Baile Hill
A quiet historical mound and accessible city wall walk offering glimpses of York's past and a grand view of the Minster.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Baile Hill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful stroll
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quiet historical mound and accessible city wall walk offering glimpses of York's past and a grand view of the Minster.
"Nice bit of history but not a lot to see here, unless you want an extended walk around the castlated wall."
🚶♀️ Manageable Walk
This wall section has minimal climbing, ideal for those with walking difficulties. :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Download Audio Guide
Get a self-audio app before you start for a richer historical experience. :iphone:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic City Wall Walk
South-West side of York
Stroll along a section of York's ancient city walls, passing historical houses and enjoying views of the Minster.
Baile Hill Mound
Original castle bailey site
Explore the tree-covered mound that was once part of a Norman castle, with informative panels detailing its history.
Views of York Minster
Towards the end of the wall walk
Catch a grand view of the iconic York Minster as you approach the end of this scenic city wall section.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Manageable Walk
This wall section has minimal climbing, ideal for those with walking difficulties. :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Download Audio Guide
Get a self-audio app before you start for a richer historical experience. :iphone:
📸 Allow Ample Time
Dedicate an hour to fully enjoy the walk, photos, and stunning views. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking is mostly permit-only; find a side street for short free parking. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Manageable Walk
This wall section has minimal climbing, ideal for those with walking difficulties. :athletic_shoe:
🎧 Download Audio Guide
Get a self-audio app before you start for a richer historical experience. :iphone:
📸 Allow Ample Time
Dedicate an hour to fully enjoy the walk, photos, and stunning views. :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Challenges
Street parking is mostly permit-only; find a side street for short free parking. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Baile Hill is a lesser-known historical gem, appreciated for its accessible city wall walk and informative panels. Visitors enjoy the manageable terrain and the eventual stunning view of York Minster. However, limited parking and the site's understated nature mean it's best for a brief, focused visit rather than a major attraction.
"Baile Hill to City Wall Bench Trail.
There are 3 main walls left in York and this is the walk from Baile Hill towards City Wall Bench and it is located at the South-West side of York city. If you are headed in this direction, you will have the city on your right-hand side. You will walk pass historical houses, the train station, the grand York hotel and towards the end, you will have a grand view of the York Minster ⛪️in front of you.
This was built a long time ago in early Middle Ages and was designed to be part of the Clifford Tower. (That’s why it is so close to the tower.) It is supposed to form a defense surrounding the castle but with so much history, the Romans 🏛️and Vikings 🛡️and Middle Ages 🪓, this wall has seen it all. It has served Archbishops (as they were often put in-charge of the wall) for centuries.
There are a few things to look out for during this trail walk.
1. History
2. Mixed materials used in construction.
3. Historical buildings along the way
4. Beautiful trees and flowers
5. A view to behold.
I will say a leisure walk take 30mins? 🕑 But of you want to enjoy this fully, then an hour for a normal fit person inclusive of taking pictures 📸 and stopping to take in the view.
Pro Tip : This wall has minimum climbing as compared to the other 2 walls. It would be more manageable for people with walking difficulties 🥾. Also, download the self audio app at the start before you start walking.
#yorkwall"
Ivan Michael Pung
"One of two motte and bailey castles built by William I in York 1068-69 after the townspeople turned rebellious. Both were burnt down and then rebuilt by William before he went on a rampage harrying the North. York did not need two castles after this and Baile Hill was abandoned in favour of the other castle over the river, this one is often missed by tourists."
stephen mudie
"Nice bit of history but not a lot to see here, street parking is restricted mainly to permit holders, we found a side street with 10 minutes free & that was enough for a quick look which was enough unless you want an extended walk around the castlated wall."
Jon Wilde
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Baile Hill is located on the south-west side of York city. While street parking is restricted, it's accessible by foot as part of the city wall walk. Consider public transport or walking from the city center.
Street parking near Baile Hill is largely restricted to permit holders. You might find short-term free parking on a side street, but it's advisable to plan for alternative transport.
Yes, Baile Hill is a walkable distance from York city center and is a key point on the city wall trail. It's a pleasant walk that takes you past historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Baile Hill itself is a historical site with information panels, and access to the surrounding wall walk is generally free. No tickets are required for a casual visit.
As an outdoor historical site and part of the city walls, Baile Hill is accessible at all reasonable hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No, the walk along the city walls that includes Baile Hill is free to access. Enjoy the historical insights and views without any charge.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Baile Hill, you'll find a tree-covered mound that was once a castle bailey, with information panels detailing its history. It's also a starting point for a scenic city wall walk.
The Baile Hill section of the city wall walk is noted for having minimal climbing, making it more manageable for most visitors, including those with walking difficulties.
A leisurely walk taking in the sights and photos can take about an hour. A quicker walk might take around 30 minutes.
Information panels are provided at Baile Hill to educate visitors about the site's history. Specific facilities like restrooms are not typically mentioned for this particular spot.
Baile Hill has a rich history, having served Romans, Vikings, and the Middle Ages. It was originally built by William I in the 11th century as part of a Norman castle.
📸 📸 Photography
The walk offers views of historical houses, the train station, and the grand York Minster. The tree-covered mound itself also presents a picturesque scene.
Late afternoon can offer beautiful golden hour light, especially for capturing the York Minster in the distance. Weekday mornings provide a quieter setting for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific play areas, the open space and the historical narrative can be engaging. Pack snacks and water, and consider the audio guide to make the historical aspects more interactive for children. The rewarding view of York Minster at the end is a great motivator.
🚶♀️ Mobility-Conscious Travelers
The path is relatively smooth and offers a manageable walking experience. The historical information panels provide context without requiring strenuous activity. The payoff of seeing the York Minster from this vantage point makes it a worthwhile and accessible excursion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Baile Hill
Over centuries, the site has witnessed the influence of Romans, Vikings, and various medieval periods. It served as part of the castle's defense and was overseen by Archbishops. The information panels at the site provide visitors with insights into this layered history, highlighting its strategic importance and the diverse cultures that shaped it.
Today, Baile Hill is primarily a tree-covered mound, a quiet reminder of its formidable past. It's a waypoint on the York city wall walk, offering a glimpse into the city's extensive historical defenses and the evolution of its landscape.
Navigating the City Wall Walk from Baile Hill
As you walk, the city of York unfolds to your right. The path leads you past charming historical houses, the bustling train station, and the grand York hotel. The journey culminates in a spectacular, unobstructed view of the magnificent York Minster, a truly rewarding sight for any walker.
To enhance the experience, it's recommended to download a self-audio app before you begin. This will provide historical context and interesting facts as you traverse the path, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the history and scenery. Allow at least an hour to enjoy this walk at a relaxed pace, including time for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit