York Minster is now welcoming people for individual prayer.

The cathedral’s main Nave area is open from 4.30pm – 6.30pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 2.30pm – 4.30pm on Sundays for people to visit the sacred space, light a candle, reflect and pray.

There are a number of changes to help keep people safe:

• Only the main Nave area of the cathedral is open for individual prayer, and there is a one-way system with entry via the West End and exit via the South Transept (see map below).
• You will be asked to respect physical distancing, both while entering and inside the building, by remaining 2m apart from others outside of your group. We will be limiting numbers inside the cathedral, and have removed seating and added signs at the entrance and inside the building to help you do this.
• Our staff and clergy will be available to welcome you during your visit wearing face visors.
• There are hand sanitising points for public use at the entrance and exit.
• Donations for candles are via card only, we are not accepting cash.
• Please note there are no toilet facilities available at this time.
• You do not need to wear a face covering to enter the Minster, but are welcome to do so if you wish.

The cathedral currently remains closed for public worship, including services, and for sightseeing, in line with government guidance, but people can continue to join our worship and explore the Minster online here.

A new digital Sunday Evensong service is being broadcast online at 4pm each week via our Facebook page and YouTube account, and will be available on the website here.

The Minster Shop and the cathedral’s shop at Minster Gates are both now open from 11am – 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, with access from the street only (no access from inside the Minster), and you can also shop online at www.shop.yorkminster.org.

Dean’s Park, the green space which runs along the north side of the cathedral, is also open daily from 10am to 6pm. People using the area are asked to respect Government advice and social distancing by remaining at least 2m apart from others outside their group at all times to ensure the park remains open for all.

Please see a map of the one-way system below:

A full copy of our Risk Assessment is available here.