Quick Facts
York's city walls are England's longest medieval walls — 3.4 km (2.13 miles) of preserved Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and medieval defensive structure. Built from 71 AD to the 14th century. Free to walk on top of.
- Length: 2.13 miles / 3.4 km
- Time: 90 min - 2 hours
- Open: 8am-30 min before dusk
- Cost: Free
The Four Sections
- Section 1 — Bootham Bar to Monk Bar (15 min): Best Minster views
- Section 2 — Monk Bar to Red Tower (20 min): Quieter, gardens below
- Section 3 — Red Tower to Walmgate Bar (15 min): Includes the only barbican (drum tower)
- Section 4 — Micklegate Bar to Bootham Bar (40 min): Longest, river views
Best Photo Spots
- Bootham Bar — Minster framed by the gateway
- Lendal Bridge view — wall + river
- Walmgate Bar — England's only complete barbican
- Skeldergate Bridge — wall in cherry blossom season
- Robin Hood's Tower — exact corner section, classic vantage
When to Walk
- Spring (March-May): daffodils on Foss Bank, fresh greens
- Summer (June-August): long days, wisteria, busy
- Autumn (September-November): golden trees, lower crowds
- Winter: closed in ice/snow; check before climbing
- Time of day: sunset for golden light on Minster
Tips
- Walls open at 8am, close 30 min before dusk
- Sturdy shoes — paths uneven
- Some narrow sections; not buggy-friendly
- Free, but consider a £2 donation at the bars
- Can join/leave at any of the four "bars" (gates)
- Combine with York Minster, Shambles, Castle Museum
🏛️ Bars (gates): York calls its gates "bars" — Bootham Bar (north), Monk Bar (north-east), Walmgate Bar (south-east), Micklegate Bar (south-west). Four entry/exit points to the wall walk.