Fairfax House

About the museum

Fairfax House was built between 1759 and 1763 as the town residence of Anne Fairfax and her father, Viscount Charles Gregory Fairfax, on Castlegate in the centre of York. The house is regarded as one of the finest Georgian townhouses in England, with richly decorated plaster ceilings and carefully designed reception rooms.

After the Fairfax family it passed through many owners and uses. It served as a private home, a venue for art exhibitions and a gentlemen's club, and was later the headquarters of a friendly society. In the early twentieth century it was converted into a cinema and dance hall, which involved removing the kitchens and servants' quarters to make room for an auditorium. Much of the original ornamental plasterwork survived, partly hidden behind boxing.

By the 1970s the building was owned by the city council and used as a dance studio. In 1980 York Civic Trust bought it and began a four-year restoration led by the architect Francis Johnson. The house opened as a museum in 1984. The York Conservation Trust acquired the building in 2008 and York Civic Trust continues to run the museum.

The rooms display the Noel Terry collection of eighteenth-century furniture, clocks, paintings and decorative arts, assembled by a member of the York confectionery family. Together with changing exhibitions and events, it shows how a wealthy family lived in Georgian York.

Highlights

• Georgian townhouse built 1759-1763
• Noel Terry collection of furniture, clocks and paintings
• Decorated plaster ceilings restored in the 1980s
• Friday guided tours before general opening
• Tickets valid for unlimited visits for a year

Permanent exhibition

• Fairfax House and the Noel Terry collection – Restored Georgian interiors furnished with eighteenth-century furniture, clocks, paintings and decorative arts.

Founded

1984

Operated by

York Civic Trust

Admission & discounts

A general admission ticket is valid for unlimited visits for 12 months from the first visit; it is personal and must be signed, and ID may be asked for on return visits. Free entry for Friends of Fairfax House, York Civic Trust members, York Pass holders, National Art Pass holders, Historic Houses members and carers accompanying a paying disabled visitor. Group bookings do not receive pass discounts.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The house is currently not accessible to wheelchair users: entry is up six stone steps with a handrail, and 29 stairs lead to the first floor. Every room has a chair and lightweight seats can be borrowed from reception. There are no toilets in the building. Disabled parking is in the nearby Castle Car Park. Only assistance dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly: not available

Children aged 16 and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Pushchairs cannot be taken into the house but can be stored at the front desk.

Getting there & parking

Fairfax House is on Castlegate, opposite Clifford's Tower. Use postcode YO1 9RN for satellite navigation.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The gift shop is the first stop inside the entrance. Free lockers with keys are available for small items; larger bags can be left at the front desk. There is no café and no toilet on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The Georgian rooms can be hired for photo shoots and private events, and private or corporate dining can be arranged in the Saloon.

Plan your visit