A walk along the walls is a highlight for many visitors to York. The City Walls have been a feature of York since Roman times, though today’s date mainly from the Middle Ages.

There are three main sections of wall, with interruptions between. You can walk all three sections in one go (reckon around 2 1/2 hours), but if you've only time for one part then make it Section 3 (short, scenic, near the Minster, partly Roman).

Each section is described separately here. The walks of this guide go in an anti-clockwise direction.

IMPORTANT NOTE The path on the walls is narrow in places. To enable a socially distanced visitor experience, current temporary arrangements include a one-way system (clockwise) and restricted access points. Details of the measueres are on the York Council website.

TIP Children will enjoy making a souvenir rubbing of the relief maps and pictures provided as a kids’ activity along the walk. The maps for the Retrace project are metal and set into the walls, usually near stairs. The tourist Information Office has map, paper and crayons.