Evensong at York Minster

Overview

For an uplifting experience at the end of a busy day exploring York, head to the Choral Evensong at York Minster. The service includes incredible choral music, seasonal readings, and evening prayers, all in the spectacular setting of York Minster, one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals.

Although there is an entry fee to visit York Minster or to take a tour, entrance to the services is free, including Evensong, and offers a great opportunity to see inside this beautiful building. The service is suitable for everyone, including families with children, and all are welcome, regardless of faith.

What time is the evening song at York Minster?

Evensong takes place Tuesday to Saturday at 5.30pm and at 4pm on Sundays, where the service includes a sermon and congregational hymn.

How long does Evensong last?

Evensong at York Minster lasts for around an hour.

Can anyone attend Evensong at York Minster?

Yes, anyone can attend Evensong at York Minster. You don’t have to be a member of the congregation or have visited the minster before. You also don’t need to be a practising member of the Church of England to go to Evensong.

What do you do at Evensong?

Evensong is a church service that is held at the end of each day. An officiant leads the service, which usually starts with a welcome followed by a psalm. Evensong is a celebratory event to mark the passing of a day of faith and features:

Choral music
Readings
Prayers

The choir will sing the hymns and you may be invited to join in on some of them – although you don’t have to! You can relax with your own thoughts and enjoy the lovely sounds of the organ and choir.

Is there a dress code for Evensong?

There is no dress code for Evensong at York Minster. Both casual and more formal attire are welcomed. It’s recommended that you wear warm, practical clothing as the minster can get cold inside, especially during the winter months.

Remember that York Minster is a religious building, so please dress appropriately.

Do you need tickets for Evensong?

No, you don’t need a ticket for the Choral Evensong service at York Minster. Enter the cathedral through the South Doors and you’ll be directed to a pew.

What songs are sung at Evensong?

York Minster boasts one of the finest choirs in the country and so hearing them perform at Evensong is a real treat. The songs may differ between services, but some examples include:

Blessed City, Heavenly Salem
O Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem
Ye That Know the Lord is Gracious
Te Deum Laudamus
Libera Nos, Salva Nos

York Minster

York Minster is the seat of the archbishop of York. It’s a magnificent building with spectacular stained glass and stonework, and one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city of York. It has played a key role in the Christian faith in England over the years and is still thriving today.

History of York Minster

It is thought that there has been a religious building on this site in York since the 7th century. Work on building the current cathedral began in 1080 and it took over 250 years to complete.

York Minster has seen four fires throughout its lifetime in 1753, 1829, 1840, and 1984. During the two World Wars, some of the stained glass was removed from the cathedral for safety.

Features of York Minster

The minster is built in a mixture of different architectural styles, as it was added to over the years. These styles include Romanesque, Gothic, and Perpendicular Gothic. Some of its most notable features include:

The Great East Window: the largest collection of medieval stained glass in the world
The Great Screen: an intricately carved stone screen
The Rose Window: a symbol of the union between the houses of York and Lancaster

Is York Minster accessible?

York Minster strives to be welcoming for as many people as possible. Accessibility provisions include:

Ramped access or steps with a handrail
Service animals welcome
Accessible toilet in the East End of the minster
Ambulant toilet cubicles in the main toilets
Level, ramped, or lift access to the main features of the minster, aside from the tower
Audio induction loops

Road leading to historic buildings including a the York Minster cathedral

How to get to York Minster from YHA York

York Minster is about 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometres) from YHA York.

On foot: It takes around 27 minutes to walk from the Youth Hostel to the cathedral.

Cycling: It’s approximately a seven-minute cycle from YHA York to York Minster.

By public transport: From YHA York, walk for about nine minutes to the bus stop at Clifton Green. Catch the 2 Park & Ride bus to Rawcliffe Bar, alighting at Theatre Royal. From here, it’s around six minutes on foot to York Minster. The whole journey should take about half an hour.

By car: It takes approximately 12 minutes to drive from YHA York to York Minster. The nearest car parks are: