Best York Walking Tours in 2026

York , Yorkshire

From $ 21.52

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 $ 16.81

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!

York , Yorkshire

From $ 10.76

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" Private tours can be arranged for groups of 6 or more at mutually convenient times and days and starting points. All money raised through the tours supports a local York charity.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 20.18

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 $ 13.45

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 $ 6.73

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 $ 16.14

After fear, after terror… there is York City FRIGHTseeing! Discover the eerie history of York with our guided ghost tour as we walk through the most haunted locations of the city’s spookscape, where every spine-tingling story is a nightmare shuddersome of fun. Whether you're a rock ‘n’ roll horror fiend, thrill-seeker, or just looking for a frightfully good time, York City FRIGHTseeing is the tour for you! Our small group, shared tours are suitable for guillotine-agers and splatter brats over 10 years of age, but younger children are permitted at parent’s own discretion. Gore hounds more than welcome, if friendly and well behaved. No jump scares. No gimmicks - Just a comprehensive DEADucation in the most haunted city in Europe. Grab your tickets now and prepare for a hauntingly unforgettable experience of York’s only walking tour that will leave you running scared!

York , Yorkshire

From $ 20.18

Delve into the eerie history of York with the Witch Walk, a 90-minute guided tour led by the enigmatic Ragnell Hagathorn. This engaging adventure weaves together haunting tales of witches, ghosts, and other supernatural elements, perfect for both thrill-seekers and families. As you stroll through the historic streets, expect a blend of folklore, humor, and theatrical storytelling that brings the dark past of York to life. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this family-friendly tour ensures a captivating experience for all. The walk operates rain or shine, so dress for the weather and prepare for a memorable evening. - Guided walking tour lasting approximately 90 minutes - Family-friendly and suitable for ages 8 and above - Experience ghost stories alongside folklore and theatrical elements - Begins at St. Helen’s Square, York at 7:30 PM

York , Yorkshire

From $ 7.77

Most visitors choose between a highlights walk, a wall walk, or a ghost tour. This self-guided tour gives you the best of all three in a single route — from Roman ruins and Viking history to chilling tales told at the right moments, in the right places. With your phone as your guide, you'll walk atop the ancient city walls, squeeze through snickelways, and hear why the Golden Fleece pub claims over fifteen resident ghosts. This 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. Pause for a pint, duck into the Shambles for photos, or linger inside York Minster — then pick up right where you left off. No group to keep up with, no fixed start time. Available in 9 languages with offline access. Over 20,000 travellers have used our self-guided tours. If it's not for you, it comes with a full refund guarantee.

York , Yorkshire

From $ 33.63

Delve into the rich history of York on the Shambles & Shards walking tour, focusing on the art and significance of stained glass. This expert-led experience takes you inside churches, revealing the intricate stories behind stained glass creation and preservation. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through historic streets, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship that has endured through centuries. Perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on York's cultural heritage. - Expert commentary from a professional stained glass conservator - Visit historic sites with entry included where necessary - Small group settings for personalized attention - Accessible to all levels of knowledge with engaging storytelling

York , Yorkshire

From $ 16.14

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 $ 33.63

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 $ 16.14

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 $ 20.18

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 $ 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.