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Residents and visitors alike are expressing dismay over the increased entry fee to tour York Minster, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks that stands as a symbol of Christianity and regional history. The cost for an adult ticket has risen to £20, marking a significant increase from the previous price of £12.50 in 2022. This jump in fees has been attributed to inflation and the impact of climate change on the cathedral’s stonework, leading to maintenance costs of £33,000 daily with no government funding.
Opinions on the heightened entry fee vary among tourists, with some feeling that the £20 ticket is exorbitant, especially when compared to other attractions like the Vatican. Australian visitors Kay Rogers and Alin Hickey expressed surprise at the cost, noting that their upcoming visit to the Vatican would be more affordable. Meanwhile, Alan and Kay Pilkington from Burnley, who originally visited the Minster when entry was free, lamented that they could not justify the expense at their age, signaling that they would not be returning.
Local resident Michael Firth echoed these sentiments, criticizing the price as “outrageous” and asserting that entry to a church should not come with a fee. This sentiment was shared by Sargao, a visitor from Mexico who deemed the entry cost a “rip off” in comparison to other religious sites around the world. York Minster’s head of works, Paul Peirson, highlighted the necessity of securing funds for preservation efforts, pointing out the disparity in government funding when compared to institutions like the Vatican.
Despite the criticism surrounding the increased entry fee, York Minster maintains that access remains free for worshippers and those attending religious services. The spokesperson emphasized that donations from visitors are essential to sustaining the upkeep of the medieval building, which lacks regular government or Church of England funding. Additional financial pressures, such as changes in National Insurance and the implementation of VAT on private school fees, have further strained the cathedral’s resources. To address these challenges, the Minster has opted for incremental price adjustments to align with operating costs similar to other large cathedrals
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