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An unforgettable destination for family days out

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Young explorers are encouraged to get hands-on during a visit to York Minster with a range of activities to help them discover the cathedral’s stories and fun facts.
Admission is free for up to four children (aged 17 and under) with one paying adult and York residents go free with valid proof of address.

 

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

Maths Quest

Have you ever wondered how many panes of glass make up the Five Sisters Window? Look for shapes, patterns and numbers as you journey around York Minster.

Download

Light Quest

Explore the lights and colours of our Gothic cathedral as you journey round and discover the stained glass of the Minster

Download

Monty the Monkey

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.

Download

Treasure Trail

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.

Download

Family Sculpture Trail

Families can follow a sculpture trail to hunt for sculptures and carvings dotted around the cathedral

Download

Dragon Quest Trail

Our Dragon Quest trail asks young adventurers to help legendary knight, St George, find all the dragons in York Minster by following clues to discover more about these fascinating fiery Creatures.

Download

All trails can be collected from our Welcome Desks or downloaded using the links above.

Get hands-on in the Undercroft Museum

See the remains of an original Roman barracks through glass floors beneath the Minster. Touch archaeological remains uncovered over the centuries, including objects from our Viking past and use our interactive, digital displays to explore nearly 2,000 years of history at the site.

Find out more about what the Undercroft has to offer here.

Saturday Family-friendly Discovery Tours

On Saturdays throughout the year we offer family-friendly discovery tours which leave from outside St Nicholas’s Chapel (our Children’s Chapel) at 11.00am and last around 45 minutes.

Discover the answers to fun questions including ‘How many blue whales can fit inside the Minster?’ And ‘Which room has a special whispering trick?’

The tours are suitable for children aged 4+ and are free with standard admission, no need to book. Families are welcome to stay for as long or as little as you like. The tours are subject to availability – check our calendar for the date of your visit.

Plan your visit

We run special family events, services and activities throughout the year including during school holidays – see details of our regular groups below or visit the What’s On section for full details.

Minster Mice

Our fun, weekly service aimed at pre-school children and their parents/carers meets on Wednesdays at 10.00am for songs, stories, crafts and refreshments. This is a free session with no booking required.

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.

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