The Bar Convent Guest House | City stay in York | Book Now

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Key details

About the Hotel

17 Blossom Street, York, United Kingdom, YO24 1AQ

Next to the historic city walls

Perfect

9.0

/10

5.0

4.7

Loved by The Bar Convent Guest House guests

Cute staff
Comfortable beds
Delicious breakfast
Beautiful garden
Clean bathroom
Perfect location

"I loved that there was a self catering space as ive never seen this before in a hotel."

Harrison from United Kingdom

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"The Hotel is a quirky, hidden gem with some interesting history and a peaceful garden."

Gary from United Kingdom

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"Literally a 7 min walk from train depot or from the medieval wall to the most cozy, comfy quiet accommodation in all of England."

LindaGlobeTrekking from United States

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Location

The Bar Convent Guest House is situated just a short walk from York Railway Station, making it convenient for travelers. Positioned near Micklegate Bar, representatives of York's historic walls, guests can stroll into the city center in approximately ten minutes. The central location offers easy access to explore York's rich cultural heritage.

Historic Significance

The Bar Convent is recognized as the UK's oldest living convent with a significant historical background. This venue not only houses the main house of a global order but also was the location where the first schools for girls in the UK were established in 1669. The Hidden Chapel, a remarkable example of 18th-century architecture, stands as a testament to the convent's storied past.

Exhibition and Heritage Centre

Guests can explore the Bar Convent Heritage Centre, which offers an interactive exhibition showcasing artifacts that tell the story of the convent's history through the Tudor era. The exhibition includes a priest's hole and numerous artifacts significant to Catholic history. Guided tours are available every Friday, providing insights into the convent's remarkable contributions to women's education.

Dining Experience

The on-site café serves freshly prepared meals, including homemade soups and a selection of tempting cakes and scones. Breakfast offerings include an award-winning cooked breakfast available for guests. Dining options extend to a peaceful garden, where visitors can enjoy coffee amidst tranquil surroundings.

Accommodations

The guest house features rooms that have recently been refurbished, some being completely new additions. Each stay includes access to a kitchen, a comfortable seating area, and laundry facilities for added convenience. The historical aura of the building enriches the guests' overall experience during their visit to York.

Highlights

Location: Just a short walk from York Railway Station

Historic Significance: UK's oldest living convent

Exhibition: Interactive exhibition showcasing artifacts

Café: Award-winning cooked breakfast served

Must-do experiences

Visit the York Minster at sunrise for breathtaking views.
Savor a traditional Yorkshire pudding at The Hole in the Wall.
Stroll through Shambles Market for unique local crafts.
Uncover history at the Jorvik Viking Centre's interactive exhibits.
Walk the ancient city walls for stunning cityscape views.

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

See hotel location on map

Guest Emotional Experience

Strange & UniqueConvent Surprise

“We hadn't done any homework and were surprised to find it a still functioning convent.”

Francesjd55 from United Kingdom

Away at HomeHome away

“Food is splendid, portions generous, service is homey and friendly.”

LindaGlobeTrekking from United States

Quiet Nights for Busy DaysPeaceful escape

“Quite often in the city centre you are awoken early by traffic etc but we didn't hear much at all.”

ukx0101 from United Kingdom

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Choose the Room

From cosy doubles to spacious family suites – all with flexible options, breakfast, and exclusive deals.

Single Room

2 persons

100 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room

2 persons

155 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Family Room

2 persons

220 sq. feet

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Twin Room

2 persons

240 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Heating

room details

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Check Dates & Room Rates

See what's available for your travel dates

Amenities

Thoughtfully designed amenities for a comfortable & memorable stay

Facilities: Perfect

9.0/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle

Services

Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink

Dining

Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

Cots
Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Shared kitchen
Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Bar Convent Guest House Location

17 Blossom Street, York, United Kingdom, YO24 1AQ

Map view

17 Blossom Street, York, United Kingdom, YO24 1AQ

City landmarks

Museum

National Railway Museum

3100 ft

Church

York Minster

4300 ft

Landmark

York City Walls

3600 ft

Museum

Jorvik Viking Centre

2700 ft

Museum

York Castle Museum

3200 ft

Museum

York's Chocolate Story

3500 ft

Landmark

Clifford's Tower

3700 ft

Museum

Yorkshire Museum

2200 ft

Church

St Wilfrid's Catholic Church

3300 ft

Landmark

York Museum Gardens

2200 ft

Landmark

The York Dungeon

2700 ft

Landmark

Quilt Museum and Gallery

4500 ft

Public Building

York Guildhall

3300 ft

Gallery

York Art Gallery

2200 ft

Park

Rowntree Park

3700 ft

Landmark

Yorkshire Wheel

2500 ft

Landmark

The Hospitium

3100 ft

Landmark

De Grey Rooms And Attached Gates

3100 ft

Square

Saint Helen's Square

3300 ft

Event hall

Merchant Taylors Hall

4700 ft

Landmark

St. Crux Parish Hall

3600 ft

Shopping Area

Stonegate

3700 ft

Church

Church of St Mary Bishophill Junior

2500 ft

Landmark

Goodramgate

4100 ft

Event hall

Saint William's College

4300 ft

Square

Kings Square

4800 ft

Landmark

Fairfax House

3600 ft

Church

St Denys's Church

5300 ft

Nearby

Church

Priory Church of the Holy Trinity

700 ft

Event hall

Jacobs Well

1200 ft

Restaurants

The Punch Bowl JDWetherspoon

200 ft

5-9 Blossom Street

Windmill Inn

100 ft

The Windmill 14-16 Blossom Street

The Micklegate at 127

400 ft

127 Micklegate

Dough Eyed Pizza

400 ft

7 Jubbergate York

Subway

900 ft

5 Odeon Buildings Blossom Street Blossom Street

Priory

500 ft

103 Micklegate

KFC

600 ft

47 Blossom Street

Pizza Choice

600 ft

51 Blossom Street

The Mount

800 ft

72 Blossom Street

Sapphire Chinese Takeaway

900 ft

76 The Mount

Explore York

Local Highlights

National Railway Museum

12 minutes' walk

Home to a vast collection of historic trains and interactive exhibits, perfect for history buffs and families alike.

York Minster

16 minutes' walk

One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in Europe, renowned for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Jorvik Viking Centre

10 minutes' walk

An immersive experience showcasing York's Viking history, featuring artifact displays and recreated Viking settlements.

York Castle Museum

12 minutes' walk

Explores York's social history with engaging exhibits, including a Victorian street and displays on everyday life through the ages.

York Bike Tours

12 minutes' walk

Guided bike tours through scenic routes in York, ideal for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts. Rentals available.

Yoga in the Park

14 minutes' walk

Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions held at nearby Rowntree Park, suitable for all levels. Classes vary seasonally.

The Punch Bowl JDWetherspoon

1 minute' walk

A casual pub chain known for affordable meals and a varied drink selection. Vegetarian options available.

Dough Eyed Pizza

2 minutes' walk

Famous for its artisanal pizzas and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for families and pizza lovers. Offers gluten-free crusts.

The York Dungeon

10 minutes' walk

A thrilling attraction featuring live actors and immersive sets that bring York's dark history to life. Suitable for all ages.

The Basement Bar

9 minutes' walk

A lively venue known for live music and open mic nights, creating a vibrant atmosphere for socializing and entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre

York9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

Leeds Bradford (LBA)74 min · 30.3 mi

Doncaster Sheffield (DSA)94 min · 38.9 mi

Train

York Railway station5 min · 1400 ft

Bus

Bus stop4 min · 1000 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-10:00

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Bar Convent Guest House provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Guest Ratings & Reviews

Real Guest Experiences & Ratings

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Bar Convent Guest House is praised for its convenient location, being a short walk from the train station and within easy reach of the city centre. Guests appreciate the beautiful building and the option to enjoy breakfast in the pretty courtyard. Rooms are generally considered comfortable, with some noted for being large and featuring air conditioning, which is a plus. Some guests have mentioned that an English breakfast requires an extra charge, but overall, visitors find the hotel to be a great value for money, with access to the on-site museum and chapel adding to the experience.

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Review score

Based on 682 verified reviews

8.9/10

Great

94%

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Staff

9.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.8/10

Value for money

8.8/10

Pros

Excellent breakfast

Comfortable room

Excellent location

Helpful staff

On-site cafe

Cons

Confusing entrance

Benjamin from Germany

Family with children

Family Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 31, 2026

9/10

breakfast roomavailable staff

The breakfast room featured a beautiful setting. Staff were always available, if needed.

0 Helpful

georgia from united kingdom

Single

single room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 11, 2026

9.5/10

historic stay near the station

convenient locationnice selectionair conditioning

The location is very convenient. The train station is a short walk away, and getting into town is easy. the breakfast offered a nice selection, including a continental option that suited my preferences. my room had air conditioning, a feature i definitely appreciated !

The room faced an internal area. There were no external views.

Rooms

9/10

My room was a single, it felt spacious! and well-kept. the bathroom included awesome amenities. It offered everything necessary for a comfortable experience. the decoration was elegant and sober.

Location

10/10

the building provides easy access to transportation options, including bus services. several bus lines are just outside, with routes towards the designer outlet and pickering. the train station is also nearby, a very short walk from the hotel.

0 Helpful

Kenneth from United Kingdom

Single

Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 27, 2025

6/10

mixed feelings about my stay

small roomwardrobe doors

my room was quite small. i found it hard to move around comfortably. the wardrobe doors also did not open properly! the bathroom only had one small shelf so storing my things was difficult. i expected more space for the price i paid.

0 Helpful

John from United Kingdom

Single

single room

2 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 11, 2025

9/10

charming stay

train station proximityhelpful staffpretty courtyard

i enjoyed how close i was to the train station. the staff was helpful, they let me leave my luggage after checking out. the breakfast had pretty inside courtyard.

0 Helpful

Logan from Australia

Single

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:September 08, 2025

9.3/10

Charming Stay at Historic Location

restful sleepgluten-free optionsconvenient location

As I have gluten intolerance, breakfast included suitable options. The building has a beautiful garden. I found it extra special. The convenient location is close to the rail station and a short walk to the city center.

The room i stayed in was very small and made moving around tricky.

Dining

9/10

The cafe offers home-cooked food with breakfast options available on-site. the breakfast area features a covered courtyard with a glass ceiling.

Service

9/10

The staff was friendly and helpful during check-in, ensuring guests felt accommodated. They provided information about the historical building. They gave information about available services, to.

Facilities

10/10

This historic building includes a souvenir shop with convent artifacts and an exhibition.

Location

9/10

The location is a short walk from the train station and close to the city center. The hotel has a very pleasant breakfast room. I saw a nice garden at the back.

0 Helpful

Peter from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed:July 30, 2025

9/10

beautiful decorationfriendly staff

The hotel location allowed easy access to many sights. I noted the main foyer had beautiful decoration. I found real serenity inside the building. Friendly staff contributed to this calm atmosphere.

The room lacked a phone for easy contact with reception.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About The Bar Convent Guest House

Where can I find parking near the Bar Convent?

12 November 2024

The nearest car park is located on Nunnery Lane, which runs along the side of the building.

Is there available parking close to the Bar Convent Guest House?

03 February 2025

There isn't a private car park, but a pay and display car park is available across the street, with an overnight rate of £2.00.

What are the parking fees for vehicles near the Guest House?

21 March 2025

Parking charges are based on an hourly rate, with an approximate cost of £13 to £15 for overnight stays at the adjacent car park.

Are there facilities for disabled guests in this accommodation?

15 December 2024

There is a lift in the building, and one family en-suite room designed for accessibility is available on the first floor.

How do shared bathroom facilities work within the guest house?

08 January 2025

Shared bathroom facilities include a toilet and shower accessible to multiple rooms. There are additional toilets and showers on the floor below.

Can I securely store my bicycle while staying at the guest house?

19 April 2025

Bicycles cannot be brought inside the rooms; however, secure bike storage is available in the garden area.

Are the shared bathroom amenities located on the same level as my room?

25 February 2024

Yes, the shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located on the same floor as the small single room booked.

Can I process my payment using a debit card when I check in?

30 January 2025

Yes, payments can be made with debit cards upon arrival at the guest house.

How far is the Bar Convent from the nearest train station?

10 March 2025

York Railway Station is approximately a 500-meter walk from the Bar Convent, which takes about 5-10 minutes on foot.

Is it possible to receive a VAT invoice at the time of checkout?

22 April 2025

A VAT invoice can be provided at checkout for business-related stays.

Is breakfast included during my stay at the Bar Convent?

15 May 2025

Continental breakfast is included as standard for all guests, and a cooked breakfast can be added at a special rate for direct bookings.

What unique experiences can guests enjoy at the Bar Convent?

18 June 2025

Guests can explore the fascinating history of the UK's oldest living convent, with exhibitions showcasing sacred artefacts and the 18th Century Hidden Chapel.