Guide to Visiting York Minster with Kids. As soon as I knew we were going to York the first thing I wanted to do was visit the Minster. However, with the boys in tow, I wondered how long I would actually get. Before the usual mum, I am bored. Turned out that we managed over two hours before either of them even asked for a snack! Pretty impressive. York as a city has so much to do with kids. I would highly recommend it as a city break destination, read our 10 Best City Break Destinations in the UK for kids, for more inspiration.
Guide to Visiting York Minster with Kids
Our top tips for making your life easier
- As with many attractions you need to book tickets in advance. I would try and do this a few weeks in advance so that you can get an early slot. We visited at 10 am when it opened. Not only is it generally less busy but it also means that they will have…..
- Pick up an Explorer Pack from the front desk. When we visited they only had six. And although they are returned, cleaned and put back out it is very much on a first-come-first-served basis. As they are free they are popular. It really helped with keeping Harry (age 5) engaged. More on the pack below.
- Pick up a Treasure Trail. If there are no Explorer Packs then you should at least be able to pick up a treasure trail from the front desk. This is one of the items in the Explorer Pack and kept Charlie (age 9) on the lookout for interesting items.
- Keep an eye on the York Minister website for Kids. This is where they announce any activities which they are running. We visited off-peak season but during the school holidays, there will be special events and activities.
- Your ticket is valid for 12 months, so if you live locally you can always return. Up to four kids go free with a paying adult.
- If all else fails use bribery. York also has an amazing Chocolate Factory where you get to taste various types of chocolate. Close by it would make a great second stop of the day.
READ MORE – York Chocolate Story Review
Climbing the Tower
When we visited due to the pandemic the tower was shut. We would have loved to have done this, to see the spectacular views across the city. However, I didn’t realise at the time it is only suitable for children over the age of eight. So bear this in mind when you visit. Tickets need to be paid for and booked in advance via the York Minister website.
Kids Explorer Packs at York Minister
The kid’s explorer pack at York Minister includes a magnifying glass, binoculars, a tape measure and treasure trail. There is also a pencil case with coloured pencils, a rubber and a sharpener. Along with some blank notepaper which can be used however you want. There could also have been some other items but these are the ones we used. As it is contained in a little rucksack Harry happily wore it all the way around the Minister. Meaning it didn’t add to all the stuff I had to carry.
7 Things at York Minister you must see – Guide to Visiting York Minster with Kids
If time is of the essence when you visit then there are seven areas that you should try and make sure you see. I have listed these below. There is a natural flow around the Minister which should mean you will naturally see all of these.
The Nave
You can not miss the nave as you literally walk into the Minister and it is right in front of you. Work started on the nave in 1291 and it took over 60 years to complete. It is so large I am not sure I have ever seen a space so big. It s 60m long and 30m wide with a height of 29m. There are plenty of seats to stop and take it all in.
Astrological Clock
As you walk around the side of the organ you will come across an imposing clock so large that you can not miss it. It is a memorial to the men of the Royal Air Forces of the Commonwealth and their Allies. Those operating from bases in Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland, have their lives for us all in the Second World War. Charlie in particular was fascinated by it.
Charter House
This is my favourite. make sure you do not miss the wooden structure on the way in which shoes you how it was constructed. Made from three giant oaks placed on top of each other the rook is amazing. Thanks to the explorer pack we were able to sit around the outside and take it all in. Make sure you take notice of the floor though as the tiles date back to the 1800s.
The Crypt
Charlie’s favourite part of any Catherdral, Church or Minister is the Crypt. It houses the oldest sections of the Minister. With a beautiful mosaic, Doomstone and the tomb of St William (Patron Saint of York) it is a popular stop. The boys were a little confused by the stone! But they liked seeing the Roman remnants and walls. There are holes in the floor with clear plastic perspex over to allow you to see them.
The Great East Window
If you are a fan of stained glass then this is the window for you. Many of the stained glass windows are in need of cleaning and repair. But as ever these things take time. The Great East Window on the other hand has just gone through a 10-year restoration project. You can really see the difference with bright colours shining through and catching the light. It is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country and shows the story of the apocalypse.
They have now moved on to conserving the St Cuthbert Window. As you walk away from the Great East Windo you will wall into an exhibition. Where you will be able to see parts of the 600 old window that have been restored up close. For older children, it also explains which each section is depicting.
Quire & The Grand Organ
The organ is huge and very ornate. It has also recently undergone a refurbishment which happens every hundred years in march 2021. The Quire is also very ornate and there are some chairs where you can sit and soak it up.
The Rose Window
Just on the way out you will spot the Rose Window, which was previously damaged in a fire. By this time the boys were starting to flag and had spotted the sign for the shop. The exit is right near the window and year you do have to exit via the shop… Which always annoys me when you go anywhere with kids. There are a few pocket money toys and bits and bobs in the second part of the shop. If you can not escape without spending pocket money.
I hope you have enjoyed this post – Guide to Visiting York Minster with Kids. Have you been to York Minister with kids? I would love to hear about your experiences, please let me know in the comments below.
Visiting York?
These other posts may be of interest:
Things to do in York with Kids – 3 Day Itinerary
Free things to do in York with kids
Our Harry Potter inspired trip to York
Wizard Golf in York a Review of Hole in the Wand
Review The National Railway Museum
Jorvik Archeology is the triple ticket worth it?
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