The Jewish trail York and Clifford Tower

A visit to the historic city of York in Yorkshire, England can leave you overwhelmed with the choice of attractions on offer.

If you have never visited before sifting through what is available can be time consuming. All too soon your visit will have ended and you may have missed some good opportunities.

Already we have detailed shopping in York, especially in the area known as the Shambles, and a visit to the National Railway Museum, NRM, but what about organised walks?

York is a relatively safe and trouble free city. It is not massive. Bear in mind though that some of the cobbled streets are hard on the feet. You should feel safe and comfortable wandering York's old and its modern streets. Organised walks though enable you to get to your destination, gain valuable information and walk about in the added safety of a small group.

Ghost Walks can be fun. There are many such walks tramping around the old town each night. The cost varies as does the route and starting place. Most offer price reduction concessions.
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Clifford Tower, or The Jews Tower, is a well-known landmark in the City of York, and the itinerary of some ghost walks include this place.

However there is a Jewish History Trail which includes Clifford's Tower as well as other places associated with the past Jewish community.

Clifford's Tower is actually the Keep of what was York Castle.

On March 16, 1190, 150 Jews were under siege in the Tower. In an act of collective suicide the Jews set fire to the Tower. The full history of this event and the tower can be read at Wikipedia Here.

The York Jewish trail takes in a Norman house, a Jewish cemetery, synagogue, Jubbergate, a medieval synagogue and Clifford's Tower. Clifford's Tower is visited by many tourists each year. Some simply wander past on their way to the nearby Castle Museum. Others wander up the steps and take photos. It is worth a visit though.

Closed during the off-peak season apart from weekends.

Check out the current opening times and prices on offer by following this link.

[York is a busy tourist attraction most tines of the year. Bear this and school holidays in mind when you plan a visit]