Top Walking Tours in York, Yorkshire

The Deathly Dark Tour of York: Experience of the Year 2024 in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (3293 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 19.26

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

The Deathly Dark Tour of York is a grim and theatrical, dark comedy walking tour, perfect for those who have a bit of a wicked streak and are looking to explore the dark and spooky history of the city with one of our guides, famous for their wonderfully dark sense of humour. Please note, this is NOT a scare attraction, it is a storytelling experience. The tour is family friendly, but some may find the stories frightening. Children must remain with their parent/guardian at all times. Tour group size is 20-50 people, although this will change depending on the season. Private and small group tours are available on request.

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Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe  in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (2547 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 20.64

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

The Bloody Tour of York is the multi award winning* tour of the City and has recently won the Arival Best Sightseeing Tour in Europe Award 2024. Join your guide Mad Alice or Lady Peckett as you wander down the medieval streets hearing the gruesome history the city has to offer. Ghosts, Witches, murderers, Kings and Queens have all left their bloody footprints. An entertaining, educational and a fascinating look at Britain's best loved city, Mad Alice promises a night to "Remember, remember..." Suitable for all ages.

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Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.  in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (1335 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 17.89

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

Dare you take a trip into the past and uncover some of York’s turbulent and tragic history? A past that manifests itself in the unexplained sightings of shadows haunting our streets and buildings. Let us take you on a journey through the streets and snickleways and tell you about the shadows of York. Note: The tour is rated PG and not recommended for under 8's. The stories change from time to time. But they do contain in depth historic details, some of which can be dark, sad or gory. These may include executions, plague, suicide or any other grim facts. Some young children may find it disturbing. The shadows are waiting for you...

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Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (826 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 16.51

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

Winner of a magical myriad of awards, and York's ONLY tour created for families with children! WINNER #1 Best Family Experience in the World 2025 - TripAdvisor WINNER Experience of the Year 2025 - Visit York WINNER Best of York 2024 - Visit York WINNER Best Tour 2023 to 2025 - Little Vikings Join The Wizard of York for spellbinding magic, comedy and five-star family fun! Ideal for ages 5-10 in particular, or big kids with a silly sense of humour... A great alternative to a ghost walk, this tour focuses on FUN over frights. A truly magical and memorable experience that Harry Potter fans will go Potty for (but no knowledge of the wizarding world required!) *Tours will take place with one of two Wizard Guides, either Phoenix the Red OR Viridian The Green*

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The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (744 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 27.52

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

Why follow the crowds? At Yorktour we believe a great tour should also be a fun conversation, which is why we guarantee there will be no more than eight participants so everyone can ask questions and no-one needs to worry about being left at the back! This family-friendly walking tour includes all the key sights - including the exterior of the Minster and the celebrated Shambles - though we will also lead you deep into the medieval maze of ‘Snickelways’ to follow in the footsteps of the Romans and Vikings who created York. Above all, our tours rely on great storytelling rather than gimmicks - so if we can’t remember everyone’s names there must be too many people taking part!

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Original Harry Potter Locations Tour : Guided Tour of York in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (448 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 19.26

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Explore the city of York, learn all about its history and related movie trivia! Get sorted into teams, play quizzes and games. Your guide will offer top trivia and you can learn about the film universe and history of York. Set off on your journey around town, enjoying trivia quizzes from your guide along the way to earn points for your team. With an animated scoreboard, video clips of movie scenes, costume pieces, and reenactments, this is an interactive experience.

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Histories Forbidden Chronicles early evening tour. in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (447 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 13.73

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

⚠️ York’s past isn’t just history. It’s a hauntingly good story. Forget vampires & ghost hunts — real horror doesn’t wear fangs. York’s past is drenched in blood, superstition, and strange stories.. Explore ghostly tales, decide for yourself what’s real, what’s legend. Peek into the curious world of paranormal science and alchemy. Encounter humans far scarier than anything supernatural. Uncover the chilling truth behind persecution, plague, and a time when torture was the medieval social media of the day. Are these eerie tales simply childhood spook stories — or were they used to control, punish, and persuade? It’s a twisted history lesson wrapped in myth, murder and Mystery. ️ Perfect for: Curious minds Brave souls Sceptics, believers & history lovers ️ Duration: 75–90 minutes Departure: On time (ghosts don’t do late) Families welcome – parental discretion advised (you know your little goblins best) ⚠️ Attend at your own risk.

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J & M York City Walking Tours in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (445 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 16.51

Duration: 2 hours (approx.)

Step off the beaten path into the beating heart of York’s rich, rebellious past! This highly rated walking tour isn’t your average stroll—it’s an adventure through 6,000 years of real history, gripping stories and your chance to discover all you can on your visit. We’ll explore the city’s mighty medieval defences and how they evolved to keep out everyone from invading armies to enticing tourists. Marvel at York’s architectural wonders, from Roman stonework to the craftsmanship of medieval masons whose skills shaped the skyline we see today. Discover the powerful guilds that once ruled the city’s economy, their grand halls, and the “cash crops” that fuelled their rise. Constantine the Great to Oliver Cromwell, Robert the Bruce to kings, queens, history’s biggest names walked these streets, and now, so will you. Wander along city walls and down ancient streets, as we bust myths and reveal the truth behind the past. This is York unleashed: gritty, glorious, and unforgettable.

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Shared Walking Tour in York in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (404 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 20.64

 

The tour begins inside The Guy Fawkes Inn (on High Petergate, opposite Michael Le Belfrey's church). From there you'll learn about the famous conspirators and the gun powder plot, in the very birthplace of Guy Fawkes himself! We'll then proceed to York Minster yard, where you'll learn all about the Minsters rich history. We'll also visit several other famous spots in York, including The Shambles, Museum Gardens, and many more! The important thing to remember when booking, is that no 2 tours are the same! Depending on how much time you have and what your interests are I'll make each tour as personalised as I'm able. The tour stops listed are just a few of many other places I can take you in York, so if you decide to come back for another tour, you can guarantee it will be very different from the previous excursion!

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York Witches and History Walking Tour in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (330 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 23.39

 

Step into the Shadows of York... Prepare for a walking tour like no other! An immersive, educational journey through history. Dare to indulge in something different as you explore York’s dimly lit streets and eerie snickelways, where echoes of the past still linger... Led by a charismatic witch guide, this unique and alternative tour uncovers captivating tales of those accused of witchcraft, and their ultimate fates. With every step along York's ancient cobbles, you’ll hear chilling accounts of Yorkshire’s witches, and the dark history that unfolded beneath your very feet. This is more than just a tour; it’s an engaging, often enlightening, and ultimately uplifting experience that will leave you simply spellbound! A word of caution, my dears: This is an outdoor walking tour, so be sure to dress for the weather!

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 Time Traveller's Walking Tour of York - Morning Tour  in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (148 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 22.01

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

An entertaining and immersive tour of York from Roman times to the present day. There will be plays, suprises and stories about Roman toilets, Dick Turpin's execution and Black Death Cures. Will you be the one to take home the Time Traveller's Tour Trophy?

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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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Forbidden Chronicles- Tour of York in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (128 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 13.74

 

⚠️ York’s past isn’t just history. It’s a hauntingly good story. Forget vampires & ghost hunts — real horror doesn’t wear fangs. York’s past is drenched in blood, superstition, and strange stories.. Explore ghostly tales, decide for yourself what’s real, what’s legend. Peek into the curious world of paranormal science and alchemy. Encounter humans far scarier than anything supernatural. Uncover the chilling truth behind persecution, plague, and a time when torture was the medieval social media of the day. Are these eerie tales simply childhood spook stories — or were they used to control, punish, and persuade? It’s a twisted history lesson wrapped in myth, murder and Mystery. ️ Perfect for: Curious minds Brave souls Sceptics, believers & history lovers ️ Duration: 75–90 minutes Departure: On time (ghosts don’t do late) Families welcome – parental discretion advised (you know your little goblins best) ⚠️ Attend at your own risk.

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Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in York: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (114 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 11.99

 

Are you looking for a way to see York without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Walk the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, and spot the story of Adam and Eve carved into York Minster’s Great West Door • Hear from producer James Easton, a local whose passion for York's history led him to create this bestselling VoiceMap tour • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before and after your booking date • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

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Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York in York

York , Yorkshire

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆ (87 reviews)
Free Cancellation

From $ 17.20

Duration: 1 hours (approx.)

90 minute Daily Festive Walking Tours, exploring the History, Tales and Traditions of Christmases Past. The streets of York have been witness to celebrations for nearly 2000 years. Explore the medieval streets beneath the twinkling lights and discover the traditions and history of this Wonderful Winter City. Put your Christmas Jumper on and join Blue Badge Tourist Guide, Sarah Cowling, for a socially distanced experience to capture the Spirit of Christmas. Discover if York really England's most Christmassy City? Where did Rudolph get his Red Nose from? Which Grinch tried to cancel Christmas? and Which famous author read his stories in York and made us a present of Boxing Day? We will hear tales of Christmas Past, from the bacchanalian celebrations of Roman Britain to the Midwinter Feasts of the Vikings. They have all left their mark on our festivities today Come and get into the spirit of things in Britain's original Christmas City - we might even find some takeaway mulled wine!

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Best Walking Tours in York

Discover the beauty of York on foot with our curated walking tours. Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking to uncover hidden gems, exploring York by walking lets you experience its culture, history, and landmarks up close.

Local Tips for York

Guided vs. Self-Guided Walking Tours

A guided walking tour offers expert insights, historical context, and often includes skip-the-line access to major landmarks. If you prefer flexibility, a self-guided route lets you explore York at your own pace using maps and mobile apps. Combining both options is ideal for a complete experience.

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