The 6 Walking Tours in York to Pencil In First

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18Our pick

Walk York after dark with Shadows of York, starting near the Guy Fawkes Inn and finishing around the Shambles. Guides such as Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie combine local history, gruesome tales, humor, and theatrical storytelling. Expect cobbled streets, outdoor stops near York Minster, hidden corners, and a 90-minute route in English.

“Josh did apologise at the beginning of the tour saying that he has painful wisdom teeth and it may be harder to understand him. I felt maybe due to factors such as above, cold and wet weather, the tour felt on auto-pilot. Kind of forced performance. Guide was friendly. I just felt that the stories lacked enthusiasm and passion. It was hard to understand what was being said at times. Some of the stories were interesting, just the way it was told lacked finer details and energy. I wouldn’t go again or recommend. It was something to do. I’d say the last few tours I have done, the guides have…”

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2.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,324 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Walk York with a private guide for two to three hours, starting near York Minster and ending by Clifford’s Tower. Expect stories of Romans, Vikings, kings, Henry VIII, Guy Fawkes, and local life. Guides including Alan, Chris, Sean, Karen, and David tailor the route to your interests.

“Alan gave us a wonderful tour of York and Alan was extremely accommodating setting up a last minute tour at an off hour.”

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3.Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,231 reviews · 2 hours · from $18

Join a live guide such as Ellie, Aaliyah, Molly, or Libby for a two-hour Harry Potter tour through York. You’ll earn house points through quizzes and spell games, see locations linked with Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express, pass York Minster and St Mary’s Abbey, and finish near the Shambles.

“Ellie was amazing! So welcoming, fun little quiz throughout and full of knowledge!”

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4.Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 928 reviews · 1h 15m · from $22

Follow a costumed guide such as Cornelius Piper, Merlot, Willow, or Nutmeg through York’s lanes and snickelways. Hear true stories about Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected witches while seeing the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and more. Expect theatrical storytelling, outdoor walking, and plenty of cobbles.

“Our guide was great! She had to deal with some awful people on the streets of York heckling her and did so with ease! Great stories and lots of fun!”

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5.Wizard Walk of York – WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 918 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $16Best value

Meet the Wizard of York at St Crux and follow a 75-minute route through the Shambles, Minster area, and Bedern. Expect silly jokes, crowd participation, magic tricks, and a hunt for a phoenix, rat, mouse, and owl. It is aimed at children aged 5 to 10, though adults get plenty of laughs too.

“This is a kid focused activity- our 7yr old loved it! It was a nice break from the more adult focused tourism. Definitely bring a wand if you have one. We went to a later in the day tour, but I would recommend going earlier since this takes you through a lot of interesting streets and near shops you’ll want to return to, but most close at 5. If any critique, I would like a few historical facts sprinkled in about the places we stopped at- the church, the alley, etc. Ultimately, its walking standup for kids but the adults genuinely loved it too.”

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6.City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 867 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $26

Walk York with a guide such as Alfred, Sarah, Ferah, or Charlotte on a 90-minute tour limited to eight people. Visit Museum Gardens, Roman and Saxon remains, St Mary’s Abbey, York Minster’s exterior, the Snickelways, and the Shambles. Expect plenty of history, questions, and cobbled streets.

“Incredibly informative! Alfred knows his stuff and is clearly very passionate and knowledgeable about York. Thank you for making a cold February morning more appealing”

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