Stay inside the walls this weekend, check dates Check dates and book direct
Walking the city walls is one of the best free things to do in York in any season, and in winter the low sun over the rooftops and the Minster makes it especially rewarding. The walls 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 to look at the gateways, towers and arrow slits along the way.
If you are staying in the Skeldergate area, inside the walls, you can start almost on the doorstep at Baile Hill and walk clockwise. Follow the wall-walk up to Micklegate Bar, one of the four main fortified gateways, or bars, then continue north to the River Ouse by Barker Tower. Cross Lendal Bridge, pass through the Museum Gardens with their Roman Multangular Tower, and rejoin the walls at Bootham Bar.
From Bootham Bar the walk runs behind the Minster to Monk Bar, with fine 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 continues to Fishergate Postern Tower before Clifford's Tower and Skeldergate Bridge bring you back to where you began.
Plan around the opening times. The council opens the walkway gates at 8am every day except 25 December, and closes them at dusk. Gates are locked anti-clockwise from Fishergate Postern Tower, a process that takes about an hour, starting at 3.30pm in November, December and January after the clocks go back. In cold weather the walls are inspected at 7am and stay closed all day if ice makes them unsafe, and they also close in very high winds.
Tips for your visit
- The section between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar is closed until Friday 30 October 2026 for tree works and stonemasonry, with signs pointing to other access points.
- On a frosty morning, check for closures at Visit York on Back Swinegate or by phone on 01904 909487 before you set off.
- Wear good shoes: the paving gets slippery and many sections have a drop on the inner side with no railing. Dogs are not allowed, except assistance dogs.
- Pair the walk with other things to do in York this Christmas, such as the Christmas market and the Minster.
Looking for a York city centre holiday let for a winter break? Our York apartment with parking sits inside the walls in the Skeldergate area, so you can park once and start your walk on foot. Check your dates and book direct with us. Book direct
Stay inside the walls this weekend, check dates Check dates and book direct
Sources: City of York Council: The City Walls, opening and closing times; City of York Council: The City Walls (partial closure notice); Visit York: York's City Walls; Friends of York Walls: Walls Trail appendix