York Minster
About
The largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe, built over 250 years and finished in 1472, on a site that has carried a church since the year 627 and the headquarters of a Roman fortress before that. The Great East Window is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country, the Undercroft museum walks you down through Roman and Norman layers under the crossing, and the 275-step Central Tower climb gives the best high view of the city, minimum age 8. Admission funds the constant restoration; children go free with a paying adult, and York residents enter free with proof of address. Attending a service, including sung evensong, is free.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The Great East Window, the country's largest expanse of medieval stained glass
- ✓Undercroft museum through the Roman and Norman layers beneath the crossing
- ✓Central Tower climb, 275 steps to the best view in York
- ✓Free entry to services, including sung evensong
Tips
- →Sightseeing hours are roughly Mon-Sat 09:30-16:00 and Sun 12:45-14:30; services run outside these times.
- →Adult admission is £20 from September 2026 (£18.20 before); tower climb costs extra and sells out on busy days, so book the slot when you buy entry.
- →Evensong is free, usually sung in term time, and one of the best ways to experience the building.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
The Shambles & Shambles Market
The famous overhanging medieval butchers' street, plus the daily 75-stall Shambles Market and its street-food court next door.
National Railway Museum
The world's leading railway museum, free to enter: Mallard, a Shinkansen and royal carriages, ten minutes behind the station.
Jorvik Viking Centre
Ride through Viking-age Jorvik rebuilt on the exact Coppergate dig site, then meet the real finds. Timed slots; pre-book.