York Air Walk

Dirty air, clean air, good air, bad air, the moon, the stars and the heavens. Learn how they've all contributed to York's history on the York Air Walk.

The tour begins on Bar Lane, just inside Micklegate Bar. We then step up onto the City Walls to steam our way past the railway station(s). En route we'll learn how floral aromas gave way to the smoky atmosphere of Victorian industry, while discovering that York's air might not have been as bad as first thought.

After descending the walls to cross Lendal Bridge and the River Ouse, we head into the rarefied and exclusive air of Museum Gardens and see how York's past residents helped us view the moon and predict the weather.

Getting back on the City Walls again at Bootham Bar we'll experience the best and worst air that that the Medieval city had to offer as we stroll round to Monk Bar. After returning to street-level, we'll do some historical star gazing at Treasurer's House before finishing at the east end of York Minster where you can admire the heavens themselves.

Suitable for ages 11+.

Please note: The walk follows the City Walls with several sets of steps to ascend and descend, so this walk is not suitable for wheelchair users, people of restricted mobility, or those who are afraid of heights.

The guided walk will start on Bar Lane just inside Micklegate Bar and finish at College Green at the east end of York Minster. It will take 1.5 to 2 hours.

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Host or Publisher York's Hidden History