Visiting York Minster: The City’s Most Beautiful Building

Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Lauren Allen

Planning a visit to York? Then you will most likely plan on visiting York Minster. The impressive building stands tall over the city. Quite frankly, you can not explore this popular Yorkshire city without checking it out at some point during your trip.

Here are my top tips for visiting York Minster to ensure you make the most out of your visit!

Read more: How to spend a day in York

The history of York Minster

The history of York Minster dates all the way back to 627 AD. Since then, the church has been rebuilt several times with different materials and for different reasons. For example, it was rebuilt in 741 AD due to a fire, but work has also been completed to increase the minster in size to what it is today.

That work began in 1220 and wasn’t completed until approximately 250 years later. These days, York Minster stands proud as the largest building in the city in addition to being one of the oldest!

Location and contact information

Address: Deangate, York, YO1 7HH

Email: info@yorkminster.org

Phone: +44 (0)1904 557200

Book a ticket in advance

Tourists hoping to just explore the minster will need to book a ticket in advance. Tickets can be purchased online from this website.

Alternatively, visitors hoping to buy a combined ticket to also visit the tower will need to purchase these at the time of arrival. This highly depends on the weather, as the tower is closed if it is deemed unsafe.

Due to this, try to plan your time wisely. If you know when the weather will be dry, that is the best time to visit York Minster.

Read more: The Shambles, York | Everything you need to know

York Minster Opening Hours

York Minster opens at 10am and closes at 4.30pm between Monday and Saturday. On Sundays, this popular York attraction is only open for a few hours between 12.30pm and 3.15pm.

Prices

Adult tickets cost £12, whilst students pay £9. Children under the age of sixteen are free of charge while visiting with an adult. Students and residents living in York can also visit the minster completely free. However, proof of address is requested.

Top tip: Once you have purchased a ticket, keep it safe! It will grant you free entry into the minster for one year. Throughout that year, you can visit as many times as you wish. However, please note that you are still expected to book your free return online.

Things to do at York Minster

Be wowed by the exterior

With its impressive Gothic architecture and large size, York Minster is great to look at. To fully appreciate its beauty, take a walk around the whole building. This will allow you to admire it from all angles.

Plus, it’s an entirely free activity! That means, if you are visiting York on a budget, you can still see the minster without spending a penny!

Read more: Free things to do in York, Yorkshire

Admire its interior (and cool ceilings)

Like the exterior of York Minster, the building’s interior is just as beautiful. The whole place is just stunning, but this is especially true for the Chapter House. There, you will discover the most amazing room, which is home to some stunning stained glass windows.

Furthermore, by looking up, you will spot its super cool ceiling, which is well worth checking out on any trip to York Minster.

Photo tip: Try standing in the middle of the room and pointing upwards to get the best shots of the ceiling (like I did in the snaps below).

Read more: Day trips from York worth adding to your bucket list!

Check out the stained glass windows

Do you enjoy admiring stained glass windows? Then you’re in luck! York Minster is home to many and they are just amazing to check out. The Five Sisters windows are some of the most popular in the whole cathedral.

See the astronomical clock

Standing inside York Minster since the 1950s, the astronomical clock was produced to remember approximately 18000 soldiers from Yorkshire and other areas of the UK who fought during the Second World War.

The unique clock has two faces and shares information about York. For example, one face showcases when the sun will rise and set in the city each day, amongst other things. The other side of the clock shares information focused on the stars in the night sky. Again, these showings are also focused on York.

Climb the tower for amazing views of York!

Some of the best views of York are from the tower of York Minster. If you enjoy checking out amazing views on your travels, make sure you purchase a ticket!

Alternatively, if you want to see views of the minster itself, there are some great spots located across the city. Some of the best minster views can be admired from the city walls and Low Petergate.

Read more: Instagram spots in York, Yorkshire that you can’t miss!

Tips for visiting York Minster

Visit outside of peak times: York Minster is a popular attraction to visit. Due to this, it can get pretty busy. If you wish to enjoy your visit without the crowds, visit outside of peak times. The Minster is quietest during the week as travellers tend to explore York at the weekend.

Take your camera: York Minster is super photogenic. Make sure you take your camera (or phone) so you are able to take some snaps. Don’t forget to charge them up before your visit!

Dress for the weather: If you plan on climbing the tower, you will want to ensure you are prepared for the weather. Check before your visit and ensure you have dressed accordingly. Additionally, take an umbrella if rain is forecast.

Read more: 5 unusual things to do in York beyond the tourist hotspots!

What is York Minster famous for?

York Minster is well known due to its size. It’s said that it is the biggest place of worship, boasting Gothic architecture across the whole of Northern Europe. Work started on the current cathedral in the 1200s and was not completed until many years later in the 15th Century. Its awe-inspiring architectural style and unique history make it one of the best cathedrals to visit in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Can you visit York Minster for free?

If you are visiting York Minster as a tourist, you will be expected to purchase a ticket. However, if you wish to visit for religious reasons, such as attending a church service or prayer, you will not be expected to pay. However, please note that this does limit your visit as you will not be able to explore the whole minster.

I hope this post has helped you plan your visit to York Minster. Feel free to share any other tips in the comments below!