On Tour: York, Day 3

Sunday March 8, 2026.

Another morning and another early rise... for me.

Again I went into ninja mode, leaving Emma to sleep as I quietly left the room and made my way into the cool morning air. 

I headed south, along 'Foss Islands Road', before turning onto 'Navigation Road', then along 'Hope Street' until I reached 'George Street'. I entered 'St George's Churchyard' and found Dick Turpin's grave, having not been able to see it from the Necrobus the night before. 

I then meandered my way to 'Clifford's Tower', where the stone remains of the castle contrasted deeply with the green mound, peppered with daffodils, on which it stood. Unlike Saturday morning, there were people already exploring the area, so I headed for the 'Postern Gate' and climbed onto the city walls.

The wall walk brought me along the south of the city. Again, as the gatehouses are closed to the public, I was forced to drop down to the street, at 'Fishergate Bar', and cross the road to rejoin the wall on the other side of the gate. Here the city wall continued eastward along the south of the city. Eventually the wall began to turn northward, marking out the eastern edge of the city, which brought me to 'Walmgate Bar'. This is the most complete of the gateways through the city wall. Down to street level, across the road and up the other side and I was soon heading north. Much of this area of the wall lacked a metal barrier on the inner side, which caused me to 'hug' the wall to allow others to pass.

Eventually I reached the end of the wall, at the 'Red Tower'. This tower was built in 1490 and was used as a watchtower. This is where the city wall ends as this area was a natural water defence which became marshland in the 17th century. The wall begins again at 'Layerthorpe Bridge'.

From here I rejoined 'Foss Islands Road' and returned to the hotel, ready for a hearty breakfast.

Following breakfast Emma and I headed back to our room, before heading back into the city at lunchtime. We walked the city wall as far as Monk Bar, where we descended the steps to 'Goodramgate', where we perused some of the charity shops as we made our way towards the Minster. 

We followed streets, some now familiar and others not so, stopping at various places. We revisited 'Shambles Market' and 'King's Square', before heading along less familiar roads, like 'Coppergate' and 'Castlegate', crossing the River Foss via various bridges. Coffee was brought and drunk, and more gifts for family and friends were bought.

Dinner was taken at the 'York Roast Company', where we each had a roast dinner wrapped in a giant Yorkshire pudding. It was absolutely delicious. Eventually we found ourselves on 'Hope Street', which we followed to 'Navigation Road' then 'Foss Islands Road', which brought us back to the hotel.

We then settled for the evening, wanting to be refreshed for the long day ahead.