Lendal Bridge offers superb views along the River Ouse. It was built to link York's commercial district with the railway station and it opened in 1863.

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Lendal Bridge and the River Ouse, with a variety of boats including canal barges, river cruise boats and a 'coxless pair' rowing boat.

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A tour boat approaching the bridge. Lendal Tower is partially visible to the left. The Guildhall, the former town hall buildings and the tower of St Martin-le-Grand church are partially visible beyond the bridge.

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The combined lodge and east toll house. Note the clock set into the gable end wall (top-left of lodge) and the colourful and ornate bridge parapet (bottom-right).

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The east toll house and lodge, viewed from the opposite bank of the river.

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Ornate ironwork within the eastern (up-river) spandrel. The shield is the coat of arms of the City of York. The overlain V and A refers to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

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Ornate ironwork within the western (up-river) spandrel. The shield is the coat of arms of the Diocese of York. The overlain V and A refers to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

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A colourful composition showing the central lamp posts and some of the adjacent cast iron detailing in the centre of the bridge.

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A close-up of one of the highly detailed lighting units (lamp standards).

As can be seen from the photographs above, the bridge is very ornate and it deserves a two-star rating in its own right. Its third star is earned by the views it affords the visitor:

  • The view downstream is an attractive cityscape, with the Guildhall and its watergate stealing the show.
  • The view upstream has a more rural feel, especially on a sunny day when the trees are in full leaf.
  • During the summer, a steady procession of tour boats, narrow boats, leisure cruisers and rowing sculls adds both colour and interest.
  • During the winter, when the Ouse is in flood, the view in either direction can be both fascinating and terrifying in equal measure. One is forcibly reminded of the power of nature, and of its ability to massively alter the landscape in just a few short hours.

Practical Information

A set of steps links the pavement on the upstream side of the bridge deck (Museum Street) with the Esplanade below (See Image B1 below).

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Lendal Tower (left) and Lendal Bridge (right). Note the set of steps between the two.