Location: Home > Learning & Education > School Visits > Undercroft / Crypt & Tower
The Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt
Walk in the footsteps of the Romans in the Undercroft of York Minster. This space beneath the floor of the Minster was created as a result of “the Great Dig”. The dig was undertaken in the late 1960's to prevent the collapse of the Central Tower. On display are some of the objects and artefacts discovered during the excavations, and also the archaeological remains of both the Roman principia building and the Norman cathedral. The Treasury contains church plate from around the diocese and precious Minster objects such as the Horn of Ulf and Archbishop Walter Gray’s grave goods. In the twelfth century Crypt there are substantial remains from the Norman cathedral and also the tomb of St William of York.
Prices and opening times:
Adult £4.00
Students and seniors £3.00
Child £2.00 (1 Adult free for every 10 children)
Admission charge includes audio tour.
You may pay on arrival at the Group Desk by cheque/cash or credit card.
Please make cheques payable to The Dean and Chapter of York.
Monday - Saturday from 9.30 am - last entry 5.00 pm
Sunday from 12.30 pm - last entry 5.00 pm
Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Opening times may change subject to major church services.
Teachers please note:
There is no wheelchair access to the Undercroft, Treasury or Crypt.
In the Undercroft there are places where large groups can block visitor flow. Therefore, we advise that school parties split into small groups when visiting.
No entry charges are made for pre-visits.
Please contact the Centre for School Visits to arrange a time. 01904 557224
The Central Tower
Ascend the 275 steps to the top of the Tower for unrivalled views across the city and the Vale of York. Can you spot the White Horse of Kilburn, the “golf balls” on Menwith Hill, The Nestle Chocolate factory, the Yorkshire Wheel or the Drax power station some 15 miles away?
Our PDF guide to the tower contains four drawings of the views north, south, east and west. Each image highlights the major structures and landmarks that can be seen from that direction. Alternatively have a virtual view from the top of the tower by following this link to our virtual tour.
Prices and opening times
Adult £4.00
Child £2.00 (Sorry no children under 8)
Seniors and Students £3.00
You may pay on arrival at the Group Desk by cheque/cash or credit card.
Please make cheques payable to The Dean and Chapter of York.
Monday - Saturday from 9.30am
(Nov - March: from 10.00am - last trip 30 mins before dusk)
Sunday from 12.30pm - last trip 5.00pm “ “ “
Closed: Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and in extreme weather. Opening times are subject to major church services.
Teachers please note:
For health and safety reasons no children under 8 are allowed to climb the Tower. Children 16 and under must be accompanied.
Please see our Risk assessment
Any school group with over 10 children (aged 16 and under) must be accompanied by a minimum of 3 adults. The three required adults will climb the Tower for free, and any extra adults will pay the standard rate.
Groups of 10 or less may climb the Tower with two adults (one front one back) on the proviso that if anyone needs to be escorted down the Tower the whole group must come down.
It is not possible to pre-book a visit to the Tower.
Please check on arrival at the Group Desk when the next group is ascending.
Group size: A maximum of 50 individuals each trip.
No entry charges are made for pre-visits.
Please contact the Centre for School Visits to arrange a time. 01904 557224.