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Royal Visit to York Minster

The King and The Queen Consort’s arrival will be heralded by the York Minster bells. They will be welcomed by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the Acting Dean of York, Canon Michael Smith and members of the Chapter of York.  Children from the cathedral’s Minster Mice weekly service will present posies to The King and The Queen Consort.

After a short service of prayer, The King and The Queen Consort will meet people from the Minster Community, the city of York and the wider region doing outstanding work in their communities and making a difference to the lives of local people.

At a new exhibition, The King will meet York Minster stonemason Richard Bossons, the designer and carver of the statue of the late Queen, and his assistant Rita Dawe. The exhibition documents the creation of the statue from concept through to finished work of art. Commissioned by the Chapter of York, the cathedral’s governing body, the statue honours the life of service and dedication of Her Late Majesty the Queen.

The King will then meet children and young people from the Minster Community and talk to staff and volunteers who met the late Queen when she visited the Minster in 2012 to distribute the Royal Maundy.

The Queen Consort will meet representatives from the military and emergency services in the city and region.  Her Majesty will be introduced to two pupils from Husthwaite Church of England Primary School, Husthwaite Village, North Yorkshire.  The children won a competition to design a stone carving to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee. Their designs have been transformed into stone pieces carved by the Minster’s stonemasons.

Representatives from local social action groups, refugee organisations and charities working hard to support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in York and the region, will meet The Queen Consort.  

The King and The Queen Consort will sign the Distinguished Visitors’ Book before leaving the Minster through the Great West Door for the unveiling and blessing of the statue.

Archbishop Stephen said: “The presence of The King and The Queen Consort at York Minster, in the heart of the city of York, for this wonderful and unique occasion is an immensely poignant moment. But this is also a joyful day as we honour the long life and service of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth to her people, her nation and the Commonwealth.”

Lord Mayor of York, Councillor David Carr said: “That His Majesty King Charles III has chosen to visit this historic city so early in his reign is a great honour for York. We hope that this day, which I am certain will combine great joy at his presence and proud reflection on the great service and legacy of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II,   will be the first of many visits by him to this great city. My thanks and congratulations go to the whole team at York Minster for the work they have done to make this historic occasion possible.”

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A Royal Visit to York

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In November of last year, a momentous occasion took place at York Minster as King Charles unveiled a statue of his beloved mother in front of a supportive crowd. The 2-meter sculpture, made of lepine limestone from France and weighing 1.1 tonnes, was designed to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee and had been completed in August of that year.

The sun shone brightly, and the unveiling ceremony was a great success for York. In his speech, King Charles praised his mother’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of her people and stated that her image would watch over, what would become, Queen Elizabeth Square for centuries to come.

Fast forward to April of this year, and King Charles and Queen Camilla returned to York Minster for the first Royal Maundy service of his reign. As they arrived at the cathedral, they were greeted with cheers from the crowd that had gathered to see them, and they were presented with traditional nosegays as they took their seats.

King Charles then moved around the Minster, distributing Maundy money to 74 men and 74 women as around 1,500 people looked on. The white purse contained a set of specially-minted silver Maundy coins equivalent in value to the age of the King, while the red purse contained two commemorative coins celebrating the Windrush Generation and the King’s forthcoming 75th birthday.

During the service, the number of people waiting around the cathedral swelled to thousands, and after the royal couple emerged, they spent 20 minutes in the sunshine, talking to the crowd in a lengthy walkabout. The King chatted with people and shared jokes with some of the well-wishers.

Maundy Thursday is one of the most ancient ceremonies retained by the Church of England, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. According to Buckingham Palace, the first recorded royal distribution was at Knaresborough by King John in 1210. Overall, the day was a success, and the King and Queen’s visit to York Minster was enjoyed by all who were present.

Photographs: Richard McDougall / Rachel Rogers / Owen Humphreys – PA / Charlotte Graham – Daily Telegraph / Chloe Shefford

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Plan a Visit to York Minster

At least two million people a year visit York Minster in the medieval city of York. The 800-year-old cathedral that took 250 years to build is just the tip of the iceberg. It occupies on a site that has been connected with history and faith for almost 2,000 years. Its Great East Window, as big as a tennis court, is the largest expanse of Medieval stained glass in the world.

There's a lot to see and, during the summer months and school vacation periods, a lot of people who want to see it with you. So a little advance planning doesn't hurt.

What's New at York Minster

Revealing York Minster in the Undercroft  Don't miss the new exhibition. It's part of a £20 million, 5-year renovation and conservation project, scheduled to be fully completed in 2016, parts of it are already open to visitors. The largest state-of-the-art attraction in any UK cathedral, it relates the history of the cathedral and its site with amazing objects and interactive displays - including the 1,000 year old Horn of Ulf, given to the Minster by a Viking lord.

Did you know?

• Some of York Minster's most interesting ancient history was only discovered in the 1960s and 70s during emergency excavations under the cathedral.
• Constantine the Great, who chose Constantinople the capital of the Roman Empire and made Christianity its official religion, was declared Emperor by his soldiers while in York.
• Minster is an Anglo Saxon word, originally used to describe monasteries with a teaching role. It's mostly used these days as an honorary title for some large cathedrals.

Great East Window Cleaning and Conservation

The work of restoring this immense stained glass window and the stonework of the East End of the Minster will take much longer than the 5-year York Minster Revealed project. At least 311 glass panels, made up of thousands of pieces of Medival glass, are being removed, repaired and reinstalled. It won't be completed until 2018. But in 2016, visitiors will, at last, be able to see it without the protective scaffolding that has covered it for years. 

The restored panels will be visible as they are returned to their positions in the window. Other sections still being restored will be protected with clear glass. Working on these windows is such a massive project that new technology is being used to prolong their lives. York Minster will the first building in the UK to use UV resistant glass as an outer protection for the stained glass.

If you want a challenge, see how many of the stained glass panels your can understand. The Medieval artisans who created it aimed to tell the entire story of the Bible, from Genesis to the Apocalypse, in the one, multi-paneled window.

Take a Guided Tour

• Minster tours - Volunteers lead guided tours, six times a day - at 10, 11,12,1, 1 and 3pm - every day except Sunday. The tours take about an hour and are a great way to discover some of the Minster's hidden treasures and amazing history. The tours are included in the price of admission. If you are coming with a group of 10 or more, or need foreign language help, let staff know 28 days in advance by sending a group tour request to  [email protected]
• Tower trips - Climbing York Minster's central tower is a very special experience if you are fit and fearless. It's the highest point in York and before you arrive at the 230 -foot-high top and step out into the open air, you get a chance to see some of the Minster's Medieval pinnacles and gargoyles close up.
• There are 275 steps to the top. Some are narrow and uneven and some go through narrow passageways.
• The Tower climb is not recommended for people with heart conditions, vertigo, claustrophobia, high blood pressure, angina, breathing trouble (asthma, hay fever, and bronchitis), poor mobility or who are pregnant.
• Health and safety regulations are available to read when you buy your ticket and you must read them before tackling the climb.
• Children younger than 8-years-old are not permitted to climb the tower.
• School groups of ten or more must be accompanied by three adults, or two adults if there are fewer than ten. 
• Trips up the tower take 45 minutes and are limited to 50 people at a time. They leave every 45 minutes or so throughout the day and there is an extra charge for the tower. Ask at the ticket office about tower trip times when you arrive. But before planning to climb, consider these factors:

How to Find York Minster

Just about all roads in  York  lead to the Minster. Head for the center of the small, walled city and you cannot miss it. If you can't see it, just climb onto the city walls at one of the many access points around York for a birds eye view.

Goodramgate, leading to Deangate and High Petergate, all lead to Minster Yard (in York, streets are called "gate" and gates through the city wall are called "bar").

When To Visit

As a working cathedral, York Minster may be closed from time to time for all the normal business of a church - weddings, christenings, funerals - as well as special events and concerts. In general, the Minster is open:

• For services and prayer , daily from 7am to 6:30pm
• For sightseeing, Monday - Saturday 9am to last entry at 5:30pm, Sunday from 12:45 pm. Parts of the cathedral may be closed for evensong preparation or special events during general opening hours.
• For the Undercroft exhibitions, Monday - Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday from 1pm
• For Tower trips , check on the day you visit. Because Tower trips have an open air element, their scheduling is tied to the weather.

Why Is There an Admission Charge?

People sometimes balk at having to pay for a ticket to visit a place of worship so it is important to consider a few things:

• There is no entrance fee to enter the Minster to attend a service, to pray or to light candles.
• Not counting the restoration and conservation projects, it actually costs £20,000 a day to cover heating, lighting, cleaning and other staffing to keep the Minster open to the public. Most of this has to be raised from admission charges.
• The people of York are admitted free.
• Admission tickets are good for unlimited visits for a full year from the date of purchase.

Other Visitor Essentials

• Admission - as of 2015, tickets for the Minster, Chapter House and Undercroft cost £10 for adults and £9 for seniors and students. Up to four children accompanied by an adult are free. ​Tickets for the Minster and the Tower Trip cost £15 for adults, £14 for seniors and students and £5 for children from 8 to 16. Children under 8 are not permitted to climb the tower.
• Photography and video recording for personal use is permitted everywhere except the Undercroft.
• Visit their Official Website for lots more information and a range of contact information.

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News and entertainment worth sharing – York and North Yorkshire

‘It’s a hive of activity’ – York gears up for the King’s Maundy visit

Tue 4 Apr 2023  @ 6:59pm Rachel Rogers News

York is prepping for its royal visit later this week – when the King and Queen Consort return to the city for the Maundy Service at York Minster.

The service will take place at York Minster on Thursday (6 April) – and will be the first Royal Maundy service in King Charles’ reign.

The King and Camilla, Queen Consort were  last in the city on 9 November , when the King went to the Minster to unveil a statue of his mother, the late Queen.

As this royal visit fast approaches, the Minster is abuzz with preparations.

“It’s been a hive of activity for about four months preparing for this big day,” said the Dean of York, the Very Revd Dominic Barrington.

“The building is going to be gone over with a fine tooth comb, both from a security point of view and also making sure that we have exactly the right seating and that everything is looking as good as it possibly can.

“We have a large team here, both of staff and volunteers, and everybody has been involved in this very, very fully.”

The King and Queen Consort, will distribute the Maundy Money to 74 men and 74 women (signifying the age of the monarch).

The Maundy, a gift from The King, is to thank them for their outstanding Christian service and for making a difference to the lives of people in their local communities. 

The late Queen distributed the Royal Maundy at York Minster  twice during her reign, in 1972 and 2012.

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“It’s a national service that we’re hosting on behalf of the nation,” said the Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell. “It’s very special for us, we feel honoured.

“I’ve never been to one before, this is my first one – so I’m looking forward to the whole thing.

“Obviously, the giving of the Maundy money is the heart of it but I think it’ll also be good to see the crowds gathered – this place will be packed – but I anticipate there’ll be many more thousands outside, and that’s wonderful.

“What better place could there be to come to than the York Minster, one of the greatest churches in the world.”

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During the visit, the King will also officially open the York Minster Refectory at the old Minster School.

The preparations are nearly complete, and will be ready in time for the royal visit.

“There’s a lot going on behind the scenes now,” said executive chef Joshua Brimmell. “We’re just putting the final touches to it. It’ll be more than ready for Thursday.”

Joshua – along with co-executive chef Andrew Pern – oversee York Minster Refectory’s menus, food sourcing and hospitality functions.

King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Refectory restaurant and its grounds – and the King will also unveil a plaque celebrating the visit and the opening.

“There’s a little bit of nerves, as there’ll always be for such a high profile occasion” Joshua said. “But there’s real excitement and a buzz around the team.

“We’ve got a few things planned – I’m hoping for a canapé reception and maybe a few drinks. But just for them to come and visit and open the restaurant is a fantastic achievement for all of us.”

The full public opening of the York Minster Refectory restaurant is set for Thursday 20 April.

See which roads will be closed for the royal visit here .

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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

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?

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. 

Follow My Adventures

Join me on facebook, 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.

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.

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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Are you ready to visit the York Minster?

Well I’m ready to lend a hand. Who am I? I’m Lynne Nieman and I’m a personal travel planner helping people like you create your perfect European adventure. Whether you need help planning part or all of your trip, I’m ready to assist you in making your travel dreams come true!

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York Minster Tower: How To Visit & Is It Worth The Climb?

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York Minster is one of the most iconic sights in the English city of York, with the massive Central York Minster Tower at its heart. An authentic medieval masterpiece, the tower at York Minster is an instantly recognisable symbol of the city, and climbing it is highlighted in any guide to the best things to do in York .

But what should you expect when visiting York Minster Tower? Are the views from the top really that interesting? Is it worth your time, money and effort to attempt the climb to the top of York Minster Central Tower? Let’s take a look!

A Brief History of the Central York Minster Tower

York Minster (the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York) is an Anglican cathedral dating back to 627. Construction of the current Gothic building, including the massive central tower, started in 1215 and was completed in 1405.

The tower collapsed in 1407, but work to rebuild it with reinforced piers started in 1420. This coincided with the construction of the twin Western towers, which house the Minster’s 36 bells. The Minster was consecrated in 1472.

York Minster escaped destruction by King Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries (1536-1541) but has been damaged many times over the years through fire, looting and siege!

A 1967 survey revealed that the tower was close to collapse, and remedial works to reinforce the tower and cathedral foundations were completed in 1972.

There are many reasons to visit and take on the York Minster Tower challenge, including stepping into medieval history, getting incredible views, achieving a personal challenge, and discovering fabulous photo opportunities from the highest point in the city of York.

The central tower stands 235 feet (72 m) tall, and you can climb all the way to the top. The wide-reaching views from the top and from various points on the way up are incredible.

Climbing The York Minster Central Tower

The tower at York Minster has 276 steep, narrow and winding (mostly) stone steps.

There are a few places where you can pause to catch your breath, but long sections of the climb offer no places to stop. You will hold up other people if you need to pause, as there is no room to pass on the narrow steps.

Tip : If you’re a slower climber, let the fitter/faster people in your timeslot sprint up the steps ahead of you, so you don’t need to worry about taking your time. It’s what I did 🙂

On the way up, you’ll pass all sorts of tiny doors that lead into private areas of the Minster, and then will reach a pathway that takes you outside and across the roof.

From here, you can look down to the city below and get a bird’s eye view of gargoyles, tiny “Rapunzel-like” towers and flying buttresses, before continuing your climb up the central tower.

When you reach the top of the tower, you’ll be standing at the highest point in York, on a huge square the size of a tennis court! From every side of the square. you can see a different view of the city through the parapet, with far-reaching views across Yorkshire on clear days.

Tip: Book your tower tour so you’ll be at the top of the tower when the bells ring in the Western Towers (on the hour).

Is Climbing York Minster Tower Worth It?

Are you wondering if whether the time and cost of visiting the tower at York Minster is worth it, or should you skip this activity on your visit to York?

I love the history and atmosphere of York Minster, and climbing the tower is a great add-on to get a different perspective of the Minster and the city.

The climb is challenging unless you’re very fit, with limited things to see for much of the time, although the section across the roof is fascinating, and it’s tempting to linger here. Once you’re at the top of the tower, the views are fabulous, and you get a great panorama, although smaller kids might need to be lifted up to see everything fully.

My son loved the tower climb as a teenager – probably more from a physical achievement perspective, but he did rate the whole experience as “good”. High praise from a teen 🤣

If you only have one day in York, I’d probably skip this activity, but I highly recommend it if you visit for a few days.

Can You Enjoy the Tower Without Climbing It?

Yes. From outside the building, you can get a great idea of the tower’s size and admire the intricate stonework of medieval masons.

York Minster Tower with Kids

To join the tower tour, children must be 8 years old and above and capable of climbing (and descending) the 275 steps unaided.

If you have active kids, they will love the climb and will enjoy the markers that point out how many steps you have climbed. My son was fascinated by all the ancient graffiti carved into the stone walls on the way up.

Parts of the climb take you outside, onto the roof of York Minster. It’s the perfect place for your kids to get a closer look at stone gargoyles, intricate architecture and beautiful windows.

My son also loved peering down at the “ant-sized” people far below, but the path is very high up and narrow, so you’ll need to be careful!

At the top of the tower, information panels point out the major landmarks in the city and beyond. It’s fun to look at these with your kids and then look over the city to spot the landmarks together.

Practical Info

York Minster Tower tour times: Tower Trips run regularly throughout the day, from 10:15 am until – 3:30 pm, subject to availability.

Admission price: The tower tour is £6; however, you will also need an entrance ticket for York Mimster, which is £12.50. Click  HERE  to book a combined York Minster and Central Tower ticket, but note that you can only book your tower tour on the day you plan to vist.

Tip: Admission to York Minster is included in the York Pass . It’s worth considering if you want to visit at least three museums and/or attractions while you’re visiting York, as it will offer significant savings compared to buying tickets individually 🙂

How much time do you need ? It’s worth allowing yourself between 45 minutes and an hour for the York Minster Tower Challenge.

It took me just over ten minutes to climb to the top of the tower, with a few stops on the way to catch my breath and take photos. It can take much longer if you get stuck behind a “slowcoach”, as the steps are very narrow, with only a few “passing places”.

Most people spend 15-20 minutes at the top of the tower, catching their breath (!), enjoying the views and snapping photos before taking the stairs back down. You have to be very careful on the descent , so it’s likely to take at least five minutes to descend.

Accessibility: The York Minster Tower is not accessible for people with limited mobility, breathing problems, heart problems or high blood pressure. It’s also not suitable for children aged 8 and under.

Facilities: There are free lavatories in York Minster, in the North Quire Aisle. While there is no cafe within the Minster, plenty of coffee shops are nearby.

READ ALSO: The Best Things To Do In York

More travel inspiration for Yorkshire:

• Best Christmas Markets in Yorkshire
• Best Castle Hotels in Yorkshire
• Top Things To Do in Leeds & Where To Stay in Leeds
• Best Things To Do in Harrogate & Where To Stay in Harrogate
• Best Things to Do in Knaresborough
• Yorkshire Bucket List

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Coralie Thornton, the owner and author of Grey Globetrotters, has been a traveller for more than four decades. Today, she helps others experience the UK, Europe and bucketlist destinations with meticulously crafted guides and affordable luxury itineraries, Her passion for adventure has led her through over 40 countries, seeking cultural experiences, delicious foods, and hidden gems.

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Ticket prices range from £13 to £28.

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Visiting York Minster.

Discover a masterpiece in stained glass and stone

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Explore one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. experience our vast spaces and breathtaking medieval architecture, discover our roman roots and learn about the minster’s role in viking york., everything you need to know for a great day out..

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An unforgettable destination for family days out

Grab a Little Explorer Backpack, follow a family friendly trail around the cathedral or get hands on in the Undercroft Museum.

Explore York’s must-see destination

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