Walking around the ancient walls in York is one of our favourite things to do with our kids. Seeing the city from this elevated perspective, away from the busy streets, is just wonderful at any time of year.
You can do the full 2-mile circular walk or you can choose to do just a section (we like the one from Monk Bar to Bootham best as it takes you all around the back of the Minster and Dean’s Park), depending on how little your children’s legs are! The most perilous areas are made safe with railings, although it’s worth noting that some areas are still exposed. There is currently a one-way system in place, so you don’t have to worry about getting past anyone.
Be sure to take some paper and crayons as at each major Bar (the name for the old gates) there is a bit of historical information along with a ‘City Walls Rubbing Trail’. If you complete the trail, you get a map of the walls as well as some other fun images.
The access to the walls is up ancient stairs and there are many ups and downs, taking you down to street level and back up to the walls, so the walk is, unfortunately, not suitable for wheelchairs or prams. On the walls there are lots of sections with a couple of steps along the way too, so we’d definitely recommend walking or using a sling if you have a little one.
There are lots of fabulous photo opportunities along the way, including the beautiful York Minster backdrop and the four main Bars, plus lots of other twists and turns along the way.
For more information about this walk and lots of other fabulous family friendly walks in York, just visit the York Mumbler Website.
York is a wonderful place for families, with plenty of things to do and lots of activities and events going on! To find out more, check out York Mumbler, a go-to parenting website that has all the information you might need. You can also follow the news page on Facebook, Instagram, or join the York Mumbler Chat Group for local parents and carers.
