


Climb this iconic medieval tower for panoramic views of York's historic skyline and explore centuries of Norman history.
Venue Type
Indoor & Outdoor
Typical visit duration
1-3 hours
Booking
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My threes star review is just because i think it's overpriced not because the site itself doesn't have historical value, but is quite small and it won't take long enough to see it, the staff is cool and it's plenty of information inside. It was NOT build by william the conqueror it is indeed erected around 1250 in the same place replacing the original timber built one and it has seen a lot of action through the years, be warned: don't expect nothing special nor beautiful views from the top, the 11£ pounds i paid is just for history geeks like myself.
Clifford tower offers amazing 360 views of York, however I was really disappointed when I got there and found out how expensive the tickets were therefore losing one star. It looks cool and gives you the “old” vibe which York really gives. I recommend to at least visit it and then device if you’d want to enter or not. The hill is quite steep and the stairs, which might be an issue for older people.
Well worth a visit of you are in York. Very interesting history, lovely view across the city from the roof and well presented , although there isn't much you can do with the empty shell of a building. Fairly obviously there are very steep steps , do not accessible and not ideal for small children, especially the spiral staircases.
We recently visited Clifford's Tower in York, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our family trip. I wasn’t sure how much a medieval tower would hold the attention of our five-year-old, but he absolutely loved it. The climb to the top is part of the adventure. The steps are manageable, and once you’re up there, the views across York are genuinely impressive. We spent a good while just pointing out landmarks and letting our son peer over the walls pretending he was guarding a castle. The way the interior walkways are laid out makes it easy to explore at your own pace, and there are plenty of information panels that bring the history to life without feeling overwhelming. What struck me most was the atmosphere. Even on a fairly busy day, it felt calm and open. The staff were friendly and happy to answer questions, which made the experience feel welcoming rather than rushed. It’s not a huge site, but that actually worked perfectly for us as a family — enough to explore and learn, without little legs getting too tired. A real bonus was being able to return in the evening for the light and sound show, which runs until 22 February. Seeing the tower illuminated against the night sky was something special. The projections and audio added a whole new dimension, and our son was completely captivated. It felt magical standing there together, watching the story unfold on the ancient walls. All in all, a brilliant, family-friendly visit and something we’d happily recommend to anyone spending time in York.
Cliffords Tower looks impressive perked up on a hill! For the admission price its probably just as much value to stay outside, walk around and look at it. Inside's a mix of original building with retro fitted stairs, walkways and top floor which is unique. The view from the top is not overwhelming but you get a reasonable view of the surrounding York and Castle Muesum. If you're interested but not interested enough to pay the entry fee there's more than enough photos on the internet available. Depends if you want the experience for yourself or not.
Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026
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This venue was last updated on 28 September 2026
