The Secret Castle in York: - How to get there and what to see when you do
You’ve Probably Walked Right Past It
Everyone knows Clifford’s Tower – it’s postcard royalty. But across the river, quietly overlooked for nearly 1,000 years, sits its lesser-known sibling: Baile Hill. Blink and you might miss it – just a mound tucked into the city walls off Skeldergate. But this forgotten bump in the landscape has a story to tell.
Built in the chaos of 1069, after a northern rebellion against William the Conqueror, Baile Hill (or the “Old Baile”) was thrown up in a hurry—part of a brutal military crackdown known as the Harrying of the North. William had already built a wooden castle on the other side of the river (that would later become York Castle and then Clifford’s Tower). To strengthen his grip, he built a second, mirror-image fort here. Just in case.
Like its flashier sibling, Baile Hill followed the classic motte-and-bailey format—big defensive hill, enclosed courtyard below. The motte itself stood around 40 feet high and 180 feet across, surrounded by a deep ditch. A wooden staircase led to a timber keep at the top, fenced in with palisades. The bailey—a flat rectangular courtyard to the northwest—was edged with an earth rampart and another outer ditch.
The two castles were meant to work together, covering both sides of the River Ouse like a medieval pincer movement. But only one went on to become a symbol of York. The other faded fast.
The one time it did see action? 1644. During the English Civil War, Royalists used Baile Hill as a gun emplacement during the siege of York. After that, it went back to being a quiet corner of the city used for archery, cattle, and the occasional dog walk.
Where you will find it
Today, Baile Hill still rises quietly near the junction of Baile Hill Terrace and Cromwell Road. If you look closely, you’ll spot two gentle dips in the ramparts—ghost marks of the original ditch—one right next to the hill, and one closer to Victoria Bar. The rest of the Old Baile lies beneath Victorian terrace houses, built in the 1880s.
While You’re There…..
Follow the city wall trail and you’ll soon hit Bitchdaughter Tower—a circular stone room once used as the King’s prison. Its odd name comes from the French “Biche dortoir,” which loosely means “wild animal dormitory.” Exposed to the elements but surprisingly posh for a prison, it even had a fireplace.
Go a little further, and you’ll spot a chess board etched into a paving stone—believed to be salvaged from the old debtor’s prison yard. It’s still perfectly playable if you’ve got the time (and brought your own pieces).
Baile Hill might be overshadowed by Clifford’s Tower—but it was here first. It’s quieter, rougher around the edges, and full of unassuming charm. A gentle giant of York’s storybook skyline, waiting patiently for someone to finally stop and listen and as always, if you are going to pay it a visit and need a place to stay then just visit our website www.houseofyork.org and book:
- one of our homes for up to six people
- two of our homes for up to 12 people
- or all three together for up to 18 people
Rather conveniently, all our houses are next door to each other!
Want to read more for your next visit to York?
Then download a free copy of our book York Local Knowledge Must-do Top Tens & the vouchers to get them for less where you will discover the historic UK city of York like a local with tips, top tens, and guidance on where to find the best discounts and vouchers, so you can experience it all without breaking the bank!
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This isn’t your average guidebook—it’s a laugh-out-loud, down-to-earth companion, packed with top-ten lists covering everything from essential attractions and hidden gems to entertainment, dining spots, walks, tours, festivals, and shopping, all enriched with a local’s insider knowledge.
With insights, amusing anecdotes, and a sprinkling of puns and dad jokes, Alistair’s love letter to York will help you see the city in a whole new way. Grab a copy and start planning the York adventure you didn’t know you were missing!
With over 240 pages, this guide is ideal for families and groups of friends planning a trip to York and includes:
Up-to-date information on everything in the ever-changing city of York—this is the 2025 edition.
Top ten lists of York’s best tourist attractions, entertainment spots, food and drink, walks, tours, festivals, and independent shops.
Beautiful photography accompanying every recommendation.
Answers to visitors’ top questions, from “Where’s the best place for ice cream?” to “Where can I find a great takeaway curry?”
Recommendations on where locals go for up-to-date information about York.
The best places to stay, from five-star hotels to holiday homes and houseboats.
Details on where to find discounts and vouchers for York restaurants, attractions, and experiences.
Want to hear a great podcast about York?
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Just search your podcast app for York Must Do Top 10s or click on this link for the show on apple podcast here
Book one of our Holiday Homes for your next trip to York
Are you looking for a great place to stay for your next trip to York. All 3 of our holiday homes are next door to each other which means you can hire them individually for up to 6 people or together for up to 12 (107 & 109 together) or even 18 people (Spencer House & 107 & 109 together).
To check availability and book just visit www.houseofyork.org
We pride ourselves on being couples and family friendly and we try to take any of the stress out of your stay so you can focus on enjoying yourselves and magnificent York.