York Minster and Supporting Cast

In Brief.

York is a serious tourist destination, and it certainly isn't possible to "do York" in a day. So choices need to be made, and I chose to walk the walls for an overview, visiting the castle part way round, and to finish at York Minster. The walls are around two miles, and provide access to the gates and the castle, as well as views of the rivers and the city. The castle keep is compact and somewhat interesting, with commanding views, though for a site of this size the entry fee is as steep as the climb. The Minster is the real deal, grand on the outside, and with remarkable interior spaces; worthy of time and respect even if visiting churches is not your thing.

Approaching York Minster


What's Here?

York has a long history, which is reflected in its rich and varied architecture, and different periods are also represented in well known museums on the Vikings and on Railways.  So, there are different possible flavours to a day trip to York, but the choice is so great a plan is required.  

Walking the walls is a reasonable and invigorating way to form a wider impression.  The walls are almost continuous, though there are gaps for the river and what used to be a pond. Interest also comes from the varied gates, and the chance to visit the castle that is just inside.

Clifford's Tower

The main visitor attraction for the castle is Clifford's Tower, which is run by English Heritage. The interior of the tower was destroyed in an explosion in 1684, and now is an open space with displays and modern walkways. There is also access to a modern roof, with good views over the city.

The walls also provide views of the Minster, though its location in the heart of the city means there are not large open vistas. However, the Minster, though built over 250 years, and not always as planned, manages to look elegant and well proportioned from all angles. Entering leads directly to the striking limestone Nave, but there are many fine spaces, with the Chapter House being particularly striking.  The Minster is also full of striking artwork, from grand stained glass to modern statues. A project to strengthen the foundations of the tower unearthed lots of historic artefacts, and there is now an interesting museum on the history of the site below ground in the Undercroft.

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 72 miles

Drive Time: 90 minutes

Price: $$

Parking: I parked in Marygate Carpark, YO30 7DT, which had plenty spaces in a weekday out of season. City centre pricing.

Food and Drink: There are all sorts of eateries in York, but none in the Minster.

Retail therapy: There are all sorts of shops in York, but the Minster gift shop doesn't seem especially to have worked out what it is for. 

Child Friendly: I was bowled over by York Minster (and few other cathedrals) as a child, but it just is what it is. There are more child-centric places nearby.

Toilets: Yes.

Do it justice in: The Minster 2-3 hours with the museum, The Walls 90 minutes, Clifford's Tower 30 minutes.

Inside-Outside: 50:50

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