York Minster

York Minster showing heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and religious elements
York Minster which includes a garden and flowers
York Minster
York Minster which includes street scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
York Minster showing street scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture


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 colourful 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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Holiday & seasonal tours

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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.

Popular places to visit


Top York Minster Hotel Deals

The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
The Milner York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly, York, England
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street, York, England
Radisson Hotel York
Malmaison York

Malmaison York

4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET, York, England
Malmaison York
The Grand, York

The Grand, York

5 out of 5
Station Rise, York, England
The Grand, York
Hilton York

Hilton York

4 out of 5
1 Tower Street, York, England
Hilton York
Moxy York

Moxy York

3.5 out of 5
Black Horse Lane, York, England
Moxy York
Hampton by Hilton York

Hampton by Hilton York

3 out of 5
Toft Green, Yorkshire, York, England
Hampton by Hilton York
Dean Court Hotel

Dean Court Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Duncombe Place North Yorkshire, York, England
Dean Court Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near York Minster

Discover a wealth of activities near York Minster, including vibrant festivals and delightful shopping experiences. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning architecture of York Minster itself, which is a must-visit for its historical significance and breathtaking interiors. For a bit of adventure, consider visiting Xscape Yorkshire, where you can indulge in various exciting activities. Enjoy your time immersing yourself in the charm of York.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near York Minster, visit Newgate Market, only 322m away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, 4.8km away, provides designer brands in a lively setting, while Xscape Yorkshire, 32.2km away, promises family fun and entertainment.

Recreation

At Heworth Golf Club, enjoy a relaxing round of golf amidst scenic views just 1.6km from York Minster. For a fun-filled day, visit Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland for ice skating and festive thrills, located only 805m away. Bootham Crescent Stadium, also 805m away, offers vibrant sports atmosphere.

Adventure

Explore York Maze, a fun-filled labyrinth located 4.8km from York Minster, perfect for family adventures. For a thrilling experience, head to York Motorsports Village, 3.2km away, for exhilarating karting. For motor racing enthusiasts, Tockwith Motor Sports Centre, 14.5km distant, offers a fantastic adrenaline rush.

Nightlife

In York, the York Theatre Royal offers a charming blend of culture and romance, only 161m from York Minster. For stargazers, the York Observatory, 322m away, provides a unique entertainment experience, while Cineworld York, 3.2km distant, promises cinematic delights and a romantic atmosphere.

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

Find the best attractions near York Minster

When visiting York Minster, there are numerous attractions to explore that cater to various interests, including culture and city experiences. Key sites include the magnificent York Minster Cathedral, the stunning York Minster Tower, the historic York Castle, and the lively York Racecourse. Don't forget to stroll through the charming streets filled with museums and local culture, ensuring a delightful experience in this historic city.

  • Shambles: A charming medieval street that is famed for its narrow lanes and overhanging timber-framed buildings. With its vibrant atmosphere, Shambles is perfect for leisurely strolls, quaint shops, and delightful eateries, offering a glimpse into York's rich history.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Immerse yourself in Viking history at this interactive museum. Located in the heart of York, it features reconstructed Viking streets and exhibits that bring the past to life, making it a fascinating cultural experience for all ages.
  • Berdern Hall: A prominent conference venue, Berdern Hall blends modern facilities with historic charm. Ideal for business events, it offers a professional atmosphere while being conveniently located near other attractions, making it a great choice for corporate visitors.

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 money on your visit to York Minster, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to March when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, and aim for a Monday stay, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to compare room rates and look for last-minute deals. Additionally, explore free activities in the area and make use of public transport, which is economical and efficient. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also yield significant savings.

  • 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: Book your hotel around York Minster about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you will be presented with sustainable and eco-friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your York Minster hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.