York’s Hidden Spaces – York Cemetery

Join us as we discover hidden green spaces in our blog series

We're in York for our hidden green space this month, this time it's a well known spot with some hidden secrets

At Move the Masses HQ we’re always keen to find new green spaces to explore, if you know of a spot near you let us know, we’d love to hear about new places! 

One of our York volunteers has been in touch to tell us about one of her favourite green spaces. This is the eighth blog in our series – check out the others here. Don’t forget to let us know if you visit anywhere new as a result – we always love to hear from you! Likewise, if you have anywhere you think others should know about, please get in touch and we’ll feature it soon: hello@movethemasses.org.uk  

Happy exploring!

York Cemetery chapel viewed from the path through the trees
York Cemetery Chapel
A grave with engraved sunshine surrounded by snowdrops
A flurry of snowdrops around the graves

How to access York Cemetery…

York Cemetery is on Cemetery Road in the Fishergate area of York, just off the A19. The entrance is through the gates on Cemetery Road, next to the Gatehouse.

Show location on Google Maps.

York Cemetery is a privately owned Victorian cemetery, one of only two in the UK. Its grounds cover 24 acres just south of York city centre. The cemetery is administered by The York Cemetery Trust. Their website contains information on opening hours, the history of the cemetery, the events calendar and a range of self-guided walks. These walks cover military history, the environment and social and local history. 

The Friends of York Cemetery help to manage the site.

There is a small car park on site and this may be restricted when funerals are taking place. Nearby is the Barbican car park. The cemetery is easily accessible via bike and is just off the main bus routes on the A19.

Toilet facilities are open at weekends, during the week they are only available for those attending funerals. 

No dogs are permitted on site except for guide dogs.

Did you know…

There is a herb garden hidden within a beech hedge which can be easily missed. There are different species of herbs planted within individual beds to prevent competition. Each bed has a hand carved stone, telling you the name of the herbs. 

There is a large collection of British ferns in the Fernery, planted up by the University of York Fern Society, on the shady north facing bank.

A beech hedge with an opening just seen
The beech hedge, with the herb garden nestled within
Witch Hazel in full blossom
A Witch Hazel, with blossom glowing in the sunshine
Hazel trees with catkins among the graves
Hazel catkins beginning to show in early Spring
Graves and trees line the paths
There are plenty of places to explore

Don’t forget, if you decide to visit as a result of this article, please take a photo and let us know!

You can tag us on @move.map on Instagram, or feel free to drop us an email: hello@movethemasses.org.uk 

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