
Walmgate Bar
Walmgate Bar: A medieval gatehouse with a unique coffee house inside, offering a blend of history, defense, and refreshments.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

Walmgate Bar
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walmgate Bar: A medieval gatehouse with a unique coffee house inside, offering a blend of history, defense, and refreshments.
"Enjoy a flat white with this much history and views."

☕ Coffee & Cake Break
Don't miss the cafe inside! Enjoy a flat white with incredible history and views. The chocolate Rocky Road is a must-try!
🚶 Walk the Walls
Walmgate Bar is a great spot to access the York City Walls. Consider the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section for the most impressive views.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Barbican & Portcullis
Inside Walmgate Bar
Step inside to see the original portcullis and the Barbican, where attackers were once trapped. A truly unique historical feature.

Historic Coffee House
Inside Walmgate Bar
Enjoy a coffee and cake within the medieval walls. A quaint and quirky spot with comfortable seating and a unique atmosphere.
Musket Ball Holes
Exterior walls
Look closely at the exterior walls for musket ball holes, a grim reminder of past conflicts. A tangible piece of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
History Meets Coffee
Best Views on the Walls
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walmgate Bar. City walls are rare in the UK, but barbicans are even rarer - this is the last surviving one. It dates from the 12th century and was attacked in two sieges. The Minster in the background shows how far the walls run. Photographed yesterday, traffic lights photoshopped out.
☕ Coffee & Cake Break
Don't miss the cafe inside! Enjoy a flat white with incredible history and views. The chocolate Rocky Road is a must-try!
🚶 Walk the Walls
Walmgate Bar is a great spot to access the York City Walls. Consider the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section for the most impressive views.
If I can only do one, which section of the York City Walls Trail offers the most impressive views?
🔍 Look for History
Keep an eye out for musket ball holes on the outer walls – a fascinating, albeit grim, historical detail.
💰 Reasonable Prices
The cafe offers reasonably priced refreshments, making it a great spot to rest during your city wall exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Coffee & Cake Break
Don't miss the cafe inside! Enjoy a flat white with incredible history and views. The chocolate Rocky Road is a must-try!
🚶 Walk the Walls
Walmgate Bar is a great spot to access the York City Walls. Consider the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section for the most impressive views.
🔍 Look for History
Keep an eye out for musket ball holes on the outer walls – a fascinating, albeit grim, historical detail.
💰 Reasonable Prices
The cafe offers reasonably priced refreshments, making it a great spot to rest during your city wall exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Walmgate Bar is praised as a wonderful blend of history and modern comfort, with visitors loving the unique experience of enjoying coffee inside medieval walls. The historical features like the Barbican and portcullis are highlights, though some find other wall sections offer more dramatic views.
"The coffee shop is a must visit, and overall a wonderful bit of history. Go inside to view the original portcullis and walk along the Barbican where attackers were actually trapped! Incredible really."
Joseph Newman
"Great find whilst walking the walls around York, reasonably priced cafe with comfortable seating and on a fine day a unique opportunity to sit outside within the medieval walls."
Alan Wilson
"A great piece of English heritage and a coffee house to boot. Quaint and quirky with good tea and coffee plus a selection of excellent cakes. Well worth a visit. Look out for the musket ball holes on the wall outside and contemplate whom came to meet their maker in the last Barbican in the country. It might sound a tad grisly but the chocolate Rocky Road more than sweetens the thoughts."
Richard Barnes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Walmgate Bar is easily accessible on foot as part of the York City Walls trail. It's located on the eastern side of the city, a short walk from the city center. You can also reach it via local bus routes that stop nearby.
Yes, Walmgate Bar is an integral part of the York City Walls. You can walk along the walls to reach it or use it as an access point to start or continue your walk.
Parking near Walmgate Bar can be challenging due to its central location. Several city center car parks are available, such as the Fossgate Car Park or the Coppergate Shopping Centre Car Park, both within a short walking distance.
Access to the interior of the coffee house is generally accessible. However, accessing the city walls themselves from Walmgate Bar might involve stairs, which could be a challenge for wheelchair users. It's best to check specific access points.
Combine a walk along the historic city walls with a visit to the unique coffee house inside. It offers a chance to see historical features and enjoy refreshments.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to walk on the York City Walls or to visit the exterior of Walmgate Bar. The coffee house inside operates independently and you only pay for what you order.
The York City Walls are generally accessible during daylight hours. The coffee house inside Walmgate Bar has its own operating hours, typically aligning with standard cafe times, but it's advisable to check their specific schedule.
No, there is no separate admission fee to view the Barbican and the original portcullis within Walmgate Bar. These historical features are part of the accessible structure.
Many guided tours of the York City Walls include Walmgate Bar. It's worth checking with local tour operators for options that best suit your interests and schedule.
Discounts for the cafe are not typically advertised. However, the prices are generally considered reasonable for the unique historical setting.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the original portcullis, the Barbican (a defensive structure where attackers were trapped), and musket ball holes on the exterior walls. It's a significant piece of English heritage.
The coffee house is described as quaint and quirky, offering comfortable seating within the medieval walls. It provides a unique atmosphere for enjoying refreshments.
Yes, Walmgate Bar offers excellent photo opportunities, both of the historical architecture and the views from the city walls. The interior of the coffee house also provides a unique backdrop.
Walmgate Bar is generally less crowded than some other sections of the York City Walls, offering a more relaxed experience. However, it can get busier during peak tourist seasons.
From Walmgate Bar, you can enjoy views over parts of the city and the surrounding walls. For the most impressive panoramic views, consider walking the Monk Bar to Bootham Bar section.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The coffee house offers a selection of good tea and coffee, along with excellent cakes. Popular items include the chocolate Rocky Road.
Yes, the area around Walmgate Bar, particularly Fossgate and Walmgate itself, has a variety of independent cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering diverse dining options.
The coffee house is ideal for a quick snack, coffee, or cake. It's not a full-service restaurant, but a charming spot for refreshments.
On a fine day, there's an opportunity to sit outside within the medieval walls, offering a unique dining experience.
The coffee shop is described as reasonably priced, offering good value for the quality and the unique historical setting.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the imposing structure of the Barbican and portcullis, the charming interior of the coffee house, and the views from the city walls. Don't forget to look for the musket ball holes!
Absolutely. The well-preserved medieval architecture, including the Barbican and portcullis, makes it a prime location for historical photography enthusiasts.
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light and fewer crowds, enhancing photographic opportunities. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful on the walls.
Yes, visitors often take photos inside the coffee house to capture its unique, historic ambiance. Be mindful of other patrons.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Walmgate Bar or on the city walls. However, commercial photography may require permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Walking the city walls is an adventure in itself, offering a safe and elevated path for little legs to explore. Encourage them to spot historical details like the musket ball holes. While the walls offer great views, ensure close supervision of children, especially near edges. The cafe is a good place for a break and a snack, making the historical outing more enjoyable for everyone.
🚶 Solo Travelers
It's also a great starting or ending point for walking the York City Walls. You can easily connect with other parts of the wall circuit and enjoy the panoramic views without feeling rushed. The friendly atmosphere of the coffee house might even lead to a brief chat with locals or fellow travelers.
🏛️ History Buffs
Consider combining your visit with a walk along the entire York City Walls circuit to gain a comprehensive understanding of the city's defenses. The coffee house offers a unique opportunity to discuss historical insights over a warm drink, making it a truly enriching experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the York City Walls
When visiting Walmgate Bar, you can easily join the walls and head in either direction. Walking east will take you towards Merchant Adventurers' Hall and the River Ouse, while heading west will lead you towards the Micklegate Bar. Each section offers its own charm and historical points of interest. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, and be aware that some sections may have stairs, which could be a consideration for those with mobility issues.
Beyond the visual appeal, walking the walls provides a tangible connection to York's past. Imagine the sentries on duty, the sieges endured, and the centuries of history that have unfolded below. It's an immersive experience that brings the city's rich heritage to life, making Walmgate Bar a key point of interest for any history enthusiast or casual visitor alike.
The Unique Charm of the Walmgate Bar Coffee House
The coffee house is particularly noted for its excellent cakes, with the chocolate Rocky Road often highlighted as a must-try. It provides a unique setting for a break, allowing you to soak in the ambiance and contemplate the historical significance of your surroundings. On a pleasant day, you can even enjoy your refreshments outside, right within the medieval walls, making for a truly memorable moment.
This integration of a contemporary amenity within a historical monument creates a delightful contrast. It makes the history of Walmgate Bar more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors, proving that you don't have to sacrifice comfort for a deep dive into the past. It’s a perfect example of how historical sites can be preserved and enjoyed in the modern era.
Historical Significance of Walmgate Bar
The bar also bears the marks of history in the form of musket ball holes on its exterior walls, remnants from conflicts past. These small details serve as powerful reminders of the bar's role in defending the city. The fact that it's described as the 'last Barbican in the country' adds to its unique historical standing.
Beyond its military history, Walmgate Bar represents a significant piece of English heritage. Its preservation allows visitors to connect with the past in a very tangible way, understanding the strategic importance of such structures in medieval times. The blend of its historical function and its current use as a gateway to the city walls and a home for a coffee house makes it a multifaceted and compelling attraction.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit