Clifford's Tower, York

Schools

Follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror who ordered the building of this mighty fortress mound in 1068. Clifford's Tower was a symbol of his power and today is a lasting remnant of the medieval castle. Let your students experience what life was like in medieval York.

Curriculum Links

  • KS1-3: Local History Study
  • KS1: Children will learn why a castle was built at York, its local significance and how it links with significant national events and individuals
  • KS2: Pupils will learn about a significant local site and how it changed from 1066 onward
  • KS3: The development of church, state and society in medieval Britain 1066-1509
  • The site of Clifford's Tower was a hugely important site throughout the Norman and Plantagenet periods

Free self-led visits

Book a free education trip and lead your own visit in your own way. Let your students climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the panoramic views over the city of York from the wall walk. View the model of the motte and bailey castle, demonstrating what the area around the keep would have looked like after it was rebuilt in stone between the 13th and 16th centuries. We also offer free planning visits for group leaders once you have made a booking. 

BOOK NOW

Plan your visit

We have a range of materials to help support your visit and make school trip planning easy. Download our free Hazard Information Sheets to help you make the most out of your visit.

We also offer free planning visits for group leaders once you have made a booking. Our Education Booking Team are on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: A large car park is located at the bottom of the steps up to the castle. This is operated by the local council and is usually very busy. Charges apply. There are many car parks dotted around the town, and a Park and Ride scheme.
    • TOILETS: There are no toilet facilities on-site. The nearest toilet is a five minute walk to Coppergate Shopping Centre which incurs a small charge. These facilities are not managed by English Heritage.
    • ACCESSIBILITY: The tower has 55 entrance steps and then spiral stairs to the wall walk with uneven surfaces and hazardous walkways. Wheelchair access is very limited. Seating and resting points are dotted around the site. Find out more about accessibility and health & safety.
    • LUNCH: There is no designated lunch space within the site but there are several small parks nearby suitable for picnics. There is no café on-site, however, you will find a vending machine selling hot drinks, sweets and chocolate. 
    • SHOP: A gift shop selling a range of English Heritage gifts can be found on-site. Goody bags are available to pre-order.

  • How to book

    0370 333 0606

  • Education Opening Times

    This site is open every day with the exception of 24 – 26 December and 1 January.

    • 30 March  – 30 September:  10.00 - 18.00
    • 1 October – 4 November: 10.00 - 17.00
    • 5 November – 31 March: 10.00 - 16.00

     

'step into englands story