About York Minster:
York Minster is the largest Medieval Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe and one of Britain's most popular visitor attractions. At least a million people visit it per year. The Great East Window, currently being restored and cleaned, was completed in 1408. As big as a tennis court, it is the largest expanse of Medieval stained glass in the world.
The current Minster took 250 years to complete and is about 600 years old. But it stands on a site that has been connected with history and faith for nearly 2000 years.
Address:
For information:
York Minster Visitors Department
St. Williams College
College Street
York, YO1 7JF England
St. Williams College
College Street
York, YO1 7JF England
Telephone:
+44 (0)1904 557216
Getting There:
Just about all roads in York lead to the Minster. Head for the center of the small, walled city and you cannot miss it. If you can't see it, just climb onto the city walls at one of the many access points around York for a birds eye view.
Goodramgate, leading to Deangate and High Petergate, all lead to Minster Yard (in York, streets are called "gate" and gates through the city wall are called "bar").
Email:
Website:
Opening Times:
- The Minster:
- Worship, daily 7a.m.-6:30p.m.
- Sightseeing, Mon.-Sat. 9a.m. (9:30 Nov.-Mar.). Last entry 5p.m. Sun. noon-3:45p.m. No sightseeing Good Friday, Easter Sunday.
- The Chapter House:Same hours as Minster but may close for meetings and events.
- The Undercroft:Mon.-Sat. 9:30a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 12:30p.m.-5p.m., Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday
- The Tower:
- Mon.-Sat. 9:30a.m.-5p.m., Sun. 12:30p.m.
- Nov.-Mar. 10a.m.-30 min. before dusk.
- No children under 8.
- Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Closed Good Friday, Easter Sunday and extreme weather
Admission:
Admission is charged separately for:
- The Minster and Chapter House
- The Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt(with free audio tour)
- The Tower
- Do Everything Ticket
- Minster Plus tickets for the Minster and either the Tower or the Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt
York residents are admitted free and British taxpayers can fill out a Gift Aid form to receive a 12 month pass at no extra charge (the Minster receives a tax benefit from the government).
Check their website for current prices
Photography:
Still and camcorder photography for personal use are freely permitted, everywhere except the Undercroft.
Visitor Facilities:
- Café: A café in St. Williams College, facing the Cathedral across College Street, serves coffees, snacks and meals, from 10a.m. to 5p.m. and evenings from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. In summer, there is an outdoor area overlooking the Minster and a courtyard within the college. Reservations can be booked by phoning +44 (0)1904 634830
- Shop:The Minster shop sells CDs, jewelry, books, prints, ceramics, woven tapestries and casts of carvings from York and other important British cathedrals. Visitors can also shop online.
- Guided Tours: Guided tours are given by well informed volunteers between 9a.m. and 3p.m. Mon.-Sat. Tours are free and last between an hour and an hour and a half.
Tours can be arranged for groups and in several different languages by emailing the Minster at least 28 days in advance.
Save on a Visit to York Minster
Admission to York Minster is included in the excellent value York Pass. Find out more about The York Pass and Buy Direct.Accessiblity
- Physical Access: As a historic and architecturally important building, physical access is limited in some parts of the Minster, however ramps have been installed in key areas and wheelchairs are available for use on the site.
Find out more about physical access and mobility assistance - Sensory Impairments: Guide dogs are permitted and facilities include acoustic guides, induction loops, braille and large print guides and a Touch and Hearing Center. Guided tours for visually impaired visitors can be arranged by telephoning +44 (0)1904 557216.
- Learning disabilities: Staff are able to assist school groups and, with advance notice, can tailor a visit to suit groups with special educational needs.
