Dean Court Hotel
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
A stone’s throw from York Minster, this trio of 19th-century townhouses has the best location in town, close to all of the city’s main attractions.
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There has been a place of worship on the site of York Minster since the 7th century, and the current building – which took over 250 years to build and was finally finished in 1472 – is considered northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral.
Famous for its hand-carved, vaulted interiors and vividly beautiful medieval stained glass, this is a must-do even for those who wouldn’t normally include a church in their sightseeing rounds. Don’t miss the 600-year-old Great East Window, believed to be the biggest of its kind in the world, with 311 individual, unique glass panels.
Once you’ve explored the main nave and transepts, head downstairs to the undercroft, which includes the remains of a Roman barracks and an Anglo-Saxon cemetery.
You can book onto a ‘Hidden Minster’ tour with an expert guide, to see parts of the Minster normally closed to public access – such as a tour of the Chapter House roof or to see the skills of stonemasons whose job it is to repair the hundreds of medieval statues and gargoyles. You’ll hear untold stories about how parts of the Minster were built and the people who made it happen.
If you’re feeling energetic enough, climb up the 275 steps to the top of the tower for the best view of York and surrounding areas. By the toilets, look up at the stone carvings high above you… you’ll find a rather cheeky one from a 14th-century stonemason of a monkey putting a carrot up a donkey’s bottom!
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Destination Guide >York Minster is at the heart of the city – visible from almost every street in the centre.
Basic entry tickets come with add-ons, including the Hidden Minster tour and access to climb the tower, so you can choose how much of the Minster you want to see. Entry is included if you’ve bought a York Pass.
If you’d rather explore independently, it is worth investing in the guidebook, or you will miss many of its treasures.
York Minster is open all year round, seven days a week, although check the website for times when it might be closed for religious services.
Hidden Minister tours usually run once a week on a Wednesday (check the website as times/days do change).
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]
A stone’s throw from York Minster, this trio of 19th-century townhouses has the best location in town, close to all of the city’s main attractions.
Official star rating:
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
A former 18th-century grocery store, this is a cosy, charming inn set next to one of the city’s medieval gateways.
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York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
A city centre hotel with a top-notch restaurant in an elegant 11th-century building, tucked away down a cobbled lane at the back of York Minster.
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York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
The Grand lives up to its name, with a chic cocktail bar, one of the city’s best restaurants and a sleek, subterranean spa.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)
York’s dramatic past – from Roman settlements to Viking invasions – has created one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, home to the world-famous York Minster and the most complete medieval walls in the country.
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York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
Walking York’s ancient city walls – the best-preserved in Britain – offers glimpses of the city’s rich history, with fortified towers, Roman gateways and a wonderful view of the medieval rooftops.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2 houra
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]
Travel back to 10th century York, to encounter the sounds, sights and smells of the town under Viking rule.
Best for ages: 5+ | £15
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]
Europe’s premier railway museum boasts every type of train from steam locomotives to the only bullet train outside Japan – a wet-weather winner for kids of all ages.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
This iconic tearoom opened in 1937 and there’s a good reason people queue for two hours for afternoon tea here. Book online in advance to avoid the wait.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]
A regional art gallery that punches well above its weight, you’ll find Victorian and contemporary artists displayed, including David Hockney and Grayson Perry. General admission is free.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
Five million KitKats are produced in York every day. You can’t tour the Nestlé factory, but here at St Helen’s Square you can find out all about the city’s sweet history and make your own chocolate.
Best for ages: 4+ | £15
York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]
One of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, the St. Nicholas Fair sees market stalls take over the city centre, transforming Parliament Square into a Christmas card worthy scene and offering festive shoppers the chance to stock up on gifts, arts and crafts. Daily, from mid-November-Christmas.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 5 weeks
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The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.