The beautiful hotel that’s the UK’s oldest convent with a secret chapel – and nuns still live there
TUCKED away in York is the oldest convent in the UK – and you can spend the night.
The Bar Convent has been used as a place of worship, a school for girls, and has since turned into a heritage site, café and guest house, but is still home to 30 nuns.
The Bar Convent first opened in 1686 and is the oldest surviving convent in the British Isles.
Interestingly when it opened, the law in England prevented Catholic convents, so it was established and operated in secret.
The convent was later set up as a boarding school for girls, and the women working there faced religious discrimination for years.
Many years later during World War II, the convent was struck by bomb which destroyed the East Wing.
You can still see the changes in the brickwork from where the building was repaired later on.
The Grade I listed buildings were renovated in 2015, and on-site now is a museum, café, meeting rooms and a guest house.
While it operates as a spot for tourists to visit, the Bar Convent is still home to around 30 nuns.
For anyone wanting to stay at the Bar Convent Guest House, there are 22 rooms to choose from.
Each is very modern, and they vary in size from a single room to doubles, family room, and superior rooms.
Prices for a stay start from £77 for bed and breakfast.
The on-site cafe is open to visitors and they offer a fresh daily selection of homemade soup, cakes and scones, with sandwiches made to order and a specials board.
The Bar Convent’s close proximity to the centre of York and rich history means it’s popular with visitors for an overnight stay or just a flying visit.
On Tripadvisor, one guest wrote: “The secret chapel is a beautiful retreat” with others saying it’s a “real hidden gem” and “extraordinary”.
Another added: “The nuns who don’t wear habits are around but in no way intrusive. But do remember that it’s their home as well.”
With such a rich history the convent also has exhibitions where visitors can see artefacts of previous convent residents.
They also have a tour every Wednesday and Friday with a guide who will explain the story of the sisters.
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Where To Go On A Trip To York
Sun Travel took a trip to York - and here's where you should visit when you go to the ancient city...
At 233ft tall and dating back to the 7th century, York Minster is an absolute must-see. It’s so beautiful, it’s no surprise Ellie Goulding got married here in 2019.
Be sure to climb the 275 steps of the tower’s super-narrow spiral staircase for 360-degree views of the city. Minster and tower entry costs £22 (Yorkminster.org).
Meanwhile, no one can visit York’s Roman streets and Viking alleyways without wandering down The Shambles, the 14th-century, shop-lined, cobblestoned street with striking similarities to Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. You’ll likely see at least one person brandishing a wand and casting spells.
Later, hop on a self-drive boat along the river Ouse to admire the city from the water, from £35 an hour for up to eight people (Cityexperiences.com).
York has a whopping 365 pubs, which may be a few too many for one weekend (we tried).
But House of Trembling Madness should be high up your hit list. Expect a huge collection of beers – seek out the Northern Monk Eternal IPA, £4.50 – and mega sharing boards of local treats, such as pork pies, smoked ham, cheeses, chutney and artisan bread, from £8.50 (Tremblingmadness.com).
Cocktail addict? Stop by The Fossgate Social – by day, a cute coffee shop; come evening, a bar serving top-notch espresso martinis, £8, and an excellent playlist (Fossgatesocial.com).
Walking the full loop of the city’s medieval ramparts takes two hours, but hidden gems lie just outside them.
For beautiful and sustainable homeware, hit Snow Home (Snow-home.co.uk) and Heima (Heima.uk) on Gillygate.
Sun shining? Hunt out Love Cheese’s secret garden with its delectable selections served alongside wine (Lovecheese.co.uk).
Melton’s serves up the likes of Orkney scallop with Crown Prince squash and venison loin in an intimate setting with the friendliest staff.
Meanwhile, sustainable restaurant Forage has a huge array of delicious small plates, and nothing goes to waste.