York Minster is a Gothic cathedral in York and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe alongside Cologne Cathedral. The Minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office of the Church of England.

The first church on the site was a wooden structure built in a hurry in 627 to provide a place to baptise Edwin, King of Northumbria. It wasn’t until 1220 that the construction of the Minster that we know today began.

The Minster that we know today took about 250 years to build and is renowned as an artistic and architectural masterpiece. In this centre for Christian worship there is a wealth of history to be discovered.

You can visit the Octagonal Chapter house which was constructed between 1260 to 1286. Its walls contain some of the Minster's finest carvings, most dating from 1270 to 1280.

Underneath the Cathedral you can explore the Undercroft, Treasury and Crypt. Here you will find Roman, Norman and Viking remains and the jewels of the treasury.

If you can scale the 275 steps of the Tower you will be rewarded with fantastic views of the city’s ancient streets. On your way up, look out for medieval pinnacles and gargoyles.