Monk Bar
4.5
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Erected in the 14th century, this is the loftiest and strongest of the four gateways into the city of York.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
62 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
28
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Patricia H
1 contribution
Feb 2022
We stayed at 3 Monkbar Mews for 4 nights. The apartment was advertised as having 4 double bedrooms which was what we needed as our group comprised 2 single men 1 couple and 2 children, a boy and a girl. We were dismayed to discover on arrival only 3 bedrooms and a box room with only a travel cot in it. The owner was unhelpful and although he said he would bring around a camp bed did not. We had no extra bedding to use on the settees. It was a very difficult situation that became very stressful and has not been resolved satisfactorily. We were offered a paltry amount in compensation.
The appartement is tired and in need of refurbishment in places.
The appartement is tired and in need of refurbishment in places.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nowpacking
Dallas, TX3,937 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Dating to the 14th century, it remains one of the four historic entrances to York. Perfect place to take the stairs up and walk this section of the original walls for incredible views of the Minster and the city.
Written July 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MalcH
Loughborough, UK2,881 contributions
Jul 2019
OK so its not a bar in terms of drink but a prominent gate which gives great views and one of the places you can join the city walls and walk round. Well preserved and full of character.
Written August 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucy B
28 contributions
Jul 2019
We visited here when we walked the wall! What an incredible bit of history to explore in this incredible town! I would love to go again!
Written July 25, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
flaneur40
New York City, NY1,694 contributions
May 2019 • Solo
In York as any tour guide will tell you, "bars" are gates and "gates" are streets. This is a Bar and an impressive one at that. There is a portcullis still extant although it hasn't been lowered in quite sometime. Many people will end their wall walk here having begun it at Bootham Bar, but I encourage you to keep going onto the Red Tower and then through the gap of the wall through what was once the King's Fishpool which will bring you to Walmgate Bar and the wonderful coffee shop in the walls only remaining Barbican. The gap between the Red Tower and Walmgate Bar can be a little confusing because you are walking on local streets where there never was a wall and you may feel you've lost your way. Fight the use to walk back to city center or turn around. Continue on instead to Fishergate Postern Wall which is sometimes open and free to tour. After that is Clifford's Tower and the York Castle Museum and a gorgeous section of the Ouse River for walking. After a short gap you can get back on the wall and onto Micklegate and back to Bootham Bar.
Written June 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
canyouplay0
York, UK71 contributions
Jul 2018
Walk past here regularly to collect my prescription from the pharmacist's. Historical spot, one which symbolises the Roman past of York (Eboracum) as it is one of the best preserved Roman forts (castellum) in the world, and it really is spectacular. There are many such bars and gates in York, but this is my favourite.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WanderingsAscent
Telford, UK251 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
We walked to Monk Bar from our hotel and used it as a landmark to find our way back, York can be very confusing. We climbed the steps and walked along the wall. There are some beautiful views from here, lots of photo opportunities.
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nellielim
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia4,019 contributions
Apr 2017 • Family
This four storey gatehouse is the tallest and most elaborate of the 'bars' and was built in the early 14th century. A self-contained fort, each floor is capable of being defended separately. Monk House has a museum called the Richard III Experience at Monk Bar and retains its portcullis in working order.
Written June 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MedEngland
England2,254 contributions
Jan 2017 • Solo
For me, this is the best of the four Bars, largely because it houses the brilliant Richard III Experience. Access is either from the Wall Walk or from street level via a narrow staircase.
Written January 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,084 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
The Monk Bar is the largest and most ornate of the entrances to old York and this was a self-contained fortress, with each floor capable of being defended. On the front of the bar is an arch supporting a gallery, including 'murder-holes' through which missiles and boiling water could be rained down upon attackers.Monk Bar has the city’s only working portcullis, in use until 1970.
Written November 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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