Dame Judi Dench Walk, York
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
Dame Judi Dench Walk is a serene 0.2-mile riverside path in York, England, named after the celebrated local actress. This easy, flat route runs along the River Ouse between Lendal Bridge and Scarborough Bridge, offering peaceful views of historic towers and the river’s gentle flow. It’s a quiet spot ideal for a short stroll, connecting to other scenic walks and showcasing York’s charming riverside atmosphere.
A brief summary to Dame Judi Dench Walk
- Dame Judi Dench Walk, York, YO26, GB
- Duration: 0.25 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit early morning for a quiet experience and to see rowers on the River Ouse.
- Combine this walk with the adjacent Joseph Rowntree Walk for a longer riverside route.
- Bring a camera to capture views of historic Lendal and Barker Towers along the river.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the path is flat and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services from York city center towards the Lendal Bridge area; the journey typically takes 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day with tickets costing around £2-£3. Note that stops near the walk may require a short walk over flat terrain.
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Train
From York Railway Station, it is a 20-minute walk to Dame Judi Dench Walk via flat, paved paths along the river. The station is well connected to regional and national rail services, with ticket prices varying by origin.
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Walking
If staying in York city center, walking to Dame Judi Dench Walk takes approximately 15-20 minutes on mostly flat, accessible paths along scenic streets and riverbanks.
Dame Judi Dench Walk 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 Dame Judi Dench Walk
A Tribute to a York Icon
Dame Judi Dench Walk honors one of York’s most famous daughters, Dame Judi Dench, the acclaimed actress born and raised in this historic city. This short riverside path celebrates her legacy by providing a tranquil setting that reflects the grace and charm associated with her name. The walk’s location near the city center ties the modern cultural heritage of York to its rich past.Scenic Riverside Experience
Stretching approximately 0.2 miles, the walk follows the banks of the River Ouse, offering uninterrupted views of the water and its lively activity. Rowers from the nearby rowing club can often be seen gliding along the river, adding a dynamic element to the serene surroundings. On one side, the river flows gently, while on the other, well-kept houses and parkland create a pleasant contrast.Historic Landmarks Along the Way
Along the walk, you can admire iconic York landmarks such as Lendal Tower and Barker Tower, medieval structures that stand as reminders of the city’s defensive past. The walk ends near Scarborough Bridge, where it seamlessly connects to Joseph Rowntree Walk, leading further into peaceful, green spaces. This continuity of paths allows visitors to extend their exploration of York’s riverside charm.A Quiet Urban Escape
Unlike the bustling streets of central York, Dame Judi Dench Walk offers a peaceful retreat, especially in the early morning or quieter times of the day. The path is flat and accessible, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Its calm atmosphere invites reflection, gentle exercise, or simply enjoying the natural beauty within an urban setting.Connecting York’s Cultural and Natural Heritage
This walk is part of a network of riverside trails that highlight York’s blend of history, culture, and nature. It provides a glimpse into the city’s evolving relationship with the River Ouse, once vital for trade and defense, now a scenic backdrop for leisure and community life. The walk’s dedication to Dame Judi Dench adds a personal cultural layer to this natural corridor.Visitor Experience and Practical Details
The route is short, making it ideal for a brief visit or as part of a longer riverside exploration. Benches and seating areas nearby allow for rest and contemplation. The walk is accessible year-round, with the river and surrounding greenery changing character with the seasons, from vibrant spring blooms to tranquil winter scenes. It is a favored spot for locals and visitors seeking a quiet connection to York’s heritage and natural beauty.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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.
Anglian Tower
0.2 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
Historic England - York Office
0.3 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Bootham Bar
0.4 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
0.4 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)
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
The Norman House
0.4 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Roman Column
0.5 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.5 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.
Ouse Bridge
0.5 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
Micklegate Bar
0.6 km
Explore the historical significance of Micklegate Bar, a majestic gateway that tells the story of York's medieval past.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.6 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Holy Trinity Church in York, a captivating Anglican landmark and must-visit tourist attraction.
Parliament St
0.6 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
York's Chocolate Story
0.6 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Shambles Market
0.6 km
Discover York’s vibrant Shambles Market, where historic charm meets artisan crafts and global street food in a lively covered marketplace.
Unmissable attractions to see
York Observatory
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Museum Gardens
0.1 km
Discover York Museum Gardens: a historic botanical oasis blending medieval ruins, lush greenery, and vibrant community life in the city centre.
Yorkshire Museum
0.1 km
Explore Yorkshire’s rich history from prehistoric fossils to Viking treasures in York’s iconic Greek Revival museum nestled in tranquil gardens.
Barker Tower
0.2 km
Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
Multangular Tower
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic ten-sided Roman tower blending ancient military might with medieval defense, nestled in serene Museum Gardens.
St Olave's Church York
0.2 km
Discover York’s medieval St Olave’s Church, a tranquil sanctuary rich in Viking heritage, stunning stained glass, and centuries of history.
Black window cat
0.2 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
Locked in Games York
0.2 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
York Explore Library and Archive
0.2 km
York’s central library and city archives in a striking 1920s building, with books, study spaces, a café and regular free community events.
King's Manor - University of York
0.3 km
A historic Tudor and Stuart manor in York city centre, blending royal heritage with academic excellence since the 15th century.
Huntfun York
0.3 km
Explore York’s historic heart through a captivating, family-friendly treasure hunt filled with cryptic clues and hidden gems.
Hooting Owl Distillery York
0.3 km
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.
The Red House Antique Centre
0.3 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.
York Theatre Royal
0.3 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.
Invisible Cities - Walking Tours York
0.3 km
Alternative walking tours of York led by local guides with lived experience of homelessness, blending history, personal stories, and social impact.
Essential places to dine
Roots York
0.1 km
Discover Roots York, a Michelin-starred gem offering seasonal farm-to-table tasting menus in a historic 19th-century setting with warm, refined ambiance.
The Star Inn The City
0.1 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
The Rise
0.2 km
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.4 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
The Whippet Inn
0.4 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
The Botanist York
0.4 km
A vibrant botanical bar and restaurant on York’s historic Stonegate, blending fresh seasonal cuisine with live music and lush, nature-inspired interiors.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.4 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.4 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Kapadokya
0.4 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.4 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Turtle Bay York
0.4 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
0.4 km
A medieval ale house with a vast craft beer collection, quirky charm, and hearty Yorkshire fare in the heart of historic York.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Imaginarium
0.3 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.3 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
Hidden Treasures
0.3 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.4 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Rookscroft
0.4 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Shared Earth
0.5 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
York Minster Shop
0.5 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
The Cat Gallery
0.5 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
Paper Doll
0.5 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
SOCTOPUS
0.5 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Snowhome
0.5 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
Greybear
0.5 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Cello by Collectables
0.5 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.5 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
York Gift Center
0.5 km
Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at York Gift Center, the perfect spot for tourists in the heart of York's historic charm.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Maltings
0.2 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
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.
Lendal Cellars
0.3 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
Revolution York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
York Tap
0.3 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
Eagle & Child
0.4 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
The Punch Bowl
0.4 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.4 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
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.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.4 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Evil Eye
0.4 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.4 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.5 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Jalou York
0.5 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Victor J's
0.5 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Flares - York
0.3 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.3 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
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.
Popworld York
0.4 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.4 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.4 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)
1.6 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.4 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.7 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.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.5 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
34.5 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
34.7 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.7 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
- 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