Walking tours in York bring England’s richest medieval history right to your feet. The most worthwhile tours focus on key landmarks like York Minster cathedral, the medieval Shambles street, and the historic Clifford’s Tower. My favorite options are the private guided walks – they’re intimate and packed with insider stories you won’t find in guidebooks. Ghost tours after dark are especially memorable, while the witch history tours offer fascinating insights into the city’s darker past.
These tours typically run 2-3 hours, with easy walking routes suitable for most visitors. Guides are well-versed in local history and happy to adapt the pace to your group’s needs. Most tours allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Let’s explore the top historical tours that showcase the best of York’s 2,000-year heritage.
Key Points
- Private historical walking tours in York offer knowledgeable guides, flexibility, and accessibility, with high customer ratings and recommendations.
- Themed walking tours cover diverse topics like witchcraft, ghosts, and local history, providing engaging and immersive experiences.
- Tours range from 70 minutes to 3 hours, accommodating various group sizes and fitness levels, with convenient booking and cancellation policies.
- Key historical sites and themes explored include the York Minster, Shambles, Clifford’s Tower, Roman, Viking, and Gothic legacies, as well as local pub culture.
- Visitors praise the tours for their informative, entertaining, and interactive nature, catering to diverse interests and age groups.
Private Historical Walking Tour of York
The Private Historical Walking Tour of York offers visitors an engaging and immersive journey through the city’s rich past.
With a 4.9-star rating from over 1,300 reviews, the tour is recommended by 97% of travelers. Led by knowledgeable and personable guides, such as Chris Kelly, Sean, Alan, and David, the experience provides in-depth insights into York’s history.
Priced from $182.63 per group of up to 15 people, the tour starts at the iconic York Minster and ends near Clifford’s Tower and the Castle Museum.
Suitable for moderate fitness levels, the tour is wheelchair accessible and operates in all weather conditions, making it a must-do activity for history enthusiasts visiting York.
Read our full review: Private Historical Walking Tour of York Review
Book now: Check availability
York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour
On Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, visitors gather to embark on the captivating York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour.
This 70-minute experience explores the city’s historic sites while delving into the stories of Yorkshire’s infamous witches.
Led by a professional character-guide, the tour takes guests through the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and Shambles Market, bringing to life the secrets of locations like St Crux Church and Petergate.
With a 4.7/5 rating from over 580 reviews, this immersive experience offers an engaging and informative look at York’s witchcraft history.
Visitors should dress appropriately and be prepared to walk, as the tour continues rain or shine.
Read our full review: York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Shadows of York: Award Winning Historical Ghost Walk
York’s Shadows of York: Award Winning Historical Ghost Walk offers an immersive journey through the city’s haunting past.
Recommended for first-time visitors, this guided tour takes travelers through medieval streets and snickelways, sharing captivating stories about York’s spooky history.
With 98% traveler recommendation and over 1,200 positive reviews, the walk is renowned for its engaging guides and entertaining content.
Accommodating up to 36 guests, the experience provides personalized attention and insights beyond independent exploration.
Wheelchair accessible and suitable for most ages, the tour is an ideal introduction to York’s eerie past, with prices starting at €14.70 per person.
Read our full review: Shadows of York: Award Winning Historical Ghost Walk Review
Book now: Check availability
York: History City Tour by J&M
Exploring York’s rich history and architectural marvels, J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Tour offers an immersive 2-hour journey through the captivating past of this ancient city.
Priced from Kč 365 per person, this wheelchair-accessible tour guides visitors through iconic landmarks like York Minster, the Shambles, and Jorvik Viking Centre, unlocking the city’s Celtic, Viking, and Gothic legacies.
Led by enthusiastic guides, the tour promises an engaging experience with opportunities to learn about historical figures and experience the city’s legends.
Bookings can be made now with the option to pay later, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring maximum flexibility.
Read our full review: York: History City Tour by J&M Review
Book now: Check availability
York City Walking Tour – History Chronicles
J & M York City Walking Tours offer a captivating historical chronicle through the heart of this ancient city. Rated 4.5 stars by travelers, their 1.5-hour walking tour covers 3-4 km, showcasing York’s Roman and local landmarks.
With knowledgeable guides, groups of up to 30 can learn about the city’s rich past, from its Roman occupation to the iconic sights. Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour’s free cancellation policy and pay-later options make it an accessible and flexible choice.
Whether a first-time visitor or local, this walking tour provides an informative and enjoyable way to explore York’s storied history.
Read our full review: York City Walking Tour – History Chronicles Review
Book now: Check availability
York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
For history enthusiasts, the York: Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate combines the city’s rich past with its renowned chocolate heritage.
This 75-minute tour, priced from $19.10 per person, is led by a professional character guide who brings York’s infamous history to life. Participants will uncover hidden gems, learn fascinating secrets about landmarks like Bootham Bar and York Minster, and enjoy a handmade chocolate treat from the city’s Chocolate Story.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5, the tour is praised for its engaging, informative, and entertaining nature, even for those familiar with York.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate Review
Book now: Check availability
York Witches and History Walking Tour
The York Witches and History Walking Tour offers a captivating blend of the city’s macabre past and captivating historical landmarks.
Rated with a Badge of Excellence, this 90-minute guided experience takes visitors on a journey through York’s history, with a focus on its rich witch folklore.
Accompanied by unique character guides portraying witches, the tour features well-preserved medieval architecture, including the iconic York Minster.
Suitable for all ages, the tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, praising the knowledgeable and entertaining guides.
Whether you’re interested in York’s witch history or simply seeking a fun, family-friendly activity, this walking tour promises an engaging and informative experience.
Read our full review: York Witches and History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
York: Private Bespoke History Walking Tour
Offering a captivating exploration of York’s 2,000-year history, the Private Bespoke History Walking Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Priced at $152.77 per group, this 3-hour private tour can accommodate up to 30 participants, with a reserve now and pay later option and free cancellation available.
Highlights include visits to York Minster, the city walls and gatehouses, St. Mary’s Abbey, and Clifford’s Tower, where you will learn about the city’s tumultuous past, from Roman and Viking invasions to the Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War.
Led by knowledgeable guides fluent in English, French, and German, the tour can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Read our full review: York: Private Bespoke History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate
Although priced competitively at just $19.42 per person, the York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate offers an engaging and informative exploration of the city’s storied past.
Led by charismatic guides who incorporate theatrical elements, this short walking tour provides visitors with a captivating introduction to York’s rich history.
Praised for their entertainment value and extensive knowledge, guides like “Detective Sherlumbo” and “Nicks” have earned rave reviews from previous participants.
Although the tour requires a moderate level of fitness and isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a memorable and immersive experience in the heart of York.
Read our full review: York Historical Gems Tour & A Taste of York Chocolate Review
Book now: Check availability
Guided Historic Pub Tour (York)
Descending down medieval alleyways, the Guided Historic Pub Tour in York, England, offers an immersive journey through the city’s storied past.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 and recommended by 100% of travelers, this small-group experience explores the historic pubs and captivating tales of Roman soldiers, local saints, and infamous highwayman Dick Turpin.
The 2.5-hour tour departs from Stonegate, with a guide stationed at a pre-booked table, and concludes at the Kings Arms Pub.
Along the way, participants learn about York’s most interesting pubs and enjoy an insider’s perspective on the city’s rich history.
Wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, this tour offers an engaging and informative way to discover York’s vibrant pub culture and heritage.
Read our full review: Guided Historic Pub Tour (York) Review
Book now: Check availability
Private York History Walking Tour
For visitors seeking an in-depth exploration of York’s rich history, the Private York History Walking Tour offers a comprehensive and personalized experience.
Led by knowledgeable guide Richard, this tour takes guests on a journey through the city’s past, from its Roman and Viking roots to the Anglo-Saxon and Norman influences.
Reviewers praise Richard’s expertise, highlighting his ability to uncover hidden historical gems and provide insightful commentary on York Minster and Christian heritage.
Priced at €122.48 for groups of up to 6, the tour includes all fees and taxes, and features flexible cancellation policies.
With a 5.0-star rating, it presents an exceptional opportunity to explore the captivating story of this historic city.
Read our full review: Private York History Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
York offers a diverse array of historical tours, catering to various interests. From walking tours that explore the city’s haunted past to curated experiences exploring its architectural gems and culinary delights, there’s something for all. Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to uncover the city’s rich heritage, York’s historical tours provide an engaging and immersive way to discover the charm of this historic destination.