This 250 year old Gothic Cathedral stands proud within York’s City Walls. However, the site itself has a history stretching back near 2000 years. York Minster really is a breathtaking sight as its spires reach high above the skyline. At 72m high and near 160m long, the ancient Cathedral is the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
We visited during the before Christmas to have our first look inside this beautiful building and to experience the Christmas Tree Festival which was a display of 40 decorated trees in the Cathedrals Chapel House and Lady Chapel. The trees have been individually decorated by local businesses, schools and charities and you can also write your own Christmas message on a tag and add it to the festival’s prayer tree.
An extra at £6 per person is a group led Climb the Central Tower.
York Minster’s Central Tower is the highest point in York and it enables you to have unbeatable, panoramic views of the city. See up close the medieval stonework and gothic grotesques as you climb the 275 steps to the top. Me and the girls took this opportunity and it was by far my favourite part of my trip to York.
The views went for miles but it was also really interesting to spot the famous part of York down below. We spotted the shambles, the horse carrousel going round and the roof tops to our favourite pubs. The girls loved how it was so windy up there and I loved the fact that there was a strong metal cage around the walkway so no danger.
Trips run regularly throughout the day and can be booked on arrival. Please check for age and health restrictions on the website before going.
Explorer Backpacks for children can be picked up for free and include
- I-Spy challenge – can you spot these details around the cathedral?
- Binoculars – to see those amazing features up-close
- Torch and mirror – to investigate the nooks and crannies
- Compass and map – to find your way
- Magnifying glass – to spot those hidden details
- Coloured pencils and paper – sketch what you see!
- Tape measure and pencils – for measuring and recording
