York Minster

cmmort

York's true icon 29th September 2008

1 found this helpful

Just wow! I don't think you can put into words (but obviously I'm going to try!) the importance/brilliance/impressiveness of the Minster. Even as a resident of York, I find the Minster is something that I just never take for granted. Every time I come into town there it is reminding me what a special and beautiful city I live in.

The stonework on the outside of the building and its sheer size is mindboggling enough, before you even step through the door. Inside there is just so much to see and take in, but what I love most - and I'm not at all religious - is the feeling of calm and tranquility as you walk around. The stained glass, particularly the rose window, is spectacular and the Quire is fantastic.
Hearing the choir practising in the Quire was a real treat!

Entry to the Minster itself is £5.50, but you can use your receipt to visit again for free. Local residents just need to take their Yorkcards (library cards) to the desk and be issued with a Minster card for free entry whenever! I took my family along last week when they came up to visit and everyone was truly impressed - most of all me and I shall certainly be making use of my Minster card from now on! (NB The crypt and tower cost extra, even York residents have to pay - but I'm sure that it's well worth it and will definitely be up the tower when I don't have my 90-year-old granny with me!)

The gift shop is huge and certain to yield some great Christmas presents.

York Minster is without doubt a true icon and a must visit.

jillycat

york minster 10th September 2008

0 found this helpful

This beautiful minter is one of York's best features with its wonderfully restored interior and exterior following the fire in the eighties. with good disabled access and its gift shop. the fact you now have to pay to visit this unless attending a service is one of the reasons i have marked this down. However especially at Christmas attending a service is a must both for visitors and residents as the majesty of the minster enhances the beauty of these services especially midnight mass. The view from the the top of the tower is worthwhile paying for on a clear day as you see great views of Yorkshire

geeknoel

BEST PLACE IN YORK 4th September 2008

1 found this helpful

I would strongly recommemd a visit to York Minster whenever you are in York. The Minster or Abbey is a wonderful spiritual place to rest and say prayers for loved ones. You can find a quiet corner or seat, or go into several small chapels where for a small donation you can light a candle for those suffering, worried or departed.

As a tourist attraction, you can see the marvels of centuries of stonework and glazing by craftsmen. Ask for Peter who was awarded an MBE for his work as a Master Glazier responsible for The Rose Window. He can be found on Sundays in the church opposite, called St. Michael-le-Belfry. He often gives talks on windows, especially stained glass and is a friendly, sociable pensioner.
His full name is Peter Gibson, a modest man.

\overall, York Minster offers the visitor, a marvel of history, a spiritual retreat and has a shop, gardens to the left to relax in and a brilliant photo opportunity to give you a record of memorable thoughts until you return again for another visit.

jimmy_blue

Feed your soul! 30th August 2008

1 found this helpful

If you want to be moved and have a truly spiritual experience? Even if you're not religious its still a spiritualy uplifting moment to attend Evensong. Be there for 5pm Monday to Friday, as there will be a queue. As you're attending a service there is no need to pay the entrance fee (unless you want to of course) Hint- any time you visit and cant afford the entrance fee - if you say you're there to worship or pray you wont have to pay.

Julesdit

Must see 12th August 2008

1 found this helpful

By far the best tourist attraction in York. I had no issue with the enterance fee as I deemed it to be great value for money.

It's well worth getting the Gold ticket that allows you to go down into the crypt and climb up the tower.

It's such a beautiful, awe-inspiring place.

oogywawa

Iconic star of the York skyline 8th May 2008

3 found this helpful

This is probably the first place most tourists head for when they visit York. Regardless of their religious views it never ceases to attract them to see the magnificent largest gothic cathedral in Northern Europe. It took nearly 250 years to build and the culmination of many generations of workers lives is a spectacle to behold.

They receive no government funding at all and have had to rely on donations until they started charging for entrance which was controversial. Personally I don't have a problem with that if we want to preserve this masterpiece for future generations (where else is £30m coming from for the latest restoration project??) and the York residents who complain obviously don't realise that they get in free anyway with ID. Top tip: for the lucky tourist who pitches up after 5pm its free for them for the last hour or two also...!

mazphd at 08/05/08

I always like it when tourists ask 'where's the Minster' and after informing them to 'look up' they retort with a disappointed 'oh is THAT it'?!

Tsk Tsk I say, the Minster is superb! stacked in history and who cares that it is not 'as big' as many a tourist had anticipated! well worth the steps to the top!

:-P

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