17 Blossom Street
York
North Yorkshire
England
YO24 1AQ
0843 299 2624*
+44 1904 643238
The oldest living convent in England. Charming Georgian building in York with many architectural features and museum. B&B, cafe and venue hire.
0843 299 2624*Call direct for best rates – Please mention iknowLooking for things to do in York? For a day out with a difference, visit the Bar Convent Museum. The Bar Convent is the oldest living convent in the UK and entry is free of charge. The museum enables the visitor to discover a great deal about the history of the convent and religion in the North of England. It also tells the story of Saint Margaret Clitherow and of Mary Ward, foundress of the religious order of sisters who still reside at the convent - the Congregation of Jesus (formerly known as the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary). The upstairs gallery of the museum hosts a static exhibition of religious artefacts, vestments, paintings and items from the convent's history as a school.
You can visit the neo-classical Georgian chapel, the Museum, shop, cafe and garden - whatever your choice we are sure that you will enjoy the history and tranquillity of this splendid Grade I listed building and the warm welcome you will receive from the staff and community of sisters. Please visit our main website for further information.

Visit our hidden chapel and see if you can count the number of cherubs in the gilded dome. Find out how we are linked to the gunpowder plot and famous York Saint Margaret Clitherow. Listen to stories from our archives when viewing the dolls house replica of the convent in the Regency period.
The convent is also able to host meetings and celebrations, or you can arrange an overnight stay in our 3 star B&B and enjoy all that the building has to offer of its history and atmosphere all to yourself.