Red Tower
1 / 10

Red Tower

4.5
·168 reviews·, United Kingdom

Walk York's ancient city walls for free, offering stunning views and a glimpse into medieval history, including the unique Red Tower.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Red Tower

Red Tower

Best Time

Morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walk York's ancient city walls for free, offering stunning views and a glimpse into medieval history, including the unique Red Tower.

4.5
(168 reviews)

"Walk the wall very enjoyable experience walking the York city wall, you get great view of the surrounding sites of York."

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🚶‍♀️ Walk the Walls for Free

Enjoy a free, scenic walk around York's medieval city walls for amazing city views.

🗺️ Use a Map for Walls

Some sections of the walls are missing; use a map to easily rejoin the path.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

York City Walls Walk

York City Walls Walk

Medieval City Walls

Circumnavigate the city for breathtaking views and a unique historical perspective. A must-do free activity!

Red Tower

Red Tower

Medieval City Walls

Explore the only brick tower on the medieval walls, dating back to 1490. A key part of York's historic defenses.

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Planning Your Visit

Walk the Historic City Walls

Explore the medieval city walls for stunning views of York. While sections are missing, a map helps navigate. It's a free and highly recommended activity for a unique perspective of the city.

Discover the Red Tower's History

The Red Tower, built in 1490, is the only brick tower on the medieval walls. It served as a watchtower and part of defensive improvements. While not fully open to the public, its historical significance is noteworthy.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

York - Please, advice needed.

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Walls for Free

Enjoy a free, scenic walk around York's medieval city walls for amazing city views. Reddit

🗺️ Use a Map for Walls

Some sections of the walls are missing; use a map to easily rejoin the path. Reddit

reddit.com

Coming for 2 days away - are my timings reallistic?

reddit.com

What’s the most touristy way to spend the day?

📚 Read Historical Facts

Take time to read the information provided at the Red Tower for interesting historical insights. Reddit

reddit.com

UK people, what are the best things to see, do (and eat!) in York if you only have a day there

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Walk the Walls for Free

Enjoy a free, scenic walk around York's medieval city walls for amazing city views. Reddit

🗺️ Use a Map for Walls

Some sections of the walls are missing; use a map to easily rejoin the path. Reddit

📚 Read Historical Facts

Take time to read the information provided at the Red Tower for interesting historical insights. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(168 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the free and scenic walk along York's medieval city walls, offering great views and historical insights. While the Red Tower itself has limited public access, its historical significance as a brick watchtower is appreciated. Some feel the tower could be more developed, but the overall wall experience is highly recommended.

"We had a walk around the wall and visited the Red Tower. We loved the information provided and enjoyed reading the interesting historical facts."

Tony Johnstone

"Walk the wall very enjoyable experience walking the York city wall, you get great view of the surrounding sites of York, you wouldn't normally see, Well worth making the effort to do whilst in York and it's free."

Garry Stead

"Not much to see and it could be made into something more interesting and informative by opening the building to the public"

Keith Guntripp

What People Like

Free city walls walk
Great city views
Historical information

What People Dislike

Limited tower access
Missing wall sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The York city walls are accessible from various points around the city. Many visitors start near the train station or the city center. The Red Tower is one of the points along the wall path. Reddit

Parking in York city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated city car parks and walk to the walls. Reddit

While much of the wall is intact, there are some missing sections. Following a map will help you navigate the complete circuit. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Walking the York city walls is a free activity. There are no tickets required for access to the wall path itself. Reddit

While the Red Tower is part of the city walls, it's not always fully open to the public for interior exploration. Access to the exterior and information boards is generally free. Reddit

The Red Tower's interior access can be limited. It's best to check local information for specific opening times if you wish to enter, though the walls themselves are always accessible. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Red Tower is the only brick tower on York's medieval city walls, dating back to 1490. It was originally a watchtower and part of defensive improvements. Information boards provide historical context. Reddit

The walls offer excellent views of the Minster, the Shambles, and the surrounding cityscape. Walking the walls provides a unique perspective not seen from street level. Reddit

The walk can involve stairs and uneven surfaces in places. It's generally manageable for most, but those with mobility issues might find certain sections challenging. Reddit

The full circuit can take around 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. Many visitors do shorter sections. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Anywhere with a clear view of York Minster is fantastic. Early morning or late afternoon light offers beautiful golden hour shots. Reddit

If the Red Tower is open to the public, interior photography might be permitted. However, the main photographic appeal is the exterior and its integration with the walls. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The York city walls are an absolute must for budget travelers, as walking them is completely free! You get incredible views and a deep sense of history without spending a penny. Pack some water and snacks, and you've got yourself a fantastic half-day activity. Reddit

While the Red Tower itself might have limited interior access, its presence on the walls adds to the historical narrative. Focus on enjoying the panoramic vistas and the architectural remnants of the city's past. It's an experience that truly delivers value.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the York city walls offer a wealth of opportunities. The elevated perspective provides unique angles of York Minster, the rooftops of the Shambles, and the general cityscape. Aim for the 'golden hour' – early morning or late afternoon – for the most dramatic and flattering light. Reddit

Look for interesting architectural details on the walls themselves, and capture the contrast between the ancient fortifications and the modern city. The Red Tower, with its distinct brickwork, can also make for a compelling subject, especially when framed against the sky.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of York's Medieval Walls

York boasts some of the most complete medieval city walls in England, stretching for about 2 miles. Construction began in the 12th century and was significantly enhanced in the late 15th century, notably with the addition of brick towers like the Red Tower. These walls were crucial for the city's defense, serving as a formidable barrier against invaders for centuries. The Red Tower itself, dating back to 1490, is a testament to these later improvements, being the only entirely brick-built tower on the circuit. It originally functioned as a watchtower, providing strategic vantage points for guards. Reddit

Walking these walls today offers a tangible connection to this rich history. You can trace the footsteps of ancient defenders and imagine life in medieval York. While some sections are missing, the preserved parts provide an immersive experience. The information provided at points like the Red Tower helps visitors understand the strategic importance and evolution of these fortifications. It's a journey through time, offering a unique perspective on the city's past. Reddit

Experiencing the City Walls Walk

The walk along the York city walls is a highlight for many visitors, offering a free and accessible way to explore the city. The path provides elevated views of iconic landmarks, including the magnificent York Minster, as well as charming residential areas and the bustling Shambles from above. It's a fantastic way to get your bearings and appreciate the city's layout. Reddit

While the walk is generally enjoyable, it's worth noting that some sections are incomplete, meaning you'll need to descend and ascend at certain points to continue the circuit. Using a map is highly recommended to navigate these breaks smoothly. The experience is best enjoyed during the quieter hours of the morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds and capture the best light for photos. Reddit

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