York Minster has to be one of the most iconic ecclesiastical structures in the world.

Dating back thousands of years, its history is peeled back to its very foundations, revealing a Roman fortress deep within its fabric and developed over time.

The sheer scale, not to mention such ornate stone masonry, is something to marvel at and admirers will also be mindful of the men who scaled the heights to chip and sculpt the stones with such intricacy and without the machinery we rely on in construction today.

On previous visits to York, we’ve studied the ornate exterior of the Minster, attempting to take in every detail, and scaled the narrow, winding Central Tower’s 275 steps to capture the breathtaking view from the top.

But the purpose of our recent visit was to take an extensive tour of the interior of this incredible feat of architecture, and discover its ecclesiastical and historical importance at home and abroad.

We have, of course, viewed its beauty from the outside many times before on our trips there with our seven-year-old, Katy, but stepping inside was another sight to behold.

Gargoyles, sculptures and walls of ornate wood panelling are all there to explore. Casting our eyes from floor to ceiling – there is so much to see above and below – we scan the beautiful artwork; the stained glass, the sheer splendour all laid out in such a mammoth scale.

Candles gently flicker casting an illuminating glow over the sculptured surfaces. Many have been lit by visitors to symbolise the memory of a loved one, a family member or friend.

Like many visitors we stand, sit and savour. Being absorbed in such peaceful surroundings it’s easy to switch off from the technology we have become so reliant on and take time out to focus on what is in front of you; the carvings created by hand and not designed by a computer; the huge timbers pulleyed into place and without cranes.

Contained in Katy’s Little Explorer Backpack, loaned free by the Minster during our tour, Katy finds a variety of gadgets to learn and explore; a torch and mirror illuminating the Minster’s nooks and crannies; binoculars and a magnifying glass ensuring we didn’t miss those all-important little details such as the carved mice at the ends of the wooden kneeling desks and tape measure and pencils (tools of her Daddy’s trade).

With plenty of note-taking and identifying along the way (she gets that off her mum!) she sits in awe as we take three of the 44 seats around the octagonal walls of the stunningly beautiful Chapter House.

Designed by the Canons of York, the governing body of the cathedral, the purpose of its creation was to provide a meeting place to discuss policy. A model of the roof shows the complexity of its structure and demonstrates how it stays aloft by way of an ingeniously-designed wooden vault eliminating the need for a central column.

Continuing our journey, we head towards the North Transept turning into the North Quire Aisle normally occupied by the band of beautiful voices accompanied by the 5,000 organ pipes bellowing out music.

Passing the tombs of significant ecclesiastical figures, we head along to the East End bearing the tomb of Prince William of Hatfield, son of Edward III, the Minster’s only royal burial. The Orb and its interactive galleries also dominate this area where the 600-year-old Great East Window is currently under restoration as part of the £20m York Minster Revealed project.

Supported by a £10.5 million pound grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, incorporating the largest restoration and conservation project of its kind in the country, Revealing York Minster is a new visitor attraction completed as part of the project.

Launched in May, the attraction brings to life the 2,000-year history of the Minster’s evolvement from the Romans to the important purpose it serves today.

Exploring the contemporary chambers of the Undercroft, built in a space created in emergency excavations during the Seventies, we are taken to the depths of the Minster’s foundations where the remains of a Roman barracks, an Anglo-Saxon cemetery and the foundations of the Norman Minster – the forerunner to the Minster we see today – have been uncovered.

With the Romans forming a focus for many a school project, we listen intently to the guide talking about their relevance in the Minster’s history from the initial barracks on site to Constantine the Great who ruled the Roman Empire from York and who was instrumental in making the city the birthplace of Christianity in Europe.

Visitors can also learn about the arrival of the Vikings in 866 and how a Viking Lord, Ulf, gifted the land on which the current cathedral stands to the Chapter of York using an elaborately-carved elephant tusk as a deed of transfer. The 1,000-yea- old Horn of Ulf has been preserved and forms part of the underground displays.

Hands-on activities such as arch building with blocks and interactive displays make learning particularly fun for youngsters.

With so much to see, it is difficult to condense it into one visit – which gives us an excuse to return.

FACTFILE:

  • Admission prices for York Minster are £10 for adults and £9 for concessions and are valid for 12 months. Children get in free with a paying adult.
  • Forthcoming events include the annual Big Draw from October 28 to November 1, from 10am until 4pm encouraging visitors to create their own artwork on a grand scale.
  • For more information, go to yorkminster.org, or call 0844 9390011.