York Minster

Young explorers are encouraged to get hands-on during a visit to York Minster with a range of activities to help them explore the cathedral’s stories and discover fun facts.

Grab a Little Explorer Backpack

Little Explorer Backpacks can be borrowed for free from our welcome desks and are packed with gadgets to help young adventurers explore the Minster including:

I-Spy challenge – can you spot these details around the cathedral?
Binoculars – to see those amazing features up-close
Torch and mirror – to investigate the nooks and crannies
Compass and map – to find your way
Magnifying glass – to spot those hidden details
Coloured pencils and paper – sketch what you see!
Tape measure and pencils – for measuring and recording

Get hands-on in the Undercroft Museum

See the remains of an original Roman barracks through glass floors beneath the Minster and touch archaeological remains uncovered over the centuries, including objects from our Viking past.
Use our interactive, digital displays to explore 2,000 years of history at the site or get in character with outfits from the past and present from our dressing up rail.
Find out more about what the Undercroft has to offer.

Go on a treasure hunt

Our youngest visitors can collect a trail to join Monty the Monkey for a tour of the cathedral, spotting the Minster’s fun and quirky features along the way.
Those aged 7+ can collect a Treasure Trail to help them find special details around the cathedral which tell stories from the Minster’s rich history.
Both trails can be collected from our Welcome Desks or downloaded using the links above.

Saturday sessions

On most Saturdays throughout the year we run special family-friendly tours from our Children’s Chapel.

11.30am-12.15pm: Find out how many blue whales can fit inside the Minster and other fun facts on our family-friendly Discover Tour, perfect for families on the go.

Sessions are subject to availability – check our calendar for the date of your visit.

FAQ for family visitors

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.

An unforgettable destination for family days out

Young explorers are encouraged to get hands-on during a visit to York Minster with a range of activities to help them explore the cathedral’s stories and discover fun facts.

We run special family events and activities throughout the year – see our What’s On section for details.

FAQ for family visitors