Winner of the Travellers' Choice Award from TripAdviser in 2024, 2023 and 2022.

A house of surprises

Nestled behind York Minster, all is not as it first appears. At one time divided into three houses, in the late 1800s wealthy Yorkshireman Frank Green created his version of an historic house to showcase his important collection. Uncover the story as he demolished parts of the house not to his liking, yet transformed a house of declining fortunes into a handsome property, with lavish interiors grand enough to entertain the future King, Edward VII. The remarkable collection includes antique furniture, ceramics, textiles and paintings from a 300-year period, collected by Frank Green as he travelled the world. Along with stories about the man and his exacting ways...including studs on the floor to mark the spot where the furniture should stand...with the threat to haunt the house if it's moved.

Book a tour (April to October)

Instead of the more common free flow in some historic houses, your invitation inside is to explore the house on a group guided tour.

'By appointment' - On Monday to Wednesday and Saturday, your guide takes you on a journey through the period rooms sharing stories of how the house came to look like it does, the man who had a vision, Mr. Frank Green, and his contribution to York. Along the way uncover more about some of his rather unique pieces of art and furniture. Mr. Green wanted a house to be shared and this is why he was the first person to gift their home, complete with collection to the National Trust charity.

'Turning back time' - on Sundays, has a different focus as you journey through the period rooms. Past residents from astronomers, to societal influencers and politicians have all made their mark on York and beyond from this corner of the city.

You're recommended to book your place (April - October only) to guarantee timings or drop in and see when the next available tour is, spaces are left open each day if you've missed booking (bookings close 8am). All details of what to expect, what you need to know and how to book can be found on the website.

What can I do for free?

Find Treasurer’s House next door to York Minster and this is where you’ll find the small but award-winning city garden, Gold in the Yorkshire in Bloom Awards for six consecutive years. The garden is free to enjoy on open days and is the perfect place to take some time out in the city and see what’s in bloom. The café is free to enter on open days, where fresh baking complements a select menu in a unique below stairs venue.

Dressed for Christmas (15 November - 21 December 2025)

Around the festive period, the rooms are decorated with different styles. You're welcome to wander at your own pace and booking isn't needed during this time. Each year there's a different theme and stories about the people and the place are featured in each room as you delve a little deeper into the decorations. Plan a seasonal visit to the house to get you in the spirit or escape the rush of the city centre. Drop in Saturday - Wednesday, 11am - 4pm.

Please note as a town house there are limited rooms open on a single level, stairs are required to most spaces including the café. You can see the full access statement on the website.

Stay a little longer with the National Trust

Check out one of the self-catered holiday accommodations: Minstergate, Drapers and the recently developed Ogleforth are just around the corner from Treasurer’s House. Two of which are located above the city centre shop - another corner of York the former owner Frank Green saved from being demolished. Situated in a beautiful timber-framed historic building in the heart of York, the accommodation has on-the-doorstep access to all of York’s main attractions and some of the best views of York Minster.

Whether you visit, spend, volunteer or stay, your support to the charity helps to look after special places in York and beyond. Thank you!

See where else to explore with the National Trust in York and North Yorkshire.