Sight guide · York · United Kingdom
Visiting York City Walls
The medieval walls, built largely on Roman and Viking defences, run for about 3.4 km around much of the old city, with four main gateways (bars): Bootham, Monk, Walmgate and Micklegate.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
.jpg){kind=link}
Quick answer
York City Walls is a historic site in City Centre, York. Allow 1–2 hours; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- City Centre
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, history, views and outdoors
- Best months
- June–July and September
About York City Walls
The medieval walls, built largely on Roman and Viking defences, run for about 3.4 km around much of the old city, with four main gateways (bars): Bootham, Monk, Walmgate and Micklegate. The walkway gives elevated views of the Minster, gardens and rooftops, and the section between Bootham Bar and Monk Bar has the classic Minster view.
Tip: Walk the stretch from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar for the best Minster views; the full circuit takes about two hours.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: City Centre.
Best time to visit York City Walls
York City Walls is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- July: 22°C (72°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, very busy crowds.
- June: 19°C (66°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
- September: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, busy crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-July the sun sets at about 21:29 local time (calculated for York).
When to visit York has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day York itinerary visits York City Walls on day 2, together with JORVIK Viking Centre and National Railway Museum.
- No. 2 of the 15 sights in our York things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in York.
- One of the picks in historic sites in York.
- A family favourite in York with kids.
Near York City Walls
Also in City Centre, so you can walk between them:
- Evening ghost walk — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
If you like York City Walls
- York Minster — Minster Quarter, 2–3 hours with the tower
- The Shambles — Minster Quarter, 30 minutes
- National Railway Museum — Leeman Road, 2–3 hours
- Clifford's Tower — Castle Area, 45 minutes
Staying near York City Walls
Where to stay in York compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at York City Walls?
Plan 1–2 hours. With Evening ghost walk nearby, it fits a half-day in City Centre.
+Is York City Walls free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit York City Walls?
June–July and September for the most comfortable weather. Walk the stretch from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar for the best Minster views; the full circuit takes about two hours.
+Do I need to book York City Walls in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.
+Is York City Walls good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in York. York is one of England's best small cities for children: the free National Railway Museum, JORVIK's Viking ride, Clifford's Tower, ghost walks and the walls themselves turn history into an adventure, and the centre is compact and flat.