Discover York's Stained Glass
- 1.7–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Delve into the rich history of York on the Shambles & Shards walking tour, focusing on the art and significance of stained glass. This expert-led experience takes you inside churches, revealing the intricate stories behind stained glass creation and preservation. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through historic streets, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship that has endured through centuries. Perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on York's cultural heritage. - Expert commentary from a professional stained glass conservator - Visit historic sites with entry included where necessary - Small group settings for personalized attention - Accessible to all levels of knowledge with engaging storytelling
Inclusions
What's included
- Tour and Building Access
What's not
- We can and will take a comfort break within the tour to get a drink to walk with or use the bathroom.
Itinerary
Exploring the 15th century glass within the church, its conservation history, and the Pricke of Conscience window.
One of the oldest sites in York, we will be stopping here to discuss its history as well as the memorial glass, modern glass, and East Window of dubious creation.
Stopping on the way to the next stop at the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey to discuss the church complex in the Medieval period and its overall connection to faith and the parish churches.
We will stop at either St. Helen's Church or St. Martins le Grand (depending on opening times and availability) and discuss post-war reconstruction efforts of glass in the city.
A brief stop at the back to discuss EPG (Environmental Protective Glazing) and the constant conservation efforts of York Minster from the East Window.
A tucked away, yet incredible church, we will discuss the existing medieval glass here and the church's role in the center of York.
All Saints Pavement will be visited either in tandem or as a substitute for Holy Trinity Goodramgate due to its partial winter hours.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.9
- 516
- 41
- 30
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- 10
Ratings come from 17 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- We’ll meet near the John Snow Memorial (the water pump sticking out of the ground) in the park, but if it’s closed due to river flooding, we’ll meet at the front of All Saint’s North Street.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 10 travellers
- Operated by
- Shambles & Shards Tours
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- There will be uneven, slippery, and uncertain surfaces in some of the churches.
- We will be walking over a mile throughout the tour.
How it compares in York
- Its from-price is 61% below the median of the 186 experiences we list in York.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 68 of 186.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About York
York is a walled cathedral city in northern England, a place of Roman and Viking history, medieval lanes and a vast Gothic minster.
York Minster, among the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, towers over the city, and its stained glass includes the Great East Window, one of the biggest areas of medieval glass in the country. Medieval walls, the longest in England, encircle the old centre and can be walked along the top. The Shambles, a narrow lane of leaning timber-framed buildings, was once the street of butchers.
Top-ranked sights in York: York Minster, Clifford's Tower, The Shambles.
Special offers in York
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
