York Minster Circular Walk – 5km Self-Guided City Trail Through Roman Walls and Medieval Streets

Region: Region: York, Yorkshire, England

Places To Stay: York has everything from cosy inns to stylish boutique hotels. Try: Stay in York or browse more Yorkshire Accommodation including The Yorkshire Dales.

Looking for more city walks in England? Try my London Tube Trekking Walks, Oxford City Walk, Bath City Walk or Cambridge City Walk.

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Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in York, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!

This York Minster Circular Walk is a self-guided 5km city loop that explores the best of this beautifully preserved medieval city. With towering gothic cathedrals, timber-framed streets, Roman ruins, and some of England’s finest city walls, York is made for walking, and this route captures it all in a compact, easygoing circuit.

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This is how I find my ‘Flight Tickets‘, Leeds Bradford Airport is the nearest option. York is easily reached by train in under 2 hours from London, and just 25 minutes from Leeds.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start point: York Minster (main entrance)
• Google Maps link: York Minster
• Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
• You can also follow this route on my Outdooractive profile

Hike Profile

• Distance: 3 miles / 5 km (circular)
• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (or longer with sightseeing)
• Highest point: York’s city walls (slightly elevated walkways)
• Difficulty: Easy – mostly flat, paved or cobbled
• Route conditions: City streets, pedestrianised zones, and sections on the historic walls

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Hike Description

Start at the magnificent York Minster, one of Europe’s most impressive cathedrals, then wander through the winding streets of a city shaped by Romans, Vikings, and medieval merchants.

• York Minster – Take in the stunning Gothic façade before heading down High Petergate.
• Bootham Bar – Climb onto the ancient city walls for a scenic elevated stretch with views across the rooftops.
• Monk Bar – Descend to street level and walk towards the historic Shambles district
• The Shambles – One of the UK’s best-preserved medieval shopping streets — crooked, narrow, and full of charm.
• Shambles Market – A great spot to grab street food or local snacks.
• Clifford’s Tower – Loop around to this iconic hilltop ruin for views across the city.
• River Ouse – Follow the riverbank path and cross via Lendal Bridge.
• Museum Gardens – Finish your walk among Roman ruins, the Yorkshire Museum, and the tranquil gardens nearby.

This walk is packed with history, atmosphere, and plenty of great places to stop — from tea rooms and pubs to bookshops and museums. You could do it in 90 minutes or take all day. That’s the beauty of York.

Take your time — pop into museums, walk through streets, yards and gardens, and pause for cake or a pint in one of York’s legendary pubs.

Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in York, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!

York Minster City Centre Walk FAQs

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