rustique Restaurant
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Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
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Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
The Olive Tree
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Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
Pavement Vaults
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Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Ate O'Clock
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Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Corner Grill House
0.2 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
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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Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
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.
Marzano Italian & Grill
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
Il Paradiso Del Cibo
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A lively, cash-only Italian gem on Walmgate, serving authentic Sardinian-style pizzas, pastas, and hearty meat dishes in a bustling, family-run setting.
Wine Stories
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Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Valhalla York
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Experience hearty Viking-inspired tapas, unique ales, and a lively atmosphere at Valhalla York in the heart of the city.
Tabanco By Ambiente
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas and sherry in a warm, inviting atmosphere at Tabanco By Ambiente in York’s historic Walmgate.
The Cut & Craft York
0.4 km
Stylish steakhouse in York’s historic St. Sampson’s Square, famed for premium cuts, craft beers, and inviting modern ambiance.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Dog & Bone Vintage
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Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Fenwick York
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Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
York Souvenir's
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Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Expressions
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Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Give The Dog A Bone
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Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Gift Gallery
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Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
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Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
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Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Greybear
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Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Take One Gifts
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Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
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Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Cello by Collectables
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Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Sterling Souvenirs
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Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
The Medieval Scribe
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Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Three Tuns
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Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
The Stone Roses Bar
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York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Plonkers
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Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Social 8 Lounge
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Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
The Fossgate Social
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A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
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Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
Golden Fleece York
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York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Hop York
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A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
The Blue Bell
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York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
Dyls
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Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
Tank & Paddle York
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Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Pivní York
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Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Jalou York
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Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Vudu Lounge
0.4 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie 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
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
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
