From meeting medieval pilgrims to designing stained glass, there’s plenty for families to discover at York Minster this October half-term.

Between Monday 26 and Saturday 31 October 2026, visitors can enjoy living history, hands-on activities, family trails and an immersive cinematic experience, all included with a standard sightseeing ticket.

Better still, each adult ticket costs £20 and includes admission for up to four children aged 17 and under. Tickets are valid for 12 months, so families can return as many times as they like throughout the year.

Here’s what’s happening at York Minster this October half-term.

Living History: Meet the Pilgrims

Meet costumed interpreters and discover the stories of pilgrims who travelled to York Minster centuries ago. Find out more about their journeys, their daily lives and their devotion to York’s patron saint, St William of York. Families will be able to see fascinating artefacts up close and try crafts inspired by different periods of history. These drop-in sessions will take place from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October 2026.

Explore the Undercroft Museum

Head beneath York Minster to explore 2,000 years of history in the interactive Undercroft Museum. Follow in the footsteps of Roman soldiers, touch archaeological remains discovered beneath the cathedral and try lifting a replica of the Horn of Ulf, an elephant tusk given to the Minster by a Viking lord.

Watch an immersive new film

Discover the story and craftsmanship of St William of York’s lost medieval shrine through a new cinematic experience.

Created with York-based studios Hewitt & Walker and Viridian FX, the film uses 3D laser scanning and gaming technology to bring the historic shrine back to life. The short film will play continuously throughout the day, so visitors can drop in and watch for as long as they like.

Design a stained-glass window

Take inspiration from York Minster’s magnificent medieval stained glass and design your own colourful window panel. Children can add their creations to a display board, helping to build a beautiful new collaborative window inside the Minster.

Pick up a Little Explorer Backpack

Borrow a free Little Explorer Backpack from the Welcome Desk, filled with gadgets and activities to help children investigate the medieval cathedral. Families can also pick up one of the free York Minster Quest trails, perfect for keeping curious young minds busy as they explore.

Good to know before you go

All of the October half-term activities are included with a York Minster sightseeing ticket and there’s no need to book individual sessions. Adult tickets cost £20 and include entry for up to four children aged 17 and under. Tickets are valid for a full year, so two adults and up to eight children can visit as many times as they like for £40.

October half-term at York Minster

📍 York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH
⏰ Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October 2026
ℹ️ yorkminster.org

York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH

This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at York Minster