York City Walls — Attraction in Great Britain

Fantastic walk to kill a good 3-4 hours with the added bonus of multiple amazing views of York city and York Minster.

Along the route there's many sections with ruins, artifacts, buildings, guard towers and parts or sections of things to see. There's a full port cullis in one of guard the towers, which is pretty cool. Some of the towers are still complete, so you can go inside, they have incredible wooden doors that are hundreds of years old. You will see guards rooms and toilets and classic rampart features like crenellations and archers arrow slits. Along with the towers there's many gates too. There's signage and plaques to show what things are. You know you're on the correct route as there are little brass markers every 25 metres in the floor with a little castle emblem on them.

When you get to the section along the river and busy road, it's tricky to keep on the correct track but you follow the busy road and that keeps you on the correct route towards the Red Tower.

There are seats along the way but not often, so be prepared to walk. Some sections are narrow and you can barely get two people past but this only happens a few times on small sections of the wall, it's not claustrophobic or anything. Most of the wall is open with no safety rail or anything, so there's the wall, the path and then a drop off that can be a couple of feet, up to around 20 feet at some parts, there's plenty of room on the pathway at these sections though, so it's not dangerous but you certainly wouldn't let a toddler wander about on their own.

The route will take you to Clifford's Tower, you can go inside and learn more about how the wall and tower was built and also climb to the top of Clifford's Tower and see some spectacular views.

Overall, it's a cheap day out, parking in the city centre will cost around £15 for 4 hours and around £22 for all day, so if you're only going to walk the walls, it's a relatively cheap day, totally free if you can find free parking and take your own snacks and drinks!

It's a highly recommended day out for young and old. It's not wheelchair accessible due to the numerous stairs to navigate up and down the walls. Anyone with bad knees might find it a...

My Christmas Day Exploration was to walk The Walls of York. It took me 4 hours, but that's because I'm easily distracted by other nearby things of intrigue and interest. I started at Micklegate Bar as it was closest to my hotel. I headed towards the railway station with views of the city's beautiful architecture and, of course, York Minster. Crossed the River Ouse to Lendal Tower (The Multangular Tower is located within York Museum Gardens, so I went back to this once the Gardens reopened after Christmas). I stopped for elevenses at Bootham Bar, which has a fabulous little café (Bean and Gone). I followed the River Foss from Layerthorpe Bridge to Red Tower, then back on The Wall to Walmgate Bar, Fishergate Bar, and Fishergate Tower. Cross the River Foss and then the River Ouse again to Baile Hill, round to Victoria Bar where I watched the sunset finishing back at Micklegate Bar. There's lots of historical information all around The Walls, a dedicated website with a downloadable tour and guidebook. Large parts of the Walls have no rails, so it is closed during severe and icy weather. Alternative routes are available to view The Walls from ground level. Some sections are quite narrow, so giving way to oncoming pedestrians is a must. It was wet underfoot with some rain when I did this, so my hiking boots were the order of the day to be safe, especially on the slippery steps. It is suitable for children who are content to be mindful of the steep drops should you fall off The Walls. I also saw a few who were comfortable lifting buggys up onto The Walls, which by self explanation are not accessible and have no facilities of their own. I had a very enjoyable day and took way too many...

A walk on the York City Walls

There are 3 main walls left in York and this is the walk from the cross junction of Jewbury x Peasholm to Bootham Bar. At the cross junction of Jewbury x Peasholm Roads, you will find the gate leading you to the top of the wall whereby you will walk towards Bootham Bar and it is located at the North-East side of York city. If you head in this direction, you will have the city on your left-hand side. You will walk pass historical houses 🏘️, hotels 🏨, beautiful houses 🏠 with huge lawns, Monk’s Bar🍷, medieval wall and eventually reaching Bootham Bar 🍺🍻.  All this while, you will have the grand view of York Minster ⛪️ on your left hand side.

This to me is the most challenging wall to walk of the 3 as there are several accent and descent to complete. However, that being said, there are railings to aid you. It’s gorgeous to walk this as it is adjourned with history. The Romans actually matched into the city from the Postern 🎠.

There are a few things to look out for during this trail walk. History Mixed materials used in construction. Historical buildings along the way Beautiful trees and flowers A view of York Minster to behold.

Pro Tip : Start this walk in the morning at the cross junction so that you will end at the back of York Minster. From there, you can visit St Mary's Abbey and York Minster followed by lunch out side York Minster before walking towards the Shambles. It would be a perfect itinerary to spend the day if you have nothing...