Dominating the city is York Minster, arguably Britain's finest gothic cathedral, and the largest in Northern Europe. Begun in 1220 and not completed until 1472 it illustrates graphically the rivalry that existed between Canterbury and York for the Primacy of the Church of England - each trying desperately to outdo the other in scale and grandeur.
The Minster is too imposing to miss out of any itinerary of the City. Entrance is free, though donations to the upkeep are welcomed, and access is limited, particularly during religious services. The undercroft is also worth visiting, offering insights into the original Roman settlement lying beneath the Minster, as is a trip up to the roof with its panoramic views of the City and over the Vale of York - both of these charge an entrance fee.

York Minster has the widest Gothic nave in England. It was built in 1291 and the builders were concerned about the weight of the stone vaulting and spanned the space with wood which gave it such a beautiful architectural feature. When you enter it's awesome, such an immense space. Check the statue to the right of the west door it's of the Minster's patron saint, St Peter holding his symbol, a key. The nave also contains several examples of Norman stained glass on both the north and south sides, the finest example being a panel depicting St Nicholas riding over a cheat who had stolen from a money lender. If you look directly above, you see scenes from the life of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Annunciation, Nativity, Adoration of the Kings, Resurrection, Ascention, Pentecost, Assumption of the Virgin and Coronation of the Virgin. Behind you is the magnificient West Window built between 1338-39.

Directions: From the railway station follow Station Road, cross Lendal Bridge and proceed straight up Museum Street. You will see the Minster ahead.

York Minster is first and foremost a "working church" with a vibrant and high quality choral tradition, and services which meet the needs of regular worshippers and the wide variety of other groups which come for carol services, ordinations, memorial services, weddings and celebrations. On average there are 35 services a week. People come for private prayer, to find a quiet spot for thought, to speak to a priest, for confession, for comfort and for help. It is a place of pilgrimage and prayer, where God can be encountered.

York Minster is also one of the most visited buildings in Britain. It is the largest Gothic structure north of the Alps, and is renowned for its exceptional collection of medieval stained glass, the quality of its carved stonework, the lightness and beauty of its interior, and its place in the nation's history. It is a jewel in the crown of England's heritage. The money you pay will help ensure that future generations can continue to worship in and visit this glorious building.

Since as long ago as the eighteenth century, people have paid to be shown around the Minster and to have access to its treasures. This was part of the job of the vergers, indeed they relied upon it to supplement their wages, and they gave people access to the Minster as a tourist attraction for 'tips' which they set themselves. This practice was abolished in the mid-nineteenth century when fixed charges for entry to the Chapter House and Tower were set, which later extended to the Lady Chapel and Crypt as well. The fees were abolished in 1927 when a decision was taken to fund-raise specifically for large projects, notably the windows, but this was much debated at the time because of the impact it would have on income for general maintenance. Charges for specific areas were periodically re-introduced as the enormous costs of maintenance cut into reserves, and this is the situation we find ourselves in again.


The Minster's routine of worship, looking after its visitors, and maintaining the buildings requires a large and able staff and considerable sums of money. We employ about 150 people and depend on the goodwill of over 400 volunteers to do this. We receive no funding from the Government to help. Over the past 5 years we have reduced our workforce to the minimum and rigorously examined every part of our work in terms of its importance and efficiency. In spite of this our income has declined and essential work has had to be put on hold.

Entry into the Minster
Adult: £5.00
Concessions: £3.50
Children (under 16s): Free

Entry to the Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt
Adults: £3.50
Concessions: £3.00
Children: £2.00

Combined ticket (includes Minster and Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt)
Adults: £7.00
Concessions: £5.00

Entry to the Tower
Adults: £3.00
Children: £1.00

Concessions are seniors (60+) and students.
Photography including camcorders, for personal use, will be free.