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York City Walls


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #4 of 133 attractions in York
Traveler Description:
Over 2 miles in length and with a history stretching back nearly 2000 years, the walls of York are amongst the finest preserved historic monuments...... more » Over 2 miles in length and with a history stretching back nearly 2000 years, the walls of York are amongst the finest preserved historic monuments anywhere in the world. Of the 108 walled towns and cities that once existed in England, less than a third retain as much as a single gateway. York is totally unique in Britain offering as it does examples of Roman, Dark Age, Viking, Medieval and later defences, and on such a massive scale. Following extensive recent research, they are now brought to life with a self-guided audio tour on a personal media player (all equipment supplied) - taking you around the walls at your own pace. « less
Familiar with York City Walls? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Historic site, Ancient ruins, Landmark/point of interest
Activities: Walking
Address: York YO1 7HB
England
Tel: 44-1904-621756
Fax: 44 -1904-639986

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
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5 of 5 stars
becsjunk   15 contributions
Cardiff, Wales
Nov 9, 2009

We walked the walls "independently" (ie without audio guide) but found there was ample information at most of the points of interest. We supplemented that with a general city guidebook and took information from websites that we'd googled in advance. It was quite hard to find the multangular tower (tucked behind the city library) but it was worth the look... more

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5 of 5 stars
CaspianCaversham   12 contributions
Reading
Nov 8, 2009

The walls are unusual for England - its only York's lack of later prosperity that's allowed their preservation. They are free, provide excellent views, and an easy walk away from the city hubbub. Three main sections, and in my opinion the western side is more interesting if time is limited. They have been carefully made easy and user friendly, but... more

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4 of 5 stars
side-tripper   21 contributions
Quesnel, B.C.
Sep 6, 2009
2
people found this review helpful

The wall tour is an interesting way to spend an afternoon, but it is long. Allow 3 to 4 hours if you do the complete tour. Pick up the headset at the tourist info center. You can save some time by starting at a number near the center rather than walking to the recommended start point. This is for history... more

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5 of 5 stars
YorkyYon   4 contributions
York
Aug 7, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

Being a local have walked the walls on numerous occasions but recently did the York Walls Audio tour (www.york-walls.co.uk) which we got from the Tourist Information centre. mp3 player and all equipment is provided and the tour includes a full circuit of the walls, a tour round the ancient abbey of St Marys (just outside the walls and including part... more

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5 of 5 stars
Kaerius   8 contributions
Mechelen, Belgium
Apr 17, 2009
1
person found this review helpful

When weather permits, a walk around York's city heart is a must do. We're a family of five (children 4 - 7 - 9) and we all very much enjoyed our afternoon on the York City Walls. Parents appreciated the 'York at a glance', with an excellent view of the York Minster and its surrounding gardens, as well of many... more

Great
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5 of 5 stars
warmorangutan   9 contributions
wolverhampton
Jul 31, 2008

A fantastic way to see York. Really good views of the city especially the minster that you otherwise wouldn't see. I am scared of heights but did not have much of an issue although some sections are unrailed more

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3 of 5 stars
ange   29 contributions
Durham, United Kingdom
Dec 5, 2006
1
person found this review helpful

A fantastic way to see this ancient city. It gets you away from the crowds and even on the busiest day you'll only have to (carefully!) pass people occasionally. more

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5 of 5 stars
Chester360   9 contributions
Chester UK
Oct 3, 2006
5
people found this review helpful

The Bars (Barbicans) of York are the main gates that you enter into the walled city of York. The York stone buildings really take you back in time. Walk over these gates as you take a walk around the city walls. You get some great sights of York you don't normally see at street level. More photos of main bars... more

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5 of 5 stars
MummyC   24 contributions
Essex, UK
Jun 4, 2006
3
people found this review helpful

Unless you are terrified of heights (there are many parts without railings) you should really take a stroll around the walls. Such a cool way to see the city, away from the crowds and above the traffic. A great new perspective on the city, and sometimes a bit of a short cut to avoid the shopping areas. Wonderful! more

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4 of 5 stars
Oscar_from_Denmark   475 contributions
Denmark
Mar 8, 2006
24
people found this review helpful

I really enjoyed walking around York by doing it on the City Walls. I wouldn't do it with small children though. Please see my pictures as they better describe how they look! Best regards Oscar more

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York City Walls Address

York YO1 7HB, England
Tel: 44-1904-621756 Fax: 44 -1904-639986