We are so pleased to welcome guests back both familiar and new back to the Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre to benefit from all that our home has to offer, writes SISTER ANN.

Visitors can enjoy our wonderful café and stunning gardens, they can learn of the history of the building and the Congregation of Jesus in our fascinating exhibition, our chapel is open for general visitors and for private prayer and we are taking bookings for our award-winning guest house.

I would be very grateful if you were able to share news of our reopening with your congregation and peers. It has been a difficult time for everyone, and I feel it is important to support one another as much as we can.

Now, more than ever, we want to reach out to our local communities and invite them to use our home in whichever way they need, whether this is quiet prayer in the chapel, peace and tranquillity in the garden, to reunite with loved ones in the café or for an afternoon of learning and discovery in the exhibition.

The remarkable story of this magnificent heritage building spans more than 300 years. It was established in great secrecy during the reformation, a time when Catholicism was punishable by death, as a convent and the first school for girls in York.  

It is still the home of a community of Catholic sisters today, welcoming those of all faiths and none to explore York’s best kept secret since 1686.

Discover the history of England’s oldest living convent in our fascinating exhibition and stunning 18th century Hidden Chapel, one of the finest examples in Europe, enjoy a visit to our café for some of the best scones and cakes in the city and don’t miss the chance to stay in our award-winning guest house situated in the heart of York.

For more information visit bar-convent.org.uk/.

revised_attraction_leaflet_final