virtual tour of york minster

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York Minster

York Minster © British Tours Ltd. Panoramic photography by Jason Doll-Steinberg

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York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, containing some of the finest medieval stained glass in England can be seen on several of our Overnight Tours including The Best in Britain.

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The best of britain, spooky overnight tour of york.

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Anthony met us at the train station ready to go. In four hours we went through the history of England beginning with the Christian Crusades and ending with Harry Potter and the Royal Wedding. What can I say? AMAZING!

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News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

13 virtual experiences in York you have to try

Fri 8 May 2020  @ 12:42pm YorkMix Things to do

York’s many great attractions may be locked up right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit.

Thanks to a combination of ingenuity and the internet, we can still go on a tour of some of the city’s best bits.

You can meet Vikings, explore gardens and go on ghost walks.

Visit York has now pulled some of these together in a #YorkAtHome page.

“It has been wonderful to see how the city’s tourism businesses have adapted to the lockdown – creating unique online experiences and entertaining content for people to enjoy from home,” said Make It York leisure marketing manager Michelle Brown.

So here are a few places you can go… without going anywhere…

York Army Museum

This truly impressive virtual tour of the museum is well worth spending some time over. See all the exhibits as if you were there – and even in 3D if you have a VR headset…

York Minster

Virtual visitors can now explore the hidden stories of York Minster’s Great East Window, the country’s largest single expanse of medieval stained glass.

The new Stained Glass Navigator site features high-resolution photos of all 311 panels from the recently restored medieval masterpiece, allowing people to explore the whole window online for the first time and view the detail of its intricately painted 600-year old glass.

York Museums Trust

Harland Miller discusses his work and relationship with his home town of York in this video via York Art Gallery – just one of many online activities to enjoy from York Museums Trust.

You can also explore Kirkgate at the Castle Museum and lose yourself in the online collections.

York Ghost Tour

Ironically for ‘the most haunted city in Europe’ York has become a bit of a ghost town recently.

Which makes Dorian Deathly’s live (ish) ghost tour of lockdown York all the more spooky. Join him on a nighttime stroll through some of the spookiest streets and most terrifying tales the city has to offer.

National Railway Museum

Immerse yourself in stories from centuries of railway history and discover unexpected objects from the world’s largest railway collection.

York Mansion House

The beautiful Mansion House may be shut for now, but its video channel gives us a chance to learn some Georgian-style secrets.

York’s nuclear bunker

Take a trip round this remarkable piece of Cold War history, thanks to Google arts and culture.

York Cat Trail

Peter from the Cat Gallery takes us on a tour of all the cats on buildings in York city centre. How many did you know were there?

Castle Howard

Historian Dr Chris Ridgway has done a series of video lectures on this remarkable country pile – see them all on the link below.

York Theatre Royal

Enjoy again the full community production of York Theatre Royal’s suffragette drama Everything Is Possible .

Or take part in the theatre’s Collective Acts of Creativity, with interactive challenges and more.

Aesthetica Short Films

The magnificent short movie festival Aesthetica will – hopefully – be back in November.

But there’s no need to wait. Some of the best films showcased at the event over the years are available in their archive.

Stillingfleet Lodge

If you’re missing wide open spaces this could be for you. Stillingfleet Lodge is taking part in the virtual National Gardens Scheme, a way to keep garden gates virtually open and continue to raise money for nursing charities.

This video recreate’s a swallow’s eye view over the lodge and gardens. And if you enjoyed you can go here to donate to the nursing and health charities it supports.

Jorvik Viking Centre

These interactive online materials aimed at children and curious adults will help you learn about York’s rich Norse heritage, the excavation of Coppergate and much more.

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Exploring the york minster precinct.

York Minster is the largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and is widely regarded as one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the world. On this tour you will get to explore the Minster precinct up close. The tour will take in all four sides of Minster exterior as well as taking in some wonderful buildings including the Treasurer's House and the stunning St Williams College. A wonderful new way to explore beautiful York.

About our 360 tours

All of our tours and experiences are filmed with the latest 360 cameras, meaning you can look around at whatever you like during the tour!

Up, down, left, right, you name it, the choice is yours! Depending on what device you are using, simply pan around with your mouse, finger or headset to enjoy the views around you. Use the icons on your screen to move to different parts of the tour, pause or mute the tour, switch to full screen or VR mode, learn about your guide, and even make a booking for a real in-person experience!

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Things to Do and See at York Minster Cathedral

Written by: Cheryl

On: December 15, 2019

Updated: April 24, 2024

I usually hate the words "simply must," in a blog post. But if you go to York you simply must visit York Minster Cathedral. Here are some things to do and see at this wonderful medieval gem that is my personal favorite of the cathedrals I've had an opportunity to visit.

2 comments. add to the discussion.

My final morning in York, I headed out early as the sun peeked out after  a few cold rainy days. I wanted to beat the daytime crowds that assembled in town during that holiday weekend. Walking near York Minster to give it one final “goodbye,” I found myself playing “get-in-the-way” with a couple also trying to take photos.

He had been embarrassing his significant other in an attempt to sound English but then, suddenly, exclaimed in a  very  American accent, “THIS is a CATHEDRAL!!! We have churches in Atlanta, but…THIS? It’s a CATHEDRAL!”

I share his enthusiasm for visiting York Minster Cathedral. It  is  a CATHEDRAL at its best. Perhaps some of my interest in  this  particular cathedral stems from my fandom for Susanna Clarke’s 2004 Hugo Award winner  Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell   . York Minster features prominently in an early chapter of the book, and I can see where its many heads and carved kings would inspire fantasies about what they might say if only they could speak!

During my time in York, I spent a significant amount of my visiting York Minster Cathedral and walking around under its magnificent ceilings. Read on for some things to do when you’re visiting York Minster cathedral.

A Bit of History

The present-day Minster, which was built between 1220 and 1472 (( Click here  for a timeline on the York Minster website.)) stands on the remains of its predecessors, as old churches often do. York Minster (official name: “Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York,”) stands on the remains of an older stone church that stood on the remains of a wooden church that stood on the remains of a Roman fortress.

York Minster is the seat of the church in the North.

Visiting York Minster: Tickets and Tours

If you want to visit York Minster, you can purchase  advance online tickets,  or you can try to buy tickets at the door. The  York Pass    also includes admission to the Minster as well as other local attractions.

Check the calendar in advance. On some days, the cathedral is reserved for worship services. If you’re attending a worship service, like  Evensong , there’s no charge.

If you want more information on the cathedral than a self-tour might provide, you can sign up for a  walking tour of York    that includes the Minster. Still, I’d recommend signing up for the  hidden minster tour that consists of a visit to the chapter house roof — a part of York Minster you can only access by guided tour.

Visiting the York Minster Chapter House

The York Minster Chapter house should probably get its own post. 

The York Minster Chapter House  started construction in 1260 and was finished by 1296 . Religious assemblies were called chapters . The York Minster chapter, from what I understand, still meets here today.

Here’s more about some aspects of one of my favorite parts of York Minster cathedral:

The York Minster Chapter House Ceiling

The York Minster chapter house has a freestanding, octagonal ceiling — that is, there is no central pillar holding it up. Surrounded by intricate stained glass windows, it’s an impressive work in itself.

The Carved Heads of the York Minster Chapter House

The chapter house, which dates from 1260, is, by far, my favorite part of the cathedral. It’s a circular, freestanding space, with a magnificent ceiling and ringed with (why I love it) quite expressive carved heads.

There are animals, everyday people, people pulling faces. Ordinary people like the merchant and his wife peer out from the pillars. One happy man smirks with a surprised lion atop his head. An eagle is pecking out the eye of another, less fortunate, man.  One article  suggests that the figures represent virtues and vices. I like to think that many of these figures are people that the stone carvers knew and loved (or didn’t.)

Visiting the York Minster Chapter House Roof: Hidden Minster Tours

When the opportunity to climb up in a cathedral presents itself, I take it. The only way to climb here is to take the  hidden Minster tour that includes the chapter house roof  (there’s also a new hidden minster tour for the crypt which, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take.)

The roof of the chapter house is a pitched timber roof, so with York Minster’s history of fires, you can be sure they’re always on guard for fire hazard here. The beams here are impressive — it’s hard to take a picture that does it justice due to its scale and low lighting.

The tour also includes a visit to the stonemason’s loft and tracing floor, where the stonemasons would trace their designs to display to clients. The loft also includes a collection of old cutting patterns.

Visit the Kings of England at the York Minster Kings’ Screen

The choir screen — the screen separating the choir from the nave — at York Minster is unique. Fifteen carved, stone kings grace the screen.  We have a separate post just about this part of the cathedral, with a close-up photo of each king. We wrote a post about this, specific part of the cathedral here.

View Some Spectacular and Well-Preserved Medieval Stained Glass

York Minster is home to the oldest intact stained glass and the largest expanse of stained glass ( the recently restored Great East Window ) in the UK.

The Great West and East windows are magnificent. But stained glass abounds throughout the cathedral from the five sisters’ window (not pictured) to the windows surrounding the circular chapter house.

I wish I could have spent more time examining individual windows at the cathedral. However, there are plenty of reading resources about the  stained glass of York Minster.    The  Great East Window   , which depicts scenes from Genesis through the Apocalypse, has inspired the most study.

Attend Evensong

Even if, like me, you’re not a churchgoer, you might find yourself moved by attending Evensong. After a long journey to York, sitting quietly and listening to the choir in the evening offered a space for quiet contemplation. Below is a sample of music from York Minster Evensong from Soundcloud. I was a good girl and, as they asked, did not record the service myself while I was there. The  Choir of York Minster offers plenty of their recordings on CD.   There is no charge to enter the minister to attend an evensong service. 

View the King’s Book of York Heroes and the York Gospels at York Minster’s Undercroft Museum

If you love beautifully bound books or medieval manuscripts, these are a must-see. The undercroft museum at the Minster houses these as well as other artifacts including a carved Viking horn.

The  King’s Book of York Heroes  is a memorial to those fallen in the Great War (WWI). Only the exterior was on display, but it says that 1441 names, biographies, and photos are recorded in this vast tome, beautifully bound in carved oak.

My notes failed here, but I believe this is a photo of the  York Gospel,  housed at York Minster, a 1000-year-old, leatherbound, illuminated manuscript.

Visit the Crypt and Various Burials in the Cathedral

The crypt at York Minster has a unique design with columns and arched ceilings. Despite all of my other photos, I somehow failed to take photos of the crypt area. But you can get an idea of what the York Minster crypt is like  here .

Of course, old cathedrals serve double-duty as cemeteries, and you’ll find other memorials and tomb effigies here, as you will at other English churches.

Interested in Visiting York Minster Cathedral? Here are some related resources.

• York Minster website
• Viator tours that (may) include visiting York Minster Cathedral 
• Read more about the  history of York Minster,  including its history of fires on the History of York website.
• Books about York Minster 
• You can buy replicas of some of the chapter house heads at the  York Minster shop .
• York Minster art, maps, and items on Etsy. 
• Take a  York Minster virtual tour  on VRYork.

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Visit the UK's biggest landmarks from the comfort of your sofa

Apr 6, 2020 • 4 min read

If you're currently sitting at home and wishing you'd travelled more, maybe to see the Giant's Causeway, or nose around Buckingham Palace, then wish no more! You can now virtually visit  the UK 's biggest landmarks from the comfort of your own home with these online tours. So make a cuppa and get comfy, before scrolling your way around these iconic sites. 

1. Buckingham Palace

Perhaps the most famous home in Britain, Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as Queen Elizabeth's London pad. If you fancy a poke around without tackling busy tubes and tour ticket prices, the royal palace is just a click away and even includes a  personal guide .

2. Stonehenge

Stonehenge , a prehistoric cultural icon, is believed to date back as far as 3000BC. Explore this World Heritage Site with just the click of a finger with this 360° online tour .

3. Edinburgh Castle

A historical fortress, Edinburgh Castle 's elevated position allows it to dominate the city's skyline. Sitting on top of Castle Rock, it initially served as a royal castle and is an important monument in Scottish heritage.  This 360 aerial tour  not only takes you around the castle itself but also provides an opportunity to see across the whole of the capital! 

4. Tower of London

Known for being a prison, treasury and even a zoo, the Tower of London is synonymous with British history. The tower was founded in 1066 and expanded on throughout the centuries to follow. The abundance of stories that are attached to the landmark can be heard through  this 360 degree tour of the castle and its grounds . 

5. The Giant's Causeway

The Giant's Causeway is a collection of around 40,000 interlocking columns and sits on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. The natural wonder has previously been named one of the best sights in the UK and gets its name from stories claiming Irish giant Finn McCool formed it in an attempt to cross the Irish Sea! Marvel at this formation without leaving your cosy home with this tour . 

6. Chatsworth House

An iconic stately home, Chatsworth House has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549 but opened its doors to the public in 1708. Set in beautiful parkland and backed by forest, a visit to Chatsworth is memorable for both its gardens, the incredible house and the artwork it holds. 

7. York Minster

One of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals, York Minster is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.  Pay a virtual visit to see its unusual handcrafted stone and medieval stained glass windows, telling the story of Christ, whilst the architecture blows you away. 

8. Hadrian's Wall

Serving as a defence for the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall dates back to 128 AD and stretches 73 miles from coast to coast, making just the thought of seeing it exhausting enough.  English Heritage's virtual tour  of the structure is a little more accessible, providing an insight into the landmark's historical significance that you can enjoy from the comfort of your home come rain or shine.

Read more:  Walking Hadrian's Wall: a coast-to-coast hike across England

9. Abbey Road Studios

This notorious studio has been the go-to for some of the biggest artists of all time, and has become an icon of the British music scene. The crossing made famous by the Beatles Abbey Road album has been a tourist hot spot since 1969, and now you too can pop inside the studios without having to belt out a chart topper.

Read more:  Beatles' Abbey Road crossing repainted during London lockdown

10. Bath's Roman Baths

Bath 's namesake attraction serves as one of the most popular historical sites in the UK with 1.3 million people visiting them each year. The Roman Bath's were redeveloped in the middle ages after being destroyed upon the fall of the empire and now serve as a glimpse into hygiene habits of the past. Have a virtual look at the ancient tubs for yourself.

11. The Brontë sisters' homes

The countryside of  Yorkshire and Derbyshire played a key role in inspiring the Brontës, the famous 19th-century literary family, to produce some of their most famous texts, including Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre . Why not take an online tour of the sisters' homes  and see if the experience gets your creativity flowing as well. 

12. St Paul's Cathedral

This Anglican cathedral dominates London's skyline and serves as one of the capital's most recognisable landmarks, opening its doors to over 2 million visitors every year. Take a look around the inside of this iconic monument and avoid the crowds with  this virtual tour .

13. St Ive's

Calling artists from all over the world, St Ives is a hub of creativity, cobblestone streets and independent food and drink havens. Set up a picnic in the living room and pan through this virtual tour of the St Ives beach .  

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York Minster Virtual Tour - The Undercroft

Just inside the main south entrance to York Minster, a set of stairs lead down into the Crypt and Undercroft. This is the oldest part of the Minster - and some of the remains you will see here pre-date the Minster by quite a bit!

Much of the Undercroft and the Crypt has been turned into a modest museum showcasing artefacts found on the site and explaining how the Minster is built.

Fragmentary remains of Roman plasterwork can be seen, as well as foundations of the nave walls. Comparatively recent is the 10th-century grave marker in the undercroft.

The Exterior The Chapter House The Nave The Choir The Undercroft Photo Gallery

Canvas prints, framed prints and greeting cards by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of BritainExpress.com

Travel Guide

• Attractions
• Attractions Map
• Barley Hall
• Clifford's Tower
• Fairfax House
• Historic Churches
• Jorvik Viking Centre
• Merchant Adv. Hall
• Nat. Railway Museum
• Roman Bath Museum
• The Shambles
• Treasurers House
• York Castle Museum
• York City Wall
• York Guildhall
• York Minster
• Yorkshire Museum
• History of York
• York's Rivers
• Walking Tours
• Hidden Treasures
• Yorkshire Travel Guide

Accommodation

• Self Catering

Stunning UK prints for sale by award-winning photographer David Ross, editor of Britain Express, the UK Travel and Heritage Guide.

Top Historic Attractions in Yorkshire

Towns / villages, self catering near york.

17 Fewster Way York Sleeps 4, from £653 Baggergate House York Sleeps 6, from £888 Dunning, The Mount York Sleeps 6, from £496

Plan a Visit to York Minster

At least two million people a year visit York Minster in the medieval city of York. The 800-year-old cathedral that took 250 years to build is just the tip of the iceberg. It occupies on a site that has been connected with history and faith for almost 2,000 years. Its Great East Window, as big as a tennis court, is the largest expanse of Medieval stained glass in the world.

There's a lot to see and, during the summer months and school vacation periods, a lot of people who want to see it with you. So a little advance planning doesn't hurt.

What's New at York Minster

Revealing York Minster in the Undercroft  Don't miss the new exhibition. It's part of a £20 million, 5-year renovation and conservation project, scheduled to be fully completed in 2016, parts of it are already open to visitors. The largest state-of-the-art attraction in any UK cathedral, it relates the history of the cathedral and its site with amazing objects and interactive displays - including the 1,000 year old Horn of Ulf, given to the Minster by a Viking lord.

Did you know?

• Some of York Minster's most interesting ancient history was only discovered in the 1960s and 70s during emergency excavations under the cathedral.
• Constantine the Great, who chose Constantinople the capital of the Roman Empire and made Christianity its official religion, was declared Emperor by his soldiers while in York.
• Minster is an Anglo Saxon word, originally used to describe monasteries with a teaching role. It's mostly used these days as an honorary title for some large cathedrals.

Great East Window Cleaning and Conservation

The work of restoring this immense stained glass window and the stonework of the East End of the Minster will take much longer than the 5-year York Minster Revealed project. At least 311 glass panels, made up of thousands of pieces of Medival glass, are being removed, repaired and reinstalled. It won't be completed until 2018. But in 2016, visitiors will, at last, be able to see it without the protective scaffolding that has covered it for years. 

The restored panels will be visible as they are returned to their positions in the window. Other sections still being restored will be protected with clear glass. Working on these windows is such a massive project that new technology is being used to prolong their lives. York Minster will the first building in the UK to use UV resistant glass as an outer protection for the stained glass.

If you want a challenge, see how many of the stained glass panels your can understand. The Medieval artisans who created it aimed to tell the entire story of the Bible, from Genesis to the Apocalypse, in the one, multi-paneled window.

Take a Guided Tour

• Minster tours - Volunteers lead guided tours, six times a day - at 10, 11,12,1, 1 and 3pm - every day except Sunday. The tours take about an hour and are a great way to discover some of the Minster's hidden treasures and amazing history. The tours are included in the price of admission. If you are coming with a group of 10 or more, or need foreign language help, let staff know 28 days in advance by sending a group tour request to  [email protected]
• Tower trips - Climbing York Minster's central tower is a very special experience if you are fit and fearless. It's the highest point in York and before you arrive at the 230 -foot-high top and step out into the open air, you get a chance to see some of the Minster's Medieval pinnacles and gargoyles close up.
• There are 275 steps to the top. Some are narrow and uneven and some go through narrow passageways.
• The Tower climb is not recommended for people with heart conditions, vertigo, claustrophobia, high blood pressure, angina, breathing trouble (asthma, hay fever, and bronchitis), poor mobility or who are pregnant.
• Health and safety regulations are available to read when you buy your ticket and you must read them before tackling the climb.
• Children younger than 8-years-old are not permitted to climb the tower.
• School groups of ten or more must be accompanied by three adults, or two adults if there are fewer than ten. 
• Trips up the tower take 45 minutes and are limited to 50 people at a time. They leave every 45 minutes or so throughout the day and there is an extra charge for the tower. Ask at the ticket office about tower trip times when you arrive. But before planning to climb, consider these factors:

How to Find York Minster

Just about all roads in  York  lead to the Minster. Head for the center of the small, walled city and you cannot miss it. If you can't see it, just climb onto the city walls at one of the many access points around York for a birds eye view.

Goodramgate, leading to Deangate and High Petergate, all lead to Minster Yard (in York, streets are called "gate" and gates through the city wall are called "bar").

When To Visit

As a working cathedral, York Minster may be closed from time to time for all the normal business of a church - weddings, christenings, funerals - as well as special events and concerts. In general, the Minster is open:

• For services and prayer , daily from 7am to 6:30pm
• For sightseeing, Monday - Saturday 9am to last entry at 5:30pm, Sunday from 12:45 pm. Parts of the cathedral may be closed for evensong preparation or special events during general opening hours.
• For the Undercroft exhibitions, Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm
• For Tower trips , check on the day you visit. Because Tower trips have an open air element, their scheduling is tied to the weather.

Why Is There an Admission Charge?

People sometimes balk at having to pay for a ticket to visit a place of worship so it is important to consider a few things:

• There is no entrance fee to enter the Minster to attend a service, to pray or to light candles.
• Not counting the restoration and conservation projects, it actually costs £20,000 a day to cover heating, lighting, cleaning and other staffing to keep the Minster open to the public. Most of this has to be raised from admission charges.
• The people of York are admitted free.
• Admission tickets are good for unlimited visits for a full year from the date of purchase.

Other Visitor Essentials

• Admission - as of 2015, tickets for the Minster, Chapter House and Undercroft cost £10 for adults and £9 for seniors and students. Up to four children accompanied by an adult are free. ​Tickets for the Minster and the Tower Trip cost £15 for adults, £14 for seniors and students and £5 for children from 8 to 16. Children under 8 are not permitted to climb the tower.
• Photography and video recording for personal use is permitted everywhere except the Undercroft.
• Visit their Official Website for lots more information and a range of contact information.

York Minster Facts and Figures

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14 UK landmarks you can virtually tour from home

Fancy a trip to Edinburgh Castle?

While we all set up camp in our living rooms there's still a way to experience the best staycations from the comfort of our sofas. Parkdean Resorts have gathered a list of the UK's top landmarks that you can visit via a virtual tour, meaning you don't have to pass up on the culture even when travel is temporarily off the agenda. So sit back and scroll through the best the UK has to offer...

Buckingham Palace, London

Perhaps the most iconic home in Britain, Buckingham Palace is recognised around the world as Queen Elizabeth's London pad. If you fancy a nosy round without having to tackle busy tubes and tour ticket prices, the royal palace is just a click away.

Stonehenge, Wiltshire

Regarded as a British cultural icon, the prehistoric landmark Stonehenge is believed to date back as far as 3000BC. Named as a World Heritage Site, the landmark is a must-see and is now even easier to access, even when stuck inside.

St Ives, Cornwall

Calling artists from all over the world, St Ives is a hub of creativity, cobblestone streets and independent food and drink havens. Set up a picnic in the living room and pan through this virtual tour of the St Ives beach.

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

A historical fortress, Edinburgh Castle's elevated position allows it to dominate the city's skyline. Sitting on top of Castle Rock it initially served as a royal castle and is an important monument in Scottish heritage. This 360-degree aerial tour not only takes you around the castle itself but provides an opportunity to see across the whole of the capital.

Tower of London, London

Known for being a prison, treasury and even a zoo, the Tower of London is synonymous with British history. Founded in 1066 and expanded on throughout the centuries to follow, the abundance of stories that are attached to the landmark can be heard through this 360 degree tour of the castle and its grounds.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

The Giant's Causeway is a collection of around 40,000 interlocking columns that sits on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. The natural wonder has previously been named one of the best in the UK and gets its name from stories claiming Irish giant Finn McCool formed it in an attempt to cross the Irish Sea. Avoid the cold and visit from your sofa...

Chatsworth House, Derbyshire

An iconic stately home set in Derbyshire, Chatsworth House has been home to the Cavendish family since 1549 but opened its doors to the public in 1708. Set in beautiful parkland and backed by woods, a visit to Chatsworth is stunning for both its gardens, the incredible house, and the artwork it holds.

Loch Ness, Scotland

Made famous by its mythical inhabitant, Loch Ness is a freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. Often outshone by Nessie, the loch itself serves as an example of the beauty found in Scotland's landscape. Luckily, there's no need to wait for a clear day or sit through a long car journey to experience it any more as you can now take a virtual boat ride across the water (no promise of a celebrity sighting unfortunately).

York Minster, York

As one of the world’s most beautiful cathedrals, York Minster is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. A marvel that can leave you speechless, its unusual handcrafted stone and medieval stained glass tells the story of Jesus Christ whilst the architecture blows you away.

Abbey Road Studios, London

This notorious studio has been the go-to for some of the biggest artists of all time and has become an icon of the British music scene. The crossing, in the London borough of Camden, made famous by the Beatles LP, has been a tourist hotspot since 1969 and now there's no need to have a top 10 album to get inside the studios themselves.

Hadrian's Wall, Cumbria

Serving as a defence for the Roman Empire, Hadrian's Wall dates back to 128 AD. Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, just the thought of seeing it all is exhausting enough. English Heritage's virtual tour might be a little more accessible, is less weather-dependent than the real thing, and provides an insight into its historical significance.

Homes of the Brontë Sisters, Yorkshire

Taking a trip across Yorkshire and Derbyshire, you can see the homes that inspired the Brontë Sisters' great works, including walks and homes that inspired the titles of their classic novels.

St Paul's Cathedral, London

This Anglican cathedral dominates London's skyline and serves as one of the capital's most recognisable landmarks, opening its doors to over two million visitors every year. Take a look around the inside of this iconic monument and avoid the crowds with a virtual tour.

Roman Baths, Bath

Bath's namesake serves as one of the most popular historical sites in the UK, with 1.3 million people visiting them each year. The Roman Baths were redeveloped in the middle ages after being destroyed upon the fall of the empire and now serve as a glimpse into hygiene habits of the past, all in the most incredible building.

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York Minster Tower: How To Visit & Is It Worth The Climb?

York Minster is one of the most iconic sights in the English city of York, with the massive Central York Minster Tower at its heart. An authentic medieval masterpiece, the tower at York Minster is an instantly recognisable symbol of the city, and climbing it is highlighted in any guide to the best things to do in York .

But what should you expect when visiting York Minster Tower? Are the views from the top really that interesting? Is it worth your time, money and effort to attempt the climb to the top of York Minster Central Tower? Let’s take a look!

Grey Globetrotters Travel Blog contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my  disclaimer  for more information.

A Brief History of the Central York Minster Tower

York Minster (the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York) is an Anglican cathedral dating back to 627. Construction of the current Gothic building, including the massive central tower, started in 1215 and was completed in 1405.

The tower collapsed in 1407, but work to rebuild it with reinforced piers started in 1420. This coincided with the construction of the twin Western towers, which house the Minster’s 36 bells. The Minster was consecrated in 1472.

York Minster escaped destruction by King Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541) but has been damaged many times over the years through fire, looting and siege!

A 1967 survey revealed that the tower was close to collapse, and remedial works to reinforce the tower and cathedral foundations were completed in 1972.

There are many reasons to visit and take on the York Minster Tower challenge, including stepping into medieval history, getting incredible views, achieving a personal challenge, and discovering fabulous photo opportunities from the highest point in the city of York.

The central tower stands 235 feet (72 m) tall, and you can climb all the way to the top. The wide-reaching views from the top and from various points on the way up are incredible.

Climbing The York Minster Central Tower

The tower at York Minster has 276 steep, narrow and winding (mostly) stone steps.

There are a few places where you can pause to catch your breath, but long sections of the climb offer no places to stop. You will hold up other people if you need to pause, as there is no room to pass on the narrow steps.

Tip : If you’re a slower climber, let the fitter/faster people in your timeslot sprint up the steps ahead of you, so you don’t need to worry about taking your time. It’s what I did 🙂

On the way up, you’ll pass all sorts of tiny doors that lead into private areas of the Minster, and then will reach a pathway that takes you outside and across the roof.

From here, you can look down to the city below and get a bird’s eye view of gargoyles, tiny “Rapunzel-like” towers and flying buttresses, before continuing your climb up the central tower.

When you reach the top of the tower, you’ll be standing at the highest point in York, on a huge square the size of a tennis court! From every side of the square. you can see a different view of the city through the parapet, with far-reaching views across Yorkshire on clear days.

Tip: Book your tower tour so you’ll be at the top of the tower when the bells ring in the Western Towers (on the hour).

Is Climbing York Minster Tower Worth It?

Are you wondering if whether the time and cost of visiting the tower at York Minster is worth it, or should you skip this activity on your visit to York?

I love the history and atmosphere of York Minster, and climbing the tower is a great add-on to get a different perspective of the Minster and the city.

The climb is challenging unless you’re very fit, with limited things to see for much of the time, although the section across the roof is fascinating, and it’s tempting to linger here. Once you’re at the top of the tower, the views are fabulous, and you get a great panorama, although smaller kids might need to be lifted up to see everything fully.

My son loved the tower climb as a teenager – probably more from a physical achievement perspective, but he did rate the whole experience as “good”. High praise from a teen 🤣

If you only have one day in York, I’d probably skip this activity, but I highly recommend it if you visit for a few days.

Can You Enjoy the Tower Without Climbing It?

Yes. From outside the building, you can get a great idea of the tower’s size and admire the intricate stonework of medieval masons.

York Minster Tower with Kids

To join the tower tour, children must be 8 years old and above and capable of climbing (and descending) the 275 steps unaided.

If you have active kids, they will love the climb and will enjoy the markers that point out how many steps you have climbed. My son was fascinated by all the ancient graffiti carved into the stone walls on the way up.

Parts of the climb take you outside, onto the roof of York Minster. It’s the perfect place for your kids to get a closer look at stone gargoyles, intricate architecture and beautiful windows.

My son also loved peering down at the “ant-sized” people far below, but the path is very high up and narrow, so you’ll need to be careful!

At the top of the tower, information panels point out the major landmarks in the city and beyond. It’s fun to look at these with your kids and then look over the city to spot the landmarks together.

Practical Info

York Minster Tower tour times: Tower Trips run regularly throughout the day, from 10:15 am until – 3:30 pm, subject to availability.

Admission price: The tower tour is £6; however, you will also need an entrance ticket for York Mimster, which is £12.50. Click  HERE  to book a combined York Minster and Central Tower ticket, but note that you can only book your tower tour on the day you plan to vist.

Tip: Admission to York Minster is included in the York Pass . It’s worth considering if you want to visit at least three museums and/or attractions while you’re visiting York, as it will offer significant savings compared to buying tickets individually 🙂

How much time do you need ? It’s worth allowing yourself between 45 minutes and an hour for the York Minster Tower Challenge.

It took me just over ten minutes to climb to the top of the tower, with a few stops on the way to catch my breath and take photos. It can take much longer if you get stuck behind a “slowcoach”, as the steps are very narrow, with only a few “passing places”.

Most people spend 15-20 minutes at the top of the tower, catching their breath (!), enjoying the views and snapping photos before taking the stairs back down. You have to be very careful on the descent , so it’s likely to take at least five minutes to descend.

Accessibility: The York Minster Tower is not accessible for people with limited mobility, breathing problems, heart problems or high blood pressure. It’s also not suitable for children aged 8 and under.

Facilities: There are free lavatories in York Minster, in the North Quire Aisle. While there is no cafe within the Minster, plenty of coffee shops are nearby.

READ ALSO: The Best Things To Do In York

More travel inspiration for Yorkshire:

• Best Christmas Markets in Yorkshire
• Best Castle Hotels in Yorkshire
• Top Things To Do in Leeds & Where To Stay in Leeds
• Best Things To Do in Harrogate & Where To Stay in Harrogate
• Best Things to Do in Knaresborough
• Yorkshire Bucket List

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it for later and share it with your friends! If you’re on Pinterest, you can click the image below to save it 🙂

Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe, Egypt and China, with meticulously crafted travel itineraries and affordable luxury travel guides.

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Discover York Minster’s hidden spaces

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Take a journey with our expert tour guides to see hidden spaces normally closed to public access. Hear untold stories about how parts of the Minster were built and the people who made it happen.

Chapter House and Mason’s Loft

Go above the rooftops of York and explore one of York Minster’s architectural gems with our hidden tour of the Chapter House roof and old Mason’s Loft.

Learn how 13 th century Masons used a revolutionary engineering technique to create a structure that is one of the wonders of medieval carpentry. View the centuries-old design drawings still visible on the Tracing floor, see Victorian wooden templates and touch timber believed to be nearly 1,000 years old.

These tours take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 11am.

Crypts of the Early Minster

A rare opportunity to delve behind the walls of the present-day Crypt, where your expert guide will reveal the foundations of three spectacular cathedrals, built on this site over nearly 1,000 years.

These tours take place on Tuesdays and Fridays at 11am.

Scaffolding and Meet the Masons Tour

800 years of craftsmanship have gone into making our Cathedral, come and see how our artisan craftsmen maintain the building using the same techniques as were used originally. You will meet the Masons, and climb to the top of the scaffolding, where you will get amazing views over the City of York. See the new grotesques and pinnacles recently carved by our Masons and how they are added to the Minster.

These tours are currently unavailable.

Prices and booking

• Chapter House and Mason’s Loft – £28 – £30, which includes general admission and a 12 month pass for York Minster (£12 for York residents, as entry to the cathedral is free all year round with a valid York Card or proof of address). Book Now
• Crypts of the Early Minster  – £22 – £24, which includes general admission and a 12 month pass for York Minster (£6 for York residents, as entry to the cathedral is free all year round with a valid York Card or proof of address). Book Now

Booking in advance is recommended as spaces are limited to eight people per tour, but tickets may be available on the day. Hidden Minster Tours are only available to those aged 18+, who can meet the following Health and Safety guidelines:

• Chapter House and Mason’s Loft Health and Safety guidelines
• Crypts of the Early Minster Health and Safety guidelines
• Scaffolding and Meet the Masons Tour Health and Safety guidelines

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