Clifford's Tower

Kostas★★★★★★★★★★5.06 months ago

Do it! Get in! Enjoy the views and the wonderful staff! Ask any questions, enjoy the self guised tour! Spread some nice smiles! Really great maintenance of the place! You can enjoy the rooftop (bring your coffee, gaze around, make some nice photos and memories)!

Martin Rapier★★★★★★★★★★5.0a month ago

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.

Przemyslaw Kowalski★★★★★★★★★★4.05 months ago

Clifford’s Tower is a fascinating historic landmark and a must-see when visiting York. Built soon after the Norman Conquest in 1068, it was originally a wooden fortress ordered by William the Conqueror to control the city. In the 13th century, King Henry III replaced it with the distinctive four-lobed stone tower that still stands today, making it one of the most unusual castle towers in England. Over the centuries, it served as a royal stronghold, prison, and treasury, playing a key role in maintaining royal authority in northern England. The tower has also witnessed darker moments in history, most notably in 1190, when violence against York’s Jewish community led to a tragic mass death on the castle mound. This event remains an important part of the site’s story and adds depth and reflection to the visit. History truly feels present at every step. The climb to the top of the mound is pleasant and manageable, and once inside, the tower is largely made up of solid stone walls bearing clear signs of its long and turbulent past. In 2022, the site underwent refurbishment and essential conservation works, significantly improving access and interpretation. A new rooftop terrace was added, providing fantastic panoramic views across York, alongside new walkways and areas previously closed to the public. Entrance costs £14, with free entry for English Heritage members. There is parking at the bottom of the tower, though it is quite pricey, making the site ideal for a shorter visit. Located opposite the excellent Castle Museum, Clifford’s Tower offers a compact yet powerful historical experience, surrounded by history at every turn.

Darren Shepherd★★★★★★★★★★3.07 months ago

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.

Lino James★★★★★★★★★★5.03 months ago

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.