Fairfax House Tours
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This 18th-century townhouse offers a glimpse into the tastes, fashions, and daily life of Georgian-era nobility. It began as the home of Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax and then enjoyed brief stints as a gentlemen’s club, cinema, and dancehall before being restored to its Georgian-era glory.
The Basics
Take a 60-minute tour of Fairfax House—available on a first-come basis—or explore independently. Staff are on hand to offer information about the house, which is decorated with Georgian-era furniture and features rare Georgian clocks, silverware, and art that ranges from still-life paintings to portraits. Some history-focused sightseeing tours of York pass by Fairfax House, while holders of select York sightseeing passes enjoy free entry.
Things to Know Before You Go
- As one of England’s best-preserved Georgian townhouses, Fairfax House is a must-visit place for architecture and history buffs.
- Tickets are valid for an entire year, so you can visit again for no extra cost.
- Families can make use of child-friendly trail guides and coloring-in sheets.
- There are lockers on site, and strollers can be stored at reception.
- Fairfax House is not wheelchair-accessible.
How to Get There
Fairfax House is situated on Castlegate in the historic center of York, less than 5 minutes’ walk from Clifford’s Tower and Jorvik Viking Centre. Several bus services stop at nearby Clifford Street.
When to Get There
Fairfax House is particularly atmospheric in the run-up to Christmas, when it hosts an annual festive-themed display. It typically closes during January for cleaning and conservation works. Tours typically take place on Mondays from late morning to early afternoon.
What to See Nearby
Fairfax House is in the heart of historic York; several of the city’s top historic attractions are within a 5-minute radius of the townhouse. The 13th-century Clifford’s Tower—all that remains of York Castle—and Jorvik Viking Center are only steps away. Nearby, you’ll also find York St. Mary’s, a medieval church that’s been transformed into a contemporary art space, and the York Dungeon, which features costumed actors and scary sets.
Address: Castlegate, York, North Yorkshire YO1 9RN, England
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Fairfax House
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York Pass
Ideal for travelers looking for the flexibility to determine their own itinerary, the York Pass provides access to a number of the region’s top attractions, including The Deep, Beningbrough Hall, and more. Don’t worry about buying individual admission tickets; instead, use the convenient and hassle-free York Pass to save time on the day, allowing you more time to enjoy the sights.
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From
$66.86
From
$66.86
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
York Carriage Awaits - Socially Distanced Tours of York
See York in a different way—via an environmentally-friendly pedicab. With a local guide, explore the highlights of the city including Minster Yard, King's Manor, Exhibition Square, Bootham Bar, and more. Choose from two lengths of tours, depending on how much time you have and how much you’d like to see.
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From
$71.44
per group
From
$71.44
per group
York Walking Tour including York Minster
Delve into England’s colorful history and admire architecture dating back to the Middle Ages on this morning or afternoon York walking tour. Follow a guide through the streets of York and discover landmarks including Bedern Hall, Clifford’s Tower, Fairfax House, King’s Manor, the Multangular Tower, St. Mary’s Abbey, Stonegate, and St. William’s College. Hear how Emperor Constantine, Guy Fawkes, and Richard III shaped modern York, and learn of the English Reformation as you explore York Minster.
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From
$27.66
From
$27.66
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