Derry City Walls

What You'll Find

If you're exploring Derry/Londonderry with the kids, don't miss a walk around the historic City Walls!

They're one of the most fascinating things to see in the city, and a brilliant way to mix a little history with a family adventure.

Built over 400 years ago, the walls stretch for around a mile around the old city, with amazing views across the rooftops, historic buildings and River Foyle.

And the best part? You can actually walk along the top of them!

The kids will love pretending they're guarding the city, looking out from the old walls and spotting the enormous cannons along the way.

There are seven historic gates to discover, so why not see how many the wee ones can find? It's a lovely way to keep them interested as you explore.

You'll also pass some of the city's most famous landmarks, including St Columb's Cathedral and the beautiful Guildhall nearby.

One of the things I love about the City Walls is that there's always something different to look at. From old buildings and cobbled streets to the views across the city, it's much more interesting for little legs than an ordinary walk!

And there's plenty more to explore once you've finished.

The Guildhall is well worth a visit, with its beautiful stained-glass windows and exhibitions, while the Peace Bridge is another lovely spot for a family walk across the River Foyle.

You'll also find plenty of cafés, shops and places to grab lunch or a little treat around the city centre.

Whether your kids love castles, cannons or simply exploring somewhere different, Derry's City Walls are a brilliant free activity to add to your family day out.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Walking along the top of the historic walls and looking out across the city
• ✓Counting the enormous cannons along the way
• ✓Trying to find all seven historic gates
• ✓Pretending to be lookouts guarding the old city
• ✓Exploring nearby landmarks like the Guildhall and Peace Bridge

Before You Visit

The full circuit is around a mile, but allow extra time for stopping to look at the cannons, gates and views along the way.

There are steps and uneven sections, so the complete wall-top route isn't ideal for buggies or wheelchairs. You can explore parts of the historic city at street level instead.

Some sections are elevated, so keep younger children close, particularly around steps and exposed areas.

The walls can be quite breezy, so bring an extra layer even on a nice day.

If you're visiting with younger children, you don't have to walk the whole circuit. Choose a shorter section and enjoy exploring at their pace.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Turn the walk into a little treasure hunt! See how many cannons and historic gates the kids can spot.
• ⭐Don't rush around the walls. There are some brilliant viewpoints where you can stop and look across the city.
• ⭐Make time for the Guildhall afterwards. It's a beautiful building and well worth a look inside.
• ⭐Take a walk across the Peace Bridge if the wee ones still have energy. It's another lovely way to see the city.
• ⭐Finish off with lunch, an ice cream or a coffee in the city centre. There are plenty of lovely places nearby!