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
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street, York, England
Radisson Hotel 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
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
DoubleTree by Hilton York

DoubleTree by Hilton York

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

Hilton York

4 out of 5
1 Tower Street, York, England
Hilton York
Dean Court Hotel

Dean Court Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Duncombe Place North Yorkshire, York, England
Dean Court Hotel
Hotel Indigo York by IHG

Hotel Indigo York by IHG

4 out of 5
88-96 Walmgate, York, England
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
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 vibrant mix of activities for visitors, including local festivals, shopping, and guided walking tours that reveal the city's rich history. Don't miss the chance to explore the stunning architecture of the Minster itself and the surrounding medieval streets. Whether you're indulging in unique local cuisine or discovering hidden gems, York promises an unforgettable experience for every traveller.

Shopping

Newgate Market, located 322m from York Minster, offers a vibrant city atmosphere ideal for unique gifts. For a more extensive shopping experience, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet is 4.8km away, featuring designer brands in a family-friendly setting. If you're up for a drive, Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village is 32.2km away, combining entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

Fulford Golf Club, located 3.2km from York Minster, offers a scenic golfing experience amidst lush landscapes. Pike Hills Golf Club, 6.4km away, boasts beautiful outdoor vibes perfect for golf enthusiasts. For sports fans, Bootham Crescent Stadium, only 805m away, hosts thrilling matches in a vibrant atmosphere.

Adventure

Explore York Maze, located 4.8km from York Minster, where you can navigate through intricate pathways with family-friendly fun. For adrenaline junkies, head to York Motorsports Village, 3.2km away, for an exhilarating karting experience that promises adventure and excitement.

Nightlife

In York Minster, York Theatre Royal offers a charming mix of culture and romance just 161m away, while the York Observatory provides family-friendly entertainment 322m away. For adventure seekers, The Wacky Warehouse, located 3.2km away, promises fun for the whole family.

Find the best attractions near York Minster

While visiting York Minster, immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the area. Explore nearby streets and historic buildings, or visit fascinating museums that cater to families and culture enthusiasts alike. Don't miss out on panoramic views over York Minster and other attractions in York, ensuring a memorable experience for every traveller. Whether it’s a family outing or a solo adventure, there's something for everyone near this iconic landmark.

  • Shambles: This historic street, located a mere 322m from York Minster, is a charming maze of medieval buildings, featuring narrow passageways and unique shops. Its vibrant city vibes make it perfect for leisurely strolls and discovering local treasures.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Situated 483m from York Minster, this immersive museum transports you back to the Viking era. With interactive exhibits and authentic artefacts, you'll gain insight into York's rich cultural history.
  • York St. John University: Just 322m away, this modern university combines contemporary architecture with a bustling academic atmosphere. The campus is a great spot to experience the dynamic city vibe and enjoy the surrounding green spaces.

Best time to go to York Minster

Visitor numbers around York Minster is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

Visiting York Minster can be budget-friendly with free entry to the cathedral and nearby attractions like the Shambles and York City Walls. The best time to save on accommodation is from January to March, with Monday being the cheapest day to stay. Book hotels about a month in advance, or check Expedia's last-minute deals. For additional savings, consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. Make use of Expedia's search tools to compare rates, find eco-certified options, and sort for the best prices to maximize your travel budget.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your York Minster hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.