Best York Walking Tours in 2025

York , Yorkshire

From $ 22.01

Join your character guide and get an up-close walking tour experience of the city and its delightful hidden gems. Get ready; culture, history, heritage, and best kept secrets await. You will pass by famous landmarks and have some of their surprising secrets revealed; Bettys, Bootham Bar and York Minster to name but three. You’ll learn the unknown truths of York’s most infamous characters Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. Your savvy guide will point out treasures hidden in plain sight that even locals don’t know about; concealed courtyards, unusual statues, secluded snickelways, and curious artefacts that are so often simply passed by. Included on this charming tour is a delicious taster from York’s Chocolate Story. This local treat hand-picked by our partners adds a satisfying savouring in a city steeped in chocolate history. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, our Historical Gems Walking Tour will allow you to get to know this beautiful city through a different perspective.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 20.64

NEW for 2025, from the multi-award-winning "Deathly Dark Tours" comes The Spookologist's Guide to Haunted York; a fascinating and engrossing exploration of the paranormal history of York, a city often claimed to be the most haunted in all of England. This small group tour features a blend of local history, infamous supernatural sightings and a sprinkling of paranormal science. Fans of shows such as Uncanny and Most Haunted, or those with an interest in the supernatural will find this experience especially enjoyable.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 20.64

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. *

York , Yorkshire

From $ 8.25

Discover an alternative history of York by taking this unique guided walk through the city centre. York has a reputation for having a pub for everyday of the year. Find out about some of the oldest as well as the people and events associated with them. Inquests, riots, politics, plagues, religious influence, bizarre entertainments and strange auctions, York's pub history provides a strong picture of the social life of the city. Fiona Laing: i weekend "They say there is a bar for each day of the year in York. They come in all shapes and sizes and there is even a walking tour, which traces their history, some dating back to the 16th century. Keith Martin will share his passion for York's oldest pubs in return for a donation to Keep Your Pet a charity which helps people keep their animals at difficult times"

York , Yorkshire

From $ 34.39

Step into the shadows of York’s past on this immersive indoor experience at Villains Rum of York, just off Stonegate. Led by a live villain guide, this small-group tour explores the true dark history behind the infamous characters who inspired our rums - from plotters and poisoners to kings and cutthroats. Learn about York’s most notorious villains through entertaining storytelling, brought to life with humour and historical detail. Along the way, sample a selection of our handcrafted, locally inspired rums - each linked to the tale you're hearing. Also available with gin if preffered or alcohol free options. Perfect for history lovers, rum enthusiasts, and curious minds, this experience takes place entirely inside our immersive rum shop and villainous hideaway. Whether it’s raining or shining outside, the shadows await within.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 6.88

Dorian Deathly has been leading ghost tours in York at night for 10 years and has a lot of interesting tales to share, but sometimes he likes to come out during the daylight hours and enjoy a tour with a difference! York can be a noisy old place in the daytime, particularly at peak times so it can be difficult to be fully immersed in the terrible tales! We use a tour guide system with high quality over the ear headphones and a professional microphone system to ensure incredible clarity. You will be absolutely captivated by the stories, yet free to move around and explore the spaces as you like. The tour will cover a collection of some of the fouler fiends from York's darker past, blood spilled on these old stones that we tread upon. The tale of Death By Pancake! Questionable Victorian medical practices... History has never been so disgraceful.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 12.37

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With this self-guided experience, your smartphone is your new private guide. Discover history hiding in plain sight in the beautiful city of York! This is an entertaining and informative experience for everyone to enjoy - whether you’re a local or a newcomer to the city. Here you will learn about religion, roman conquerors, revolutions, the true history of Vikings, Saints, infamous Massacres, Harry Potter and much more. You will also get an overview of the characters who played an important role, such as Roman Emperors from thousands of years ago, King Charles I, Guy Fawkes, the most terrifying Viking Kings ever documented like Ragnar Lothbrock or Harald Hadrada (who happen to have lived here in Jorvik) and much more. Plus, you'll get insider recommendations so you get the most out of your visit. PS: You will get an email with a code when booking (this code is different from your booking reference number!) and step-by-step instructions.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 13.76

Uncover York’s haunted history on this spooky walking tour! Starting at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate by St Crux church, this 1.75-mile journey takes you through York’s snickelways, historic streets, and haunted landmarks. Hear spine-chilling tales of tragedy, mystery, and ghostly encounters. Visit the Treasurer’s House, where Roman soldiers march through the basement, and The Shambles, home to restless spirits. Walk through Mad Alice Lane and learn its tragic story, stop at Clifford’s Tower, echoing with the cries of the lost, and pass Bedern Passage, where orphaned children’s whispers linger. End at The Golden Fleece, one of York’s most haunted pubs, and hear about its resident spirits. Perfect for thrill-seekers, history lovers, and the curious, this family-friendly tour offers a unique, chilling adventure. Comfortable shoes and bravery required! Book now to explore the shadows of York!

York , Yorkshire

From $ 8.21

Embark on an enchanting journey through the city of York! The tour lets you in on the city's secrets and stories as you traverse its historic streets. This self-guided tour is ideal for those who are in York for a day and want to get a taste of everything that York has to offer while having the freedom to linger and dive deeper into the sites that capture their interest. Designed with insights from local historians, the tour spans just over 3 kilometers and takes about 2 hours to complete. Start your adventure at the St Mary’s Abbey, then climb on top of the wall, pass by the York Minster, wander through the snickelways and ramble along The Shambles, one of England’s most picturesque streets. Listen to ghost stories at a traditional York pub before concluding your tour at the imposing Clifford’s Tower . Along the way, learn about York's rich history, from its Roman roots to its medieval importance and Viking history. Pause to shop or enjoy a bite at one of the many quaint eateries.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 16.51

From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. We offer two Welcome to York walks, aimed at people new to the city. On our River Route we’ll take a waterside walk through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via St Mary’s Abbey, the River Ouse, and King’s Staith, we’ll tell tales of fights and floods, monks and merchants, before finishing our walk beneath Clifford’s Tower, in the heart - or maybe the moat - of York Castle.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 34.39

The City of York walls are the most unique and complete in the country. They have also seen their fair share of blood with heads spiked on Micklegate bar, a medieval Jewish massacre and cannon fire from the Civil War in 1644. Join award winning Mad Alice on a gruesome walk on the walls as she highlights some of the tragedies that have taken place on and around the ancient stones. This 2 hour tour will visit 3 of the 4 gateways as visitors have the option to complete the 2.5 mile circuit with the guidebook given by Mad Alice at the end or wander back to city centre if the truth has become too much to bear.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 16.51

From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. We offer two Welcome to York walks, aimed at people new to the city. On our Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles and Jorvik, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk beneath Clifford’s Tower, in the heart of York Castle.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 20.64

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).

York , Yorkshire

From $ 24.76

Join us on an insightful walking tour of York, highlighting untold histories and diverse stories. On the Unconventional York™ tour, you will go beyond the conventional stories of the city, hearing about the impact of women, people of colour, and LGBTQIA+ individuals from York's past. This tour invites attendees to see beyond the stonework and uncover the lesser known narratives of York, while learning about the long and rich history of the medieval city. Walking through the beautiful city centre, you will discuss its early settlement, medieval expansion and vibrant industrial heritage. This tour was written and researched by academic historians from the University of Oxford and is delivered by trained guides from York. PLEASE NOTE: We cannot always accommodate last-minute bookings for private or group tours. Please contact us directly if you want to book a tour within the next 24 hours.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 17.00

Visit some of York's best and lesser-known sights and meet the cast of characters who have helped shape the city, from an ancient Roman outpost to the exciting city of today. • Enjoy three walking tours around the city. One tracing the city wall, another examining its ancient history and the final tour looking at its haunted spots • Hear from producer James Easton, a local resident, passionate about the history • Have complete control over when you start and finish with the ability to linger at stops en route • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and 3 codes listed under “Before You Go”. Simply install the VoiceMap mobile app and enter your codes. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. The app has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.