Walmgate Bar
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Walmgate Bar

4.7
·195 reviews·, United Kingdom

Walmgate Bar: A medieval gatehouse with a unique coffee house inside, offering a blend of history, defense, and refreshments.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Walmgate Bar

Walmgate Bar

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Walmgate Bar: A medieval gatehouse with a unique coffee house inside, offering a blend of history, defense, and refreshments.

4.7
(195 reviews)

"Enjoy a flat white with this much history and views."

Vertical photo
TIP

☕ Coffee & Cake Break

Don't miss the cafe inside! Enjoy a flat white with incredible history and views. The chocolate Rocky Road is a must-try!

🚶 Walk the Walls

Walmgate Bar is a great spot to access the York City Walls. Consider the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section for the most impressive views.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Barbican & Portcullis

The Barbican & Portcullis

Inside Walmgate Bar

Step inside to see the original portcullis and the Barbican, where attackers were once trapped. A truly unique historical feature.

Historic Coffee House

Historic Coffee House

Inside Walmgate Bar

Enjoy a coffee and cake within the medieval walls. A quaint and quirky spot with comfortable seating and a unique atmosphere.

Musket Ball Holes

Musket Ball Holes

Exterior walls

Look closely at the exterior walls for musket ball holes, a grim reminder of past conflicts. A tangible piece of history.

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History Meets Coffee

Walmgate Bar offers a unique blend of medieval history and modern comfort. Explore the Barbican and portcullis, then relax with a coffee and cake inside the historic walls. It's a fascinating glimpse into York's past.

Best Views on the Walls

For the most impressive views along the York City Walls, the stretch between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar is highly recommended by locals and visitors alike. Walmgate Bar offers a quieter, yet still historically rich, experience.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Enjoy history before peak crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Walmgate Bar. City walls are rare in the UK, but barbicans are even rarer - this is the last surviving one. It dates from the 12th century and was attacked in two sieges. The Minster in the background shows how far the walls run. Photographed yesterday, traffic lights photoshopped out.

☕ Coffee & Cake Break

Don't miss the cafe inside! Enjoy a flat white with incredible history and views. The chocolate Rocky Road is a must-try! Reddit+1

🚶 Walk the Walls

Walmgate Bar is a great spot to access the York City Walls. Consider the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section for the most impressive views. Reddit

reddit.com

If I can only do one, which section of the York City Walls Trail offers the most impressive views?

🔍 Look for History

Keep an eye out for musket ball holes on the outer walls – a fascinating, albeit grim, historical detail. Reddit

💰 Reasonable Prices

The cafe offers reasonably priced refreshments, making it a great spot to rest during your city wall exploration. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

☕ Coffee & Cake Break

Don't miss the cafe inside! Enjoy a flat white with incredible history and views. The chocolate Rocky Road is a must-try! Reddit+1

🚶 Walk the Walls

Walmgate Bar is a great spot to access the York City Walls. Consider the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section for the most impressive views. Reddit

🔍 Look for History

Keep an eye out for musket ball holes on the outer walls – a fascinating, albeit grim, historical detail. Reddit

💰 Reasonable Prices

The cafe offers reasonably priced refreshments, making it a great spot to rest during your city wall exploration. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(195 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Walmgate Bar is praised as a wonderful blend of history and modern comfort, with visitors loving the unique experience of enjoying coffee inside medieval walls. The historical features like the Barbican and portcullis are highlights, though some find other wall sections offer more dramatic views.

"The coffee shop is a must visit, and overall a wonderful bit of history. Go inside to view the original portcullis and walk along the Barbican where attackers were actually trapped! Incredible really."

Joseph Newman

"Great find whilst walking the walls around York, reasonably priced cafe with comfortable seating and on a fine day a unique opportunity to sit outside within the medieval walls."

Alan Wilson

"A great piece of English heritage and a coffee house to boot. Quaint and quirky with good tea and coffee plus a selection of excellent cakes. Well worth a visit. Look out for the musket ball holes on the wall outside and contemplate whom came to meet their maker in the last Barbican in the country. It might sound a tad grisly but the chocolate Rocky Road more than sweetens the thoughts."

Richard Barnes

What People Like

Unique historical setting
Quaint coffee house
Barbican and portcullis

What People Dislike

Less impressive views than other sections

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Walmgate Bar is easily accessible on foot as part of the York City Walls trail. It's located on the eastern side of the city, a short walk from the city center. You can also reach it via local bus routes that stop nearby.

Yes, Walmgate Bar is an integral part of the York City Walls. You can walk along the walls to reach it or use it as an access point to start or continue your walk. Reddit

Parking near Walmgate Bar can be challenging due to its central location. Several city center car parks are available, such as the Fossgate Car Park or the Coppergate Shopping Centre Car Park, both within a short walking distance.

Access to the interior of the coffee house is generally accessible. However, accessing the city walls themselves from Walmgate Bar might involve stairs, which could be a challenge for wheelchair users. It's best to check specific access points.

Combine a walk along the historic city walls with a visit to the unique coffee house inside. It offers a chance to see historical features and enjoy refreshments. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no entry fee to walk on the York City Walls or to visit the exterior of Walmgate Bar. The coffee house inside operates independently and you only pay for what you order. Reddit

The York City Walls are generally accessible during daylight hours. The coffee house inside Walmgate Bar has its own operating hours, typically aligning with standard cafe times, but it's advisable to check their specific schedule.

No, there is no separate admission fee to view the Barbican and the original portcullis within Walmgate Bar. These historical features are part of the accessible structure. Reddit

Many guided tours of the York City Walls include Walmgate Bar. It's worth checking with local tour operators for options that best suit your interests and schedule.

Discounts for the cafe are not typically advertised. However, the prices are generally considered reasonable for the unique historical setting. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see the original portcullis, the Barbican (a defensive structure where attackers were trapped), and musket ball holes on the exterior walls. It's a significant piece of English heritage. Reddit

The coffee house is described as quaint and quirky, offering comfortable seating within the medieval walls. It provides a unique atmosphere for enjoying refreshments. Reddit

Yes, Walmgate Bar offers excellent photo opportunities, both of the historical architecture and the views from the city walls. The interior of the coffee house also provides a unique backdrop. Reddit

Walmgate Bar is generally less crowded than some other sections of the York City Walls, offering a more relaxed experience. However, it can get busier during peak tourist seasons. Reddit

From Walmgate Bar, you can enjoy views over parts of the city and the surrounding walls. For the most impressive panoramic views, consider walking the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The coffee house offers a selection of good tea and coffee, along with excellent cakes. Popular items include the chocolate Rocky Road. Reddit

Yes, the area around Walmgate Bar, particularly Fossgate and Walmgate itself, has a variety of independent cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering diverse dining options.

The coffee house is ideal for a quick snack, coffee, or cake. It's not a full-service restaurant, but a charming spot for refreshments. Reddit

On a fine day, there's an opportunity to sit outside within the medieval walls, offering a unique dining experience. Reddit

The coffee shop is described as reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality and the unique historical setting. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the imposing structure of the Barbican and portcullis, the charming interior of the coffee house, and the views from the city walls. Don't forget to look for the musket ball holes! Reddit+1

Absolutely. The well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Barbican and portcullis, makes it a prime location for historical photography enthusiasts. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful on the walls.

Yes, visitors often take photos inside the coffee house to capture its unique, historic ambiance. Be mindful of other patrons. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Walmgate Bar or on the city walls. However, commercial photography may require permission.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Walmgate Bar offers a fun and educational experience for families. Kids can be fascinated by the idea of the Barbican and the portcullis, imagining knights and battles. The coffee house provides a welcome spot for a treat after exploring the walls. Reddit

Walking the city walls is an adventure in itself, offering a safe and elevated path for little legs to explore. Encourage them to spot historical details like the musket ball holes. While the walls offer great views, ensure close supervision of children, especially near edges. The cafe is a good place for a break and a snack, making the historical outing more enjoyable for everyone.

🚶 Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, Walmgate Bar is a perfect spot to immerse yourself in history at your own pace. You can leisurely explore the Barbican and portcullis, then enjoy a quiet coffee and cake while reflecting on the city's past. Reddit+1

It's also a great starting or ending point for walking the York City Walls. You can easily connect with other parts of the wall circuit and enjoy the panoramic views without feeling rushed. The friendly atmosphere of the coffee house might even lead to a brief chat with locals or fellow travelers.

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find Walmgate Bar a treasure trove. The intact Barbican and portcullis are rare surviving examples of medieval defensive architecture. Take time to examine the musket ball holes and imagine the historical events that unfolded here. Reddit

Consider combining your visit with a walk along the entire York City Walls circuit to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's defenses. The coffee house offers a unique opportunity to discuss historical insights over a warm drink, making it a truly enriching experience.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the York City Walls

Walmgate Bar is a fantastic gateway to exploring the historic York City Walls, one of the most complete medieval city walls in England. These walls offer a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to walk above the bustling streets and gain a sense of its historical defenses. While the entire circuit is approximately 2 miles long, you can choose to walk specific sections. For the most visually striking and often recommended views, many travelers suggest the stretch between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar, which offers excellent vistas of York Minster. Reddit

When visiting Walmgate Bar, you can easily join the walls and head in either direction. Walking east will take you towards Merchant Adventurers' Hall and the River Ouse, while heading west will lead you towards the Micklegate Bar. Each section offers its own charm and historical points of interest. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, and be aware that some sections may have stairs, which could be a consideration for those with mobility issues. Reddit

Beyond the visual appeal, walking the walls provides a tangible connection to York's past. Imagine the sentries on duty, the sieges endured, and the centuries of history that have unfolded below. It's an immersive experience that brings the city's rich heritage to life, making Walmgate Bar a key point of interest for any history enthusiast or casual visitor alike.

The Unique Charm of the Walmgate Bar Coffee House

What sets Walmgate Bar apart from other historical sites is the presence of a charming coffee house nestled within its ancient structure. This isn't just a place to grab a quick coffee; it's an experience. Visitors rave about the opportunity to enjoy a modern beverage like a flat white while surrounded by centuries of history. The atmosphere is described as quaint and quirky, offering a comfortable respite from exploring the city walls. Reddit+1

The coffee house is particularly noted for its excellent cakes, with the chocolate Rocky Road often highlighted as a must-try. It provides a unique setting for a break, allowing you to soak in the ambiance and contemplate the historical significance of your surroundings. On a pleasant day, you can even enjoy your refreshments outside, right within the medieval walls, making for a truly memorable moment. Reddit

This integration of a contemporary amenity within a historical monument creates a delightful contrast. It makes the history of Walmgate Bar more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors, proving that you don't have to sacrifice comfort for a deep dive into the past. It’s a perfect example of how historical sites can be preserved and enjoyed in the modern era.

Historical Significance of Walmgate Bar

Walmgate Bar is one of the four main bars (gates) of the medieval city walls of York and holds particular historical importance. It is the only one of York's bars to retain its barbican, a fortified outer work designed to protect the main gate. This barbican, along with the original portcullis still visible inside, offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval defensive architecture. Reddit

The bar also bears the marks of history in the form of musket ball holes on its exterior walls, remnants from conflicts past. These small details serve as powerful reminders of the bar's role in defending the city. The fact that it's described as the 'last Barbican in the country' adds to its unique historical standing. Reddit

Beyond its military history, Walmgate Bar represents a significant piece of English heritage. Its preservation allows visitors to connect with the past in a very tangible way, understanding the strategic importance of such structures in medieval times. The blend of its historical function and its current use as a gateway to the city walls and a home for a coffee house makes it a multifaceted and compelling attraction.

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