Free self-guided walk · York

York's walls and the Shambles

A free self-guided walk in York, from Bootham Bar along the city walls to York Minster, then through the Shambles to Clifford's Tower.

Distance
2.8 km
Walking time
38 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
5

Open the route in Google MapsYork city guide

About this walk

This walk combines a stretch of the medieval walls with the old streets inside them.

The walls offer the best views of the Minster.

  • Terrain: Flat streets, with steps up to and along the walls.
  • Best time: Morning, before the Shambles gets crowded.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Bootham Bar

    Start at the medieval gate.

  2. City walls by the Minster

    Walk the walls with views of the cathedral.

  3. York Minster

    The great Gothic cathedral.

  4. The Shambles

    The narrow medieval street.

  5. Clifford's Tower

    Finish at the castle keep on its mound.

Tips

  • The walls are open in daylight hours and close in icy weather.
  • York Minster charges entry for sightseeing.
  • Clifford's Tower charges entry to go inside.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.