Explore the Rich History of Barker Tower in York
Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
Barker Tower is a fascinating historical landmark in York, offering tourists a glimpse into medieval life. This impressive structure stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage, inviting visitors to uncover its storied past.
A brief summary to Barker Tower
- York, York, GB
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience.
- Check for any special exhibitions or events that may be happening during your visit for a more enriching experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes as exploring the tower and its surroundings involves some walking and climbing.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of York from the tower’s vantage points.
Getting There
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Walking
From York Minster, head west on Deangate, then turn right onto Duncombe Place. Continue straight onto St. Leonard’s Place and follow it until you reach the junction with Museum Street. Turn left onto Museum Street and follow it until you reach the entrance of the Museum Gardens. Walk through the gardens and exit onto the River Ouse path. Follow the river path north until you see the Tower on your left. The Barker Tower is located at York YO1 6HU, near the city walls.
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Walking
If you are starting from the York Railway Station, exit the station and head north on Station Road. Continue straight until you reach the roundabout, then take the first exit onto Leeman Road. Walk straight until you reach the River Ouse, then turn right and follow the riverside path. Continue walking until you reach the Museum Gardens. Enter the gardens, and while walking through, look for the tower on the western side near the city wall. The Barker Tower will be in sight as you navigate through the gardens.
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Walking
From the Shambles, one of York's most famous streets, head north towards the York Minster. Once at the Minster, follow the directions provided above to reach Barker Tower. Alternatively, you can also head towards the Museum Gardens from the Shambles by walking along the route via St. Sampson’s Square to Museum Street, and then through the gardens to the tower.
Discover more about Barker Tower
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St. Leonard's Hospital
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Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Historic England - York Office
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Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Anglian Tower
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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
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Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
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Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
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Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
Bootham Bar
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Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
Ouse Bridge
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Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Roman Column
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A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
Parliament St
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York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
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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.
Shambles Market
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Discover York’s vibrant Shambles Market, where historic charm meets artisan crafts and global street food in a lively covered marketplace.
York's Chocolate Story
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Micklegate Bar
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Ghost Hunt of York
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Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
Unmissable attractions to see
Locked in Games York
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Black window cat
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Hooting Owl Distillery York
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York’s first city distillery: where craft gin, rum and vodka meet myth, magic and a touch of owl-inspired flair in a stylish bar-lounge.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
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A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
York Observatory
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Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Multangular Tower
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All Saints North Street, York - The Shrine and Parish Church
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A medieval York church with breathtaking 15th-century stained glass and a rebuilt anchorite’s cell, offering quiet reflection and a vivid glimpse into medieval faith and art.
Museum Gardens
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Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
York Mansion House
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Explore the elegant Georgian Mansion House, a historic civic residence and cultural gem in the heart of York’s vibrant city centre.
York Explore Library and Archive
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City Screen Picturehouse
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A lively independent cinema and cultural venue in York blending film, live entertainment, and a welcoming cafe-bar atmosphere.
Yorkshire Museum
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Huntfun York
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The York Ghost Walk
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Mannion & Co
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A cosy York bistro famed for artisan brunch, deli boards, and a hidden courtyard in the city’s historic heart.
Essential places to dine
The Star Inn The City
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Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
The Rise
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Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
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Brew & Brownie
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Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
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Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
The Whippet Inn
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York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Bill's York Restaurant
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Kapadokya
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Roots York
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Casa Brazilian Rodizio
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Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
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The Botanist York
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Forage Kitchen & Bar
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Turtle Bay York
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Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Skosh
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Treasures
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The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
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A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
The Imaginarium
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Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
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Greybear
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Rookscroft
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Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Paper Doll
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Shared Earth
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The Cat Gallery
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York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
York Souvenir's
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SOCTOPUS
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Cello by Collectables
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York Minster Shop
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York Souvenirs and Gifts
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The Medieval Scribe
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Maltings
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House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
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Lendal Cellars
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Revolution York
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Pitcher & Piano York
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Dusk
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The Punch Bowl
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Bobos Cocktail Bar York
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Ye Olde Starre Inne
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Jalou York
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Evil Eye
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Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
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Tank & Paddle York
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Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Eagle & Child
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York Tap
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Flares - York
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Club Salvation
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York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
BlueBox
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York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Popworld York
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York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
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York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
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York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
Kuda
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York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
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Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
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Arabian Night Lounge
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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
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The Lab Nightclub Leeds
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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
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Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
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Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
