Skeldergate Bridge, York
A Victorian iron bridge over the River Ouse, offering scenic views and a glimpse into York’s riverside history.
Spanning the River Ouse in York, Skeldergate Bridge is a striking Victorian iron bridge with Gothic Revival details, opened in 1881. Once a toll bridge, it now offers free pedestrian and vehicle access between the York Castle area and Bishophill. The bridge’s distinctive tower-like tollhouse, now a bar, and its views of the Ouse, historic warehouses, and riverside homes make it a quiet highlight of York’s riverscape. It’s a great spot for a riverside stroll, photography, or simply pausing to watch boats drift by.
A brief summary to Skeldergate Bridge
- River Ouse, York, York, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds; the bridge and river make excellent photo opportunities at these times.
- Take the stairs down from the east end to explore Tower Gardens and the East Bank riverside path for a more immersive riverside experience.
- Check local flood warnings before planning a riverside walk; the paths along the Ouse can be closed or muddy after heavy rain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
On foot from York city centre
From York Minster, follow the river path or city streets southeast for about 15–20 minutes to reach Skeldergate Bridge. The route is flat and well‑signposted, suitable for all ages and mobility levels.
-
By local bus
Several local bus routes serve stops near Skeldergate Bridge, with a short walk from the stop to the bridge. Journey time from the city centre is typically 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic and exact starting point.
-
By bicycle
York’s cycle network includes routes along the river and through the city centre, making it easy to reach Skeldergate Bridge by bike. There are cycle racks and shared paths nearby, and the bridge itself has a dedicated cycle lane.
Skeldergate Bridge location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Clear Skies
-
Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Skeldergate Bridge
A Victorian Crossing Over the Ouse
Skeldergate Bridge is a handsome iron road bridge that carries traffic and pedestrians across the River Ouse in the historic city of York. Completed in 1881, it replaced a busy ferry crossing that once linked the York Castle area with Bishophill on the east bank. Designed in a Gothic Revival style by civil engineer George Gordon Page, the bridge features elegant ironwork, crenellated parapets, and a small opening span at its eastern end, originally intended to allow tall-masted ships to reach the quays between Skeldergate and Ouse Bridges. Though the bridge was last opened in 1975 and the winding mechanism has since been removed, its robust Victorian engineering has helped it withstand decades of river traffic and frequent flooding.From Toll Bridge to Free Crossing
When it first opened, Skeldergate Bridge operated as a toll bridge, with a tollhouse and machinery housed in a distinctive tower-like building on the bridge itself. The tolls were a point of civic contention, and their abolition on 1 April 1914 was celebrated so enthusiastically by York’s citizens that a regatta was held in honour of the occasion. Today, the bridge is free to cross, and the former tollhouse has been repurposed as a bar, adding a lively modern layer to its historic fabric. The bridge’s Grade II listed status recognises both its architectural quality and its role in York’s transport history, particularly as a key route for Terry’s chocolate factory workers who once cycled across from Fulford.Views and Riverside Connections
Skeldergate Bridge offers fine views along the River Ouse, framed by York’s characteristic riverside architecture. To the west, the old Bonding Warehouse and rows of brick terraced houses line the banks, while the bridge itself forms part of the city’s inner ring road, linking the castle quarter with Bishophill and the eastern suburbs. At either end, the bridge connects to pleasant riverside paths: on the east, steps lead down to Tower Gardens and the East Bank walk, while on the west, the path continues past Ouse Bridge and the city walls. These walks make the bridge a natural stop on a longer riverside promenade, especially when combined with a visit to York Minster or the castle museums.Atmosphere and Practicalities
The bridge is busy with local traffic but remains a pleasant place to pause and take in the river. Its Gothic details and iron construction give it a distinctive character among York’s bridges, and it is particularly photogenic at sunrise or sunset, when the light reflects off the water and the old brick buildings. The riverside paths can be affected by flooding of the Ouse, so it’s wise to check local conditions if planning a riverside walk. The bridge itself is fully accessible for pedestrians and vehicles, with no tolls or restrictions, and nearby amenities include cafes and pubs at both ends. It’s a functional piece of infrastructure that also serves as a quiet monument to York’s industrial and mercantile past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ouse Bridge
0.4 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Parliament St
0.5 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
0.6 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.6 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Historic England - York Office
0.6 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
The Stonebow
0.6 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.6 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
0.6 km
Explore the depths of history at DIG in York, where archaeology comes alive through interactive exhibits and hands-on adventures for all ages.
Roman Bath
0.6 km
Discover ancient Roman baths beneath a lively York pub, blending history and hospitality in the heart of the city.
Micklegate Bar
0.7 km
Explore the historical significance of Micklegate Bar, a majestic gateway that tells the story of York's medieval past.
Pikeing Well
0.7 km
Discover Pikeing Well, an 18th-century riverside grotto in York blending medieval stonework and Viking artistry along the historic New Walk promenade.
York's Chocolate Story
0.7 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
York Mansion House
0.7 km
Explore York Mansion House, a Georgian gem in the heart of York, showcasing the rich history and elegant lifestyle of the 18th century.
Peregrine Falcon Mural
0.7 km
A vibrant community-inspired mural celebrating York's heritage, featuring a peregrine falcon and local voices.
Walmgate Bar
0.7 km
York’s most complete medieval gatehouse, with the only surviving town gate barbican in England and a quirky coffee house inside its ancient walls.
Unmissable attractions to see
Skeldergate Bridge & Bishopgate St
0.0 km
Historic Victorian Gothic Revival bridge over the River Ouse, blending York’s past with scenic riverside charm and modern social spaces.
Tower Gardens
0.1 km
A serene, shaded garden by the River Ouse offering peaceful riverside views and a quiet escape near York’s historic Clifford’s Tower.
Baile Hill
0.1 km
Explore Baile Hill, York’s serene Norman motte and bailey castle site with rich history and stunning views of York Minster.
Clifford's Tower, York
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
York Castle Museum
0.2 km
Step back in time at York Castle Museum, where historic prison walls and a vibrant Victorian street bring York’s rich past vividly to life.
York Army Museum
0.2 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
0.2 km
Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
Fishergate Postern Tower
0.3 km
Discover the Fishergate Postern Tower, a historical landmark in York offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval past and stunning views.
Fairfax House
0.3 km
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
The York Dungeon
0.3 km
Step into York’s darkest history with live actors, chilling shows, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
St Mary's Church
0.3 km
Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
0.4 km
Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
Dick Turpins grave
0.4 km
Discover the infamous highwayman Dick Turpin’s final resting place in York’s historic St George’s Churchyard, steeped in legend and 18th-century intrigue.
JORVIK Viking Centre
0.4 km
Step into Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre, where history comes alive through immersive rides, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
Ghost keeper - Meeting point
0.4 km
Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
Essential places to dine
The Olive Tree
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
Rustique Restaurant
0.3 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
Corner Grill House
0.3 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Ate O'Clock
0.5 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Pavement Vaults
0.5 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
Il Paradiso Del Cibo
0.5 km
A lively, cash-only Italian gem on Walmgate, serving authentic Sardinian-style pizzas, pastas, and hearty meat dishes in a bustling, family-run setting.
Melton's Restaurant
0.5 km
An intimate York gem offering inventive Modern British tasting menus with expert wine pairings in a warm, unpretentious setting.
The Blue Barbakan
0.5 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.5 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
0.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
Tabanco By Ambiente
0.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and sherry in a warm, inviting atmosphere at Tabanco By Ambiente in York’s historic Walmgate.
Kapadokya
0.5 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Cosy Club
0.5 km
Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
The Whippet Inn
0.5 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.3 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Fenwick York
0.3 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.3 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
York Souvenir's
0.4 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Greybear
0.4 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Expressions
0.5 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Give The Dog A Bone
0.5 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
Gift Gallery
0.6 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Hidden Treasures
0.6 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.6 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.6 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Take One Gifts
0.6 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
0.6 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Cello by Collectables
0.6 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.7 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dyls
0.0 km
Historic bridge tower café-bar in York offering riverside views, locally sourced brunch, and vegan-friendly delights in a cozy, unique setting.
Plonkers
0.3 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.4 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
The Three Tuns
0.4 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Tank & Paddle York
0.4 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Jalou York
0.4 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Social 8 Lounge
0.5 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
The Fossgate Social
0.5 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Golden Fleece York
0.5 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Hop York
0.5 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
The Blue Bell
0.5 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.6 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Dusk
0.6 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Revolution York
0.6 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Kuda
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Popworld York
0.5 km
York’s lively nightclub with five decades of pop hits, a unique revolving dancefloor, and a safe, fun party atmosphere.
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.
Club Salvation
0.6 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
BlueBox
0.6 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
0.6 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.0 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.0 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.8 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.3 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.
Disco Stu's
34.6 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 Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.6 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.8 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
Wire
34.8 km
A compact, music-first basement club on Call Lane where tight crowds and a punchy sound system make late-night electronic parties feel immediate and intense.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
- Historic
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
