Clifford's Tower
About
The quatrefoil stone keep of York Castle, alone on its Norman motte above the Eye of York, and the city's most recognisable silhouette after the Minster. The tower carries heavy history lightly signposted: it was the site of the 1190 massacre and mass suicide of York's Jewish community, commemorated at the base of the mound, and was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. An English Heritage renovation added a free-standing timber deck inside the shell, so you can now walk at wall-top level and out onto the roof for a 360-degree view over the city. Managed by English Heritage; booking online in advance is cheaper than the door.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓360-degree roof-deck view over the city to the Minster
- ✓The 13th-century quatrefoil keep, unique in England
- ✓The memorial to the 1190 massacre of York's Jewish community
Tips
- →Book online in advance for a discount; same-day tickets cost full price and last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
- →The climb up the motte steps is steep and exposed; there is no step-free access to the tower itself.
- →Combine with the Castle Museum and Jorvik, both a couple of minutes' walk away.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
York Minster
Northern Europe's largest Gothic cathedral: medieval glass, Roman undercroft, and a 275-step tower climb. Children free with a paying adult.
The Shambles & Shambles Market
The famous overhanging medieval butchers' street, plus the daily 75-stall Shambles Market and its street-food court next door.
National Railway Museum
The world's leading railway museum, free to enter: Mallard, a Shinkansen and royal carriages, ten minutes behind the station.