Fairfax House
York, England
Key facts
- Operator
- York Civic Trust
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Castlegate, York YO1 9RN
Telephone 01904 655543
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:45 – 11:00 AM, 11:45 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:45 – 2:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM |
Fairfax House is an 18th-century townhouse in York, restored and run by the York Civic Trust, an independent charity. Reviewers describe richly furnished rooms and plasterwork ceilings that draw particular attention, with several noting the iconography of each ceiling relates to the room below it. Volunteer guides stationed in the rooms are a recurring theme, with visitors saying they left knowing considerably more than when they arrived, and a look-and-find trail is mentioned for children.
Worth the trip
The plaster ceilings and the room guides - reviewers single out both, saying the volunteers turn a walk-round into a proper Georgian education.
Before you go
This is a city-centre townhouse rather than an estate, so plan it as part of a day in York; reviewers describe going room by room with guides on hand throughout.
Reviewers are consistently positive, with the Georgian interiors doing most of the work: the plaster ceilings, furniture and furnishings are mentioned again and again as the real draw. The volunteer guides stationed in the rooms are described as knowledgeable, friendly and happy to answer questions, and several visitors say they left knowing far more than when they arrived. Families note child-friendly touches, including a seasonal look-and-find trail and a dress-up corner. Reviewers generally suggest it suits anyone interested in the eighteenth century, and more than one says they would return.
18th-century townhouse restored and run by the York Civic Trust, an independent charity.
“Thoroughly enjoyed our visit, fantastic guides in various rooms. Fabulous history and amazing building.”- Alan Dyer, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “All the guides were very friendly and approachable.” - Michael Marrison
Common questions about Fairfax House
Where is Fairfax House?
Fairfax House is in York, England, at Castlegate, York YO1 9RN.
Do you need a ticket to visit Fairfax House?
Yes - Fairfax House is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by York Civic Trust. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Fairfax House?
The plaster ceilings and the room guides - reviewers single out both, saying the volunteers turn a walk-round into a proper Georgian education.
Is Fairfax House a ruin or still intact?
Fairfax House is largely intact - 18th-century townhouse restored and run by the York Civic Trust, an independent charity.
