York’s Medieval City Walls: England’s Longest Surviving Fortification
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
York’s Medieval City Walls form a 3.4 km (2.1 miles) circuit around the historic city centre, making them the longest medieval town walls in England. Built mainly in the 13th and 14th centuries atop earlier Roman foundations, the walls feature fortified gateways known as bars, towers, and ramparts. Walking the walls offers panoramic views of York’s skyline, including landmarks like York Minster and Clifford’s Tower, and a vivid glimpse into the city’s layered history.
A brief summary to Medieval Walls
- Moatside Ct, York, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the full circuit is about 3.4 km and includes uneven stone paths and stairs.
- Visit in spring to see the ramparts covered in bright daffodils, adding vibrant color to your walk.
- Explore the bars with small museums such as Monk Bar’s Richard III Experience and Micklegate Bar’s Tudor history.
- Check weather and wall conditions before visiting, as icy or windy days may close sections for safety.
- Use the Friends of York Walls audio trail app for detailed historical insights as you walk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and Walking
From York Train Station, a 15 to 20-minute walk leads you to Bootham Bar, one of the main entrances to the City Walls. The walk is mostly flat but includes some cobbled streets. No cost involved beyond train fare.
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Bus and Walking
Take the local bus to Tower Street Bus Stop (YO1 9RZ), about 10 minutes from the city centre. From there, it is a 10-minute walk to access points on the walls. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4 depending on the route.
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Car and Walking
Parking is available at Q-Park Shambles (Garden Place, York YO1 7NT) for approximately £10–£15 per day. From the car park, it is a 10-minute walk to the walls. Note that central York has some traffic restrictions.
Medieval Walls 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
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Medieval Walls
A Living Monument to York’s Fortified Past
York’s City Walls stand as a remarkable testament to over two millennia of urban defense, tracing their origins back to the Roman fortress of Eboracum established around AD 71. While the original Roman walls largely vanished over time, their footprint guided the medieval reconstruction primarily completed in the 13th and 14th centuries. Constructed mainly from magnesian limestone and uniquely set on earthen ramparts, these walls form the longest continuous medieval town walls in England, stretching 3.4 kilometers around the city centre.Architectural Highlights and Gateways
The circuit is punctuated by four grand fortified gateways called bars—Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar, and Micklegate Bar—each with its own history and character. Bootham Bar, near York Minster, dates back to the 11th century and served as a crucial northern defense. Monk Bar, the tallest and most complex, functioned as a self-contained fortress and now houses the Richard III Experience. Micklegate Bar was the ceremonial entrance for monarchs and displayed the heads of traitors in medieval times. Walmgate Bar features more modern stonework and today hosts a café. Numerous towers, arrow-slits, and gun ports along the walls reveal the defensive ingenuity of medieval masons.Scenic Walks and Panoramic Vistas
Walking the walls is a popular activity, taking roughly two hours to complete the full circuit. The elevated walkway offers stunning panoramic views of York’s historic skyline, including York Minster’s soaring Gothic spires, the medieval streets below, and the winding River Ouse. Along the route, you can glimpse the Roman Multangular Tower in Museum Gardens and the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, blending Roman, medieval, and later history in one continuous experience.Seasonal Beauty and Conservation
The ramparts’ grassy slopes burst into color each spring with vibrant daffodils, creating a striking contrast with the ancient stonework. The walls are carefully maintained by local conservation teams, with regular inspections to ensure visitor safety. Access is generally open from early morning until dusk year-round, closing only during icy conditions or maintenance work. The Friends of York Walls provide detailed guides and an audio trail app to enrich the visitor experience.Immersing in York’s Rich Heritage
Exploring the walls invites reflection on York’s strategic importance through Roman, Viking, medieval, and Tudor eras. The walls witnessed military action during the English Civil War and have evolved into a cherished cultural landmark. Nearby attractions such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, York Castle Museum, and The Shambles complement the walls’ story, offering deeper insights into the city’s vibrant past.A Timeless Journey Through History and Views
Whether you are a history enthusiast, photographer, or casual walker, York’s Medieval City Walls provide a unique vantage point to absorb the city’s heritage and charm. The blend of architectural grandeur, scenic outlooks, and living history makes this a must-visit landmark for any trip to York.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Medieval Walls
0.0 km
Walk England’s longest medieval walls, tracing 2,000 years of York’s history with stunning city views and iconic fortified gateways.
The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York
0.3 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.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Explore Bootham Bar, York’s medieval gateway with Roman roots, historic portcullis, and stunning views of the city’s ancient walls and Minster.
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.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.3 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
Roman Column
0.3 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
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.
Anglian Tower
0.4 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.5 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
York Mansion House
0.5 km
Explore York Mansion House, a Georgian gem in the heart of York, showcasing the rich history and elegant lifestyle of the 18th century.
GR8escape York
0.5 km
Experience the thrill of adventure at GR8escape York, the ultimate escape room destination for fun, teamwork, and unforgettable memories in the heart of York.
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.
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.
St Anthonys Garden
0.6 km
Explore St Anthony's Garden in York, a serene retreat filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dean's Park
0.2 km
A peaceful green oasis beside York Minster, blending historic charm with tranquil gardens and stunning cathedral views.
Chapter House
0.2 km
Medieval masterpiece where timber vaults defy gravity and Parliament once convened in octagonal splendor.
Minster Yard
0.2 km
Historic Minster Yard in York surrounds the majestic York Minster, blending medieval heritage, stunning Gothic architecture, and vibrant cultural life.
National Trust - Treasurer's House, York
0.2 km
Discover a historic townhouse behind York Minster, where lavish interiors, award-winning gardens, and centuries of stories await.
City Wall Walk
0.2 km
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 Minster
0.2 km
Explore the awe-inspiring York Minster, Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral, a treasure trove of art, history, and spirituality.
The Bloody Tour of York
0.3 km
York's darkest stories come alive through theatrical storytelling and genuine historical insight.
Hole In The Wall
0.3 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
0.3 km
Explore Petergate House, a stunning historical landmark in York, where rich heritage meets architectural beauty, perfect for every tourist's journey.
The Ghost Trail Of York
0.3 km
Explore York’s haunted snickelways on a thrilling, family-friendly ghost walk beneath the gothic grandeur of York Minster.
Constantine the Great
0.3 km
Bronze statue of Roman Emperor Constantine the Great at York Minster, marking his historic proclamation as emperor in AD 306.
Monk Bar
0.3 km
Explore Monk Bar, a stunning historical landmark in York, where medieval architecture meets captivating tales of the city's rich past.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
0.3 km
Explore York’s eerie streets on a captivating ghost walk blending history, hauntings, and theatrical storytelling for all ages.
St Michael Le Belfrey
0.3 km
York’s largest Tudor parish church, rich in history, vibrant worship, and the baptism site of Guy Fawkes.
William Etty
0.3 km
A dignified granite statue in Exhibition Square honoring York-born William Etty, a pioneering painter of nudes and historical scenes.
Essential places to dine
Little Italy
0.3 km
Authentic Italian dining and deli in York’s historic heart, serving traditional flavors since 1992 in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Ambiente Tapas Goodramgate
0.3 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and warm Andalusian charm in York’s historic Goodramgate, with a welcoming atmosphere and diverse vegan options.
Guy Fawkes Inn
0.3 km
Historic inn with cozy period rooms, lively pub, and unbeatable central location near York Minster.
Fancy Hank's Bar & Kitchen
0.4 km
Experience hearty Southern American flavors and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic Minster Quarter.
Fat Hippo York
0.4 km
Savour bold, creative burgers and dirty fries in York’s historic Low Petergate, where casual meets flavour-packed indulgence.
Côte York
0.4 km
Experience authentic Parisian brasserie dining with classic French dishes and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
Forest
0.4 km
Charming Georgian hotel in York’s historic heart with cozy rooms and acclaimed Forest Restaurant, perfect for exploring medieval streets and local culture.
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.
La Vecchia Scuola
0.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and contemporary dining in the heart of historic York at La Vecchia Scuola.
Lucia Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience vibrant Italian dining and cocktails in York’s heart, with a heated courtyard and stylish lounge for all-day enjoyment.
Bab Tooma York
0.4 km
Experience authentic Syrian cuisine in a warm, traditional setting with generous portions and BYOB in the heart of York.
Los Moros
0.4 km
Experience authentic North African cuisine with vibrant flavors and a rustic charm in the heart of historic York.
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.
Wildwood
0.4 km
Cozy Italian dining with stone-baked pizzas, fresh pasta, and vegan-friendly options in the heart of historic York’s Low Petergate.
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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fairer World
0.1 km
Discover unique fair trade treasures and support global artisans at York’s dedicated ethical gift shop on historic Gillygate.
Snowhome
0.1 km
Discover Snowhome, York’s premier independent lifestyle store blending exquisite stationery, niche perfumes, and sustainable home accessories since 2001.
York Minster Shop
0.3 km
Discover authentic souvenirs and specialist books celebrating York Minster's medieval heritage.
Monk Bar Model Shop
0.3 km
York’s historic model shop offering a vast selection of trains, kits, and collectibles with expert staff and a welcoming atmosphere.
Cleggs
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts, handcrafted homewares, and stylish accessories in the heart of York’s historic Goodramgate at Cleggs.
Village Shop
0.3 km
Discover timeless antiques and vintage treasures in York’s historic heart at the Village Shop, open daily with expert guidance and a warm atmosphere.
National Trust Gift Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique National Trust gifts and local crafts in a historic York setting supporting conservation and heritage.
Shared Earth
0.3 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
SOCTOPUS
0.4 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
The Cat Gallery
0.4 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
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.
Rookscroft
0.4 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.4 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.4 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
The Imaginarium
0.4 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Eagle & Child
0.3 km
Historic 17th-century timber-framed pub in York offering craft ales, good food, and a charming beer garden in a quaint, lively setting.
Royal Oak
0.3 km
Traditional British pub charm in York’s historic heart, serving seasonal classics and local ales with a warm, dog-friendly welcome.
Ye Olde Starre Inne
0.4 km
Historic and welcoming pub on York’s Stonegate, serving hearty British classics in a charming medieval setting.
Evil Eye
0.4 km
Quirky cocktails and lively entertainment blend seamlessly in York’s vibrant Evil Eye Lounge on historic Stonegate.
The Punch Bowl
0.5 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
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.
Oscar's Wine Bar & Bistro
0.5 km
A lively and welcoming wine bar in York offering quality food, diverse wines, and a charming atmosphere for all occasions.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.5 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
Vudu Lounge
0.5 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
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.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.5 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Pivní York
0.5 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Lendal Cellars
0.5 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden 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
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
0.7 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.8 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.8 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Kuda
0.9 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
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
0.9 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
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
34.0 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
34.3 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.9 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
35.2 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
35.2 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
35.3 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
35.4 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Myth & Legends
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
