Bishopthorpe Palace

Bishopthorpe Palace in Bishopthorpe, just outside York, is the official home of the Archbishop of York, one of the two senior archbishops of the Church of England. It sits on the banks of the River Ouse, roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) south of York Minster, and carries the top Grade I listing in England's heritage register. It is a working residence rather than a museum, so check access before you set off.

Can you visit Bishopthorpe Palace?

The palace is the private base of the archbishop and his staff, so there are no regular visitor hours. The interior opens only occasionally: on charity open days, at local events and city-wide schemes such as York Unlocked, and through pre-arranged group tours, which have been known to carry a long waiting list. Dates and conditions are published on the Archbishop of York's website. Without an invitation or booking, expect to see the building from the outside only.

What is the history of the palace?

Archbishops of York have lived here since the 13th century. Walter de Grey bought the village in 1226 and began work on the palace and chapel around 1241, reusing stone from the older manor house that stood on the site in the undercroft. The listing record also mentions later phases from the 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, and the red-brick north wing dates from the 15th century.

The look you see today comes mainly from 1766 to 1769, when architect Thomas Atkinson remodelled the house for Archbishop Drummond in the fashionable Gothick style. The listed complex also takes in the chapel, the gatehouse (dated to 1765), a stable block and outbuildings. The palace was first listed in 1952.

How do you get to Bishopthorpe Palace?

Bishopthorpe lies immediately south of York's city boundary, beside the Ouse. It is a short drive from the centre. You can also walk or cycle out along the river, and walking guides describe the area as a quiet outing beyond the centre. On open days, follow the organisers' travel and parking instructions.

What will you see?

From the road and the village you can see the 18th-century gatehouse and the Gothick frontage. On open days, organisers typically show some of the state rooms, the chapel and the riverside gardens. This is a residence, not a year-round visitor attraction.

When is the best time to go?

Aim for an open day. These have often fallen in early autumn, around the York Unlocked weekend, but dates change from year to year. At other times a stroll through the village and along the river works all year, and is nicest in spring and summer.

Frequently asked questions

Can I turn up at Bishopthorpe Palace without booking? Usually not. It is an active residence, and the interior opens only on selected days or by arrangement.

Who lives at Bishopthorpe Palace? The Archbishop of York, head of the northern province of the Church of England. His cathedral, York Minster, is in the city centre.

How old is the palace? The core dates to the 13th century and Archbishop Walter de Grey, while the present Gothick appearance comes from the remodelling of 1766 to 1769.

What heritage protection does it have? The palace and chapel are Grade I listed, the highest category for historic buildings in England.