Perhaps the most striking and iconic landmarks in the East Riding, Beverley Minster is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Europe.
Larger than some English cathedrals at 102m in length, you can find out about its history and features by taking a guided tour of the minster.
It stands out for miles as you approach Beverley, and the limestone used throughout, which was sourced from Yorkshire, is light in colour, giving the Minster a bright, luminous aspect not often found in medieval buildings.
It welcomes tens of thousands of visitors every year. It is open almost every day and there are always staff and welcomers around to answer questions.
Guided tours run regularly or visitors are welcome to find their own way around the building, with a number of leaflets available by the main Highgate door to point out the many notable features. The Minster contains elements of three Gothic styles – Early English, Decorated and Perpendicular, which have been carefully harmonised – and was built between 1220 and 1425.
For tours, contact the virger or a welcomer on arrival at the Minster or make contact in advance.
The minster is open from 9am and tours run until 5pm in September and October and until 4pm in winter months. Sunday hours are noon to 5:30pm.
Roof tours are held at 11.15am and 2.15pm Monday to Saturday, and require a minimum of four people. They last an hour and are priced at £5 for adults and £2.50 for children aged seven and over.
Younger children are unable to take the roof tours for health and safety reasons.
Combined roof and ground tours are available by appointment. For details, call the virger’s office on 01482 882128.