York City Wall Tour (Self Guided), York

Known variously as the York City Walls, Bar Walls, or the Roman Walls (although very little of the extant stonework has remained since Roman times) are the historic monument encircling the Old Town of York.

The surviving portion of the town wall – 3.4km (2 miles) – is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen ramparts), the ancient fortification is rather well preserved and offers a nice elevated walk around the city, secured by a tall parapet on one side. Here are its main landmarks:

Victoria Bar – smallest gateway within the wall, opened in 1838.

Micklegate Bar – a four-story gatehouse constructed in the 12th century and inhabited until the 20th century; the upper two floors contained living quarters - now a museum.

Multangular Tower – the western corner of the Roman fortress built in the early 4th century AD; the tower has 10 sides, hence the name "multangular".

Bootham Bar – named in the 12th century as "barram de Bootham", which means “bar at the booths”, after the nearby market booths.

Monk Bar – the tallest and most elaborate of York's surviving medieval gates; derives its name from the monastic community that once lived on the site of the present Minster.

Walmgate Bar – built mostly in the 14th century, with some parts dating from the 12th century; notable for its barbican, the only one surviving on a town's gate in England.

Fishergate Bar – first built circa 1315; restored after burning in a 1489 peasant revolt.

For a closer look at one of York's most remarkable pieces of ancient masonry and to treat yourself to what they call “the best city walk in Britain”, take this self-guided tour!