Clifford’s Tower is the most recognisable piece of York’s Norman past and the best short climb in the city for a view. It stands on a steep grassy mound beside the River Foss, a short walk from JORVIK and the York Dungeon, and is cared for by English Heritage. The mound dates back to William the Conqueror, who built wooden castles in York soon after 1066 to hold down the rebellious north. The stone tower you see today is a later replacement, a distinctive quatrefoil keep, shaped like a four-leaf clover, raised in the thirteenth century after the earlier timber castle was destroyed. The name comes from the Clifford family, whose connection with the tower dates from the fourteenth century. The site also carries a sombre history: in 1190 the city’s Jewish community took refuge in the wooden keep during an outbreak of violence, and many died there. The visit explains this story with care alongside the tower’s later life as a garrison, a prison and a ruin. Climbing the steps and the stairs inside brings you out onto the roof, where a platform gives open views of the Minster, the walls and the streets of the old city, and the Vale of York beyond on a clear day.
How to visit
Clifford’s Tower is on Tower Street, YO1 9SA. English Heritage tickets are valid for the whole day, so you can arrive at any time and stay as long as you like within opening hours, and last entry is thirty minutes before closing. Booking online until midnight the day before gives a lower price than buying on the day, and English Heritage members go in free. Opening hours change with the season and the tower can close in bad weather, so check the date you plan to visit before you set off.
What to expect
The climb is a mix of steps up the mound and stairs inside the keep, so it is not suitable for anyone who cannot manage stairs, and the roof can be windy and exposed. Inside, displays and interpretation tell the story of the castle, the Jewish community of medieval York and the tower’s later use, and the guides on site are good at answering questions.
Allow about an hour, a little longer if you want to linger on the roof and photograph the skyline. The area around the mound is part of the old castle precinct, and the neighbouring museum and courtyards make a natural continuation of the visit.
Making the most of it
Go early or late in the day to avoid the busiest hours, bring a windproof layer and pair it with York Castle Museum, the York Dungeon and JORVIK, all within a few minutes’ walk. The tower is a good choice on a clear day, when the rooftop view shows best how the Minster rises above the old city. In winter, plan the climb for the middle of the day, because daylight is short and the stone steps can be slippery after rain or frost.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided climb up a Norman mound and through a thirteenth-century keep to a rooftop viewing platform, with displays on the castle’s history.
Best time
A clear day around midday, or early in the day before the walls and Tower Street fill up.
How long
About an hour including time on the roof.
Tips
Book online the day before for the lower rate, wear sturdy shoes for the steps and bring a windproof layer for the roof.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers and anyone who wants a skyline view of York without climbing the Minster tower.
- Families
- Children enjoy the climb and the roof, though the steps and open edges need close supervision.
- Couples
- A short, atmospheric stop with a rooftop view that works well at the end of a day on the walls.
- Pair with
- York Castle Museum and the York Dungeon, both a few minutes’ walk away.
- Time needed
- One hour.
Good questions
How long does Clifford’s Tower take to visit?+
Allow about an hour, including the climb, the displays inside and some time on the roof for the view.
Is my Clifford’s Tower ticket valid all day?+
Yes, English Heritage tickets are valid for the whole day, so you can arrive at any time within opening hours and stay as long as you like. Last entry is thirty minutes before closing.
Is it cheaper to book Clifford’s Tower online?+
Booking online until midnight the day before gives a lower price than tickets bought on the day, and English Heritage members go in free.
Why is it called Clifford’s Tower?+
The name comes from the Clifford family, linked to the tower from the fourteenth century. The mound itself dates back to the Norman castle built after the Conquest.
Is Clifford’s Tower suitable for wheelchair users?+
The tower involves steps up the mound and a stair climb inside, so access is limited. Contact English Heritage before you visit to ask about what is possible.
