York Minster
England's largest Gothic cathedral, a 250-year architectural triumph housing Britain's finest medieval stained glass.
York Minster stands as England's largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, a breathtaking masterpiece of medieval architecture spanning 158 meters in length. Built over approximately 250 years beginning in 1220 under Archbishop Walter de Gray's vision, this magnificent structure showcases soaring Gothic vaults, intricate stone carvings, and Britain's richest collection of medieval stained glass. The cathedral's most celebrated features include the Great East Window—larger than a tennis court—and the distinctive Great West Window nicknamed 'the Heart of Yorkshire'. As the seat of the Archbishop of York, the Minster remains a functioning place of worship while welcoming thousands of visitors annually to marvel at its architectural splendor and spiritual significance.
A brief summary to York Minster
- Deangate, York, YO1 7HH, GB
- +441904557200
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and experience the cathedral's interior light at its most dramatic, especially when sunlight streams through the stained glass windows.
- Explore the Undercroft museum to see Roman basilica remains and medieval artifacts; this often-overlooked section provides fascinating historical context beneath the main cathedral.
- Attend a choral service or bell-ringing performance (Sunday mornings around 10:00 or Tuesday evenings 19:00–22:00) to experience the cathedral's acoustic splendor and spiritual atmosphere.
- Use the interactive exhibit about the Great East Window conservation project to zoom in on intricate details and discover the hidden codes and symbols within the medieval glass panels.
- Climb the Central Tower for panoramic views of York and the surrounding countryside, though note this requires physical fitness and involves steep, narrow stairs.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
York railway station is approximately 1.2 kilometers south of York Minster, accessible via a 15–20 minute walk through the city center or a 5–10 minute journey by local bus (services 1, 2, 3, or 4). Trains connect York to London King's Cross (approximately 1 hour 50 minutes), Edinburgh (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes), and Manchester (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes). Bus fares within York are typically £1.50–£2.50 per journey.
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Walking
York Minster is centrally located within York's medieval city walls. From York railway station, follow signs toward the city center; the walk takes 15–20 minutes through mostly flat, paved streets. From the car park at Monk Bar (approximately 400 meters northeast), the walk is 5–10 minutes. The cathedral is easily reached on foot from any central York location.
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Parking
Several car parks are located within 5–10 minutes' walk of York Minster: Monk Bar car park (approximately 400 meters northeast), Castle car park (approximately 600 meters south), and Piccadilly car park (approximately 800 meters southeast). Parking costs typically range from £1.50–£3.00 per hour, with daily rates around £8–£15. On-street parking in the city center is limited and subject to time restrictions.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis are available from York railway station and throughout the city center; the journey to York Minster takes approximately 5–10 minutes depending on traffic and departure point. Typical fares from the railway station are £8–£15. Ride-share services operate in York and offer comparable pricing and journey times.
York Minster location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about York Minster
A Cathedral Born from Centuries of Vision and Ambition
York Minster's story begins long before the Gothic masterpiece visitors see today. The site itself holds profound historical significance, stretching back to 627 when a small wooden church was constructed for the baptism of Edwin, king of Northumbria—a pivotal moment in England's transition from paganism to Christianity. Over subsequent centuries, successive churches rose and fell on this sacred ground, each destroyed and rebuilt as invasions and conflicts reshaped the landscape. The Normans, having conquered York in 1069, replaced the Anglo-Saxon structure with a grand cathedral of their own design, establishing the vast cross-shaped footprint that would anchor all future construction. The remains of this Norman cathedral—its transepts and nave walls—still survive beneath the current building, visible in the Minster's Undercroft museum. In 1215, Archbishop Walter de Gray arrived with an ambitious vision: to transform York Minster into one of the greatest churches in the kingdom. Beginning in 1220, he initiated a rebuilding project that would consume the next 250 years. This was no swift undertaking. Progress was repeatedly interrupted by financial constraints, Scottish wars, plague, political upheaval, and structural crises. For decades at a time, the liturgy was performed against a backdrop of scaffolding and half-built masonry. Yet this extended timeline allowed successive generations of craftsmen to refine their vision, creating a building of unparalleled sophistication.The Architectural Triumph of the Gothic Vision
The earliest Gothic work, completed between 1225 and 1255, involved the dramatic rebuilding and expansion of the Norman cathedral's two transepts. These massive structures set the tone for what would follow. The Chapter House, finished in the early 1290s, represents a revolutionary achievement: an octagonal meeting room whose vaulted ceiling is supported not by a central column—the traditional solution—but by ingenious timber roof structures. This engineering marvel was unique at the time of its creation and remains a testament to medieval ingenuity. Work on the Nave began in 1291 and continued for more than 60 years, finally completing around 1360. The finished product is staggering in scale: 63 meters long, 32 meters wide, and 29 meters high, making it the highest and widest medieval Gothic nave in any English cathedral. The Nave was never intended primarily for daily worship; rather, its vast space was designed for spectacular processions and ceremonial gatherings. The Great West Window, completed by 1340, dominates the western end with its distinctive tracery forming the shape of a heart—earning it the affectionate nickname 'the Heart of Yorkshire'. This window illustrates the authority and purpose of the Church through its intricate stonework, though many of the statues lining the triforium lost their heads during the Reformation in the 16th century. Following the Nave's completion, work began on the East End in 1361, followed by the Quire between 1394 and 1420. An unexpected crisis struck in 1405 when a section of the Central Tower collapsed during a storm. The tower, which housed the Minster's bells, required urgent reconstruction. King Henry IV dispatched his own master mason, William of Colchester, to oversee the work, and he remained involved until his death in 1420. The tower was eventually capped at its present height of 60 meters around 1470, as the foundations proved unable to support the originally intended greater height.Stained Glass: A Luminous Treasury of Medieval Artistry
York Minster houses Britain's richest and most extensive collection of medieval stained glass, a distinction that sets it apart from every other cathedral in the nation. The Great East Window, glazed by John Thornton of Coventry between 1405 and 1408, is the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in existence—larger than a tennis court. This monumental work showcases intricate and vibrant designs of breathtaking complexity. The window's fine details, far too tiny to see from the cathedral floor, were originally intended for God's eyes only, yet modern conservation efforts and interactive exhibits now allow visitors to zoom in on each panel and explore the stories and symbols hidden within. The Five Sisters Window in the north transept, dating to around 1260, displays exquisite grisaille glass—delicate geometric patterns rendered in shades of grey and white. This window represents a different aesthetic approach yet demonstrates the same mastery of the glazier's craft. The Rose Window, damaged by lightning during a fire in 1984, has since been meticulously restored and strengthened. These windows collectively represent centuries of artistic achievement and technical innovation, their preservation a triumph of modern conservation science.Architectural Details and Spiritual Atmosphere
Beyond the grand scale, York Minster captivates through its intricate details. The beautifully carved choir stalls function as giant sound scoops, magnifying the thunderous pipes of the organ into a transcendent acoustic experience. The Quire Screen, mounted with fifteen statues of Kings of England from William I to Henry VI, commands attention with its meticulously carved stonework. The Chapter House's canopies are adorned with fanciful carvings—strange heads and animals—each possessing remarkable character and personality, offering glimpses into medieval society and the craftsmen's imagination. The Undercroft museum, accessed through the south transept, extends the visitor's journey backward through time. Here, actual remains of the Roman fort's basilica are visible through a see-through floor, and patches of Roman frescoes from the basilica's anteroom provide tangible connection to the site's pre-Christian past. This layering of history—Roman fortress, Anglo-Saxon church, Norman cathedral, Gothic masterpiece—creates a profound sense of continuity and transformation.Completion and Enduring Legacy
On 3 July 1472, after more than 250 years of construction, York Minster was judged sufficiently complete for re-consecration. The twin west towers had been finished, and the enormous Great Peter bell, installed in 1845, would eventually boom out from the northern tower every day. The cathedral survived Henry VIII's religious upheaval—the king, needing a northern capital for his Anglican church, spared the great Minster when he destroyed nearly everything else Catholic in England. Serious fires in 1829 and 1840 required restoration, and lightning struck the south transept in 1984, yet the cathedral has endured and been carefully conserved. Today, York Minster remains the seat of the Archbishop of York, the second-highest office in the Church of England. It hosts regular services, daily prayers, and weekly choral performances, maintaining its spiritual function while welcoming thousands of pilgrims and visitors annually. The cathedral's stonemasons continue to employ skills and techniques passed down through centuries from their medieval predecessors, ensuring that this architectural treasure is preserved for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.0 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Roman Column
0.1 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Sundial Column
0.1 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
The Norman House
0.1 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
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Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.2 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Bootham Bar
0.2 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
Medieval Walls
0.2 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Anglian Tower
0.3 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.3 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.3 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Black window cat
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Victorian architectural gem showcasing French Renaissance design and meticulous Victorian craftsmanship in historic York.
Locked in Games York
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Experience the thrill of escaping at Locked in Games York, a top-rated escape room center perfect for families, friends, and adventurers!
Multangular Tower
0.3 km
Discover the historical Multangular Tower in York, a remarkable relic of Roman architecture nestled within the tranquil York Museum Gardens.
Unmissable attractions to see
Constantine the Great
0.1 km
Bronze statue of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great at York Minster, marking his historic proclamation as emperor in AD 306.
Minster Yard
0.1 km
Historic Minster Yard in York surrounds the majestic York Minster, blending medieval heritage, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
Chapter House
0.1 km
Medieval masterpiece where timber vaults defy gravity and Parliament once convened in octagonal splendor.
Dean's Park
0.1 km
A peaceful green oasis beside York Minster, blending historic charm with tranquil gardens and stunning cathedral views.
St Michael Le Belfrey
0.1 km
York’s largest Tudor parish church, rich in history, vibrant worship, and the baptism site of Guy Fawkes.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
0.1 km
Explore York’s eerie streets on a captivating ghost walk blending history, hauntings, and theatrical storytelling for all ages.
The Bloody Tour of York
0.1 km
York's darkest stories come alive through theatrical storytelling and genuine historical insight.
National Trust - Treasurer's House, York
0.1 km
Discover a historic townhouse behind York Minster, where lavish interiors, award-winning gardens, and centuries of stories await.
The Ghost Trail Of York
0.1 km
Explore York’s haunted snickelways on a thrilling, family-friendly ghost walk beneath the gothic grandeur of York Minster.
The Antiques Centre York
0.1 km
York’s largest antiques emporium on historic Stonegate, offering diverse treasures across three floors in a vibrant community setting.
Mountain Goat Tours - York
0.1 km
Discover the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of York with Mountain Goat Tours, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in this historic city.
The Deathly Dark Tours
0.2 km
Discover York’s haunted streets with a perfect mix of spooky tales and dark humor on The Deathly Dark Tours ghost walk.
Hole In The Wall
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Experience the charm of Hole In The Wall in York, a historic pub offering local ales, traditional British dishes, and a warm atmosphere.
York Armoury
0.2 km
Discover authentic historical arms, armour, and movie swords in York’s premier specialist gift shop on atmospheric Stonegate.
Grand Yorkshire - Day Trips and Tours
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Exclusive small-group day tours from York featuring vintage steam train rides and immersive journeys through Yorkshire’s scenic countryside and heritage.
Essential places to dine
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.1 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Fat Hippo York
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Savour bold, creative burgers and dirty fries in York’s historic Low Petergate, where casual meets flavour-packed indulgence.
Côte York
0.1 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Forest
0.1 km
Charming Georgian hotel in York’s historic heart with cozy rooms and acclaimed Forest Restaurant, perfect for exploring medieval streets and local culture.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.1 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
La Vecchia Scuola
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and contemporary dining in the heart of historic York at La Vecchia Scuola.
Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen
0.2 km
Experience hearty Southern American flavors and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic Minster Quarter.
Lucia Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Italian dining and cocktails in York’s heart, with a heated courtyard and stylish lounge for all-day enjoyment.
Los Moros
0.2 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
The Botanist York
0.2 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Ambiente Tapas Goodramgate
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm Andalusian charm in York’s historic Goodramgate, with a welcoming atmosphere and diverse vegan options.
Wildwood
0.2 km
Cozy Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and vegan-friendly options in the heart of historic York’s Low Petergate.
Little Italy
0.2 km
Authentic Italian dining and deli in York’s historic heart, serving traditional flavors since 1992 in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Bab Tooma York
0.2 km
Experience authentic Syrian cuisine in a warm, traditional setting with generous portions and BYOB in the heart of York.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.2 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
York Minster Shop
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Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Shared Earth
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Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
SOCTOPUS
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Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
The Cat Gallery
0.1 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
Rookscroft
0.1 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
National Trust Gift Shop
0.2 km
Discover unique National Trust gifts and local crafts in a historic York setting supporting conservation and heritage.
The Knutti Store, a Viking Trading Post
0.2 km
Step into York’s Viking past at The Knutti Store, where authentic craftsmanship meets legendary tales in a charming trading post setting.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.2 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.2 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Paper Doll
0.2 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Cleggs
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts, handcrafted homewares, and stylish accessories in the heart of York’s historic Goodramgate at Cleggs.
Monk Bar Model Shop
0.2 km
York’s historic model shop offering a vast selection of trains, kits, and collectibles with expert staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
Pandora
0.2 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Snowhome
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Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
Village Shop
0.2 km
Discover timeless antiques and vintage treasures in York’s historic heart at the Village Shop, open daily with expert guidance and a warm atmosphere.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Evil Eye
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Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.2 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Eagle & Child
0.2 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Royal Oak
0.2 km
Traditional British pub charm in York’s historic heart, serving seasonal classics and local ales with a warm, dog-friendly welcome.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.2 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.2 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
The Punch Bowl
0.2 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.2 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Vudu Lounge
0.2 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Victor J's
0.3 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Pivní York
0.3 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.3 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Dusk
0.3 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Lendal Cellars
0.3 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Revolution York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
0.3 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Flares - York
0.5 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.6 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Kuda
0.6 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Popworld York
0.6 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.7 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.7 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.3 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.8 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
34.2 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.8 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
35.0 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
35.0 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
35.2 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
35.2 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Gothic
- Historic
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
