York’s City Walls are one of the greatest treasures of the historic city. The medieval walls have been beautifully preserved for centuries and today provide one of the best routes for walking between York’s many attractions. Stroll along the City Walls Trail for a gentle and scenic walk that is steeped in the history and atmosphere of this stunning city.
The walls as they stand today date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Follow the walls through the Museum Gardens, however, and you will encounter the ruins of the earlier Roman walls, which surrounded the city until the ninth century.
Use the stairs at one of the four “bars,” or gates, to reach the walking route around the walls. Monk Bar and Micklegate Bar both have small museums hidden in the gates, which include features such as medieval toilets and portcullis mechanisms. Get up close to the stones of Walmgate Bar, which today hosts a café, and you could spot scarring from medieval battles that were held here.
The full trail around the walls is 2.1 miles (2.4 kilometers) long and occasionally leaves the walls where they have been destroyed or closed off. Use the elevated vantage point of the walls to enjoy spectacular views of York Minster and Clifford’s Tower, two of the city’s most famous medieval monuments. Pause to explore attractions such as the Yorkshire Museum and the York Art Gallery, both of which are situated moments from the walls.
Bring your smartphone on your journey around the walls. Not only does the walk provide excellent photo opportunities, but you can also gain extra knowledge about the route. Information boards around the trail have codes that you can scan for an interactive learning experience as you go.
The York City Walls open to the public every day and shut at dusk, only closing on icy days and some holidays. They are completely free to explore and Micklegate Bar is located only 4 minutes away from the train station on foot. Come in spring to see the grassy banks covered in colorful blooms.
