Why You Need to Visit the Beautiful York Minster in York England
No visit to York, England is complete without a visit to the York Minster.
A minster is simply a large and important church, typically a cathedral, in England and was often built as part of a monastery.
The York Minster is definitely worthy of your time.
In fact, it really is one of the best things to do in York.
So let’s start with the where so you know first, where York is.
Then specifically where you can find the minster within the city of York.
Where is York and the York Minster
York is a city located in the northeast of England in the historic county of Yorkshire.
You can get to York by train from London in about 2 hours, so it can be a day trip.
But York has a lot to offer so do stay a few nights.
The York Minster is not quite in the very center of the historic center but a bit to the northeast.
You really can’t miss it as it is well posted as are many of the other sites in York.
Why do I need to visit this grand cathedral?
Great question.
Here are a few reasons why I think it’s worthy of your time.
There has been a church on this site since about 625
Yes.
That is a long time.
Now the current iteration was started in about 1080 and took about 400 years to become what you see today.
But there are records talking about a wooden church on this site in 625.
So obviously this site has a lot of history even if the exact building wans’t on it back in 625.
That says a lot.
The architecture is spectacular
I love architecture — especially old architecture.
You know, ancient Roman or Greek, Renaissance, Gothic, Georgian, Romanesque.
I’m not a fan of most modern works, to be honest.
So this Gothic cathedral is one that I really appreciate.
York Minster is actually the 2nd largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe.
It is very impressive.
Those high, arching ceilings?
Wow!
I was so enamored with the ceilings that are so simple yet so beautiful with their clean lines and the little bit of decoration.
They have a geometrical thing going on that I really like.
So if you are a fan of Gothic architecture, you’ll love York Minster.
The stained glass windows
There are a lot of gorgeous stained glass windows in York Minster.
And some of the windows date back to the 12th century.
The windows tell the stories of the city of York, the county of Yorkshire and the Christian faith through the years.
These windows are incredible works of art.
Both the Great West window and the Great East window are worth spending some time looking at.
And do take note of the Five Sisters Window.
This window was restored and rededicated to the women of WWI between 1923 and 1925.
It’s the only memorial in the country dedicated to all the women of the British Empire who died during WWI.
So it’s pretty special.
But all the stained glass windows are spectacular so do take some time with them.
The crypt
Epic fail on my part in that I didn’t go underneath the main church to the crypt or the Undercroft Museum (see below).
However, if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know I love York, that it is one of my favorite cities and that I really want to go back.
So next time I will be sure to check this out.
There are actually 2 crypts underneath the York Minster.
The western one was actually discovered following a fire in 1829 and brought back into use.
It’s here that you’ll find the tomb of St William of York, the only saint to be buried at the minster.
He was canonized in 1227.
While visiting a crypt might sound a bit creepy, I find crypts are always interesting places to learn about who was important to a people so do be sure to check it out.
Don’t miss it like I did!
The Undercroft Museum
I missed this too but don’t be like me.
This museum looks fabulous!
It houses 2000 years of history and it’s the only accredited museum in a cathedral in the country.
You’ll find the remains of Roman barracks, see York’s Viking connection and gaze upon artifacts that have never been on public display.
The museum is also interactive which I find makes the experience more enjoyable.
There is also an impressive library and archives that I believe you can see by appointment only.
I had no idea all this was in the York Minster.
When I travel to York again I will be sure to spend more time at the York Minster.
There is so much here!
Central Tower
Another epic fail on my part was not going up the central tower.
It’s the highest point in the city and you can climb the 275 steps up it (it is an additional fee) and take in the views of York which I hear are splendid.
Going up towers is always a highlight, in my opinion, as long as you can make the climb and don’t have a fear of heights.
I’ll definitely do this next time.
Evensong
I think I missed some of the above parts of the Minster because I was so focused on not missing Evensong.
What is Evensong?
I talked about this in the post on the Salisbury Cathedral if you want to read about another amazing English cathedral.
But Evensong is a short, religious ceremony that is focused on song — which is sung by the choir.
And it is surreal, ethereal, amazing and moving.
I highly recommend getting in the queue to be present at this ceremony.
Only a small number of people are allowed into the choir area where you’ll be seated.
As I said, it is a short religious ceremony but you certainly don’t have to be a religious person to appreciate it.
I’m not religious and I simply love Evensong.
Typically Evensong takes place late afternoon, around 4 or 5pm and, as I said, the choir are the stars.
To hear these beautiful voices melding together in an old, stunning cathedral is quite moving.
Do plan your visit to York Minster around Evensong.
It is so worth it!
Final thoughts on York Minster
This is a highlight of the city of York without a doubt.
I know I will wander through it again.
This time I won’t miss all the great things underneath it nor going up in the tower.
And I’ll stay for Evensong.
I really can’t recommend York and the York Minster enough for your travels to England.
If you’ve been to York and the cathedral, I’d love to hear what you think.
Leave a comment below.
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I am continuing to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!
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