Walking the city walls is one of the best free things to do in York in any season. They are the longest medieval town walls in England, 3.4 kilometres in all, built mainly in the 13th century on older earth banks. Visit York says a full circuit takes about two hours, longer if you stop at the gateways, towers and arrow slits along the way.
The route, clockwise from Baile Hill
From the Skeldergate area you can join the walls at Baile Hill, a couple of minutes from our flat, and walk clockwise. Follow the wall-walk up to Micklegate Bar, one of the four main fortified gateways, or bars, then on north to the River Ouse by Barker Tower. Cross Lendal Bridge, pass through Museum Gardens with the Roman Multangular Tower, and rejoin the walls at Bootham Bar.
From Bootham Bar the walk runs behind the Minster to Monk Bar, with some of the best views of the cathedral. It then drops to street level by the River Foss, picks up again past the brick Red Tower to Walmgate Bar, and carries on to Fishergate Postern Tower before Clifford's Tower and Skeldergate Bridge bring you back to the start.
Opening times
The council opens the walkway gates at 8am every day except 25 December, and closes them at dusk. Gates are locked in turn, anti-clockwise from Fishergate Postern Tower, which takes about an hour, so in winter the first gates close from about 3.30pm. In icy weather the walls are inspected at 7am and stay closed all day if they are unsafe, and they also close in very high winds. Source: City of York Council, City Walls opening times.
Shorter walks
- Bootham Bar to Monk Bar: the classic Minster view, and the busiest stretch.
- Baile Hill to Micklegate Bar: a quiet start if you are staying near Skeldergate, about 6 minutes from the flat on foot to Micklegate Bar at street level.
- Micklegate Bar to Barker Tower: good views back over the station side of the city.
Tips
- Wear good shoes. The paving gets slippery, and many sections have a drop on the inner side with no railing.
- Dogs are not allowed on the walls, except assistance dogs.
- Check for closures with the council or Visit York on a frosty morning.
- Driving in for the day? Nunnery Lane car park is just outside Micklegate Bar. Prices are in our guide to parking in York city centre.
Stay inside the walls
If you would like to start the walk from your door, our 1 bedroom flat for two in the Skeldergate area has secure parking, so you can park once and do everything on foot. Check dates and book direct. Planning a full weekend? See our 48-hour plan for two.
Sources: City of York Council: The City Walls; Visit York: York's City Walls; Friends of York Walls: Walls Trail