Discover more at Treasurer's House
Find out when Treasurer's House is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Things to see and do in the house at Treasurer’s House
Explore this hidden gem in the heart of York. A unique building filled to the brim with antiques and art and made to one man's exacting standards. Treasurer's House is an accredited museum, which means that every item in the collection, every design feature and every material used in the house is cared for by the conservation team.
A unique house for a unique man
Step inside this deceptively large house quietly tucked away on an historic site in the heart of the city. Built on an ancient Eboracum road and the site of the former house of the Treasurer to York Minster. Frank Green, a wealthy industrialist, bought the building in the late 19th century and reorganised the interiors into the house we see today.
Mr. Green felt that some items were better showcased in a domestic setting than a museum. He wanted small groups of visitors to enter Treasurer’s House 'by appointment' and marvel at his eclectic collection and period rooms. Tours run April - October to allow visitors to experience the house in one of the ways he imagined. From mid-November the house is dressed for Christmas for an altogether different, but equally memorable experience.
Unless a house is occupied, or visited by large numbers of people, it will eventually disappear
A quote by Frank Green
Dressed for Christmas
15 November - 21 December 2025
Saturday - Wednesday, 11am - 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
Every year the house is decorated for the festive season. Along with Christmas merriment, music and twinkly lights, each room tells a story - a different way to get to know a part of the long history of the place. This year's Inspired Christmas shares the stories of past residents of the house and their impact to York and beyond over many centuries. A heritage visit like no other, perfect for festive cheer.
Video highlights from the Curator
If you want to delve a little deeper, grab a brew and watch one of the short videos where a National Trust Curator focusses on some of the detail that makes Treasurer's House so special.
Beneath the table
Discover the secret world of what lies beneath the grand banqueting table in the Great Hall and the fascinating stories of feasts gone by.
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Explore the collection
With a vision for preserving and championing the past, Mr Green created his vision of what he believed an historic house should be. He mixed different architectural styles and time periods alongside a fascinating collection of antiques and art to create the house that you see as you journey through the house today. Here's a sample of the collection to look out for...
Join a tour (April - October)
You are invited to join a small group for an exclusive hour-long journey around the house. As you explore the house with a guide, you will be Mr Green’s visitor for a short time.
By appointment
Monday - Wednesday and Saturday
Uncover everything practically as Frank Green left it when he made history by giving not just the property, but it’s entire collection to the National Trust in 1930.
Frank Green was very much a modern gentleman of his time, but it was his love of history that inspired him to create the beautiful house you can see today. He designed Treasurer’s House to showcase his collection of furniture, clocks and art, creating his vision of an ancestral family home in the heart of this historic city.
You would be forgiven for thinking that in a house where nothing changes there can be nothing new to say, but thanks to ongoing research we now know more about Mr Green, his house, and its varied collection. Join this award winning tour for a fascinating insight into life at Treasurer's House.
Guided sensory tour
This enchanced version of 'By appointment' runs on Tuesdays once a month. The volunteers have worked in partnership to create a version with a tailored audio description, tactile parts of the collection and reproduction items. Each tour is unique for the groups needs, get in touch to make a booking by completing this form or calling 01904 624247.
Turning back time
Sunday
Home to astronomers and politicians, generals and gentry, divided and brought back together over the years, Treasurer’s House has passed through many hands. On occasion the ripples of history made their way into, and occasionally out from, this tucked away corner of York.
Join a tour on Sunday for a new experience, focusing on the lives and legends of some of the past residents of Treasurer’s House. With so many years of history it's impossible to cover all of the lives lived here, but this journey through history will take you to times beyond those represented in the rooms you walk through.
Good to know...
- Pre-booking a tour space is recommended, however if you've missed booking (sales close at 8am), drop in on the day for the next available ticket. A few tickets are left for each tour slot and are sold on a first come, first served basis for the day. (Note tickets sales will return from early March for 2026).
- The tours have won several awards over recent years including the Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice for consistently positive reviews for the last four years.
- Please note due to the nature of the building, much of the house is accessible by stairs only. See the access statement for more details.
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Christmas at Treasurer's House
Discover beautiful and unique decorations, twinkling lights and all the warmth of the festive season at Treasurer’s House in York as we share the stories of the past residents of Treasurer's House, 15 November - 21 December, Saturday - Wednesday. Head downstairs to the café serving seasonal treats and the shop around the corner to complete your visit.
The collection at Treasurer's House
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Treasurer's House on the National Trust Collections website.
History of Treasurer’s House
Discover tales of celebrity parties, workmen who wore slippers to keep the noise down, and the former owner’s threat to haunt the house if anything is changed.
Things to see in the garden at Treasurer’s House
Escape the city and relax in the award-winning garden next door to York Minster – free to enjoy on open days. Winner of the gold award for Yorkshire in Bloom for six consecutive years and one of the best views in York.
Eating at Treasurer’s House
The café at Treasurer's House is open April - December in line with house opening times and tickets to the house are not needed. Choose from freshly bakes treats and light lunches and browse the secondhand books for a new page turner.
Volunteering at Treasurer’s House
The team of volunteers at Treasurer’s House work together to ensure that visitors have the best experience possible. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities, behind the scenes, outdoors and with visitors at this historic York town house.
Shopping in York with the National Trust
One of the last remaining high street shops, find a large range of National Trust goods including home ware, books and locally sourced food. The shop is open all year round and can be found close to York Minster.
