Clifford's Tower

Is it right for my child?

• Ages: English Heritage gives no minimum age. Under 5s go free, and children aged 5 to 17 need a child ticket.
• The climb: children climb 55 steps up the mound, then spiral stairs inside to the roof deck. Three resting places on the mound make the climb easier.
• The view: information panels on the roof deck help you spot York Minster. On a clear day you can see the North York Moors.
• A royal toilet: you can see the medieval garderobe, or toilet, built for King Henry III. English Heritage says it is the only one of its type in England.
• Stories and sounds: audio benches and soundscapes tell the tower’s history. Topics include the Harrying of the North and the fire of 1684.
• Upsetting history: the stories also cover the massacre of the Jews in 1190. Younger children may need a gentle explanation.
• Safety: the sheer drop at the top is fenced. Climbing on the mound’s steep slopes is not allowed, and surfaces may be slippery when wet.

Plan your visit: a parent’s checklist

• Book online by midnight the day before to save up to 15%.
• Book a free infant ticket for any child under 5, if you like.
• Use a toilet before you go. The nearest is a five-minute walk away at Coppergate Shopping Centre.
• Pushchairs are allowed, but English Heritage warns of steep steps. Plan how you will manage a baby on the stairs.
• Arriving by bus, train or bike and buying on the day? Show your ticket or bike helmet for 20% off.
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before closing, as that is the last entry time.

Prices and tickets

Prices change with the season, so the booking calendar shows the price for your date. On 12 November 2026, the calendar put every open day to 31 December 2026 in the same price band, except Boxing Day. Below are the prices it showed for those days, without the optional donation.

• Advance online: adult £8.50, child (5 to 17) £4.25, concession £7.65. A family of 2 adults and up to 3 children is £21.25. A family of 1 adult and up to 3 children is £12.75.
• On the day: adult £10, child £5, concession £9. A family of 2 adults and up to 3 children is £25. A family of 1 adult and up to 3 children is £15.
• Boxing Day, 26 December 2026: the calendar showed higher prices that day, such as adult £9.26 and child £4.59 booked in advance.
• Free: under 5s and English Heritage members. An adult member can bring up to six children under 18 from their family group free.
• Car-free discount: 20% off tickets bought at the site on the day, if you arrive by bus, train or bike.
• All-day tickets: tickets are valid all day. Arrive any time up to last entry, 30 minutes before closing.

Pushchairs, babies and toilets

• No toilets on site. The nearest are a five-minute walk away at Coppergate Shopping Centre. Under its baby changing heading, the facilities page only repeats this toilet note.
• Pushchairs are allowed, but English Heritage warns about the steep steps.
• No dogs, except assistance dogs.
• Uneven ground: some surfaces inside the tower are uneven. The top is generally flat and paved.

Food and drink

English Heritage’s facilities page lists no café at Clifford’s Tower. York city centre is close by, so plan to eat before or after your visit.

Getting there and parking

• Address: Tower Street, York YO1 9SA.
• Car: there is charged public parking at the base of the mound. English Heritage does not manage it. There are other car parks in town and a Park and Ride scheme.
• Traffic: the car park at the base is busy, so hold hands near the cars.
• Blue Badge: holders can park in the council car park.
• Train: York Station is 1 mile away. Bus 3 or 4 runs from Stop RD outside the station.
• Bike: National Cycle Routes 65 and 66 meet in York.

When to visit

On 12 November 2026, the online calendar showed 10am to 4pm daily to 31 December 2026, except 24 and 25 December. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. The calendar showed it closed on 24 and 25 December 2026. It showed 10am to 4pm on Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. On a clear day you can see as far as the North York Moors. English Heritage also suggests looking for savings on weekdays.

Additional needs and disability support

Clifford’s Tower has some support for visitors with sensory and visual needs, but step-free access is not possible.

Frequently asked questions

How many steps are there at Clifford’s Tower?

There are 55 steps up to the tower entrance. Inside, spiral stairs lead up to the roof deck.

Are there toilets at Clifford’s Tower?

No. The nearest toilets are a five-minute walk away at Coppergate Shopping Centre.

Is Clifford’s Tower free for children?

Under 5s are free. On 12 November 2026, the calendar showed child (5 to 17) tickets at £4.25 online in advance or £5 on the day. That covered open days to 31 December 2026, except Boxing Day.

Can you take a pushchair to Clifford’s Tower?

Yes, pushchairs are allowed. English Heritage warns that the steps are steep.

Is Clifford’s Tower open at Christmas?

On 12 November 2026, the calendar showed it closed on 24 and 25 December 2026. It showed 10am to 4pm on Boxing Day, with higher prices that day.

Is Clifford’s Tower wheelchair accessible?

No. English Heritage says the 55 steps and spiral stairs make the tower inaccessible to wheelchair users. It offers a virtual tour online.

Checked on 12 November 2026 against the official English Heritage prices and opening times, facilities, access, directions and things to do pages. Prices and times can change, so check before you travel.