Clifford's Tower and its collection

Clifford's Tower
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Clifford's Tower played a crucial role in the control of northern England. The tower has a turbulent history, surviving 1,000 years of flood, fire and siege. Its origins were violent: William the Conqueror built the castle for his northern campaign of terror in 1069. At various points in its history, Clifford's Tower became a royal mint, functioned as a prison, gruesomely displayed the bodies of leaders of uprisings, and was even a court.

ENClifford's Tower - English Heritage

History & Anthropology History & Anthropology Castle Medieval art & Early Renaissance art Historic house

Clifford's Tower
Tower Street
YO1 9SA York

Visitor information Clifford's Tower

Opening hours

Monday Closed
Tuesday
10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday
10:00 – 18:00
Thursday
10:00 – 18:00
Friday
10:00 – 18:00
Saturday
10:00 – 18:00
Sunday
10:00 – 18:00

Admission

5 – 17£5.40
18 – 64£9.00
65+£8.10
Family (1 adult, up to 3 children)£14.40
Family (2 adults, up to 3 children)£23.40

Facilities

Museum shop

Location & Map

Tower Street, York

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Clifford's Tower have been found.

Clifford's Tower Reviews

Clifford's Tower has 2 ratings.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    Clifford's Tower, located in York, England, is a significant historical landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. The tower, which is the remaining part of York Castle, stands on a high mound providing panoramic views of York and its surroundings. Many visitors appreciate the opportunity to climb to the top and enjoy the scenic vistas of the city.

    The structure itself is relatively small, which some visitors find disappointing given the entrance fee. However, its compact size allows for a quick visit, making it suitable for those with limited time. The recent renovations have improved accessibility and added informative displays, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

    Inside, there are informative panels that explain the tower's history, including its dark past as a place of persecution and its role in various historical events. Some visitors note that while the information provided is interesting, they would appreciate more detailed exhibits or guided tours to fully understand the site's significance.

    The staff are generally described as friendly and knowledgeable, ready to answer questions and provide additional context. However, accessibility can be an issue for some visitors, as the climb to the top involves steep, narrow stairs which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

    Overall, Clifford's Tower offers a brief but insightful look into York's history. While it may not require an extended visit, it serves as a good starting point for exploring York's historical sites. Visitors often recommend combining it with other nearby attractions for a more comprehensive experience of York's heritage.

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  • ♔
    • 5 May 2017

    For some people just a bunch of old bricks, but for some it's a great place to let your imagination go! Right at the city this great historical tower/castle. Nice place to have a great view of the city.

    Visited on 15 May 2008

  • Aggregated rating

    This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.

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