Bootham Bar: York’s Historic Northern Gateway
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
Bootham Bar is a medieval city gate in York, England, with origins dating back to the 11th century and built atop the Roman fortress’s northwestern gate. This Grade I listed structure features medieval stonework, a portcullis, and statues, reflecting its long history as a defensive gateway, market access point, and symbol of York’s heritage. Visitors can explore its interior chambers and enjoy views of York Minster and the city walls.
A brief summary to Bootham Bar
- 2-4 High Petergate, York, YO1 7EH, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the interior chambers to see the medieval portcullis and enjoy views of York Minster through the small arched windows.
- Check for ongoing conservation work that may affect access but ensures preservation of this historic gateway.
- Explore the nearby sections of York’s city walls between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar for some of the most scenic walks.
- Look up to admire the three Portland stone statues atop the gate, representing a mason, a mayor, and a knight.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take local buses serving York city center, such as routes 4 or 10, which stop within a 10-minute walk of Bootham Bar. Buses run frequently with fares around £2.50–£3.50 per journey.
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Walking
From York city center, Bootham Bar is accessible via a 15- to 20-minute walk along historic streets. The terrain is paved and suitable for most walkers, with some gentle inclines.
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Taxi
Taxis from York railway station to Bootham Bar take approximately 10 minutes depending on traffic, with fares typically ranging from £6 to £10.
Bootham Bar location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bootham Bar
Ancient Foundations and Medieval Origins
Bootham Bar stands on the site of the Porta Principalis Dextra, the northwestern gate of the Roman fortress of Eboracum, established around 72 AD. The earliest visible stonework of the current gate dates from the 11th century, with the name "Bootham" first recorded around 1200, meaning "the bar at the booths," a reference to the nearby market booths held by St Mary's Abbey. The gate replaced the Roman gateway and served as a critical defensive and administrative point for the city.Architectural Evolution Through Centuries
The gate’s structure largely dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, with gritstone and magnesium limestone forming its walls. In the 14th century, the bar was heightened to accommodate a portcullis and a barbican was added, although the latter was removed in the 19th century to make way for urban development. The gate features three floors plus a turret level, topped by three Portland stone statues carved in 1894, representing a stone mason, a 14th-century mayor, and a medieval knight.Historical Significance and Events
Bootham Bar has witnessed significant historical events, including damage during the English Civil War siege of 1644 and repairs in 1645. It was also a site where the heads of traitors were displayed, such as Thomas Mowbray in 1405. The gate was redecorated in preparation for royal visits in 1633 and again in later centuries. It served as a toll gate and market access point, linking the city with the northern roads and the Forest of Galtres.Modern Conservation and Visitor Experience
Today, Bootham Bar is a Grade I listed building and scheduled ancient monument, maintained through ongoing conservation efforts to preserve its medieval fabric. Visitors can enter the gate to see the fixed portcullis and enjoy views through its small arched windows of York Minster and the surrounding cityscape. The gate remains an integral part of York’s medieval city walls, offering a tangible connection to the city’s layered history.Surrounding Context and Urban Setting
Located at 2-4 High Petergate, Bootham Bar is the closest city gate to York Minster and lies along one of the most attractive sections of the city walls. The surrounding area includes Georgian townhouses, historic streets, and the remnants of St Mary’s Abbey walls. The gate’s position marks a historic route from the north and the Forest of Galtres into York, emphasizing its long-standing role in trade and defense.Architectural Details and Artistic Features
The gate’s exterior showcases a blend of Norman and medieval architecture, with later stonework restorations from the 18th and 19th centuries. The three statues atop the turret level are notable artistic features, replacing deteriorated medieval originals and symbolizing the gate’s historical functions. Inside, the gate’s chambers reveal medieval defensive mechanisms and provide a unique vantage point over the city’s iconic landmarks.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bootham Bar
0.0 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.1 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.1 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
Anglian Tower
0.1 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
The Norman House
0.2 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.2 km
A soaring Gothic masterpiece in the heart of York, where 1,400 years of faith, history, and light-filled architecture converge in one of England’s greatest cathedrals.
Roman Column
0.2 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Medieval Walls
0.3 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
Sundial Column
0.3 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Bedern Hall
0.4 km
Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover York's rich history and vibrant culture at the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Monk Bar
0.4 km
Medieval fortress and gateway guarding York's northeastern entrance since the 14th century.
The York Cat Trail
0.4 km
Explore the York Cat Trail: A delightful journey through York's streets, where whimsical cat sculptures blend art, history, and fun.
York's Chocolate Story
0.4 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Unmissable attractions to see
William Etty
0.1 km
A dignified granite statue in Exhibition Square honoring York-born William Etty, a pioneering painter of nudes and historical scenes.
Hole In The Wall
0.1 km
Experience the charm of Hole In The Wall in York, a historic pub offering local ales, traditional British dishes, and a warm atmosphere.
Petergate House
0.1 km
Explore Petergate House, a stunning historical landmark in York, where rich heritage meets architectural beauty, perfect for every tourist's journey.
Association Of Voluntary Guides Meeting Place
0.1 km
Starting point for free, expert-led walking tours revealing York’s rich history and vibrant culture every day except Christmas.
York Art Gallery
0.1 km
Discover centuries of British art and vibrant contemporary exhibitions in York’s historic and beautifully restored art gallery.
Invisible Cities - Walking Tours York
0.1 km
Alternative walking tours of York led by local guides with lived experience of homelessness, blending history, personal stories, and social impact.
York City Sightseeing
0.1 km
Discover York’s 2,000 years of history aboard an open-top bus with live guides, hop-on hop-off freedom, and multilingual commentary.
York Theatre Royal
0.1 km
Discover York Theatre Royal, a historic gem blending medieval roots with Victorian Gothic and modernist design, alive with over 270 years of theatrical heritage.
King's Manor - University of York
0.1 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
York Oratory
0.1 km
A Gothic Revival masterpiece and spiritual heart of York’s Catholic community, rich in history, art, and enduring faith.
The Ghost Trail Of York
0.1 km
Explore York’s haunted snickelways on a thrilling, family-friendly ghost walk beneath the gothic grandeur of York Minster.
Grand Yorkshire - Day Trips and Tours
0.1 km
Exclusive small-group day tours from York featuring vintage steam train rides and immersive journeys through Yorkshire’s scenic countryside and heritage.
Mountain Goat Tours - York
0.1 km
Discover the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of York with Mountain Goat Tours, your gateway to unforgettable adventures in this historic city.
The Red House Antique Centre
0.1 km
Discover a treasure trove of antiques and collectibles in York’s historic Red House, where over 60 dealers offer unique finds for every budget.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
0.2 km
Explore York’s eerie streets on a captivating ghost walk blending history, hauntings, and theatrical storytelling for all ages.
Essential places to dine
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.2 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Brew & Brownie
0.2 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.2 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
The Botanist York
0.2 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Côte York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Fat Hippo York
0.3 km
Savour bold, creative burgers and dirty fries in York’s historic Low Petergate, where casual meets flavour-packed indulgence.
Forest
0.3 km
Charming Georgian hotel in York’s historic heart with cozy rooms and acclaimed Forest Restaurant, perfect for exploring medieval streets and local culture.
The Star Inn The City
0.3 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Los Moros
0.3 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
Lucia Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Italian dining and cocktails in York’s heart, with a heated courtyard and stylish lounge for all-day enjoyment.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.3 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.3 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Turtle Bay York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Snowhome
0.2 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
York Minster Shop
0.2 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
The Imaginarium
0.2 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.2 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Shared Earth
0.2 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
Rookscroft
0.2 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.2 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
The Cat Gallery
0.2 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
SOCTOPUS
0.2 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Fairer World
0.3 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
Paper Doll
0.3 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.3 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
National Trust Gift Shop
0.4 km
Discover unique National Trust gifts and local crafts in a historic York setting supporting conservation and heritage.
The Knutti Store, a Viking Trading Post
0.4 km
Step into York’s Viking past at The Knutti Store, where authentic craftsmanship meets legendary tales in a charming trading post setting.
Pandora
0.4 km
Discover elegant, hand-finished jewellery crafted with care and inspired by timeless style at Pandora on Low Petergate, York.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eagle & Child
0.0 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.2 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Evil Eye
0.2 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
The Punch Bowl
0.3 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.3 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Lendal Cellars
0.3 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.3 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.3 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Victor J's
0.4 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Dusk
0.4 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Vudu Lounge
0.4 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Revolution York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Royal Oak
0.4 km
Traditional British pub charm in York’s historic heart, serving seasonal classics and local ales with a warm, dog-friendly welcome.
The Maltings
0.4 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
0.4 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Flares - York
0.5 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.5 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.6 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.6 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.6 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Kuda
0.7 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.5 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.7 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
34.0 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.6 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.9 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
Disco Stu's
34.9 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Key Club
35.0 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
35.1 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
