Our York walking tour highlights the city’s historic landmarks and extraordinary stories. From the Romans to the Vikings, from the Gothic York Minster Cathedral to the fantastical Harry Potter connections…York has it all!
York is strategically and conveniently located exactly half-way between Edinburgh and London. If you’re planning a whole UK trip, be sure to check out our Tour of Edinburgh and our Tours of London, too!
Our York guided tour starts at York’s magnificent 19th-century train station. It’s a spectacular spot from which to begin our walk through the city. From there, we make our way towards the walled city. Whilst not much remains of the original Roman walls, the refurbished sections let us stroll in safety whilst enjoying a privileged view.
Once inside the walls we cross the River Ouse, and then enter the Museum Gardens, giving us the chance to look around St Mary’s Abbey. Historically, this grand building was a very rich monastery.
Originally built in the 11th century as a home to the Benedictine Monks, it was dissolved in the 16th century. Only a few walls remain, however you can still see the Abbots House and its various styles owing to years of change.
Maybe your guide can point out the window belonging to the room where Henry VIII stayed!
We’ll continue our York walking tour through the city, passing the Jorvik Centre, home to one of the most famous discoveries in modern archaeology. Your guide will explain how the Vikings first came to York, using its location on the Rivers Ouse and Foss to establish a prosperous trading port.
As if by magic, we get to the start of The Shambles, the medieval shopping street. Even though none of Harry Potter was filmed here, you can just imagine walking down Diagon Alley in this winding part of the city. Now’s your chance to pick up a wand or broom!
If you have children in your group, they might catch a glimpse of one the many sculpted cats lurking here and all over the city.
Like many other English towns and cities, York also has a castle. Built in the traditional method as a motte and bailey castle by the Normans, it hides some particularly disturbing history about the Jewish community in the 12th century. Only Clifford’s Tower is intact today and is open to climb for stunning views of the city.
York has always been a centre of commerce. Early residents in need of a venue for charity, worship, and business commissioned the construction of the Merchant Adventurers Hall.
Originally built in the 14th century, it has undergone several changes over the years, but remains in use to this day. This beautiful building is widely regarded as one of the best preserved medieval guildhalls in the world.
Like something from a fairytale, we will wind our way through the quirky little alleyways. If you stick with your guide and mind your head, you won’t have to worry about getting lost.
Eventually, we will approach the magnificent structure of York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps. With your guide, you will explore both the past and the present of this grand building.
Pausing during your guided tour of York Minster, there’s plenty of opportunity to admire the architecture, stained glass windows, contemporary art, and much more. We will stay just over an hour at Minster before finishing our tour.
Your guide will be happy to help with any necessary information and suggestions to make the most of the rest of your stay in York!
Venturing elsewhere in the country? Check out our other UK tours or explore our plentiful tours of London to uncover all the history, stories, and royal intrigues.
All tours are for private groups only and start from £421. Groups can be up to 8 people. Your entrance tickets to York Minster are included. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
York Railway Station, Station Rd, York YO24 1AB. If you are staying in a city centre hotel our guide can meet you there, subject to confirmation.
Mon-Sat 9:00am, 2:00pm
Tour departs from the covered entrance section of York Railway Station, adjacent to Station Road. Your Guide will be holding a sign with the lead customer’s name.
