Phrases like 'atmospheric', 'hidden gem' and 'perfectly preserved' often get bandied about when…read moretalking about old buildings, but this church, tucked away from the busy, touristy streets of old York, fits them better than most. For a start, it really is hidden: the churchyard is secluded behind rows of old buildings, accessed by narrow alleyways. It would not look out of place in a remote village. And it is perfectly preserved: such restoration as was undertaken by the Victorians seems to have been extraordinarily sensitive. It is about as close as you can get to how a church would have looked after the Reformation: dark, quiet, homely, with uneven floors, high box pews and plain walls. With candle-light it must perfectly evoke the late 17th century. It is rightly a Grade I listed building. The church actually dates back to the 12th century, although the current building owes rather more to the 13th-15th centuries: although part of the Chancel dates from the 12th century, the South Aisle and Chapel date from date from 1340, the Tower and North Aisle were built in the first half of the 15th century. The box pews are recorded as being repaired in 1633, and new ones added in 1700-1725. The pulpit dates from 1695. But the church's most notable feature - as is so often the case in York - is its mediaeval stained glass. The windows are decorated and perpendicular in style. The best is the late Perpendicular east window: this dates from 1470-71 and was presented by the then rector, John Walker. The glass depicts saints, including St George and St Christopher, as well as heraldic shields, around a central panel in which a representation of God as the Trinity holding the dead Christ, with the donors at his feet. Other features include a simple 15th century font and wall plaques recalling Lord Mayors of York, including the 'Railway King', George Hudson. The church is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

Being so close to the Minster itself, this small church hardly gets a mention I bet. It's not…read moresurprising because unless you know it's there as there' only a small entrance onto busy Goodramgate, you'll easily miss it. What make this place stand out for me is the 18C pews inside; they're very tall and a whole family can fit inside one and sit facing each other.

A very friendly church in the North Yorkshire market town of Selby…read more Tucked away off a side-road, the building is a fairly traditional one; it's quite large, and so can just about be seen from Selby's main High Street. The church also has a good-sized Church Hall next door. The church itself is an evangelical one, with an emphasis on the Bible and fairly 'low' worship. If you prefer incense and bells, Selby Abbey may well be a better bet! The congregation are a very welcoming group of people (or at least, they were when I last went to a service a number of years ago) with a good mix of children, families and older folk. All in all, a warm, friendly community with whom to worship.

Beverley Minster is the Parish Church of St. John and St. Martin…read more John, bishop of York, founded a monastery on the site where Beverley Minster stands. John died in 721 and his body was buried in a chapel of the Saxon church. He was canonised in 1037. The present church was built around his tomb. Building work began in 1220 and was completed in 1425. Throughout the Middle Ages miracles which took place at his tomb attracted pilgrims from far and wide. Today the church is still a place of pilgrimage for visitors. It also continues to be a place of prayer and worship at the heart of the community.

Something of a hidden gem in the large church/cathedral stakes. It's never full of tourists and is…read moreconsequently quiet and calm. Watch out for weddings on Saturdays! It is often used as a classical music venue.

Right in the centre of town, this old church is a quiet haven from the busy shopping precinct. It's…read morevery peaceful inside & has a famous organ. There has been a religious building on the site since the 12th century & the font is 550 years old.

We were in York the other day. Were amazed by the York Minster. And came to Selby to check out the…read moreAbbey. But didn't expect it to be so massive, so impressive. The town center is easy to walk. The main street, the shopping centre and the Abbey. All in short distance. The church is one of the relatively few surviving abbey churches of the medieval period. And it's not a cathedral actually. But it is one of the largest. It was founded by Benedict of Auxerre[3] in 1069 and subsequently built by the de Lacy family. As the York Minster, this Abbey too was hit by a fire. In 1906. And in 2002 it underwent a big restoration, costing several million pounds. Now the Abbey is standing there in all its glory. Almost 1000 years of history looking at you! A really impressive piece of history and architecture. Walked around it first to see all the details and to explore the grounds. Inside the Abbey is equally impressive. Even a shop, a café and toilets are located inside. Which was a bit unusual. Be sure to check out the impressive organ and the Washington Window. Selby was a pleasant surprise, a wonderful town. And the heart and centerpiece is the amazing Abbey. Definitely a must-do when in the area. It's surprising how few visitors have found their way here, we've seen only a handful.

Founded by Benedict in 1069, and further build by the De Lacy noble Norman family originating from…read moreLassy, Selby Abbey is one of the very few surviving abbey churches of the medieval period. Selby Abbey is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin and St Germain. Being build by a Norman family one expects the tower to be Norman, but the eastern end is decorated in a Gothic style, and the west front a mixture of Norman, Gothic and Victorian. Like many Abbey's and Minsters, Selby Abbey boasts it own colourful past. Particularly damaged during the 17th century and then the great fire of 1906, the Abbey now finds its self benefiting from extensive restoration that ensures its status as one of the most impressive abbey's in the country. I would recommend the inspiring atmosphere, the beautiful stain glass and architecture and the quite daunting climb up the tower if you are brave enough!