York Minster is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe with a magnificent Gothic facade, soaring towers and stunning stained-glass windows. It's one of the largest cathedrals on the continent and is the beating heart of Christianity in Northern England.

The church dates back to 627, when a small wooden chapel was built for the baptism of a Northumbria king. The foundations of the current church were laid in the 11th century and completed in the late-1400s. You can view parts of the original structure in the undercroft.

You're welcome to attend daily worship services in the cathedral, which often feature the enchanting York Minster Choir. In the centre of the cathedral is a 72-metre-high tower. Climb the 275 steps to the top for sweeping views over the York skyline and surrounding countryside. The undercroft houses York Minster Revealed, an interactive exhibit that recalls the cathedral's rich 2,000-year-old history.

Getting there

York Minster is set in York’s city centre, a 15-minute walk from York Railway Station and five minutes from the Visit York Information Centre. Parking is available throughout the city centre and Leeds Bradford Airport is a 45-minute drive away.