York Minster Tours and Activities

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


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.

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Best Lodging Options Near York Minster

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
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The Grand, York

The Grand, York

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

Malmaison York

4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET, York, England
Malmaison York
Dean Court Hotel

Dean Court Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Duncombe Place North Yorkshire, York, England
Dean Court Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton York

DoubleTree by Hilton York

4 out of 5
St Maurices Road, York, England
DoubleTree by Hilton York
Hampton by Hilton York

Hampton by Hilton York

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

Hilton York

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

York Minster offers a range of activities for visitors, including vibrant festivals, eclectic shopping experiences, and guided tours that delve into the history and architecture of this stunning cathedral. Explore the surrounding area to discover local eateries and shops, making for a delightful blend of culture and leisure in this historic city.

Shopping

Experience shopping near York Minster at Newgate Market, a bustling public market only 322m away, offering local goods and city vibes. If you're up for a drive, visit McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, located 4.8km away, featuring designer brands and family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

Enjoy a round at Fulford Golf Club, just 3.2km from York Minster, surrounded by lush landscapes and outdoor vibes. For a unique experience, try ice skating at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland, only 805m away, blending adventure with entertainment in a festive atmosphere.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of York Maze, a fun-filled labyrinth located 4.8km from York Minster, perfect for family adventures. For high-speed excitement, visit York Motorsports Village, 3.2km away, where you can enjoy karting. For motorsport enthusiasts, Tockwith Motor Sports Centre, 14.5km from the Minster, offers exhilarating racing experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at York Theatre Royal, just 161m from York Minster, where culture and romance blend beautifully. For a unique twist, visit the York Observatory, 322m away, and enjoy fascinating entertainment under the stars. Don't miss Cineworld York, 3.2km away, for a cinematic escape.

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

Find the best attractions near York Minster

While visiting York Minster, immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring its remarkable attractions, including the historic church itself. Don't miss the nearby York Racecourse for an exciting day out, and discover other notable sites around York to enhance your experience. Whether you're interested in museums, city life, or business encounters, York Minster and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of activities for every traveller.

  • Shambles: A charming medieval street, Shambles is known for its narrow, cobbled paths and timber-framed buildings. Lined with quaint shops and cafés, it offers a vibrant city atmosphere perfect for leisurely strolls and unique shopping experiences.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre, where you can explore the fascinating history of the Vikings in York. The museum features immersive exhibits and a ride through a reconstructed Viking village, providing a rich cultural experience.
  • York St. John University: This modern university blends historic architecture with contemporary facilities. With a lively campus atmosphere, it offers a glimpse into student life in York and the city's vibrant education scene.

Best time to go to York Minster

The best time to visit York Minster is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 trip to York Minster, consider visiting between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Booking about a month in advance can also lead to better rates. Mondays offer the cheapest overnight stays, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to filter hotel options by price and preferences, and watch for last-minute deals. Combine your hotel booking with flights and activities for added savings. Don’t forget to explore free attractions around York Minster to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around York Minster about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. To discover the most affordable prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your York Minster hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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