The chapel and its dome.
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Bar Convent

4.7
·907 reviews·, United Kingdom

A unique, peaceful retreat in York offering comfortable accommodation and a fascinating living history museum.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter for exploring exhibits

CrowdLow
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The chapel and its dome.

Bar Convent

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Quieter for exploring exhibits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique, peaceful retreat in York offering comfortable accommodation and a fascinating living history museum.

4.7
(907 reviews)

"A unique gem of a place, offering serenity and history just minutes from the station and city centre."

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🎯 Prime Location

Just a 5-min walk from the train station and 50m from the city wall. Perfect for exploring York! :city_sunrise:

☕ Cozy Amenities

Enjoy thoughtful touches like shortbread biscuits, cotton blankets, and air conditioning. :cookie:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Living Museum

The Living Museum

Explore centuries of UK and York history, the Reformation, and the lives of dedicated women. A truly captivating experience.

Peaceful Garden

Peaceful Garden

A serene oasis to relax with a pot of tea after a day of exploring York's historic streets.

Elegant Dining Atrium

Elegant Dining Atrium

Enjoy a delicious breakfast under a beautiful glass ceiling with lovely tile floors. A delightful start to your day.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Breakfast

While continental breakfast is great, the full cooked breakfast is a highlight. It's best to book this directly when reserving your stay to ensure a spot and experience the full culinary offering in the beautiful dining area.

Embrace the History

The Bar Convent is more than just accommodation; it's a living museum. Allow time to explore the fascinating exhibitions detailing UK and York history, the Reformation, and the stories of the convent's women.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Quieter for exploring exhibits
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Relaxing in the garden
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

UK people, what are the best things to see, do (and eat!) in York if you only have a day there

🎯 Prime Location

Just a 5-min walk from the train station and 50m from the city wall. Perfect for exploring York! :city_sunrise:

☕ Cozy Amenities

Enjoy thoughtful touches like shortbread biscuits, cotton blankets, and air conditioning. :cookie:

reddit.com

First time visiting york for 2.5 days. What's the best places to go and visit?

reddit.com

Suggestions for people visiting aside from the most obvious places?

🍽️ Breakfast Booking

Book the full cooked breakfast directly for an excellent meal in a delightful dining area. :croissant:

💧 Shower Pressure

Some guests noted low water pressure in showers and sinks. Be prepared for a gentle flow. :droplet:

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Prime Location

Just a 5-min walk from the train station and 50m from the city wall. Perfect for exploring York! :city_sunrise:

☕ Cozy Amenities

Enjoy thoughtful touches like shortbread biscuits, cotton blankets, and air conditioning. :cookie:

🍽️ Breakfast Booking

Book the full cooked breakfast directly for an excellent meal in a delightful dining area. :croissant:

💧 Shower Pressure

Some guests noted low water pressure in showers and sinks. Be prepared for a gentle flow. :droplet:

🧺 Kitchen & Laundry

Convenient kitchen with laundry facilities available for guests. Great for longer stays. :washing_machine:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(907 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Guests rave about the Bar Convent's exceptional value, prime location near the train station and city walls, and the peaceful, clean accommodations. The fascinating historical exhibition and the delightful breakfast in the atrium are consistently highlighted as major positives, making it a unique and highly recommended stay in York.

"I had one night at the Bar Convent and absolutely loved it. It was in a terrific location, 5 minutes walk from the train station and 50m from the city wall. It was excellent value for a solo traveller, with a spotlessly clean, spacious bed on the top floor. Little niceties, such as decent shortbread biscuits to have with a cuppa, a cotton blanket and air conditioning (reverse cycle) for the warmer nights. And quiet.
Book directly for the full cooked breakfast (I didn't but the continental breakfast was great, with a range of things to have). The dining area is delightful. And the staff are so lovely.
And it is a living museum. The exhibition is worth seeing, even for a non-religious person like me. So much fascinating history relating to the UK, York, the Reformation, the various kings and noblemen, and the brave and selfless women.
Excellent value and a great place to stay."

Tana McMullen

"This was the perfect accommodation for exploring York—walking distance to train station and town center, very clean and appealingly simple room with generous modern bathroom, delicious breakfast in beautiful glass ceiling atrium with lovely tile floors, quiet location with easy access to good restaurants. I was completely delighted by this experience and greatly enjoyed learning about the fascinating history of the convent."

Sarah Gridley

"Clean, restful, and quiet environment for a good night's sleep.
Helpful, kind hotel staff.
Yummy fresh food with wide selection.
Felt seen, cared for and pampered before and after our long walks and excursions sightseeing in York!
Fully recommend.
Gave 4 stars for room due to low water pressure in shower and at sink for entire stay."

Suzanne Tang

What People Like

Excellent value for money
Prime central location
Fascinating historical exhibition

What People Dislike

Low shower water pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Bar Convent is incredibly convenient, located just a 5-minute walk from York train station. Simply head out of the station and it's a short stroll away, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

Information regarding specific parking availability at the Bar Convent is not widely detailed, but its proximity to the train station suggests public transport is the most convenient option for visitors.

Absolutely! The Bar Convent boasts a terrific location, being only a few minutes' walk from the heart of York city center, allowing for easy access to attractions and amenities.

While the historic nature of the building may present some challenges, the reviews highlight a generally positive experience. It's advisable to contact the convent directly for specific accessibility details.

If arriving by car, it's recommended to research local car parks near the city center as on-site parking may be limited due to its central location. The convent's proximity to the train station makes public transport a strong alternative.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, booking accommodation in advance is highly recommended, especially if you wish to secure a spot for the full cooked breakfast, which is often best booked directly when reserving your room.

The exhibition at the Bar Convent is a key attraction. While specific hours can vary, it's generally open for visitors to explore the fascinating history housed within its walls. Checking their official website for the most current times is advised.

The Bar Convent is described as a living museum, and its exhibition is worth seeing. While not explicitly stated, it's common for such historical sites to have an admission fee for non-guests. It's best to confirm this directly with the convent.

Yes, the exhibition is highlighted as being worth seeing even if you are not staying at the convent. This makes it a great option for a cultural visit during your time in York.

Information on specific discounts for the Bar Convent exhibition is not readily available in reviews. It's advisable to inquire directly with the convent about potential concessions for students, seniors, or group visits.

🎫 🛏️ Onsite Experience

Rooms are described as spotlessly clean, spacious, and appealingly simple, often featuring generous modern bathrooms. Guests have appreciated niceties like air conditioning and quiet environments for a good night's sleep.

A continental breakfast is typically available and is described as great, with a good range of options. For a full cooked breakfast, it's recommended to book this directly when making your accommodation reservation.

Guests can enjoy a delightful dining area for breakfast, a peaceful garden for relaxation, and a convenient kitchen with laundry facilities. Some rooms also feature air conditioning for comfort.

Yes, multiple reviews emphasize the quiet and restful environment at the Bar Convent, making it an ideal place for a good night's sleep after a day of sightseeing in York.

The Bar Convent offers a unique atmosphere of serenity and peace. It's a living museum with fascinating history, combined with the comfort and hospitality of a welcoming accommodation.

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, the Bar Convent offers several picturesque spots. The elegant dining atrium with its glass ceiling and tile floors, the peaceful garden, and the historic architecture of the building itself provide excellent photo opportunities.

For the dining atrium, morning light would be ideal to capture the beauty of the glass ceiling. The garden would be lovely in the afternoon light. Exploring the exhibition may also yield interesting visual details.

Photography rules within historical exhibitions can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff at the Bar Convent if photography is permitted inside the exhibition areas to avoid any issues.

The beautiful glass-ceilinged dining atrium is a standout feature. The historic architecture of the convent itself, along with the tranquil garden, also offers compelling visual elements for photographers.

The Bar Convent lends itself well to architectural photography, interior shots of the dining area and garden, and potentially documentary-style photography within the exhibition spaces, capturing its historical significance.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Bar Convent is a peaceful retreat, its historical exhibition can be engaging for older children interested in history. The convenient location near the city walls and the city center means families can easily access attractions like the Jorvik Viking Centre or the National Railway Museum. The availability of a kitchen with laundry facilities can also be a lifesaver for families managing children's needs on the go. Consider booking rooms that offer a bit more space if traveling with younger children. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The Bar Convent offers excellent value for money, especially for solo travelers. The clean, comfortable rooms and the included continental breakfast make it a cost-effective choice. Its central location also saves on transportation costs, as most of York's attractions are within walking distance. Booking directly might offer better rates or packages, so it's worth checking their website. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Solo Travelers

For couples, the Bar Convent provides a serene and romantic escape, with its peaceful garden and elegant dining area. Solo travelers will find it to be a safe, quiet, and welcoming environment, offering both comfort and the opportunity to delve into local history. The thoughtful amenities and friendly staff contribute to a highly positive and restful experience for individuals seeking a tranquil stay. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Unique Stay: Accommodation at the Bar Convent

Staying at the Bar Convent offers a distinctive experience beyond typical hotels. Rooms are consistently praised for being spotlessly clean, spacious, and comfortably appointed, with modern bathrooms and thoughtful amenities like air conditioning and quiet surroundings ensuring a restful night's sleep. Guests often highlight the excellent value for solo travelers and couples alike. The convent provides a peaceful sanctuary, a stark contrast to the bustling city outside, making it a truly unique place to recharge.

Beyond the rooms, the convent offers practical facilities such as a kitchen with laundry, which is a great convenience for longer stays. The dining experience is also a significant draw. While the continental breakfast is good, booking the full cooked breakfast directly is highly recommended for a truly memorable meal in the beautiful, glass-ceilinged atrium. The overall impression is one of being well-cared for, with helpful and kind staff contributing to the serene atmosphere. Reddit

More Than Just a Stay: The Bar Convent's Living Museum

The Bar Convent is not merely a place to sleep; it's a vibrant living museum steeped in history. The exhibition is a significant draw, offering a fascinating journey through centuries of UK and York history, the complexities of the Reformation, and the inspiring stories of the brave and selfless women who have been part of the convent's legacy. Even for those who are not religious, the historical narrative and the dedication of the individuals involved are deeply compelling.

Visitors consistently recommend allocating time to explore these exhibits. The information presented provides valuable context to the region and its past, making the stay at the Bar Convent an enriching cultural experience. It's a chance to connect with the heritage of York in a profound way, offering insights that go far beyond typical tourist attractions. Reddit

Location, Location, Location: Exploring York from the Bar Convent

The Bar Convent's location is frequently cited as a major advantage for visitors. It's incredibly well-situated, being just a five-minute walk from York train station, which is perfect for those arriving by public transport. Furthermore, it's only about 50 meters from the historic city walls, offering immediate access to one of York's most iconic features. The city center, with its array of shops, restaurants, and attractions, is also within easy walking distance, making it effortless to explore the best of what York has to offer.

This prime positioning means that many of York's key sights, including The Shambles and York Minster, are easily accessible on foot. This convenience significantly enhances the visitor experience, allowing for spontaneous exploration and reducing the need for additional transportation. It truly serves as an ideal base for immersing yourself in the charm and history of York. Reddit

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