York Minster

York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone.

Since the 7th century, York Minster has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England and today remains a thriving church rooted in a daily offering of worship and prayer.

Built for the glory of God, every aspect of this ancient building – from the exquisite, handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass – tells the story of Jesus Christ.

Uncover the secrets of this magnificent building with a free guided tour packed with stories and facts from its 800-year history, or go behind the scenes with a Hidden Minster Tour and explore spaces not usually open to the public.

Discover nearly 2,000 years of history in the state-of-the-art Undercroft Museum. Housed in interactive chambers beneath the cathedral, it features artefacts never before on public display and allows visitors to see, touch and hear two millennia of York’s history.

For the best views of York, take the Tower Challenge and climb the 275 steps past medieval grotesques to the top of the Central Tower – the highest point in the city.

New to see!

Visit the recently-unveiled exhibition ‘Treasures: Yorkshire’s People and Parishes’ and see gold, silver and diamonds in treasures of Yorkshire that have survived religious turmoil, fire, and war.

The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into Yorkshire life with cherished pieces from across the North coming together to form one celebratory narrative. The objects are proudly local but tell national and global stories as the exhibition travels across counties and through parishes, charting changing cultures and traditions in churches.

Running until February 2025, Treasures: Yorkshire’s People and Parishes is on display in the cathedral’s historic Treasury. Entrance to the exhibition is included in general admission.