York Minster

York Minster which includes a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture
York Minster featuring a garden and flowers
York Minster
York Minster showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
York Minster featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and street scenes


The city’s emblem is known for its superb stained-glass windows, underground treasure chambers and tall tower with spectacular views.

York Minster is a Gothic masterpiece and among the largest and most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Climb the Minster’s historic tower, tour its underground chambers and discover 2,000 years of history. The current structure dates back to the 12th century and features medieval stained-glass windows.

When you arrive at York Minster, wonder at its sheer size and elegance. The cathedral’s Gothic façade appears golden and its many windows sparkle in the sunlight. Enter the church and gaze up at its grand arches, pillars and intricate ceiling design.

Spend hours admiring the elaborate details of the stained-glass Great East Window. The restoration project has taken many years to complete, due to the complexity and quantity of the windows. Every colorful pane of glass has its own story to tell about religious figures and themes.

York Minster’s tower is the highest point in the city. Note the fearsome gargoyles jutting out from the walls as you ascend the 275 steps. When you reach the summit, enjoy unobstructed views of the historic city, its quaint alleyways, medieval landmarks and surrounding Yorkshire countryside.

The cathedral’s guided tours will introduce you to the tower as well as the church’s hidden treasures. Discover Chinese silks, Roman tiles and ancient books among other historic gems. Meander through the underground chambers of the cathedral to learn about the site’s 2,000-year past. See artifacts that once belonged to the Romans, Normans and other dynasties.

The church is open daily, with extended opening hours on Sundays. Trips to the tower may be restricted during bad weather in the winter months. There is a combined admission fee for the church and the tower, with discounts for seniors and kids. Guided tours are included with admission.

York Minster is located just to the east of the River Ouse and several main attractions, such as the Yorkshire Museum, St. Mary’s Abbey and the Museum Gardens. There are bus stops dotted around the neighboring Dean’s Parks, which is a pleasant picnic area.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Classes & workshops

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Wildlife & nature

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Reviews of York Minster

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
464
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
268
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
36
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not cheap but worthwhile, the walk to the top of the tower is great!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

would have loved to go in but we couldnt afford to

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

It seemed a bit expensive so didn't do a tour

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We attended evensong to save paying the entrance fee.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Attended evensong rather than joining the throng of large groups of tourists during the day. Lovely candlelit service.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We looked in but chose not to visit due to high entrance fee.

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Things to do near York Minster

When visiting York Minster, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere by exploring nearby festivals, indulging in shopping, and taking guided tours. Don't miss the chance to appreciate various art exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the area. With so much to see and do, your experience in York Minster promises to be both enriching and enjoyable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Newgate Market, only 322m from York Minster, offering a vibrant local atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, located 4.8km away, features designer brands, while Xscape Yorkshire, 32.2km away, provides a family-friendly experience with various shops and entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Fulford Golf Club, just 3.2km from York Minster, surrounded by lush greenery. For a thrilling experience, head to Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland for ice skating, located 805m away, offering a fun way to embrace the winter spirit.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of karting at York Motorsports Village, located 3.2km from York Minster, perfect for adrenaline junkies. For a fun family day out, navigate the twists and turns of York Maze, 4.8km away, or try your hand at motor racing at Tockwith Motor Sports Centre, 14.5km away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at York Theatre Royal, just 161m from York Minster, offering captivating performances. For a unique twist, visit York Observatory, 322m away, where you can gaze at the stars. If you fancy a film, Cineworld York is 3.2km away with a great selection of movies.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near York Minster

Within and around York Minster, visitors can delve into a rich cultural experience by exploring charming streets, fascinating museums, and historic churches. This vibrant area caters to those seeking a blend of culture and city life, offering a variety of attractions that highlight York's unique heritage. Whether you're interested in history or simply strolling through picturesque locales, York Minster and its surroundings promise a memorable visit.

  • Shambles: A charming medieval street, Shambles is lined with quaint shops and cafes, offering a delightful city atmosphere. Its narrow, cobbled lanes and overhanging timber-framed buildings create a picturesque setting, perfect for leisurely strolls.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Dive into the fascinating world of the Vikings at this immersive museum. With captivating exhibits and reconstructed Viking streets, you'll gain insight into the rich culture and history of York during the Viking Age.
  • York City Walls: Walk along these ancient walls for stunning views of the city. As one of the best-preserved city walls in England, they offer a unique glimpse into York’s past and a chance to reflect on its historical significance.

Best time to go to York Minster

The best time to visit York Minster can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around York Minster falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around York Minster falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.4°F (8.0°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for York Minster

To save on your visit to York Minster, consider travelling between January and March when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, or check Expedia's last-minute deals for discounts. Mondays are typically the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and location, and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free local attractions to enhance your experience without extra costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around York Minster are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to August and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around York Minster is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around York Minster is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around York Minster is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You might find that you can save some money by combining your hotel stay at York Minster with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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