Which one to choose in York
Two churches in York. St Mary’s Abbey, York has no online ticket listed; York Minster has 3 tickets and tours to book. The table and the two notes below put them side by side; the full pages have what to see, the ticket and the timing for each.
York, United Kingdom
The ruins of Saint Mary's Abbey stand in the Museum Gardens in the centre of York, near the River Ouse, and the gardens and ruins are free to enter during opening hours. The gardens are a popular green space, and the Yorkshire Museum, which charges admission, stands beside the ruins. Walking tours of York include the abbey along with York Minster, the city walls, the Shambles, Clifford's Tower and the Viking centre.
York, United Kingdom
One ticket covers the minster, the undercroft museum and the chapter house, and it is valid for twelve months, which is unusual and generous. Adding the central tower costs a little more and means 275 steps up a spiral to the roof at 70 metres, in timed groups, with no lift and a strict minimum age. York residents enter free on proof of address. Free guided tours led by volunteers run through the day and are included; they are excellent and make a paid guide unnecessary.
| St Mary’s Abbey, York | York Minster | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Monastery & Abbey | Cathedral |
| Opened | 1088 | 1220 |
| Tickets and tours on GetYourGuide | none listed | 3 |
| Official website | yes | yes |