We’ve seen the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans. Now, we’re ready for you.

Come rain or shine, York Minster is the perfect place for family fun this October half-term. With hands-on activities, visiting medieval pilgrims, immersive cinematic experiences and creative crafts, there’s something for every generation to enjoy.

Discover what’s happening throughout the week and plan your half term adventure at York Minster. 

Living History – Medieval Pilgrims 

Monday 26 – Saturday 31 October. 

Medieval York was full of pilgrims who had travelled from far and wide seeking health, help and hope from the shrine of St William of York.

Join us throughout October half term and meet some of the pilgrims who have embarked on a journey to this holy place. Discover more about their travels to York, their lives and their devotion to York’s patron saint.

These sessions will run each day between:

• 10am – 12.30pm
• 1.30pm – 3.30pm

These sessions operate on a drop in basis, are included with a sightseeing ticket, and there is no pre-booking required.

Half Term with the Minster Gardeners

Monday 26 October & Tuesday 27 October

Learn how the York Minster Gardeners make a home for nature in the centre of York by joining in with autumnal activities, such as constructing a bug hotel and more!

Drop in anytime between 10am -12pm.

Suitable for all ages and families.

The Concert That Must Not Be Named

Immerse yourself into a spellbinding night of music as the iconic music of Harry Potter and more are transformed in a breathtaking performance on the magnificent Grand Organ of York Minster.

Tickets for this concert are available through the York Minster box office.

Ticket prices: £20 standard adult, £10 under 27s.

Undercroft Museum

Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November

Get hands on with history in our state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, touch archaeological remains uncovered over the centuries, and see the walls of the old Roman army barracks that once sat on this very site.

Included with a sightseeing ticket, and there is no pre-booking required.

Cinematic Experience

Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November

Discover the legacy of craft inspired by St William of York reimagined in a new film produced in collaboration with York-based studios Hewitt and Walker and Viridian FX. 

The shrine has been recreated using 3D laser scanning technology, now employed by the Minster to aid conservation efforts, and a 3D gaming engine, Unreal Engine, used to create realistic environments for blockbuster games and films.

This short film will run on a continuous loop throughout each day and visitors are invited to watch for as long as they wish.

Included with a sightseeing ticket, and there is no pre-booking required.

Craft Activities

Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November

Be inspired by the beautiful artwork of medieval glaziers and have a go at designing your very own stained glass window panel. Add your masterpiece to our board to help us create a beautiful new window here at the Minster.

Included with a sightseeing ticket, and there is no pre-booking required.

Backpacks & Trails

Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November

Borrow a Little Explorer Backpack from the Welcome Desks. Each backpack is packed full of gadgets to help you on your adventure through the medieval Minster. Or why not take on one of the York Minster Quest trails, all free to pick up as you arrive at the Welcome Desk. Perfect for keeping little brains busy!

Included with a sightseeing ticket, and there is no pre-booking required.

Good to Know:

The Minster is yours to explore with an annual family pass starting from just £20. Adult tickets are priced at £20 and include entry for up to four children aged 17 and under for a whole year. So, two adults and up to eight children can explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals as many times as you like for just £40!

Enjoy tours, trails, exhibitions, an accredited museum, and backpacks filled with gadgets, all designed to help your young adventurer discover the cathedral’s 1400-year history. We encourage children and families to get hands-on during a visit.