York City Walls

Walk the longest town walls in England for free, taking in medieval gateways, Roman remains and lovely views over the city. 

York's City Walls | Historic Walking Trail in York

• Opening Hours: Daily, about 8am until dusk (times vary through the year; closed in icy or snowy conditions)

• Location: Encircles York city centre - join the trail at any of the main gateways, including Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar

• Suitable for: Older children and confident walkers - the elevated wall-walk has frequent steps and narrow, unguarded sections, so it isn't suitable for pushchairs or younger children without close supervision

• Booking: Not required - just turn up and start walking

• Cost: Free

• Website: York's City Walls Trail

• Contact: 01904 551551 (closures line, Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm) | walks@yorkwalls.org.uk

Highlights

• Four grand medieval gateways to spot along the way: Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, Walmgate Bar and Micklegate Bar

• The Roman Multangular Tower and the ruins of St Mary's Abbey, both visible from the section running through Museum Gardens

• A colourful display of daffodils along the grassy ramparts each March and April

• Sweeping views over York's rooftops and towards York Minster

York's City Walls are a scheduled ancient monument encircling the historic city centre, with 3.4 kilometres (just over 2 miles) of surviving masonry making them the longest town walls in England. Mainly built in the 13th century from magnesian limestone, they're set on earthen ramparts that still hide much older Roman fortifications beneath them.

A full circuit takes around two hours at a gentle pace, passing four main bars, several smaller gateways, intermediate towers, and plenty of original medieval stonework along the way, from arrow-slits to masons' marks. Families can dip in and out of shorter sections too, since there are around a dozen access points where you can climb up to, or down from, the wall-walk.

For a free, family-friendly day out, it's easy to combine a stretch of the Walls with a visit to Museum Gardens, where a ground-level section reveals the city's Roman past alongside the abbey ruins, without needing to tackle any steps.

Good to Know

• The wall-walk is not wheelchair or pushchair accessible due to steps and narrow, unguarded sections in places

• Dogs are not permitted on the walls, except guide and assistance dogs

• An alternative ground-level route, using pavements and the studded trail markers, is available for anyone who can't manage the steps

• Public toilets can be found near Bootham Bar, on St Leonard's Place

Photo credit: https://www.yorkwalls.org.uk