York’s city walls are believed to be the longest town wall’s in Britain and date back to the 13th century. They were first built by the Romans and were originally made of wood and have been built, developed, destroyed and rebuilt over the years.
You are now able to walk the approximately 2 mile elevated route around the city of York. The walls are not a complete loop, there are some sections that are no longer there or where the river acts as a natural barrier that you need to leave the walls and then rejoin later.
There are four city gates (bars) and during your walk you will experience various smaller towers, walkways and also some spectacular views of the city of York.
Maps of the walls are on signage around the walk as well as online.
The walls are free to walk and are open during daylight hours. It’s worth checking opening times as they change throughout the year.
Micklegate Bar now houses The City Walls Experience, a recent addition to the walls in the form of a tiny museum giving you an over view of the city walls and how they have changed over time. This is a fascinating chance to look around one of the towers and find out about the walls as well as viewing some of the artefacts found during various archeological excavations. The museum also does guided walks of sections of the walls.
While we were walking the walls we were lucky to find Fishergate Postern was also open to the public, Friends of York Walls open it to the public for free 20 days a year. We were able to climb up the tiny spiral staircase and find out about life in the tower through the ages.
Walmgate Bar now houses a coffee shop, there is also a chance to leave the walls at various points for refreshments during your walk.
The wall walk is fascinating as it allows you a 360 glimpse of York from the walls including some historic buildings, the Minster and some of the city’s modern buildings.
When to visit:
The walls are open daily except for Christmas Day and in bad weather conditions when it is icy or very windy.
The wall walk is especially beautiful in spring when thousands of daffodils are in bloom around the walls.
Accessibility:
The walls are not accessible for those with mobility issues as there are many steps as well as narrow walkways.
Pushchairs are not allowed on the walls and due to some very steep drops and no railing the walk is not suitable for very young children.
All information in The City Walls Experience is in written English and there are English subtitles on the videos shown.
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