UPDATED AUGUST 2020! York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe and one of the most-visited cathedrals in England. It is also the most iconic symbol of the city of York. The Minster towers over the city and dominates the skyline of this historic city. Having lived in York for nearly two four years now (!), I’ve spent a whole lot of time photographing the cathedral from every different view and a million different angles. Here is my list of the best photo spots: where to take the best photos of York Minster in York!

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1) Dean’s Park

This large, beautiful park is right next to York Minster and part of the Minster grounds. It is one of the most popular photo locations of the Minster—and with good reason! This is a classic shot and one not to be missed. One of the best times to photograph York Minster here is in spring, when the crocuses come out! In 2017 during the big “snow storm,” I headed straight to the Minster to photograph it in the snow!

2) Chapter House Street

One of my newest discoveries on this list is the view of York Minster from Chapter House Street. Head past the Treasurer’s House towards the curving street by the City Walls, and you’ll be treated to this phenomenal view. There are very rarely cars on this street, so it makes for an easy photography spot!

3) Precentor’s Court

Precentor’s Court is part of a snickelway, tucked away behind High Petergate and York Minster. The tiny courtyard has some beautiful buildings, but it’s the Minster views that get me every time! From the front doors of the Minster, follow the narrow street (next to the gated homes) up to the courtyard. If you’re coming from High Petergate, look for the narrow passageway next to the aptly named Hole In The Wall pub.

4) Minster Yard and Petergate

I used to walk past here every day on my way to work for over a year and a half. It still takes my breath away, every single time. This is one of the most iconic views of York Minster, as you approach it from Petergate. The Minster all of a sudden appears as if from nowhere! It can be quite busy with crowds, but come in the early morning or late afternoon/evening, and chances are you’ll have it all to yourself. The top photo of these two remains one of my favorite photos of York to date.

5) City Walls between Bootham Bar and Monkgate Bar

What better way to capture two of York’s main attractions at the same time? Walking the City Walls is definitely one thing you must do in York. But if you’re short on time, the best stretch of the walls is between Bootham Bar and Monkgate Bar. The reason why this bit is the best? The views across to York Minster are absolutely stunning! Mid-afternoon can be a bit harsh with the lighting, so try to avoid this on a really sunny day. The best time to visit for good lighting and great photos is in the morning.

6) The beer garden of the Lamb and Lion Inn

The Lamb and Lion is one of my favorite bars in York. The main reason for that is its massive beer garden—that looks onto both the City Walls and the Minster! If you’re looking for a unique shot of York Minster, this would be a great one. Bonus: all the photos can be rewarded with a cheeky pint at the end!

7) The main area in front of York Minster

Alright, so this is a bit of an obvious choice. But to get the full, imposing magnificence of York Minster, you might as well get up close and personal. Located off High Petergate, this corner is always full of tourists and people snapping photos. The lighting here in the early hours of the morning or in the early evening can sometimes be simply magical. Some of my favorite photos ever of the Minster were taken here with that perfect lighting. There will always be crowds here, so if you come after 9:00am and before 6:00pm, chances are you’ll need to be patient! (The top photo was taken in the morning, the second photo in the evening.)

8) Museum Street and Duncombe Place

Another iconic image of York Minster is the one taken from down Museum Street and Duncombe Place. The Minster sits at the end of the street, ready for visitors! It can be tricky to get the best photos, as you’ll generally need to jump in the middle of the street. Duncombe Place (past the Tourist Information and the intersection with St. Leonard’s Place) is generally much quieter and better suited for popping (safely) into the middle of the street for a quick snap.

9) Low Petergate and King’s Square

Another one of my favorite views, and another one from my former morning commute. Standing in King’s Square heading down Low Petergate, you can just see the towers of York Minster peeking over the rooftops. This is simply one of the best views in the city, and I think it’s pretty easy to see why! Again, this area sees insane crowds during the day, so coming in the early evening is the best time to photograph it. Early morning is also good, but there are a lot of delivery trucks that drive down Low Petergate, so you may need to be patient.

10) City Walls by Station Road

This view of York Minster has always been a special one for me. When I arrive back to York by train (generally after a trip), this is the view I come home to and that welcomes me back into the city. You really get a feel for the size of the Minster from this angle, as it towers (literally) over the city around it! I generally take the best photos at the intersection of Station Road and Station Rise, on the set of stairs and the platform that lead up to the City Walls. Both sunset and sunrise from here can be magical.

11) Minster Yard and College Street

If you’re aiming to capture the Great East Window with it’s fantastic collection of medieval stained glass, you should head to Minster Yard and College Street, behind York Minster. You’ll get phenomenal views of the Great East Window in all it’s (finally renovated) glory. St. William’s College is also an old, beautiful, black and white Tudor era building on this street that makes for great photos. (Ignore the tree, I wanted a photo that showed both!)

12) Clifford’s Tower

While I don’t think Clifford’s Tower gives the best views of York Minster, it certainly merits its place on this list. The best photos of the Minster will be from right at the end of the upper semi-circle walk of the Tower. You can just barely edge out the tall spire of St. Mary’s Church in Coppergate from the shot of York Minster. Clifford’s Tower is run by English Heritage, so there is an admission fee (and 55 stairs to get up to the ticket booth).

13) Hot Air Balloon

One of my bucket list goals living in York is to see the city from a hot air balloon – I finally made it happen in July 2023!. There is a hot air balloon festival in York every year, and hot air balloons descend over the city to take it all in from above. The photos are fantastic, but it’s really York Minster that stands out. The shape and size of the building really do dominate the city, and there’s nowhere better to see this from above!

14) York Minster interior—and Tower!

Finally, the best place to take photos of York Minster would be inside the Minster itself. The Nave and Chapter House are two of my favorite photography spots inside. And while there’s so much to see in York Minster itself, some of the best photos are taken from up the Tower! There is an admission charge for York Minster, and a ticket to go up the Tower costs extra (and it’s done on timed entry as well). In my opinion, it’s well worth it to be inside one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world.

There are so many amazing views of York Minster from all over the city. Other great photo spots of York Minster are: Exhibition Square (from outside York Art Gallery), the rooftop of the Habit on Goodramgate, down Stonegate from St. Helen’s Square, and you can just make out the towers inside the secret garden of the York Medical Society off Stonegate (it’s very rarely open to the public).

There’s also this view, off a secret snickelway, which might be one of my other favorites. But I’ll keep the location under wraps for now 😉

York is just two hours away from London by train, making it an easy daytrip or long weekend away. I always use Trainline to find the best deals for train tickets. If you’re flying, the nearest airport is Leeds-Bradford, however Manchester is much larger and has much more flight options. I use Skyscanner for the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

• Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
• Luxury: The Grand

You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!

York Minster is a truly iconic building and one place you simply must visit in York. I hope this guide to the best York Minster photo locations helps the photographers out there looking for the best shots!

Have you ever been to York or York Minster? Where were your favorite places for photos around the city?!

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

Check out my other posts about York!

The Complete Guide to the Best Instagram Spots in York

20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely Free!

The Best Snickelways in York

18 Hidden Gems to See in York

The Best Walks in and Around York, England

Up, Up, and Away: A Hot Air Balloon Flight in York

All other posts in the York category!

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