Clifford's Tower

The original tower was built after the Norman conquest of York in 1068 - a tumultuous history continued for centuries after.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in York
Shambles
A fourteenth century street with overhanging eaves, some have traced the history back to the 1068 Domesday Book.
St Helen's Square
Named for St Helen's Church located in the square, the area has been a gathering place for locals for nearly three centuries.
River Ouse
The Ouse flows for 60 miles through the city of York and the town of Selby to join the River Aire. The name Ouse is of Celtic origin and is formed from the word 'USA' which means water.
York & Selby Magistrates Court
This building is listed under 'Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas' as amended for its special architectural & historic interest.
Parliament St
Enjoy a stroll down the quaint, shop-lined Parliament Street for a feel of the city of York from days gone by.
York Guildhall
The guildhall began as a meeting house for guilds in the 15th century. It was bombed in a blitz during WWII and was reopened with a new stained glass window after the war.

Related Tours

The Best of York Private Walking Tour: Landmarks & Hidden Gems
Discover the best of York with a private tour guide and learn about the rich history of this walled city that was founded by the ancient Romans and is famed for the huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster. 

On your private walking tour, you will:

  • Walk along the ancient city walls with spectacular views of the York Minster;
  • Enjoy a visit to York Minster, and discover its rich history from its Roman roots to the fires that threatened its existence;
  • See local curiosities, like  the oldest inhabited house in York;
  • Uncover York's very own "Devil", explore King's Square and see the city's very own Roman column, which is over 2000 years old,
  • Walk along The Shambles, York’s famed street - believed to be used as an inspiration in the Harry Potter films;
  • See Clifford's tower, an iconic York landmark, and the largest remaining part of York Castle.

With a history dating back to the ancient Romans, the walled city of York is home to a massive 13th-century Gothic cathedral. The city’s walls form an interesting walkway for both visitors and locals alike. Though the city is compact, each street and historic building is steeped in centuries and even millennia of history. Uncover the magic of York with your private local guide.  

Marvel in the spectacular views of York Minster,  one of northern Europe’s largest cathedrals and an architectural masterpiece that emits a radiating glow over the city. 

Let history continue to unfold before you, as you pass the place where Guy Fawkes was born, now a pub with his namesake. Weaving through the city, you'll discover one of the world’s best-preserved medieval streets as mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Take in the skinny 14th-century alleyways and overhanging timber buildings as you walk down The Shambles street, and stop to admire Clifford's Tower, the largest remains of York's Medieval Castle. 

St Helen's Square is dominated by the grandeur of the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence. Similarly resplendent, Guildhall is located beyond the Mansion House and is an imposing Grade I listed building situated on the River Ouse. 

The tour finishes at The Star Inn, an old engine house that sits on the edge of the Museum Gardens by the River Ouse. Now a lovely restaurant, and your guide's favourite place to eat, it's a real taste of Yorkshire. 
On the Beat: Murders, Crime, and Mystery Private York Walking Tour

The ancient Romans founded the walled city of York which is famous for its 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster. Your private guide on this unique tour is a local Yorkshireman and former York police officer. Learn what it's like to be 'on the beat' in York whilst visiting York Minster, Clifford's Tower and other must-see landmarks.

On your private tour, you will:


  • Start the tour with an overview of York's chilling criminal history;
  • See Clifford's Tower built by William the Conqueror;
  • Hear tales of The Highway Man at Dick Turpin's grave; 
  • Wander down The Shambles, one of the oldest streets in York;
  • Pass by one of England’s most famous tea rooms;
  • Hear about the city’s dark history at St Georges Field, the site of executions in the 1800s.


Your private tour starts opposite Clifford's Tower outside Castle Museum, where the former officer-guide will give you insight into York’s lengthy criminal history, up until the present day. Hear tales of the serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper, the unusual dealings at the York Magistrates Court and the old police station where police officers first started working from in 1892.

Hear about the stories of dark dealings along the River Ouse, as you make your way to Dick Turpin’s grave site. Wander down The Shambles, one of the city’s 14th-century streets, which lent its likeness to several Harry Potter films, including where Harry and his friends hid from the Death eaters.

Your guide will tell you of the abounding mysteries in the city’s sites which have stood for more than 2000 years, one of the world’s oldest police forces and of the city’s oldest inhabited house. Your private tour finishes at Guy Fawkes Inn in High Petergate, a traditional Yorkshire pub which overlooks York Minster.
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