Discovering the Timeless Charm of Monk Bar
Explore Monk Bar, a stunning historical landmark in York, where medieval architecture meets captivating tales of the city's rich past.
Monk Bar is a remarkable historical landmark in York, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich medieval past. This impressive gatehouse, part of the city walls, is one of the best-preserved structures of its kind and serves as a gateway to the enchanting world of York's history. With its stunning architecture and fascinating stories, Monk Bar is a must-visit for any tourist exploring this beautiful city.
A brief summary to Monk Bar
- 129 Monkgate, York, YO31 7PD, GB
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a peaceful experience.
- Don't forget to bring your camera; the architecture and surrounding views are perfect for photos.
- Check for any special events or exhibitions that may be happening during your visit.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the city walls for a complete historical experience.
Getting There
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Walking
Start from York Minster, which is a central and easily recognizable landmark. Exit the Minster grounds and head east on Minster Yard. Continue straight onto Duncombe Place, and then take a left onto the road called St. Leonard's Place. Walk straight until you reach the junction with York's main shopping street, Coney Street. Cross over to the other side and continue straight until you reach the traffic lights at the end. Turn left onto Monkgate, and continue walking. Monk Bar will be on your right at 129 Monkgate.
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Bus
From the York train station, head to the bus stop located outside the station. You can catch the number 5 or number 31 bus towards Monkgate. The buses run frequently, approximately every 15 minutes. Stay on the bus for about 5-10 minutes and get off at the 'Monk Bar' stop. After exiting the bus, you will see Monk Bar directly in front of you at 129 Monkgate.
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Taxi
If you prefer a more direct route, you can hail a taxi from anywhere in York. Simply tell the driver you want to go to Monk Bar, located at 129 Monkgate. The ride from the city center should take around 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic.
Discover more about Monk Bar
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Sundial Column
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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.
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.
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.
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.
The York Ghost Merchants
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Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
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.
The Stonebow
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A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
St Crux
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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.
Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
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Experience the magic of York with the Wizard Walk, an award-winning tour that unveils the city's enchanting history and captivating tales.
28 Shambles
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Medieval York's most iconic street, where 900 years of history meet vibrant modern commerce.
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.
Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop
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Discover York's rich history and vibrant culture at the Visit York Information Centre & Gift Shop, your gateway to unforgettable experiences.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Golden Slipper
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Step into York’s medieval past at The Golden Slipper, a historic pub on Goodramgate blending centuries-old charm with traditional hospitality.
City Wall Walk
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Walk atop nearly 2,000 years of history on York’s most complete medieval city walls, offering panoramic views and timeless stories at every step.
York City Walls
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Discover the historical grandeur of York City Walls, the longest intact medieval town walls in England, offering stunning views and rich stories.
Merchant Taylors' Hall
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Step into over 600 years of history at Merchant Taylors' Hall, York’s enchanting medieval venue for weddings and events.
The Bloody Tour of York
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York's darkest stories come alive through theatrical storytelling and genuine historical insight.
Bedern Hall
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Step into Bedern Hall, a stunning medieval guild hall in York where history, architecture, and community converge in timeless elegance.
National Trust - Treasurer's House, York
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Discover a historic townhouse behind York Minster, where lavish interiors, award-winning gardens, and centuries of stories await.
Snickleway Inn
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Step into York’s 15th-century Snickleway Inn, a historic pub famed for its cosy charm and ghostly legends.
Minster Yard
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Historic Minster Yard in York surrounds the majestic York Minster, blending medieval heritage, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
Chapter House
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Medieval masterpiece where timber vaults defy gravity and Parliament once convened in octagonal splendor.
York Minster
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Explore the awe-inspiring York Minster, Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral, a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality.
Constantine the Great
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Bronze statue of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great at York Minster, marking his historic proclamation as emperor in AD 306.
Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate
0.2 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval church, a tranquil sanctuary with rare box pews, stunning stained glass, and rich stories of history and love.
Dean's Park
0.3 km
A peaceful green oasis beside York Minster, blending historic charm with tranquil gardens and stunning cathedral views.
St Anthonys Garden
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Discover a serene, historic garden oasis in York blending medieval heritage, sensory planting, and tranquil green space beneath ancient city walls.
Essential places to dine
Little Italy
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Authentic Italian dining and deli in York’s historic heart, serving traditional flavors since 1992 in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Ambiente Tapas Goodramgate
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Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen
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Experience hearty Southern American flavors and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic Minster Quarter.
Bab Tooma York
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Forest
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Charming Georgian hotel in York’s historic heart with cozy rooms and acclaimed Forest Restaurant, perfect for exploring medieval streets and local culture.
Fat Hippo York
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Savour bold, creative burgers and dirty fries in York’s historic Low Petergate, where casual meets flavour-packed indulgence.
La Vecchia Scuola
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and contemporary dining in the heart of historic York at La Vecchia Scuola.
Côte York
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Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Wildwood
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Cozy Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and vegan-friendly options in the heart of historic York’s Low Petergate.
Lucia Restaurant
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Experience vibrant Italian dining and cocktails in York’s heart, with a heated courtyard and stylish lounge for all-day enjoyment.
Arras
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Innovative British cuisine with Mediterranean flair in a stylish, intimate setting tucked away in historic York.
Guy Fawkes Inn
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Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Los Moros
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Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant York venue blending British, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors with a lively social bar atmosphere.
House Of The Trembling Madness // Stonegate (No table bookings)
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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
Monk Bar Model Shop
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York’s historic model shop offering a vast selection of trains, kits, and collectibles with expert staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
Village Shop
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Discover timeless antiques and vintage treasures in York’s historic heart at the Village Shop, open daily with expert guidance and a warm atmosphere.
Cleggs
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Discover unique gifts, handcrafted homewares, and stylish accessories in the heart of York’s historic Goodramgate at Cleggs.
National Trust Gift Shop
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Discover unique National Trust gifts and local crafts in a historic York setting supporting conservation and heritage.
The Knutti Store, a Viking Trading Post
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Step into York’s Viking past at The Knutti Store, where authentic craftsmanship meets legendary tales in a charming trading post setting.
SOCTOPUS
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Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
York Minster Shop
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Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
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Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
Pandora
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The Cat Gallery
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York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
Shared Earth
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Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
Rookscroft
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Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Sterling Souvenirs
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Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
The Medieval Scribe
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Paper Doll
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Royal Oak
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Traditional British pub charm in York’s historic heart, serving seasonal classics and local ales with a warm, dog-friendly welcome.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
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Evil Eye
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Vudu Lounge
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Pivní York
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Ye Olde Starre Inne
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Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
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Victor J's
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Bobos Cocktail Bar York
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Eagle & Child
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The Punch Bowl
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The Blue Bell
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The Hop York
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Golden Fleece York
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Dusk
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
BlueBox
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Kuda
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Flares - York
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Club Salvation
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Popworld York
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Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.9 km
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.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
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Big Fellas Nightclub
33.9 km
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Arabian Night Lounge
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Quadrophenia Night
35.0 km
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Disco Stu's
35.3 km
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The Lab Nightclub Leeds
35.3 km
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The Key Club
35.4 km
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PRYZM
35.4 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
