Self-guided Tours in York

Discover York at your own pace with our carefully designed self-guided tours. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of architecture, or someone who enjoys wandering through hidden streets and local markets, our self-guided itineraries provide the perfect blend of flexibility and discovery. Unlike traditional guided tours, self-guided experiences allow you to explore without time restrictions, pause for a coffee, or spend extra time at the places that capture your interest most. Each route is curated to showcase the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights of York, while also introducing you to unique, off-the-beaten-path gems that most visitors miss. With digital maps, audio guides, and insider tips included, you’ll feel like you have a knowledgeable local by your side, but with the freedom to design your own schedule. From iconic landmarks to hidden alleys, from bustling neighborhoods to tranquil spots, our self-guided tours in York make it easy to create an experience that is truly personal. Enjoy the freedom of exploration while still ensuring that you see the very best that York has to offer.

Top Self-guided Tours in York

Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (238 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 33.00

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

A fun and different way to see York! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

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York Treasure Hunt Adventure: The Mystery of The Gunpowder Snitch in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (141 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 10.32

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Join the adventure, and turn the historic streets of York into a GIANT escape room! ✔️ Discover York's amazing history & hidden gems! ✔️ Enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure with your friends. ✔️ Combine your skills to crack the clues & unravel the epic tale. Moments before Guy Fawkes lit his fuse.. an anonymous letter tipped off the authorities and foiled his dastardly plot.. Who wrote the letter? Nobody knows. But a dusty diary found beneath the floorboards of an old York pub could finally expose him, and this is where you come in... Your challenge is to track down hidden objects, decode symbols, and uncover hidden messages, as you eliminate suspects & gradually unpick the crime. And an exciting twist awaits.. Make it to the end and you'll be struck by an amazing ‘wow’ moment when the case is solved and the villain is revealed before your eyes! Don’t let the villain get away.. Your time to start is now!

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Immersive Murder Mystery in York, A City Treasure Hunt Experience in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (53 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 20.64

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll unravel cryptic clues to unlock the hidden path to a location within walking distance. Decode the clue and search nearby to find the answer. All sent to your mobile on WhatsApp or Telegram. --"We had a great time, seeing some interesting hidden gems and generally 'observing' more than you normally do!" --"This was great fun for a sunny day out! Right mix of hard and difficult questions and a good walk too :)" --"A lot of fun - we've done a lot of these and this was up there as one of the best" --"Just completed the York trail - great fun walking round the city!! Really enjoyed it thanks." * Please be aware that this route involves the York wall, which has steps that aren't suitable for wheelchair access and requires lifting a stroller. *

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The Treasures of Bloodaxe - A Fun Viking Treasure Hunt in York in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (18 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 8.94

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

Follow Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking King of Jorvik around York & help him find his lost treasure, in this interactive chat-based Treasure Hunt! You’ll join a chat on your phone with Eric Bloodaxe, the last Viking King of York. Eric will guide you around the City and give you riddles you need to solve. These riddles will relate to objects on the route and the answers will uncover the treasure. Perfect for couples, groups & families alike, the York Viking Hunt is a great way to have fun and discover the city at the same time. You’ll pass many of the main landmarks, as well as uncover hidden corners and gems that are off the tourist trail in the hunt for lost treasure!

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Immersive Treasure Hunt Adventure in York - Outdoor Escape Room in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (6 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 20.64

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

An immersive adventure through York's past and present. Unravel cryptic clues as we take you on a journey through the city. Meet figures of myth and history, solve riddles, enjoy charming cafes and quirky pubs. Do you have what it takes to defeat ancient monsters and save the city? Work as a team to decode each clue and search for a nearby answer. All sent to your mobile phone via Telegram or Whatsapp (free on all app stores).

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
York Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (4 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 20.64

Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

Self-guided Tour & Treasure Hunt Travel Experience - Over 100 destinations & challenges to explore - Kid friendly & great for avoiding crowds - Flexible anytime start - 100% free cancellation up to 24hrs before - Just 1 Ticket for your whole group!! (with our great value device sharing ticket) The smartphone travel tool that helps you discover the great outdoors & connect with the world around you. Utilising seamless GPS technology, it takes you off-the-beaten-track to discover hidden gems & incredible places you may never find alone. As you travel you earn points by visiting destinations, solving clues & completing challenges. The Travel League lets you compete with fellow explorers. Each season win amazing prizes & become the UK’s Greatest Explorer! Whether exploring by car, on foot around town, or hiking across the countryside, our GPS technology guides you every step of the way. Take the stress out of planning trips with this perfect blend of challenge, fun & learning

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Interactive Treasure Hunt Experience of York's Secret in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 20.64

Duration: 4 hours (approx.)

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll unravel cryptic clues to unlock the hidden path to a location within walking distance. Decode the clue and search nearby to find the answer. All on your mobile phone. --"We had a great time, seeing some interesting hidden gems and generally 'observing' more than you normally do!" --"This was great fun for a sunny day out! Right mix of hard and difficult questions and a good walk too :)" --"A lot of fun - we've done a lot of these and this was up there as one of the best" --"Just completed the York trail - great fun walking round the city!! Really enjoyed it thanks." --"Thank you so much it was great to be honest!" --"Was great fun and a good way to see the city"

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Colombia's Finest Outdoor Scavenger Hunt York in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 26.14

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

In The Case of Colombia's Finest Jim needs your help and has asked you to sniff out evidence of crime amongst the caffeine. Can you find enough information to solve the mystery before time runs out? Extra info - We recommend team sizes of up to 4 but if there are more of you, divide into competing teams to add an extra dimension to your Hunt - You select from 1 hour start times throughout the day and the tickets are fully flexible if your plans change - Each player receives a unique link to access the game ahead of your booking date. We recommend each player experiences the Hunt on their own device while working together in your team - You can break anytime and we provide recommendations within the game area - This Hunt is brilliant for friends, colleagues, dates and families (13+ children given the adult nature of the content)

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.
Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - York, UK in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (1 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 11.01

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Using an app on your smartphone, you'll be given nearly 120 objects to find during your scavenger hunt. You'll then wander throughout the downtown area searching for the items. Once you've found the object, you'll send a photo in to score points. Along the way, you will perform challenges for even more points. You'll have 13 categories of objects you can find in this city walk, with each object varying in points depending on the difficulty. Don't worry, you won't be alone. You'll have a remote guide that will be texting you during your game if you need help or have a question. They will also encourage you and give you hints along the way! The objective of the game is to have fun, rank #1 on the leaderboard, and try to get as many points as possible by finding all of the objects!

Book Now You'll be redirected to Viator to finish your booking.

Why Choose Our Self-guided Tours in York?

Our self-guided tours in York are perfect for travelers who want freedom without missing out on the highlights. With carefully curated routes, insider tips, and easy-to-use digital tools, you can explore at your own pace while still enjoying the benefits of a thoughtfully planned itinerary. Whether you’re short on time or seeking hidden gems, these tours provide the flexibility and depth that make your trip unforgettable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Each tour includes a digital map, clear directions, and audio or written commentary. You’ll also receive local tips to make exploring York smooth and enjoyable.

Most tours can be downloaded in advance, so you don’t need constant internet access. We recommend saving maps and content before starting your journey.

On average, tours take between 2–4 hours. However, since you control the pace, you can make the experience shorter or longer based on your preferences.

Absolutely! Self-guided tours are family-friendly, giving you the freedom to stop whenever needed and adjust the pace for kids or older family members.
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