Half-term fun at York Minster

Families can enjoy a range of fun events and activities at York Minster this half-term, all designed to help young explorers discover the medieval Minster.

Highlights of the holiday programme will include ‘Peter and the Wolf’, a family-friendly organ concert with exciting narration, and ‘P is for Pilgrim’, a special trail inspired by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell’s new book.

Archbishop Stephen said, “I am delighted that York Minster is offering this half-term trail activity for children, parents and carers, linked to my book P is for Pilgrim. Our church buildings have so much to teach us about aspects of the Christian faith, symbols often hidden in plain sight. I hope that many will enjoy exploring this fantastic place of worship and leave not only with more knowledge but having encountered something of the person of Jesus Christ.”

Visitors to the York Minster Precinct will also be able to experience welcoming, outdoor spaces with wonderful views of the Minster: the revamped and replanted College Green and Minster Gardens, a peaceful garden oasis next door to the York Minster Refectory. The ever-popular Dean’s Park is also open throughout the year, perfect for winter walks and escaping from the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

York Minster’s full February half-term programme is as follows:

P is for Pilgrim
Saturday 10 – Sunday 18 February
Free with General Admission

Follow a special trail inspired by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell’s new book P is for Pilgrim. Suitable for children of all faiths and none, the trail is designed to help young adventurers spot Christian symbols and concepts as they explore the Minster and learn more about faith.

Peter and the Wolf
Tuesday 13 February, 7pm
Tickets now available

Join brave young Peter as he overcomes his fear of a big bad wolf in Sergei Prokofiev’s classic Peter and the Wolf played on York Minster’s recently-refurbished Grand Organ.

Hear captivating instrumental characterisations of Peter’s animal friends as a live feed of the cathedral’s marvellous organ being played by Ben Morris, Assistant Director of Music at York Minster, is shown on screens to the audience. Using special stops on the organ, Ben will guide young listeners through the sounds of this magnificent instrument. The performance will be narrated by Stuart Perry, the Silly History Boys’ silliest boy.

Tickets cost £8 for an adult and £6 for a child. A family ticket of £22 for two adults and two children is also available.

STEM Trails
Free with General Admission
Have you ever wondered how many panes of glass make up the Five Sisters Window? Look for shapes, patterns and colours as you journey around York Minster with specially designed STEM trails: Maths Quest, Light Quest and Nature Quest. Perfect to keep little brains busy!

Little Explorer Backpacks
Free with General Admission
Grab one of our ever-popular Little Explorer Backpacks filled with gadgets including maps, binoculars, and a magnifying glass to help your young adventurer explore the medieval Minster.

Undercroft Museum
Free with General Admission
Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers as you discover 2000 years of history in our state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Delve beneath the cathedral’s floor and see archaeological finds from across the centuries through digital displays and interactive chambers.

Enjoy our green spaces
Relax in Dean’s Park, College Green or Minster Gardens and take in these peaceful outdoor spaces nestled in the heart of York.

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