How will you make the most of your visit to York Minster?
Whether you’re eager to learn something new, climb to breathtaking heights, uncover centuries of history, or snap the perfect selfie, we’ve planned the ideal day out for you.
Explore our suggested itineraries and get inspired to make the very best of your time at York Minster.
Don’t forget to pre-book your ticket to skip the queues and enjoy a seamless start to your visit.
half day
Love to Learn
Eager to discover the history and stories of York Minster?
- Join a free guided tour with an expert volunteer guide to uncover the history, stories and the people behind York Minster
- Visit the Undercroft Museum and explore 2,000 years of history
- Check out our current exhibitions and see objects from our archive up close
- Explore our medieval stained glass on the interactive Stained Glass Navigator, created by the York Glaziers Trust
- Download Bloomberg Connects and explore York Minster in the palm of your hand
As long as you like!
Selfie Seeker
Looking for a picture-perfect moment? Here are our favourite selfie spots:
- Be part of a classic York tradition with a picture underneath the Heart of Yorkshire
- Climb the Central Tower for breathtaking views across the city of York
- Snap a picture with the Chapter House ceiling, a masterpiece of art and engineering
- Take your turn as a medieval king with our King’s Screen selfie station
- Stand in the centre of the Nave to capture the scale of this medieval building
Full day
Adventure Lover
Looking for adventure? Take your visit to a whole new level:
- Grab a hard hat and venture underground beyond the walls of the Crypt on a Crypts of the Early Minster Tour
- Explore one of York Minster’s architectural gems with an exclusive tour of the Chapter House Roof and old Mason’s Loft
- Take on the challenge and climb all 275 steps to the highest point in the city of York – the Central Tower
Full day (time and time again!)
Family Fun
Looking for the perfect day out for the whole family to enjoy?
- Get hands-on with history in the Undercroft Museum
- Grab a Little Explorer Backpack and explore the medieval Minster with the gadgets and tools inside
- Explore with one of our trails and follow the clues as you hunt for special patterns, places, and people around York Minster
- Aged 8+? Climb all 275 steps to the top of York Minster’s Central Tower
- Look out for seasonal activities and events taking place in the school holidays
1 hour
In a Hurry?
Short on time? These are our must-see highlights:
- Stand in awe in one of the longest and widest cathedral naves in Britain
- Visit the Chapter House, a breathtaking medieval marvel of engineering adorned with Victorian decoration
- Marvel at the artistry of the Great East Window – the largest single expanse of medieval stained glass in the country
- Journey underground to the Crypt, the oldest and holiest space in the Minster
- Explore the Quire, heart of worship at York Minster, and see the Grand Organ
Half day
St William Way
2026 marks 800 years since the canonisation of St William of York. Join us as we mark this anniversary and journey along the St William Way:
- See St William’s 14th-century shrine recreated using cutting-edge gaming technology in our underground cinema
- Visit the St William of York: Life and Legacy exhibition and uncover the turbulent life of York’s patron saint
- Read his story in stained glass in the St William Window – one of the largest narratives in stained glass ever created
- Visit his tomb in the Crypt and take a quiet moment to light a candle and reflect in this sacred space
Stay up to date with York Minster
- Event alerts
- Seasonal services
- Behind the scenes features
- Latest Minster-inspired gifts