York Stained Glass Walking Tour: Expert Conservator Guide

Medieval glass and the hands that saved it

A guided walking tour of York's historic churches focusing on stained glass art, history and conservation, led by a professional stained glass conservator. The tour visits York Minster, All Saints Pavement, Holy Trinity Goodramgate and other parish churches, covering the craftsmanship behind 15th-century windows and the modern techniques that preserve them. Building access is included. The walk covers just over a mile across uneven surfaces in some churches.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore York's stained glass heritage

• Visit 15th century church glass
• Discuss memorial and modern glass
• Stop at St. Mary's Abbey ruins
• Visit St. Helen's or St. Martins le Grand
• Discuss York Minster conservation
• Explore tucked away medieval church
• Visit All Saints Pavement or Holy Trinity

The experience

A professional stained glass conservator leads you through York's medieval parish churches and the Minster, stopping at sites where the glass itself tells the story. You'll see the 15th-century windows inside the church, trace the Pricke of Conscience window, and stand in front of the East Window at York Minster: a piece so damaged and restored that its creation is still debated. The tour moves at a relaxed pace, so there's time to absorb what you're looking at rather than rush through a checklist of sites.

Each stop connects to a different chapter of York's relationship with stained glass. You'll visit one of the oldest sites in the city to see memorial glass and modern replacements, walk past the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey to understand how the medieval parish church system worked, and stop at either St. Helen's Church or St. Martin le Grand to see how post-war reconstruction rebuilt the city's glass after damage. A brief final stop at the back of York Minster focuses on the Environmental Protective Glazing system: the invisible shield that now protects the East Window from weather and pollution while conservators continue their work.

The group stays small, which means the conservator can answer questions and adjust the pace. You'll walk over a mile, crossing uneven and sometimes slippery surfaces inside the churches, so wear shoes with grip. A comfort break is built in if you need a drink or the bathroom. All Saints Pavement may substitute for Holy Trinity Goodramgate depending on winter opening hours, so the exact route can shift slightly.

What’s included

• Expert-led commentary from a professional stained glass conservator.
• entry to all historic churches and sites visited.
• a small group setting for personalized attention.
• a comfort break during the tour for drinks, bathroom access or rest.

Options for this experience

2 options

Walking tour of York's stained glass, titled Shambles & Shards: Discover York's Stained GlassGuide in English · Available from 2 Jan 2027

Private Shambles & Shards tourGuide in English · Available from 2 Jan 2027Custom additional stops tailored to interests, lasting 3 hours

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Jan 2027

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 5 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Shambles & Shards Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the shared walking tour if you're comfortable with other visitors and want to hear from a specialist in a relaxed group setting. Book the private tour option if you'd prefer the conservator's full attention for your party alone.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (2 to 5 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What is the Pricke of Conscience window and where do I see it?

The Pricke of Conscience window is a 15th-century work inside one of York's churches, and the tour explores its glass, conservation history and the stories it contains. You'll stand in front of it and hear directly from the conservator about how it has survived and been restored.

How much walking is involved and what surfaces will I cross?

The tour covers just over a mile across York's streets and inside several churches. Some of the churches have uneven, slippery or uncertain surfaces underfoot, so sturdy shoes with good grip are essential. A comfort break is included if you need to rest, use the bathroom or get a drink.

Will I actually go inside York Minster?

Yes. You'll explore the 15th-century glass inside York Minster and see the East Window from the back of the cathedral, where the tour also discusses the Environmental Protective Glazing system that now shields it from the elements.

Is this tour private or shared with other people?

The Shambles & Shards Walking Tour is shared with other visitors in a small group setting, which allows for personalized attention from the conservator. A private tour option is also available if you prefer to book the experience for your group alone.

What happens if a church is closed when we arrive?

The tour is flexible with opening hours. All Saints Pavement may substitute for Holy Trinity Goodramgate depending on winter hours, and the route can adjust based on which sites are accessible on the day you visit. The conservator will confirm the exact stops when you arrive.