York’s Secret Garden: The Hidden, Healing Haven most people have never heard of
Tucked away just below York’s mighty city walls —but hiding in plain sight — is one of the city’s most peaceful little secrets: St Anthony’s Hall Garden, a sensory sanctuary that’s quietly been blowing the socks off those who stumble into it since 2009.
Back in the day, this was the concrete playground of St Anthony’s School. Fast-forward to 2006, when the ever-excellent York Conservation Trust took it on, and what once echoed with schoolyard shrieks was transformed into a gentle, fragrant retreat for the senses. Now? It’s all winding paths, soft herbs, and a kind of tranquillity that makes you forget you’re in the middle of a city.
This isn’t your average manicured park. Nope — this is a “designed for everyone” kind of space, with an intentional focus on touch, smell, and stillness. It’s filled with the sort of planting combinations that make you stop and go, “Ooh, what’s that?” Think fuzzy lamb’s ear next to wild thyme and lavender, and woodland borders that smell like childhood memories. The garden was purpose-built to be accessible for people with visual impairments, but everyone benefits from the calm.
There’s symbolism stitched through the design too. That low stone wall? It represents the journey of life, starting with security and simplicity before winding upwards — toward a carved Tau cross at the highest point. It’s like a mini pilgrimage, only with less hiking and more herbs.
Add in meadow planting, a rill that murmurs rather than roars, some hidden sculptures, and a sweet little summerhouse, and you’ve got one of York’s most underrated, under-visited, and utterly lovely green spaces.
It’s technically open to the public, though you’d be forgiven for thinking you weren’t supposed to be there — it’s that quiet. But trust us: you are absolutely welcome, and your nervous system will thank you for the visit.
Find It:
Find it at the back of St Anthony’s Hall, 90 Peasholme Green. Look for the little gate just off the street. Then head in, take a breath, and enjoy one of York’s best-kept green secrets.
To find out more Visit https://www.yorkconservationtrust.org/our-buildings/st-anthony-s-hall-gardens and as always if you are coming to York and you need a place to stay then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
You can download it for free from the Apple iBooks Store here
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This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
A fab podcast for tourists and locals looking to find out more about York History, must do York Top 10's and money saving tips to do it all for less.
Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.