York City Walls: Opening Times and Access

York city walls: plan a walk

York city walls offer a different perspective on the historic city. The walkway is free and usually opens at 08:00, closing around dusk. Gates can close during strong winds, ice or necessary work, and the walkway is closed on 25 December. Check the current council information before setting out, especially in poor weather.

Access to the walkway is by steps. Some sections are narrow and have unprotected edges, so keep children close and choose a pace that suits everyone. The walkway is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Assistance dogs are permitted; other dogs must stay off the wall.

You can also follow the course from the streets and see accessible views near the Multangular Tower. Combine your walk with the history of York Minster, a look at the city's attractions or a guided walking tour.

Seasonal closing rounds

The council begins locking the gates at different times as daylight changes. In January the closing round begins at 15:30, in February at 16:30 and in March before the clock change at 17:30. After the clock change and in April it starts at 19:30. These are starting times for the round, not a guarantee that every gate closes at the same instant.

In May the round starts at 20:00, in June and July at 21:00, and in August at 20:00. It starts at 19:00 in early September and 18:00 from mid September. In October it begins at 17:00 before the clock change and 15:30 afterwards; November and December also begin at 15:30. Check the current schedule and give yourself time to leave before the round reaches your section.

Locking takes about an hour, starting at Fishergate Postern Tower and proceeding anticlockwise. Plan an exit in advance rather than relying on a particular gate remaining open until the end of the round. The schedule is useful for a general plan, but weather and maintenance can change access on the day.

Steps, children and weather

Steps lead onto the wall, and narrow stretches and unprotected edges require attention. Hold young children close and avoid treating the walkway as a place to run. If anyone in your group has difficulty with steps or exposed edges, a street level route can be a more comfortable way to appreciate the structure together.

Ice can affect shaded areas even after conditions elsewhere improve. The wall can therefore stay closed for the day. Strong winds and work can also prompt closures. Bring suitable footwear and check conditions before you commit to a route, especially when you have a timed booking elsewhere.

Dogs other than assistance dogs are not allowed on the walkway. If you are travelling with a dog, use the street level views and plan the rest of the route around your group. Likewise, pushchairs must stay off the wall, so families can choose a ground level route or take turns if appropriate.

Make a day around the walls

The walls can form one part of a wider visit without needing to complete every available section. Leave time to descend, navigate streets and reach your next stop. The getting there guide covers arriving in York, while the Minster opening hours help you fit in a separate cathedral visit.

Street level views offer their own perspective on the masonry and gates. Near the Multangular Tower, accessible views provide an alternative for visitors needing a route without steps. Check the day's conditions and choose the part of the walk that fits your time and mobility.