Skeldergate Bridge: York’s Historic Gothic Iron Crossing
A Victorian Gothic iron bridge offering scenic River Ouse views and a glimpse into York’s rich industrial heritage.
Skeldergate Bridge is a striking Victorian iron bridge spanning the River Ouse in York. Opened in 1881 and designed by Thomas Page, it features Gothic Revival details and a distinctive tower once housing its opening machinery. Originally a toll bridge, it has been toll-free since 1914 and offers scenic views of York’s riverside heritage, including the old Bonding Warehouse and charming brick terraces.
A brief summary to Skeldergate Bridge
- River Ouse, York, York, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Visit the tower bar on the bridge for a unique riverside drink with panoramic views.
- Take the stairs down to Tower Gardens for a peaceful riverside walk and photo opportunities.
- Check local flood warnings before planning riverside walks, as the paths can be temporarily inaccessible.
- Explore nearby eateries like Dyls for refreshments after crossing the bridge.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take local bus services from York city center towards the Bishophill area; journey times range from 10 to 20 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with single fares costing approximately £2-£3. Note that services may be less frequent on Sundays.
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Walking
From York city center, a scenic 20 to 30-minute walk along the riverside paths leads directly to Skeldergate Bridge. The terrain is mostly flat and accessible, but riverside paths may be closed during flooding events.
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Taxi
Taxis from central York to Skeldergate Bridge take about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic. Typical fares range from £5 to £10. Taxis offer flexible access but may be subject to availability during peak times.
Skeldergate Bridge 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 Skeldergate Bridge
Architectural Heritage and Design
Skeldergate Bridge stands as a fine example of Victorian engineering and Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by civil engineer Thomas Page, who also worked on York’s Lendal Bridge and London’s Westminster Bridge, it was constructed between 1878 and 1881. The bridge’s iron structure is complemented by crenellations and a small tower-like building that once housed the winding machinery enabling the bridge’s central arch to open for tall ships. Although the opening mechanism was last used in 1975 and has since been removed, the tower remains a distinctive feature, now repurposed as a bar, blending history with contemporary use.Historical Significance and Evolution
The bridge was built to replace a busy ferry crossing, reflecting York’s growing industrial and commercial activity in the late 19th century. Initially a toll bridge, it became toll-free on April 1, 1914, an event celebrated by the city with a regatta. Its robust construction has allowed it to withstand numerous floods over the years, a testament to its enduring design and importance as a vital river crossing linking the York Castle area to Bishophill.Scenic Views and Riverside Experience
Crossing Skeldergate Bridge offers captivating views of the River Ouse and the historic riverside buildings, notably the old Bonding Warehouse and traditional brick terraced houses. The adjacent Tower Gardens on the east shore provide a peaceful riverside walk, accessible via stairs from the bridge, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in York’s heritage and natural beauty. The riverside paths can be affected by flooding, so checking local conditions is advisable.Modern Use and Cultural Touchpoints
Today, Skeldergate Bridge serves both pedestrians and vehicles without charge, maintaining its role as a key connector in York. The tower’s transformation into a bar adds a unique social dimension, where visitors can enjoy refreshments while taking in panoramic river views. Nearby eateries, such as Dyls at the east end of the bridge, complement the experience with local flavors.Preservation and Status
The bridge is a Grade II listed structure, recognized for its architectural and historical value. It has undergone strengthening and maintenance over the decades to preserve its integrity. Its blue paint and Gothic styling continue to make it an iconic feature of York’s cityscape, blending functional infrastructure with heritage charm.Exploring the Surroundings
Beyond the bridge itself, the area invites exploration of York’s rich history along the riverbanks. The proximity to York Castle and other historic sites makes Skeldergate Bridge a scenic starting point for cultural walks and photography. The combination of industrial heritage, natural beauty, and urban life creates a layered experience unique to this part of York.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- 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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
