Walk the York City Walls

Photo by York360.co.uk

Walking the York City Walls is an absolute must-do. It’s the longest medieval town wall in England, offering a unique “birds-eye” view of the city’s snickelways, hidden gardens, and the magnificent Minster.

The Route & What to Expect

Distance: Roughly 3.4 kilometres (2 miles) for the full loop.
Terrain: It is a linear path that mostly follows a circle, though you’ll need to drop down to street level in a few spots where the walls break.
Surface: Mostly flagstones. It can be narrow in parts and involves several flights of stone steps at the “Bars” (the medieval gateways).
Duration: Most people take about 2 hours to complete the full circuit at a leisurely pace, though you can hop on and off at various points if you’re short on time.

Highlights Along the Way

The Four Bars: You’ll pass through Micklegate Bar (the royal entrance), Bootham Bar, Monk Bar, and Walmgate Bar. Each is like a mini-castle.
The Best View: The stretch between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar provides the most iconic, unobstructed view of York Minster. It’s the perfect spot for a family photo.
Cliffords Tower: You’ll get a great view of this historic mound and tower as you walk the southern section.
Hidden Gems: Keep an eye out for the Red Tower (the only brick section) and the beautiful private gardens you can peer into from above.

Budgeting & Tips

Cost: The best part? Walking the walls is completely free.
Food & Drink: York is packed with cafes, but because the walls are elevated, there are no refreshments directly on the path. However, Gatehouse Coffee is actually located inside Walmgate Bar—it’s a very cool, atmospheric spot for a brew.
Picnic Potential: Many visitors suggest grabbing a meal deal or packing a lunch to eat in the Museum Gardens (located near Bootham Bar) once you finish your loop.
Parking: Avoid parking right in the centre as it’s pricey. The Park & Ride service is widely considered the smartest move for families, or look for parking near the Railway Museum and start your walk from the nearby Micklegate Bar.

Visitor Advice

Check the Weather: The walls can be slippery when wet and are often closed if there is ice or high winds.
Timing: It usually opens around 8:00 AM and closes at dusk. If you go early in the morning, you’ll avoid the crowds and have the path almost to yourself.
Accessibility: Since it’s a medieval structure, it isn’t suitable for buggies or wheelchairs due to the narrow paths and many steps.

Where: York City Centre
Postcode: YO1 7HB (Museum St area) or YO1 6JX (Micklegate Bar)
County: North Yorkshire

Nearby Fun

If you have energy left, you can combine this with a visit to the York Castle Museum or a stroll through The Shambles, which is just a short walk from the Monk Bar exit.

More Places Nearby

Bolton Castle Brewery Tours in North Yorkshire Castle Howard Caves and Caverns in North Yorkshire Creepy Crawlies Adventure Playsite – York Forbidden Corner Fountains Abbey Go Ape – Dalby Forest Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park How Stean Gorge Outdoor Adventure Centre Jorvik Viking Centre – York Level X Middlesborough MIMA – (Middlesborough Institute of Modern Art) National Railway Museum Newham Grange Farm Ninja Warrior UK Adventure Park – Middlesborough Racecourses in North Yorkshire Richmond, the Castle, the River Rievaulx Abbey Saltburn-by-the-Sea Scarborough Opera House Casino Scenic Rail Trips in North Yorkshire Sea Life Scarborough Skipton Castle Studley Royal Water Gardens – Ripon Teessaurus Park The Bottle of Notes Sculpture – Middlesborough The Shambles Theme Parks in North Yorkshire Towns and Villages to visit in North Yorkshire Walking, Cycling and Riding in North Yorkshire Whitby Abbey, Harbour & 99 Steps York Dungeon York Minster

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