Bar Convent is the oldest living convent in the UK - a fascinating heritage centre in the heart of York with a secret chapel, compelling exhibition, award-winning cafe and guest house.

Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre| Heritage Buildings in York

• Opening Hours:
  • Cafe: Monday to Saturday 8am-3pm (hot food until 2.30pm)
  • Exhibition, Chapel and Georgian Parlour: 10am-5pm (last admission 4pm)
  • Closed bank holidays and some religious holidays
• Location: Bar Convent Heritage Centre, 17 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ
• Suitable for: All ages - lift access available to all exhibition floors, accessible toilet on ground floor
• Booking: The house is free to visit. Exhibition admission applies - check website for current prices.
• Website: https://barconvent.co.uk
• Contact: 01904 643 238 | reception@barconvent.co.uk

Established in 1686 at a time when practising Catholicism was illegal in England, Bar Convent has a history unlike anywhere else in York. A group of religious sisters - now known as the Congregation of Jesus - opened this convent in secret, hiding a chapel within the fabric of the building to avoid detection. That chapel survives to this day, an extraordinary 18th-century space concealed behind plain exterior walls and still used for worship. Visiting it feels like uncovering something genuinely clandestine.

The exhibition at Bar Convent tells the story of the house and its community through original artefacts, interactive displays and vivid storytelling - covering themes of secrecy, persecution, survival and the remarkable women who kept the community going through centuries of difficulty. The collections include rare religious objects and relics, an historic library and an archive of considerable importance. Guided tours of the house are available and offer a deeper exploration of the building's hidden spaces and history.

Beyond the heritage, Bar Convent is also a working community space with a highly regarded cafe serving breakfasts, lunches and home baking, a programme of events and exhibitions, and an award-winning guest house providing comfortable accommodation within this unique setting. It is located a short walk from York railway station, making it easy to combine with a wider visit to the city. The Bar Convent is a place of genuine warmth and welcome for visitors of all backgrounds.

Photo credit: https://barconvent.co.uk/getting-here