York Minster, York, UK, Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

York Minster is the great Gothic cathedral of York, England, and the seat of the Archbishop of York. It is one of the largest medieval cathedrals in northern Europe, and its soaring stone towers dominate the city's skyline from almost every approach.

The story behind it

The Minster stands on ground that has been important for nearly two thousand years. The Romans built their fortress of Eboracum here, and Constantine was proclaimed emperor in York in 306. In the early seventh century a wooden church was raised for King Edwin of Northumbria, and later buildings followed on the site. The Gothic cathedral seen today was begun in the early 13th century and took roughly 250 years to finish, being consecrated in 1472.

Its long life has included drama. In 1984 a fire badly damaged the south transept roof, and the repair took several years. Like many old churches, the Minster also gathers ghost stories. Local legends speak of a dean who still sits in the pews and of a dog whose cries echo after dark. These are tales, not records, but they add to the atmosphere once the crowds thin out.

What to look for

• The Great East Window, made in the early 15th century, is one of the largest expanses of medieval stained glass in the country.
• The Five Sisters window in the north transept has five tall lancets of pale 13th-century glass.
• The octagonal Chapter House has an impressive, wide-spanning ceiling and carved details worth a slow look.
• From Deangate and Minster Yard, notice how the huge west front and central tower seem to rise straight out of the narrow streets.

Tips for your visit

• Allow at least an hour to see the interior properly, and more if you like glass, carvings and architecture.
• Check current opening hours and entry arrangements before you go, as services and events can affect access to the building.
• Walk around the outside as well, since the exterior and surrounding streets can be enjoyed at any time.
• The Shambles, Stonegate and the medieval city walls are all a short walk away, so it fits easily into a day on foot.

See it on a quest

The Minster is one stop on Ghosts of York - The UK's Most Haunted City, a self-guided walk through the old streets. You reach it on foot as part of a longer route, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle on the spot. It suits the Minster well, given its legends. It is a paid quest, and one ticket covers the whole group.