York City Walls
York City Walls
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
No visit to York is complete without a stroll along part of the 2 miles of historic walls that have protected the city for nearly 2000 years. The walls are completely free to walk, however bespoke guided tours can be booked with your own personal tour guide, meeting you at a time and place to suit you, and showing you the extensive hidden history to be found along the walls.
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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.
Popular mentions
4.5
9,932 reviews
Excellent
6,076
Very good
3,306
Average
473
Poor
47
Terrible
30
AliAl-Aswad
Leeds, UK1,348 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
York City Walls are absolutely amazing, free to enter, and once you get to know them, they're a great way of getting around the city. Some sections have better views than others, but a complete circumnavigation doesn't take more than an hour or so, and is a great expedition. Or drop down, for a pint, or something to eat, at your leisure. Highly recommended.
Written March 21, 2025
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.
Kevin W
Singapore, Singapore245 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
I walked the walls on my own without relying on any tour. That was good enough for me. I'm sure I could have learnt more on a guided tour, but really I think it's about seeing the city from a different perspective. An easy walk on even surface, albeit with unavoidable stairs here and there, sometimes steep. The stretch between Micklegate Bar heading clockwise towards Lendal Bridge is the most scenic, and if you only have a short time to walk the wall, that is the section I would do. However, the rest of the wall is also interesting, and takes you through parts of the city you wouldn't normally go.
Written September 22, 2024
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.
kevkelly6
Tamworth, UK26 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Nice walk around the walls. We started at the Bootham bar which I'd recommend as you end up as the very picturesque section at the end. Very easy walk, some steps at the sections. Lot of stuff I read said it took about 2 hours but don't think we were walking much longer than an 1/1.5 hours. Fairly steady walkers (both 41). I'd say earlier you go the better as I'd imagine it gets pretty busy. We went around 9am and as the morning went on it started getting busier.
Written April 4, 2024
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.
FyingKiwi
Christchurch, New Zealand1,129 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
One cannot visit York and not walk on its city walls either part way or for the full existent circuit. Provides an opportunity to visit many other places of attraction along the way as well as treating you to some terrific scenery. Able to be accessed from many parts of the walls circumference.
Written April 27, 2024
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.
Jonnyjubb
Rayleigh, UK248 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
A thoroughly enjoyable walk round the city of York. Quite a few steps where the gaps in the walls are, as well as a few narrow stretches without a guard on the inside, so just be careful if you’re a bit unsteady on your feet. A unique experience seeing the sights from a decent vantage point. Took us just over 90 mins. Would do again if we’re back in York.
Written September 15, 2024
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.
Tickleish
Wellington, New Zealand374 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We walked the entire walls over 2 days (stopping off at other places if interested) but could be done in 1, gentle stroll.
It’s an amazing walk, full of history and views of the city. Our mind went back I. Time and tried to imagine what it was like…
But then you come across Viking and roman artefacts, a tower that’s now a museum.
Just mind blowing!!
It’s an amazing walk, full of history and views of the city. Our mind went back I. Time and tried to imagine what it was like…
But then you come across Viking and roman artefacts, a tower that’s now a museum.
Just mind blowing!!
Written May 14, 2024
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.
Kate Y
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam59 contributions
Oct 2024 • Solo
Walking along York’s city walls was one of my favorite parts of visiting the city. You get great views of the Minster and the surrounding area, and it’s a lovely way to take in the history of York. The walls are well-preserved, and there are information boards that explain the history as you go along. It’s also a nice, peaceful walk, even though there were a few tourists around. If you love history and walking, this is a must-do!
Written October 28, 2024
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.
KMBO21
Eastleigh, UK75 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Completed the entire length of the walls took between 1.5-2hrs walking at a good pace. We used a free map found near the portcullis along the way to guide us.
In parts nearer the centre it got busier, but generally it was quite quiet.
You can see some great views of York from the walls and enjoyable walk.
In parts nearer the centre it got busier, but generally it was quite quiet.
You can see some great views of York from the walls and enjoyable walk.
Written August 10, 2024
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.
D A
St Helens, UK30 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
A nice walk to do, gives you a great view of all the city from pretty much every possible angle. There are a lot of steps though so it can be quite difficult if you have difficulties with that. The stairways can also be quite narrow in places. That said there are a good few spots to stop and rest on.
The one thing that gets somewhat irritating is that some people can be very ignorant and inconsiderate, blocking what is already a narrow walkway to make the person they are with take a hundred photos of them pulling stupid poses in the most inconvenient of places. To clarify, I do not mean people photographing the scenery, they always stand aside and make sure others can pass, and I do not mean people in groups taking photographs against the scenery as they use the wider open rest spots and do not obstruct the paths. It is the idiots that live their lives on social media, just completely blocking walkways when there are a lot of people trying do the walks while they pout and pose for their camera while a friend takes photos.
The one thing that gets somewhat irritating is that some people can be very ignorant and inconsiderate, blocking what is already a narrow walkway to make the person they are with take a hundred photos of them pulling stupid poses in the most inconvenient of places. To clarify, I do not mean people photographing the scenery, they always stand aside and make sure others can pass, and I do not mean people in groups taking photographs against the scenery as they use the wider open rest spots and do not obstruct the paths. It is the idiots that live their lives on social media, just completely blocking walkways when there are a lot of people trying do the walks while they pout and pose for their camera while a friend takes photos.
Written November 2, 2024
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.
kaz1061
Blackpool, UK275 contributions
Mar 2025 • Solo
This is a must when in York. You get to see more of York as you walk around. There are areas that you have get the wall and walk along and then pick up the walls again. There was one section that was corned off as they were doing some works. A map is recommend as you can get lost finding the next part of the wall. There is not really any comments on the way round the wall as to what certain areas are which I fell was a bit sad
Written March 22, 2025
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.
How long roughly would it take to get from Walmgate bar to Miclegate bar?
Written September 15, 2021
Depends:
* If you walk through town - approx 20 minutes.
* If you stayed on the walls and walked 'around the city' in a northerly route - I'd say 45/50 minutes.
* If you stayed on the walls and walked around the city in a southerly route, approx 20 minutes.
Written September 16, 2021
Looking for a Roman History tour of York for a small school group on Monday 24th August? Can you please advise.
Written August 21, 2020
Apologies did not see this until now. Sorry we just visit as couple doing our own thing so no experience of tours but I am sure if you Google it or search trip adviser you can find some recommendations.
Sorry.
Written September 30, 2021
Is york wall open yet,fancy a day trip to york within the next 2 months cheers
Written June 26, 2020
How long does it generally take to walk the wall.
Written January 29, 2020
Agree takes a couple of hours but you can walk smaller sections and go on and off walls to see other attractions.
Written February 1, 2020
I understand that there are breaks in the walk where the wall no longer exists, is there sufficient signage to get you to the next part of the original wall walk?
Written December 16, 2019
Yes there is enough signage and specific "wall" maps available as it is a walking trail....enjoy!
Written January 10, 2020
Allow dogs to walk on the city wall? Thanks
Written October 24, 2018
A Tripadvisor member
York, United Kingdom
Sorry, no dogs allowed except assistance dogs.
Written February 6, 2020
Hi my mum has trouble walking so I'll have a wheelchair with me. Are the walls wheelchair friendly please? Thank you.
Written August 9, 2018
I wouldn’t recommend it as some parts of the wall end in steps and aren’t very wide. Other parts have no railing and a steep drop to the exposed side too.
Written August 12, 2018
We are planning a trip to the UK (from Australia) next August/September. We would love to walk the walls. could you please advise if the walls are closed at a particular time of day or can they be accessed at anytime?
Written December 22, 2017
The walls open about 8am and close at dusk. About 3 miles all the way round. A great way to see York. If time limited do the Bootham Bar to Monk Bar section
Written February 3, 2018
mmurphy0559
New York City, New York
Hi. My husband gets nervous at certain heights. Would the Walls prove problematic?
Written August 5, 2017
I am afraid of heights as well. I did not find it problematic. at points the wall is open on one side (the inside) usually where there are sloping grades down from the wall...not a steep drop
Written January 18, 2020
Do you offer German speaking tours for groups sized 10-20 pax?
Written December 12, 2016
I am a tourist, and so cannot answer your question but York is a highly organised destination and so would be suprised if a German speaking tour was not available
Written December 17, 2016
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