It's one of the most inspiring and beautiful buildings in the world and the largest medieval gothic cathedral in northern Europe - worthy of far more than a quick look around! Go to evensong if you are an Anglican wanting to go to a service. If you want to sightsee the Minster, do that outside of a visit for a service.
There is no set time for your trip to York Minster. However, as there are lots of things to see and do, the vast majority of visitors spend at least 3 – 4 hours exploring, especially if you factor in a tour guide or tower trip.
The cathedral has Britain's richest collection of stained glass. The famous Five Sisters Window is in the north transept and the Great East Window, larger than a tennis court, is the biggest stretch of medieval glazing in existence.
It costs £30,000 a day to run York Minster and your admission fee directly supports the future of the cathedral. We never charge for people to enter the cathedral to pray, light a candle or attend a service. With proof of address including a YorkCard, driving licence or utility bill.
15 Things To Do In York, England | UK Travel Guide
How much is the entrance fee to York Minster?
General admission charges for non-York residents are £16.00 for Adults/Seniors and £13.00 for students (non-York). All under 17s are free of charge all year round. Tower Trips cost an additional £6 per visitor and are suitable for visitors aged 8+ (health and safety conditions apply).
It is worth more than a stop. We spent three days there and would have loved to spend another three days. Great museums, a rich history dating to the Romans, a rail center, etc.
There is no formal dress code for visiting York Minster, but visitors are asked to dress respectfully. This means avoiding revealing or inappropriate clothing and removing hats inside the cathedral.
Can I take photos of the Minster? Yes, provided they are for personal use and not commercial purposes. Please note that photography, audio and video recording is not permitted during Minster services, acts of worship or events, and flash photography is not permitted in the Undercroft or the Treasury.
York Minster has recruited a new group of bell-ringers after the previous team was controversially disbanded over safeguarding issues. The 30-strong bell-ringing team was dismissed in October, following a sex assault claim against a member.
How long does it take to walk around York Minster?
60-90 Minutes should be enough time to walk around the Minster, if wish to further explore and join an organised tour you may need to allow 2 hours plus for your visit.
It would certainly have been unusual in 1485 for a king of England to be buried in York. The only medieval royal tomb in the Minster's collection is that of William, son of Edward III, who died just weeks after his birth at Hatfield in Yorkshire.
The Tower Trip is a challenging climb up 275 uneven, narrow, spiralling medieval steps to the top of York Minster's Central Tower. The Tower takes about ten minutes to ascend.
York Minster is open for sightseeing and tickets must be booked online in advance. Face coverings must be worn during your visit, along with adhering to hygiene and social distancing measures. The Undercroft Museum and Central Tower are closed. Book your York Minster tickets today!
Emerging from the depths of the heavenly clouds, the iconic York Minster takes centre stage, bathed in its illuminated glory. Amidst this captivating spectacle, two charming, woolly observers stand fascinated by the breathtaking panorama before them.
York Minster, formally the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, is an Anglican cathedral in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England.
York's cathedral, although known as York Minster, is officially the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York . By definition a cathedral is the site of a bishop's throne (a cathedra) but the word 'cathedral' did not come into use until after the Norman conquest.
York Minster is one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals. Since the 7th century, the Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church rooted in the daily offering of worship and prayer.
The Undercroft Museum tells the story of two millennia of York's history through digital displays and artefacts from the cathedral's historic collection, never before on public display. Please note the York Gospels are currently being used in special services and are not on display. Roman remains beneath our feet.
Figures released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) reveal that the cathedral welcomed 620,591 visitors for worship and tourism last year. That was up by 133 per cent on the figure of 266,183 in 2021 and not far short of the cathedral's record visitor number of 706,484 in 2019.
CityDays' guide to fantastic walks in York, the UK's 2nd-most walkable city! In 2023, York was named the UK's 2nd most walkable city. The pedestrian-friendly streets of York coupled with its beauty make it the ideal place to take in some fresh air, get active and have some fun in the great outdoors.
It is possible to save money on York accommodation, food and drink and there are lots of free things to do in York. Furthermore, the city of York is small so you will not need to use public transport or taxis during your visit. You will not have additional transport costs that you would incur in other UK cities.
Rainfall occurs evenly all year round with an average of 10 rainy days per month. The warmest time of the year is from May to September. It's also the best time to visit York.
