The Minster is one of the main "attractions" in York. It is of course still an active church, and hence visitors are required to respect that during their visit - children running riot are not exactly encouraged.
The building can be seen for miles around as you approach York, and once there is easy to find on foot. Entrance is free, although there are large collections in the door ways for the upkeep of the building, which most people donate to. You enter at one end of the Minster and are face with the view half way up the building, to where the rood screen blocks the view to the other end. The sense of peace and serenity is huge.
Walking down the side of the building, you admire the c
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The building can be seen for miles around as you approach York, and once there is easy to find on foot. Entrance is free, although there are large collections in the door ways for the upkeep of the building, which most people donate to. You enter at one end of the Minster and are face with the view half way up the building, to where the rood screen blocks the view to the other end. The sense of peace and serenity is huge.
Walking down the side of the building, you admire the carvings and stained glass windows that line the building. It's worth getting here just before the hour and going towards the clock half way up the building, as little figures come out and strike the hour on a large bell. These are several hundred years old and well worth seeing.
When open, the chapter house is well worth a visit. This does charge entrance, but is well worth it for the beauty within.
Passing through the rood screen the second half of the building is equally beautiful. Private family memorials line the walls, beautifully carved, and look out for the miners' memorial, low down on one of the walls - always a favourite when I was a child. At the far end is one of the largest stained glass windows in the country - apparently the size of a couple of tennis courts end to end.
Coming back through the screen, you will find yourself confronted with lots of people leaning over tables with mirrors on top. This signifies that you are in the part of the building that burnt down during the 80's and was rebuilt. The tables are to allow you to view the ceiling bosses, which are gorgeous, and were designed by children - people of a certain age will be able to tell you of the Blue Peter competition which had this as a prize! Does put you firmly in the 25 - 30 age band though!
The minster shop includes the usual religious books and local tapestry etc - not really that exciting - but overall, this is well worth a visit, and tends to form part of every one of my trips to York.
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