York Minster

York Minster featuring heritage architecture, religious elements and a square or plaza
York Minster showing a park and flowers
York Minster
York Minster featuring a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture
York Minster featuring heritage architecture, street scenes and a church or cathedral


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.

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Things to do near York Minster

When visiting York Minster, don't miss the chance to embark on a tower tour for stunning views of the city. Explore the area further with engaging walking tours that delve into the rich history and architecture of this magnificent cathedral. Additionally, enjoy local festivals and browse the charming shops nearby, offering a delightful blend of culture and commerce in the heart of York.

Shopping

Newgate Market, located 124m from York Minster, offers a vibrant atmosphere with local goods and city vibes. For a wider selection, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is 1.9km away, featuring designer brands. If you’re up for a drive, Xscape Yorkshire, 12.4km away, boasts family-friendly shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round of golf at Heworth Golf Club, just 1.6km from York Minster, where you can relish the outdoor sports atmosphere. Alternatively, take a dip at Yearsley Pool, located 559m away, perfect for family fun and relaxation in a beautiful setting.

Adventure

For an exciting adventure near York Minster, visit York Maze, a fun-filled maze located 1.9km away, perfect for families. Alternatively, experience the thrill of karting at York Motorsports Village, situated 1.2km away, or indulge in motor racing at Tockwith Motor Sports Centre, found 5.6km away.

Nightlife

In York, the vibrant York Theatre Royal offers captivating performances just 62m from York Minster, perfect for culture lovers. For a family-friendly experience, visit the York Observatory, located 124m away. For adventure seekers, The Wacky Warehouse, 1.2km from the Minster, promises fun-filled activities.

Find the best attractions near York Minster

York Minster, an iconic cathedral, is surrounded by fascinating attractions such as historic buildings, museums, and charming streets. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich culture of York while enjoying family-friendly experiences. Don't miss the chance to explore the vibrant local scene and landmarks nearby, all within walking distance from the Minster. Whether you're keen to see the Minster or discover other York attractions, there’s something for everyone in this historic city.

  • Shambles: A charming, narrow medieval street lined with timber-framed buildings, Shambles offers a delightful shopping experience with its quirky boutiques, quaint cafés, and traditional shops. Just 124m from York Minster, its vibrant atmosphere makes it a must-visit.
  • York City Walls: Stretching over two miles, the York City Walls are a remarkable historic landmark. Located 249m from York Minster, you can walk along the walls to enjoy stunning views of the city and immerse yourself in its rich history and heritage.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Situated 186m from York Minster, this interactive museum provides a fascinating insight into the Viking history of York. Experience life as a Viking through immersive displays and reconstructed scenes that transport you back in time.

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 Rain (Dry)Mostly 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 between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, and check Expedia for last-minute deals and package offers that combine flights and activities. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, including eco-friendly options, and look for free cancellation deals to enhance savings during your trip.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, chosen location, and various other preferences. You can organise your search results by sorting the prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at York Minster with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.