Fairfax House

Fairfax House is widely considered the finest Georgian townhouse in England, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the high society of the 18th century. Originally the winter residence of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter Anne, the house was designed by the celebrated architect John Carr. Inside, you will find some of the most magnificent stucco ceilings and ornate rococo plasterwork in the United Kingdom. After a colorful history as a cinema and a dance hall, the property was meticulously restored by the York Civic Trust in the 1980s. Today, it serves as a living museum, filled with the famous Noel Terry collection of Chippendale furniture, fine clocks, and period paintings that recreate the atmosphere of a bustling Georgian home.

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Alles über Fairfax House

Was Sie erwartet

As of early 2026, Fairfax House is open to the public from Monday to Thursday and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. On Fridays, the house operates differently, offering exclusive guided tours at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 2:00 pm, which are highly popular and should be booked in advance. Standard adult admission is priced at 8.50 GBP, and a fantastic benefit for holidaymakers is that your ticket remains valid for free return visits for an entire year. Under 16s are admitted free of charge when accompanied by an adult. The house is located on Castlegate, and last admission is typically 45 minutes before closing time.

Warum diese Tour buchen

Because Fairfax House is a Grade I listed historic building, accessibility is somewhat limited. There are six stone steps at the main entrance, and while the ground floor is accessible with assistance, the upper floor is only reached via the grand staircase as there is no lift. To help families enjoy the history, younger visitors can follow the Townhouse Mouse trail to find hidden secrets throughout the rooms. Photography is generally not permitted inside the main galleries to help preserve the delicate fabrics and furniture. While there is no dedicated cafe inside, the house is surrounded by some of York's best independent tea rooms. Please note that pushchairs cannot be taken into the historic rooms but can be left at the reception.

Die richtige Tour auswählen

Fairfax House is located on Castlegate (YO1 9RN), right in the centre of York. It is a very easy 10 to 12-minute walk from York Railway Station; simply follow the signs toward the JORVIK Viking Centre or Clifford's Tower, which are both just a few steps away. For those driving into the city, the Castle Car Park is directly opposite the house, providing the most convenient parking option. If you are using the city's bus network, many services stop at Clifford Street or the nearby Piccadilly, both of which are less than a five-minute walk from the entrance. Its central location makes it a perfect stop during a day of walking through the historic streets.

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For a more peaceful experience, try to visit on a weekday morning or during the Sunday opening hours. Saturdays can be particularly busy, especially during the York Residents’ Festival in late January. If you are interested in a deeper historical dive, the Friday guided tours are excellent as they provide expert commentary on the architecture and the Fairfax family's private lives. Spring and autumn are lovely times to visit when the city is less crowded, but the house is especially magical in December when it is traditionally decorated for a Georgian Christmas. Always check the official website before visiting in early 2026 to see if any temporary exhibitions, like the Ruth Beloe oil painting display, are currently showing.