Clifford's Tower, York

CastleNorth YorkshireEnglish Heritage4.3(6,130 on Google)

Book tickets Website

£10.90

non-member

Free

EH members

4.3

on Google

Open

see times

Clifford's Tower is the largest surviving part of York Castle, standing on a steep mound above the city streets. Its interpretation explores the fortress's long history, including the anti-Jewish massacre of 1190 and the fire of 1684, using soundscapes and stories told through imagined historical characters. Inside the roofless stone shell, walkways lead through the building to a timber viewing platform with views across York. A tactile map at the foot of the mound helps explain the castle's place in the city, and resting points break up the climb. Reviewers particularly appreciate the rooftop panorama and helpful staff, while several warn that the steep stairs deserve consideration before buying a ticket. There are 55 steps to the entrance and further stairs inside, with no wheelchair access. There are no toilets in the tower; use city-centre facilities before climbing.

Opening times

Spring & summer hours

Clifford's Tower, York10:00 - 18:00

Opening time details

Open daily 10am-6pm until 24 October, then 10am-4pm from 25 October. Closed 24-25 December; check the official calendar for exceptions.

Last admission is normally 30 minutes before closing. Check the date-specific calendar and any notices before travelling.

EH members enter free with their membership card. National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance booking is optional for ordinary visits and can save up to 15%; events may differ.

There are 55 entrance steps and further stairs to the roof deck, with no wheelchair access or lift. Resting points and tactile interpretation are available. No on-site toilets.

Parking: Charged council parking at the base of the mound; membership does not cover it.

Image: Clifford's Tower viewed from the south, before the recent visitor improvements. Tim Green from Bradford, CC BY 2.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Clifford%27s_Tower_(5259021070).jpg

Dogs at the location: Not allowed. No pet dogs are admitted to the tower. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Dog walks in the grounds: Not allowed. The tower visitor site does not admit pet dogs; the steep mound is not a dog-walking area.

Pricing

Free entry with English Heritage membership

Entry

Non-member prices

Adult

£10.90

Child (5-17)

£5.40

Concession

£10.00

Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)

£27.20

Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)

£16.30

Pricing details

Standard-day walk-up tariff without voluntary donation. Prices vary by date. EH members enter free; National Trust membership alone does not cover admission. Advance online tickets save up to 15%; under-5s enter free. Adult walk-up range: £10.00 off-peak to £12.70 peak.

Standard-day walk-up tariff without voluntary donation; prices vary by date.

Parking

Pay to park

Charged council parking at the base of the mound; membership does not cover it.. Not a Trust car park, so membership does not cover it.

Parking details

Charged council parking at the base of the mound; membership does not cover it.

Council daytime tariff: up to one hour £5 Sunday-Thursday or £5.50 Friday/Saturday/event days; two hours £10/£10.90; three hours £11.50/£13.90. Charges apply 8am-midnight. Blue Badge holders park free. Council redevelopment is planned: check current availability before driving.

For driving directions, use the visitor car park shown by the map pin and follow the signed pedestrian route to the entrance.

Clifford's Tower, York

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