York Minster Tours and Activities

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


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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Popular places to visit


Top York Minster Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
The Milner York
The Grand, York

The Grand, York

5 out of 5
Station Rise, York, England
The Grand, 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
DoubleTree by Hilton York

DoubleTree by Hilton York

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

Hilton York

4 out of 5
1 Tower Street, York, England
Hilton York
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 wealth of activities, from guided tours that delve into its rich history to vibrant festivals celebrating local culture. Explore the nearby shopping precincts for unique finds, and enjoy the lively atmosphere that York is known for. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the city's captivating experiences, blending the historical with the contemporary.

Shopping

The closest spot for shopping is McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, only 4.8km from York Minster, offering a mix of family and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Xscape Yorkshire and Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village, both 32.2km away, featuring vibrant city and family atmospheres.

Recreation

Experience the thrill of ice skating at Yorkshire's Winter Wonderland, located 805m from York Minster, perfect for family fun. Alternatively, enjoy a round at Heworth Golf Club, a scenic golf course 1.6km away, or catch a match at Bootham Crescent Stadium, also 805m away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at York Maze, a fun-filled maze located 4.8km from York Minster, perfect for families. For adrenaline junkies, York Motorsports Village offers exciting karting adventures only 3.2km away. If you're keen on motor racing, Tockwith Motor Sports Centre is 14.5km away, boasting sports and adventure vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in York Minster! Enjoy a show at the York Theatre Royal, just 161m away, or explore the stars at the York Observatory, located 322m from the Minster. For a cinematic experience, head to Cineworld York, 3.2km away.

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

Find the best attractions near York Minster

York Minster offers a vibrant mix of street life, museums, and historic buildings, perfect for tourists seeking cultural and family experiences. Key attractions include the Yorkshire Museum and the stunning views of the magnificent York Minster. Additionally, visitors can search for trending hotels nearby to enhance their stay and fully experience the charm of this historic city.

  • Shambles: Experience the charm of Shambles, a narrow, cobbled street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings. This bustling area is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll and some unique shopping.
  • York City Walls: Walk along the historic York City Walls, which encircle the city, offering stunning views and a glimpse into York's rich history. These ancient fortifications are a testament to the city's medieval past and provide a peaceful escape from the urban bustle.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Dive into the Viking history of York at the Jorvik Viking Centre. This interactive museum showcases artefacts and recreations of Viking life, providing an immersive experience that transports you back to the 9th century.

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

For a budget-friendly visit to York Minster, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Booking a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield substantial savings. Mondays tend to be cheaper than weekends, especially Saturdays. Use Expedia's tools to filter accommodation by budget and location, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free attractions in York to stretch your budget even further!

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, adjust the price filter to display options from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your York Minster hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.