York Minster

York Minster is widely regarded as one of the top places to visit when taking a trip to York, and for good reason. The Minster is an ancient cathedral, the first structure on the site having been built in the 600s. The medieval building you can see today was completed in 1472 and draws worshippers and tourists from all over the world. It has been at the centre of Christianity in the North of England since the Middle Ages and today remains a popular church offering the chance for worship and prayer in stunning surroundings.

Among many other features, visitors can see the Great East Window, containing the largest piece of medieval stained glass that exists today. The Five Sisters Window is over fifty feet high while the exquisite Rose Window is probably the most famous symbol of Yorkshire, designed in the 16th century to celebrate the marriage in 1486 of King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

Then there’s the Grand Organ of 1829, itself built to replace a 17th-century instrument destroyed in a fire. It’s currently under restoration but it can be viewed, and it’s expected to be back in full working order in 2021.

A walk around the public areas is an experience in itself, with plenty to discover and the opportunity to soak up some of the North’s most potent connections to medieval times. It’s also possible to book access to the library and archives, which contain over 300,000 objects of historical interest, from books and manuscripts to Roman-period archaeological finds.

Regular events take place, including church services but also educational tours, exhibitions and talks. York Minster makes a glorious centre-piece to a day out in in the beautiful city of York.