Location: Home > Visiting the Minster > What to see and do > The Undercroft
Visiting the Undercroft
Descending into the Undercroft is like stepping back in time. When the Central Tower was in serious risk of collapse in the late 1960s work was done to shore up its foundations. Workers found the remains of buildings that once existed on this site. You can see the ancient remains discovered beneath the present Minster when archaeologists worked on one of the most important sites in England.
Audio Tour of the Undercroft
Our highly acclaimed audio tour will help you to discover York Minster's fascinating history. Explore Roman, Norman and Viking remains, the jewels of the treasury, and the atmospheric Crypt. The story leads you at your own speed, through the fascinating history of a site that has been at the centre of the city's and region's history for almost 2000 years.
Visitors can discover the atmosphere of the Roman street as they walk through the remains of the basilica, listen to the Norman builders at work on the Norman cathedral and marvel at the medieval Minster, with its rich collection of treasures from the tombs of the archbishops. Time can also be set aside to pause in the fascinating Crypts for a moment of reflection and meditation, surrounded by centuries of history.
Open
Monday - Saturday from 9.30am - last entry 5.00pm
Sunday 12.30pm - last entry 5.00pm
Closed: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Good Friday
Opening times may change subject to major church services
Admission charge includes audio tour
Undercroft Admission Prices
See the Entrance Prices page for prices.
For more information, please contact the Visitors' Department.
Telephone: 01904 557216
Fax: 01904 557218
Email: visitors@yorkminster.org
Top of Page