York Castle

York, United Kingdom

Open to visitors

The interior is normally open, possibly ticketed.

Strollie cannot guarantee access — always check before you travel.

Opening hours: Apr 01-Sep 30 10:00-18:00; Oct 01-Oct 31 10:00-17:00; Nov 01-Mar 31 10:00-16:00
Admission: Ticketed
Phone: +44 1904 646940

From OpenStreetMap — confirm before travelling

Find out more

York Castle is a fortified complex on the north-west side of the River Foss in York, England, built on the orders of William the Conqueror following the Norman conquest in 1068. The initial motte-and-bailey structure was destroyed and rebuilt in 1069 with extensive water defences including a moat and artificial lake. In the mid-thirteenth century, Henry III reconstructed the castle in stone, creating the distinctive keep now known as Clifford's Tower, which features a unique quatrefoil design and was supported by an outer bailey wall and gatehouse. The castle served as a major royal fortification and administrative centre during the Scottish wars (1298–1338), though it gradually declined into military obsolescence by Elizabeth I's reign, becoming increasingly used as a jail for local and political prisoners. After a major explosion in 1684 rendered Clifford's Tower uninhabitable, the complex continued functioning as a prison until 1929. The site now stands as a scheduled monument, preserving nearly nine centuries of military and civil architecture.