The Guildhall York

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Reviews

1. Valerie Hinchliffe ★★★★☆

   It's easy to miss this beautifully restored 15th century building, because it's set back from the busy shopping street in its own small courtyard. It's usually been closed to the general public on the days I've been in York, so when a staff member/volunteer stopped me and invited me to a Christmas craft fair taking place here, I grabbed the opportunity to take a look inside. The downstairs hall has some lovely stained glass windows and civic coats of arms, but the most impressive feature is undoubtedly the magnificent wooden ceiling with its carved and painted bosses, supported by wooden pillars. The crafts fair was only small, but there were some good quality and original items including framed pictures, household linens, decorated ceramics and metal art, as well as the chance to talk to the artists themselves and see them at work. There was also a nice stall where you could buy chutneys and preserves. Some clean, modern and accessible toilets on the ground floor, but there didn't appear to be any café open. Would have loved to have seen the upstairs council chamber and the rest of the building - pity they were closed! - but what I did see was well worth a look, and admission was free.

   1 month ago
2. Anne Marie Stagg ★★★★★

   It sounds ridiculous, but I had sort of forgotten all about the Guildhall until today when I was heading to the Mansion House next door and realised there was an event in the Guildhall. Entrance was free and the Guildhall was hosting a fantastic market. Rather than the crush at the Christmas market near M&S this was a very pleasant experience with lots of quality makers. The building itself is wonderful: beautiful high stone walls and stained glass-it’s delightful! Well worth a visit if you get the chance!

   almost 2 months ago
3. Matt Dungey ★★★★★

   Beautiful building, and a great venue for the choir performance we saw. I imagine it would be a great wedding venue or for a party.

   almost 6 months ago

1. Rich B ★★★★★

   An astonishing 15th century building, fresh from a three year restoration, it is a wonderful indoor space. The roof is a fabulously decorated wooden structure, supported by heavy, carved wooden columns. There is as much stained glass in the windows as in plenty of churches. Not sure what the opening hours are but there is a good Christmas craft fair there at the moment, with much classier things than in the main fair on Parliament.

   almost 3 years ago
2. rtj888 ★★★★☆

   Worth taking a look at this recently renovated medieval hall that has many years of history. Entry is possible and free when private events are not taking place. Has a reasonably priced cafe with good quality food / drinks which is open to the public. You can sit in the quiet, sheltered courtyard or in a comfortable room with nice views overlooking the river. The main hall can be hired for events and makes a distinctive and unusual venue for weddings etc.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Helen Smith ★★★★★

   Go there during OpenYork days, it's gorgeous! Beautiful wood columns, stunning glass, fantastic history, and a beautiful council chamber. How lucky are the people who work there.

   almost 3 years ago

1. Cath Simpkins's Legit Honest Reviews ★★★★★

   Sited on the River Ouse, this is a most handsome building, built in the 15th century. Restored in April 2022. Had an opportunity to wander around on York's first "York Unlocked" weekend event. (More, please!) The main hall is a fabulous space with an incredible ceiling, you'll get neck ache from craning up to admire the ornate, colourful, wooden carved bosses. The Council Chamber on the floor above is equally as stunning, go and have a look, a hidden treasure indeed. From the opposite river bank, you can clearly see the WW2 damage reaped by the incendiary bombs. Bombs destined for York Railway Station overshot their target and hit the Guildhall instead, leaving black, charred streaks up the window masonry. (Learnt that snippet on the river cruise, which is well worth going on.)

   almost 3 years ago
2. Andrew Watts ★★★★☆

   A beautiful restoration, looks great. The main hall is fabulous, especially the stained glass window. The cafe serves good food and good coffee, the room where you eat is very smart but lacking in character, it does have great views of the river.

   almost 3 years ago

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