All Saints North Street
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All Saints North Street

4.7
·89 reviews·, United Kingdom

A hidden medieval gem in York, boasting stunning restored stained glass and a remarkably warm, welcoming community.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
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All Saints North Street

All Saints North Street

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden medieval gem in York, boasting stunning restored stained glass and a remarkably warm, welcoming community. Reddit+1

4.7
(89 reviews)

"You may find yourself with this hidden gem all to yourself! Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Explore Beyond the Glass

While the stained glass is stunning, don't miss the church's peaceful ambiance and friendly atmosphere.

📚 Grab a Guidebook

A superb guide book is available for purchase, offering deep insights into the church's history.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pricke of Conscience Window

Pricke of Conscience Window

A breathtaking medieval stained glass masterpiece, recently restored to its full, vibrant glory.

Reddit
Restored Wooden Angels

Restored Wooden Angels

Discover a collection of beautifully preserved wooden angels, adding to the church's serene atmosphere.

Reddit
Peaceful Sanctuary

Peaceful Sanctuary

Experience a profound sense of calm and warmth in this hidden gem, a welcome escape from the city buzz.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Unexpected Gem

Don't let its unassuming exterior fool you; All Saints North Street is a treasure trove of history and art. Visitors often find themselves captivated for hours, discovering a peaceful sanctuary away from the city bustle. The church's generous opening hours make it accessible for spontaneous visits. Reddit

Discover the Pricke of Conscience

The star attraction is the magnificent 'Pricke of Conscience' stained glass window, recently restored to its former glory. Allow ample time to admire the intricate details of this and other vibrant windows, as well as the beautifully preserved wooden angels. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Thursday mornings
Why
Experience a service
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🎯 Explore Beyond the Glass

While the stained glass is stunning, don't miss the church's peaceful ambiance and friendly atmosphere. Reddit

📚 Grab a Guidebook

A superb guide book is available for purchase, offering deep insights into the church's history. Reddit

☕ Stay for Coffee

You might be invited for coffee and biscuits – a warm welcome from the caretakers! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Take your time to explore the entire church; you might find yourself staying longer than expected. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Explore Beyond the Glass

While the stained glass is stunning, don't miss the church's peaceful ambiance and friendly atmosphere. Reddit

📚 Grab a Guidebook

A superb guide book is available for purchase, offering deep insights into the church's history. Reddit

☕ Stay for Coffee

You might be invited for coffee and biscuits – a warm welcome from the caretakers! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Wander and Discover

Take your time to explore the entire church; you might find yourself staying longer than expected. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(89 reviews)

Reviews Summary

All Saints North Street is a hidden gem praised for its stunning, recently restored medieval stained glass, particularly the 'Pricke of Conscience' window. Visitors are consistently delighted by the church's peaceful atmosphere and the exceptionally warm, welcoming nature of its congregation. While it's a smaller site, many find themselves captivated for hours, appreciating the care and passion evident throughout. Reddit+1

"Visited for the glass, but there is so much else of interest and, remarkably, you may find yourself with this hidden gem all to yourself! The church seems to open regularly for visitors, and there is a service on Thursday mornings, the clergy are very welcoming and friendly. Oh, and there is a superb guide book for sale, which, if I dare to say it, is even better than the Minster’s!"

Eddie Walker

"One of the many interesting pieces of architecture that can be found throughout the city. It is nice to walk around and explore the entire city to see what you can find."

Matt H

"My friend and I were spending a couple of days in York, and happened to see that this amazing little Church was only a few minutes walk away from our apartment.
We strolled up to it, expecting to stay only a few minutes, but ended up spending two hours there!
The church IS small, but as we went in, we could feel the peace and warmth , and immediately felt welcomed.
Some members of the Church were having a meeting at the back, and they smiled a greeting as we went past.
We made our way to the impressive Pricke of Concience Window. I was amazed at how clean and bright all the stained glass windows were, and later found out they have all recently been restored, thanks to a Nation Lottery Heritage fund grant.
The money has been well spent. All the angels have been restored as well, and we could see the whole church is much loved, and well cared for.
We were invited to stay for coffee and biscuits, which was unexpected, but much appreciated. What struck me, was just how passionate everyone was about their Church , and how welcoming they are to strangers.
This is a very special little church, with very special caretakers, and I'll certainly make a point of visiting again on our next visit to York."

June Kneller

What People Like

Stunning stained glass
Peaceful atmosphere
Welcoming congregation

What People Dislike

Difficult exterior photos

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

All Saints North Street is a short walk from the main city centre, often described as a few minutes from nearby apartments. It's a pleasant stroll, allowing you to discover other architectural gems along the way. Reddit

While it's described as 'hidden away from the city centre,' it's generally accessible by foot. Some visitors note it can be difficult to get a picture from the outside, suggesting it's tucked away. Reddit

As it's a short walk from the city centre, you'll likely be using public transport to reach York itself. From the city centre, walking is the most recommended method. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No tickets are required for entry. The church is known for its generous open hours, making it accessible for all visitors. Reddit

The church is open regularly for visitors, with generous opening hours. It's best to check for any specific service times, like the Thursday morning service. Reddit

There is no admission fee. Visitors are welcomed to explore the church freely. Reddit

Yes, you can visit during a service, such as the one held on Thursday mornings. Visitors are welcomed warmly. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The primary draw is the stunning medieval stained glass, particularly the 'Pricke of Conscience' window, which has been recently restored. Reddit

Inside, you'll find beautifully clean and bright stained glass windows, including the famous 'Pricke of Conscience' window, and a collection of well-cared-for wooden angels. Reddit

While you might intend a short visit, many find themselves spending hours due to the captivating art and peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Information on Wi-Fi or charging facilities is not readily available, but the focus is on historical and artistic appreciation. Reddit

While formal guided tours aren't explicitly mentioned, the church has informative signage and a comprehensive guidebook for sale that acts as a guide. Reddit+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While there are no dedicated dining facilities, visitors have reported being invited for coffee and biscuits, showcasing the church's hospitality. Reddit

It's generally advisable to consume food and drinks outside of sacred spaces. However, the welcoming nature of the church might allow for exceptions if discussed. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted inside, allowing you to capture the beauty of the stained glass and angels. However, always be respectful of ongoing services or other visitors. Reddit

The 'Pricke of Conscience' window and the collection of wooden angels are prime subjects. The overall brightness and cleanliness of the windows make for excellent shots. Reddit

Some visitors note that it can be difficult to get a good picture of the exterior, suggesting it's somewhat tucked away or has limited external viewpoints. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

All Saints North Street offers a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The vibrant stained glass windows, especially the 'Pricke of Conscience' window, can capture children's imaginations with their colours and stories. Reddit The collection of wooden angels also provides a visual point of interest. Reddit The church's peaceful atmosphere can be a welcome respite for families needing a quiet moment. Reddit The welcoming nature of the congregation means children are likely to feel comfortable and included. Reddit

Consider bringing a small notebook and crayons for kids to sketch their favourite windows or angels, turning the visit into a creative activity. The church's manageable size also means it won't overwhelm younger visitors. Reddit The availability of a good guidebook can also help parents share interesting facts with their children in an accessible way. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & History Buffs

For solo travelers and history enthusiasts, All Saints North Street is a dream discovery. The church's rich history, evident in its medieval stained glass and architecture, offers a deep dive into the past. Reddit The 'Pricke of Conscience' window, in particular, is a significant historical and artistic artifact. Reddit The availability of an excellent guidebook provides ample information for those who want to delve deeper into the church's stories and significance. Reddit

The peaceful and welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and exploration. Solo visitors can take their time to absorb the details without feeling rushed. Reddit The friendly nature of the congregation also ensures that solo travelers feel connected and at ease, potentially leading to interesting conversations and insights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Artistry of Stained Glass

All Saints North Street is renowned for its exceptional stained glass windows, with the 'Pricke of Conscience' window being the undisputed highlight. These medieval artworks have undergone recent restoration, funded by a National Lottery Heritage grant, ensuring their vibrant colours and intricate details are preserved for generations to come. Reddit The clarity and brightness of the glass are frequently praised by visitors, who are amazed by the quality of the restoration work. Reddit The church also features other beautifully crafted windows, each telling its own story and contributing to the overall spiritual and artistic ambiance. Reddit

Beyond the famous 'Pricke of Conscience,' the church's collection of wooden angels is another significant artistic feature. These figures have also been meticulously cared for and restored, adding a unique dimension to the interior. Reddit The combination of the luminous stained glass and the detailed woodwork creates a visually rich and historically significant space that captivates visitors. Reddit The informative signage throughout the church further enhances the appreciation of these artistic treasures, making it an enriching experience for art and history enthusiasts alike. Reddit

A Welcoming Community

What truly sets All Saints North Street apart is the palpable sense of warmth and welcome extended to all visitors. Many reviewers highlight the friendliness of the clergy and church members, who often smile greetings and are passionate about their church. Reddit+1 This welcoming spirit extends to unexpected gestures, such as invitations for coffee and biscuits, which leave a lasting positive impression on guests. Reddit The church fosters an inclusive atmosphere, making everyone feel comfortable whether they are visiting for worship, historical interest, or simple curiosity. Reddit

This community-driven approach creates a unique and memorable experience. Visitors often feel a sense of peace and warmth upon entering, a stark contrast to the potential hustle of the city outside. Reddit The caretakers' dedication to the church is evident in its well-maintained state and the genuine interactions with visitors. Reddit This emphasis on community and hospitality transforms a visit from a mere sightseeing stop into a truly enriching encounter. Reddit

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