Clifford's Tower

Climb the grassy mound at the heart of York for sweeping city views, free to enjoy, with the option to pay and step inside the historic tower itself.

Clifford's Tower | Historic Castle in York

• Opening Hours: Daily, 10am - 6pm (last entry 5.30pm); hours vary seasonally

• Location: Tower Street, York, YO1 9SA

• Suitable for: All ages for the mound and views; entering the tower involves climbing 55 steep steps, so it suits children confident on stairs

• Booking: Not required for the mound; advance booking for the tower is optional but saves 15% on the door price.

• Cost:

  • Climbing the mound and walking around the exterior is free

  • A ticket is required to enter the tower itself, with prices tiered by date

• Website: Clifford's Tower

• Contact: 01904 646960 | customers@english-heritage.org.uk

Highlights

• A new roof deck offering 360-degree panoramic views over York and beyond

• A dramatic mound climb of 55 steps, with resting points along the way

• Storytelling and soundscapes inside the tower bringing its history to life

• A striking display of daffodils around the base of the mound each spring

Clifford's Tower is the largest surviving part of York Castle, northern England's greatest medieval fortress. Originally built in wood by William the Conqueror and later rebuilt in stone by Henry III in the 13th century, the tower still stands proudly on its mound at the centre of the city, visible from streets all around.

You don't need a ticket to enjoy the climb up the mound itself, where the views over York's rooftops and the Minster are well worth the steps. For those who do go inside, a recent transformation has added internal walkways, storytelling and a roof platform that brings the tower's long and sometimes dramatic history to life.

Each spring, the mound is covered in daffodils, planted in 1992 as a memorial to the Jewish community who died there in 1190. It's a moving sight, and a good prompt for families to talk a little about the site's history alongside its more dramatic stories and views.

Good to Know

• The tower is not wheelchair or pushchair accessible, due to the 55 steps and the steep mound

• Climbing on the grassy slopes of the mound itself isn't permitted

• A council car park sits adjacent to the site, with a charge for parking

• Dogs are not accepted, except guide and assistance dogs

Photo credit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york