Clifford's Tower

Whether you want the freedom to explore Clifford’s Tower—once a prison, royal mint and execution ground—at your own leisure or as part of a guided tour, there are package options to suit most. Flexible travelers may prefer to visit Clifford’s Tower—as well as plenty of other York sights—at their own pace, with hop-on hop-off city tour bus tickets. Alternatively, the convenience of a planned stop at the tower, including arrival by bus, on foot, or by bike, would better suit travelers on tight schedules.

• Be prepared for a climb, as Clifford’s Tower can only be reached by climbing 55 steps. It may not be easily accessible for all.
• Climbing to the top of the mound is free but a fee is charged for access to the tower.
• History-buffs will certainly appreciate stepping back in time at this Norman tower.
• Save money by buying a pass which grants access to numerous sights, including Clifford’s Tower.

You’ll find Clifford’s Tower alongside York Castle Museum and the Crown Court, roughly a mile from York Train Station. For travellers arriving by bus, depart at either the Tower or Clifford Street stops. Those of you driving to Clifford’s Tower will find parking spaces for a fee right next door, although it’s typically a very busy area.

Clifford’s Tower is open from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week and last admissions are 15 minutes before close. Try and avoid the dreariest days for your visit, if possible. Admittedly, it’s a tough ask in the north of England, but the views and castle itself are at their best when the sun is shining.

In the walled city of York—known to the Vikings as Jorvik—there’s no shortage of historic appeal. Make the most of your visit by looping around some of the city’s other key sites while you’re there, such as York Castle Museum, Jorvik Viking Museum, and York Minster. If you’re short on time, consider investing in a package which includes access to all of the above.