York Minster

We’ve seen the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans.

Now, we’re ready for you.

York Minster is an unforgettable destination for family days out with a range of activities to help you discover the cathedral’s 1400-year history.

The Minster is yours to explore with annual family passes starting from just £20. We encourage children and families get hands-on at the cathedral. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit:

Grab a Little Explorer Backpack

Borrow one of our Little Explorer Backpacks free of charge from the Welcome Desks. Each backpack is packed full of gadgets to help you on your adventure through the medieval Minster.

Use the binoculars and magnifying glass to spot hidden details or the torch and mirror to investigate the nooks and crannies.

Why not explore:

The Chapter House: how many silly faces can you find?
The Nave: have you spotted our dragon?
The Quire: where are the tiny wooden mice hidden?

Follow a trail map

Pick up one of our specially designed, curriculum-aligned trails and look for special people, patterns and places as you journey around York Minster.

We recommend:

Interested in science and technology? Choose from our three STEM trails: Maths Quest, Light Quest and Nature Quest
Looking to delve into the detail? Try Mason Mouse’s Minster Detectives and Minster Navigators
Want to try something new? Pick up our seasonal trails for special festivals like Advent and Christmas

Perfect for keeping little brains busy!

Explore the Undercroft Museum

Get hands on with history in our state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum.

Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, touch archaeological remains uncovered over the centuries, and explore changing exhibitions in the Treasury.

Feeling strong? See if you can lift a replica of ‘The Horn of Ulf’, a 1,000-year-old elephant tusk gifted to the cathedral by a Viking lord!

Activities for older children

There are lots of activities for older children and teenagers at York Minster:

Explore our exhibitions – our changing exhibitions provide an insight into conservation projects, significant events, and the people who contribute to life at York Minster
Take a free guided tour – join our expert volunteer guides on a tour of the Minster and discover the cathedral’s rich and diverse history
Climb the Central Tower – children aged 8 years and older can climb the 275 steps to the top of York Minster’s Central Tower (the highest point in York!) for unbeatable views over the city

Book a Tower Trip

Enjoy our green spaces

Relax in Dean’s Park, Minster Gardens or College Green and take in these vibrant green spaces nestled in the heart of York offering unbeatable views of the Minster.

Perfect for dog walks and family picnics.

FAQ for family visitors

How much does a family ticket cost?

York Minster is a great value day out.

An adult ticket costs £20 and includes entry for up to four children aged 17 and under. Your ticket lasts a whole year, so you can return to York Minster as many time as you like.

Do you welcome children with additional needs?

Children with additional needs are welcome at York Minster. We offer special ‘Sensory Backpacks’ with ear defenders and other sensory aids to help children and adults enjoy the cathedral comfortably.

Lots more information can be found on our Accessibility page: Accessibility | York Minster

Does the cathedral have baby change facilities?

Yes. You can find these facilities by the main toilets in the North Quire Aisle. See our map of the Minster for more details.

Can we bring a buggy?

Yes. There is ramped access at the main entrance to the Minster at Precentor’s Court and the main areas of the cathedral – except the Tower – have level, ramped or lift access.

Is the cathedral breastfeeding friendly?

Yes. Breastfeeding is welcome throughout the cathedral and we have a special Children’s Chapel – St Nicholas’s Chapel – set aside for family use.

Do you have a café?

There is no café at the Minster, but there are a range of food and drink outlets on our doorstep.

Putting your family in the heart of Yorkshire

We’ve seen the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans.

Now, we’re ready for you.

FAQ for family visitors

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