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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 04 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Will Hide

Originally built in the Roman period as a defensive structure, and still encircling the old city today, York’s 4m-high, 3.4km-long city walls are the best-preserved city walls in Britain.

Open every day, they’re a unique – and free – way of seeing the city; the chance to look down from above and knit together the Roman Streets, Minster and medieval rooftops gives a real sense of the city as it would have been hundreds of years ago.

The imposing stone towers that were the original fortified entryways into York still remain at Bootham Bar, Micklegate Bar, Monk Bar and Walmgate Bar. As you walk, look out for the arrow slits, musket loops, sculptures and mason’s marks, as well as the wonderful rooftop views.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2 houra

Getting there & doing it

There are several access points around the perimeter, and since the route is circular, wherever you begin from, you will see exactly the same things.

Walking the whole length of the walls takes around two hours, but there are plenty of shorter stretches if you don’t want to do the whole circumference. The Friends of York Walls have a detailed breakdown of 13 short stretches, with highlights to see along the way.

Because there are so many access points to the walls, it’s easy to dip back into town for a coffee or a bit to eat. To walk the wall with a guide, enquire at the tourist office.

When to do it

The walls can get busy at weekends, so you might find yourself having to wait behind slower groups ahead. They open at 8am every day, so if you’re an early bird, you’ll likely have them all to yourself.

There’s no cover on the walls, so walking them on a rainy day isn’t the best idea. If it has been raining, wear sensible shoes with a good grip – the walls are quite narrow in parts and can be slippery.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

York Walls Private Walking Tour

York Walls Private Walking Tour

York

Covid-19 Update : Please note that as this is a private walking tour (just you and your guide) and the entire tour is outside, so we are hap...

£60 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [107 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grays Court Hotel

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

A city centre hotel with a top-notch restaurant in an elegant 11th-century building, tucked away down a cobbled lane at the back of York Minster. 

Official star rating:

Dean Court Hotel

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

A stone’s throw from York Minster, this trio of 19th-century townhouses has the best location in town, close to all of the city’s main attractions.

Official star rating:

The Fat Badger

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

A former 18th-century grocery store, this is a cosy, charming inn set next to one of the city’s medieval gateways.  

Official star rating:

The Grand

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]

The Grand lives up to its name, with a chic cocktail bar, one of the city’s best restaurants and a sleek, subterranean spa. 

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

York

Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)

York’s dramatic past – from Roman settlements to Viking invasions – has created one of Britain’s most beautiful historic cities, home to the world-famous York Minster and the most complete medieval walls in the country.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

York Minster

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

York Minster is northern Europe’s finest Gothic cathedral, taking 250 years to build, and famous for its vividly beautiful stained glass.

Best for ages: 18+ | £12

National Railway Museum

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]

Europe’s premier railway museum boasts every type of train from steam locomotives to the only bullet train outside Japan – a wet-weather winner for kids of all ages.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Interior of museum showing a variety of displays about chocolate
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York’s Chocolate Story

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.3 miles]

Five million KitKats are produced in York every day. You can’t tour the Nestlé factory, but here at St Helen’s Square you can find out all about the city’s sweet history and make your own chocolate.

Best for ages: 4+ | £15

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view of a narrow street with people in it
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The Shambles

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

York’s most famous and well-preserved medieval street. Harry Potter fans love it for its resemblance to Diagon Alley, although author JK Rowling says that’s pure coincidence.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Small stall at the York Christmas Market
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St. Nicholas Fair

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

One of the largest Christmas markets in the UK, the St. Nicholas Fair sees market stalls take over the city centre, transforming Parliament Square into a Christmas card worthy scene and offering festive shoppers the chance to stock up on gifts, arts and crafts. Daily, from mid-November-Christmas.

Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 5 weeks

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The exterior and window display of the popular Betty's Cafe and Tea Rooms at night
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Betty’s

York, Yorkshire, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

This iconic tearoom opened in 1937 and there’s a good reason people queue for two hours for afternoon tea here. Book online in advance to avoid the wait.

Best for ages: 10+ | Free

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Round-ups that include this experience

24 Unforgettable short walks (< 1 day)

Multiple countries

From traversing sand dunes, to walking on glaciers, through canyons, up mountains and along ancient city walls, here’s our round-up of the world’s best walks. Each walk can be tackled in a day or less with a moderate level of fitness and no technical ability.

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