Step inside over 2,000 years of history at York Minster and discover the stories that have shaped one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Led by our knowledgeable volunteer tour guides, each experience brings the Minster vividly to life.
Whether it’s your first visit or a return journey, our guided tours offer fresh insights, hidden details and memorable stories that deepen your understanding of York Minster and its continuing role at the heart of the city.
All tours and experiences listed below are included with your sightseeing ticket, allowing you to explore more, learn more and make the most of your visit.
Essential Minster Tour
Discover the people, stories and history of York Minster with our Essential Minster Tour.
Journey around this awe‑inspiring building with one of our expert volunteer guides and uncover over 2,000 years of history. Learn more about the architecture and evolution of this magnificent cathedral, alongside the stories of the people inspired by its beauty and the events that have shaped its legacy.
Tours run every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday. There’s no need to pre‑book, just ask a member of the Visitor Welcome Team where the meeting point is when you arrive.
Stained Glass Tour
York Minster is home to one of the most significant collections of stained glass in the world.
Take the unique opportunity to discover this magnificent collection in closer detail with a special Stained Glass Tour. Join one of our expert volunteer guides as they highlight some of the cathedral’s windows, revealing the stories that inspired them, the figures depicted within them, and the conservation work undertaken to protect them.
Stained Glass Tours take place Monday-Saturday at 11am. There’s no need to pre‑book, just ask a member of the Visitor Welcome Team where the meeting point is when you arrive.
Bloomberg Connects
Bloomberg Connects is your free digital guide to York Minster.
Download the app and explore York Minster from the palm of your hand. As you journey through the cathedral, listen to audio guides, delve deeper into the spaces within the Minster, zoom in on the intricate details, and explore exhibitions.
Bloomberg Connects is free to download and is available for iOS and Android devices.
Download App
Special Seasonal Tours
New for 2026: Ecclesiastical Sewing Tours
To celebrate of 60 years of ecclesiastical sewing at York Minster, two of the cathedral’s expert Broderers – Christine Clegg and Uschi Roberts – will lead a series of specialist tours. The tours will showcase some of York Minster’s extraordinary textiles including kneelers, banners, vestments and altar frontals, as well as offer the public the chance to ask the Broderers questions about their craft.
The tours will take place once a month on Friday afternoons at 2pm. No pre-booking is required.
More Info
Guided Pilgrimage
Journey through York Minster on a pilgrimage guided by the cathedral’s clergy.
Spirituality, faith and heritage will be woven together into an experience that invites us to slow down, take in our surroundings, and reconnect with the generations of pilgrims who have journeyed here before us.
Guided pilgrimages are free, but pre-booked tickets are required. Follow the link below to book and find out more about each planned pilgrimage.
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