York Minster | Everything You Need to Know

York Minster, formally the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, stands as a beacon of Gothic architecture and Christian heritage in York, North Yorkshire, England. As the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office in the Church of England, it has been a spiritual and cultural hub since the 7th century. Renowned for housing the UK’s largest collection of medieval stained glass and its awe-inspiring Gothic design, York Minster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site within York’s historic city.

Visitors can explore its intricate stonework, climb the Central Tower for panoramic views, or delve into 2,000 years of history in the Undercroft Museum. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, architecture lover, or seeking a spiritual experience, York Minster offers an unforgettable journey.

Location

York Minster is located at Deangate, York, YO1 7HH, in the heart of York’s historic city center. Surrounded by landmarks like The Shambles, Jorvik Viking Centre, and York Castle Museum, it’s a focal point for exploring York’s rich heritage. The cathedral’s towering presence is visible across the city, making it easy to locate. For precise navigation, use GPS or map apps like Google Maps.

Opening Hours

York Minster is open daily, with the following hours:

• Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
• Sunday: 12:45 PM – 2:30 PM (last entry 2:30 PM)
• Undercroft Museum: Monday to Saturday 10:30 AM – 4:45 PM, Sunday 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM
• Shop: Monday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM
• Worship Services: Monday to Saturday 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary for special events, services, or holidays, so check the official website for updates.

How to Get There

York Minster is easily accessible by various transport options:

• Train: York Railway Station (YO24 1AB), a 10-minute walk away, offers regular services from London (2 hours), Edinburgh, and other UK cities. Visit National Rail for schedules.
• Bus: The nearest stop is St Leonard’s Place, served by routes like 1, 2, and 6. Plan your journey at itravelyork.info.
• Car: No parking is available at the cathedral. Use York’s six Park and Ride sites (free parking) with a stop at Museum Street, or pay-and-display car parks at Monk Bar (YO31 7QR), Union Terrace (YO31 7ES), or Bootham Row (YO30 7BP). Coach parking details are at york.gov.uk.
• Plane: The closest airports are Leeds Bradford (leedsbradfordairport.co.uk), Manchester (manchesterairport.co.uk), and Newcastle (newcastleairport.com), with train or bus connections to York.
• Boat: P&O Sea Ferries operate from Kingston-upon-Hull, a 1-hour drive from York. See poferries.com.
• Walking/Cycling: From York Railway Station, follow signs for a scenic 10-minute walk. Bike hire stations are available nearby via itravelyork.info.

Use apps like Citymapper for real-time navigation.

Best Time to Visit

For a quieter experience, visit York Minster on weekdays or early mornings (9:30 AM), as weekends and summer months (June–August) attract larger crowds. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Sundays have limited hours (12:45 PM – 2:30 PM) due to worship services, so plan accordingly.

Special events, such as the Summer Organ Recitals (17 July – 21 August 2025) or the Light, Glass & Stone: Conserving the St Cuthbert Window exhibition (25 June – 31 December 2025), can enhance your visit but may draw crowds. Check the events page for schedules. Be prepared for cooler, wetter weather, as York’s climate can be unpredictable.

Tickets and Costs

Admission prices are as follows:

Ticket Type	Adult/Senior	Student (non-York)	Child (Age)	Notes
Minster Only	£20	£16	Free (17 and under)*	Includes free guided tours, Undercroft Museum
Minster + Central Tower	£26	£22	£6 (8-17)	275 steps, age 8+ only

*Up to 4 children free with 1 paying adult; free for York residents/students with proof of address.

Tickets are valid for 12 months, allowing return visits. No charge applies for attending services, praying, or lighting a candle. Group discounts are available for 10 or more. Book online at yorkminster.org to avoid queues.

What to Expect

York Minster offers a rich visitor experience:

• Gothic Architecture: Explore the Early English Gothic transepts, Decorated Gothic nave, and Perpendicular Gothic eastern arm and central tower.
• Stained Glass: Admire over 128 medieval stained glass windows, the largest collection in the UK, including the Great East Window.
• Central Tower: Climb 275 steps for panoramic views of York (additional fee, age 8+).
• Undercroft Museum: Discover 2,000 years of history, from Roman barracks to medieval artifacts.
• Chapter House: Visit this octagonal Gothic masterpiece with intricate carvings and a vaulted ceiling.
• Guided Tours: Free tours, included with admission, offer insights into the cathedral’s history and craftsmanship.
• Worship Services: Experience daily services or light a candle in this active church.

A typical visit lasts 1-2 hours, or longer with the tower climb or services. Facilities include:

• Restrooms: Accessible and standard options near the North Transept.
• Shop: Sells souvenirs and a 64-page guidebook (£7).
• Dining: No on-site cafe, but nearby cafes and pubs are plentiful in York’s city center.

Safety and Accessibility

York Minster prioritizes safety and accessibility:

• Safety: Random bag searches may occur; wheeled bags and large luggage are not permitted. Left luggage is available at yorbag.co.uk. The Minster is a place of worship, so respect services and quiet areas.
• Accessibility: Most areas are wheelchair-accessible (except the Central Tower) with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. Tactile models, audio descriptions, and Braille plans are available for visually impaired visitors. Hearing loops and assisted tours (book 6 weeks in advance) cater to deaf or hearing-impaired guests. Contact info@yorkminster.org or call 01904 557200 for details.
• Family-Friendly: Free entry for children (17 and under) with an adult, stroller access, and family-friendly tours make it welcoming for kids.

History and Background

York Minster’s history began in 627 AD with the first recorded church on the site, evolving into a major Christian center by 732. The current cathedral, built between 1220 and 1472, showcases Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular Gothic styles. It has survived fires (1753, 1829, 1840, 1984), Viking invasions, and World War II zeppelin raids, with extensive restorations preserving its grandeur. As the seat of the Archbishop of York, it remains a living church, hosting daily worship and significant events, such as the appointment of Dr. John Sentamu as the first Black Archbishop in 2005.

Fun Facts:

• York Minster houses more medieval stained glass than all other English churches combined.
• The Central Tower, at 235 feet (72 meters), is York’s highest point.
• The Minster’s organ, with over 5,400 pipes, is one of Europe’s largest.
• It costs £33,000 daily to maintain the cathedral.

Nearby Attractions

York’s compact city center offers several attractions within walking distance:

• The Shambles (5-minute walk): A medieval street with timber-framed buildings, rumored to inspire Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley.
• Jorvik Viking Centre (10-minute walk): An interactive museum exploring York’s Viking history (jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk).
• York Castle Museum (10-minute walk): Showcases British social history (yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk).
• Yorkshire Museum (5-minute walk): Features archaeology and natural history (yorkshiremuseum.org.uk).

For a full day, start at York Minster, explore The Shambles, and visit the Jorvik Viking Centre, all within a 1–2 km radius.

Practical Tips

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Essential for climbing the Central Tower’s 275 steps or navigating York’s cobblestone streets.
• Book in Advance: Secure tickets online for faster entry, especially for the tower.
• Respect Worship: Be quiet during services; no photography is allowed in sacred areas during worship.
• Photography: Permitted for personal use, but tripods may be restricted.
• Check Events: Look for organ recitals or exhibitions on the events page.
• Bring a Raincoat: York’s weather can be wet, and outdoor areas like the tower are exposed.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of York Minster?

Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Sunday: 12:45 PM – 2:30 PM. Check yorkminster.org for updates.

How much does it cost to visit York Minster?

Minster only: Adult £20, Student £16, Child Free (17 and under, conditions apply). Minster + Tower: Adult £26, Student £22, Child £6 (8-17).

Is York Minster suitable for children?

Yes, with free entry for children (17 and under) with an adult, stroller access, and family-friendly tours.

Are there any discounts available for York Minster?

Free entry for York residents/students (with proof) and group discounts for 10 or more. Tickets are valid for 12 months.

How long does it take to visit York Minster?

A typical visit lasts 1-2 hours, longer with the tower climb or services.

Is photography allowed at York Minster?

Yes, for personal use, but tripods may be restricted, and photography is prohibited during services.

Are there guided tours available at York Minster?

Free guided tours are included with admission. Assisted tours for accessibility needs require advance booking (bookings@yorkminster.org).

What’s the best way to get to York Minster from the city center?

Walk 10 minutes from York Railway Station or take a bus to St Leonard’s Place.

Is York Minster wheelchair accessible?

Yes, most areas (except the tower) have ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets. Tactile models and audio descriptions are available.

Are there dining options near York Minster?

No on-site cafe, but York’s city center offers numerous cafes and pubs nearby.