10 Historical & Heritage Tours in York That You Shouldn't Miss

September 8, 2021 Matilde Konrad

Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.
Restaurants in York

1. Private Tour - Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to spend three hours enjoying Whitby, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk).

Inclusions: Private tour just for your group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

2. Private Viking Walk of York

Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK York City Walls
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Discover the extraordinary Viking history of York, and the incredible tales of the most famous Vikings of them all - Ragnar, Ivar the Boneless, Erik Bloodaxe and Harald Hardrada. Why was York such an important Viking city, and why were so many Viking battles fought here? Find out why in this exclusive, personalized 2-hour walking tour of Viking York. ... meeting you at a time and location to suit you (for example at your hotel) there are no set times to meet or big groups to join with, this is your own tour which you can take at your own pace. For a small additional fee this can also include a stop off at an authentic Viking Themed Bar in York (great in the cold weather!), located on the same site as the legendary Viking Kings of York!

Inclusions: Tour escort/host, Private walking tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Stop at Viking-themed bar in York (additional fee)

Reviewed By 209genevieveb

I was a little bit skeptical of whether or not it would live up to the hype or would be worth the walk, but it definitely lived up to expectations. We went early in the morning and it was already a little crowded. It took us about 2 hours to walk the entire thing. I will say that we got very lost on the one section between Walmgate Bar and Mickelgate Bar. I recommend bringing a copy of the map with you as google maps will steer you wrong.

3. Private York Christmas Walking Tour

Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK York City Walls
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Let your own private guide take you around the world famous city of York, which is at its most beautiful during the Christmas season. Your bespoke tour will include visiting some of the key sites of the city, in addition to a number of our hidden gems usually missed by tourists, with your well informed and friendly guides.

Inclusions: Private guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By 209genevieveb

I was a little bit skeptical of whether or not it would live up to the hype or would be worth the walk, but it definitely lived up to expectations. We went early in the morning and it was already a little crowded. It took us about 2 hours to walk the entire thing. I will say that we got very lost on the one section between Walmgate Bar and Mickelgate Bar. I recommend bringing a copy of the map with you as google maps will steer you wrong.

4. Private Tour - Haworth, Bolton Abbey and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore Bronte Country and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the West Yorkshire Pennine Village of Haworth (made famous by the Bronte sisters and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum), Bingley Five Rise Locks (the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal), the traditional Yorkshire Dales village of Linton (with its stone bridges and limestone falls), Bolton Abbey (where you will see the stunning setting of the ruins of the 12th Century Augustinian Monastery); and learn about the history of the area from your guide as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of the National Park.

Inclusions: Private tour just for your group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

5. York & the Lake District: Small-Group Tour from London (5-days)

Mercure London Kensington Hotel, 1A Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London W8 5JJ, UK GO-tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Join this five-day adventure exploring York and the Lake District from London, where you'll savour beautiful scenery in the Lake District and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge as you travel through the heart of Britain. This small-group tour will you'll take you on a journey of spectacular scenery, literary legends and historic cities... • Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Lake District and historic cities like York and Cambridge • See the homes iconic literary figures William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter • See the Magna Carta in Lincoln Castle, take-in the imposing York Minster and visit King's College Chapel, Cambridge • Small-groups with a maximum of 16 passengers, starting & finishing in London • Includes: 4-nights accommodation, Tour Leader and minibus transportation

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4-nights en-suite accommodation, Driver/guide, Transportation in air-conditioned minibus, Small-group tour (max. 16 passengers)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By murrellge

A fantastic tour around the beautiful Cotswolds, visiting places steeped in history and character. Our tour guide, Glenn, was very knowledgeable on the area, offering this information in a friendly and engaging way. A great day out for all ages, made even better without the stress of travelling and parking, highly recommend and look forward to being on another tour in the future!

6. Haworth and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

This Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore Bronte Country and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the West Yorkshire Pennine Village of Haworth (made famous by the Bronte sisters and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum), Bingley Five Rise Locks (the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal), Bolton Abbey (where you will see the stunning setting of the ruins of the 12th Century Augustinian Monastery) and the picture-postcard traditional Yorkshire Dales village of Linton with its stone bridges and limestone falls. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach​ tour, limited to 16 people.

Inclusions: Relaxed and friendly small-group tour, Comfortable 16-Seat Mini-coaches with Air-con & WIFI, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops, Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point near York Minster

Exclusions: Entrance fees to attractions (all optional), Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By LoveTravel552331

I booked the full-day private tour of Haworth & the Yorkshire Dales, and I was lucky to have Mark as the tour guide. He was professional, knowledgeable and he would make sure you have the best experience and that you enjoy the trip. I never felt rushed or that I am missing on something. I applause BOBH for the measures they took to be COVID secure; I never felt that I was risking my health or being unsafe. I highly recommend booking with them, and I am sure you would have a great experience as did I.

7. Hello York! Private Walking Tour

2 Precentor's Ct, York YO1 7EJ, UK Newcastle Tour Company
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Join for a discovery walking tour of York, which gives you a fantastic overview of this beautiful city. Understand the history of this great walled city (and walk on the walls), from Roman history, through the Vikings all the way to chocolate.

Inclusions: Professional, local tourist guide, Tailor-made: choose your start/end points within the city centre

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Reviewed By sharyanne

We paid £8 per person for a guide to take us around Chester it started at the town hall and we visited the Rows the Eastgate clock the ruined pillars built on the bedrock, the vaulted cellar now in one of the local hostleries was awesome We also did the walls. Plus a couple of other points. The guide was lovely and very knowledgeable, well worth it. 90 mins but we did over run!

8. Exclusive York - Private Socially Distanced Walking Tour

York YO1 7EW, UK Yorktour
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Why follow the crowds? Explore York at your own pace in the company of one of our expert, fully qualified and licensed guides. Delve deep into the medieval maze and discover secret corners few other visitors get to see. This is an entirely personal service - once you have made your booking we will get in touch to arrange where to come and meet you (such as any city centre landmark or hotel). We will ensure you don't miss any of the highlights - including the world-famous Minster, medieval city walls and Shambles - but if you have any particular areas of interest, please get in touch. It's your tour and we want you to see York your way! PLEASE NOTE - OUR VISITORS' SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AND WE PLEDGE TO FOLLOW ALL CURRENT GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL DISTANCING AND DISEASE PREVENTION.

Inclusions: Complementary map of York , Multimedia illustrations accompany the tour - all guides carry iPads, Personalised greeting sign at the meeting point

Exclusions: Entrance fees: the tour is outdoors and does not include museums or the interior of the cathedral.

Reviewed By Karen H

If you're visiting York dont miss this tour! We thoroughly enjoyed it; our guide Alfred brought York to life through the ages, from its establishment by the Roman's to the present day. Lots of information, presented in a fascinating way.

9. Dark Ghost Walking Tour in York

Grape Lane, Grape Ln, York YO1, UK Dorian Deathly's Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York
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5.0 based on 161 reviews

The Deathly Dark Tour is a family friendly experience, perfect for those who have a bit of a wicked streak and are looking to explore the darker side of the city with tour guide famous for his wonderfully dark sense of humour.

Inclusions: Guide

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Reviewed By Paradise02518880916

The Deathlys have been doing fantastic lockdown tours and every single one has been engaging and entertaining. Mr and Mrs Deathly strike the perfect balance of spooky and funny. Well worth a visit if you can.

10. Guided Bike Tour in York

Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ, UK York Cycling Tours
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5.0 based on 412 reviews

Guided bike tour of York, inside and outside the city walls.  Starting at a central location in the city.  A 2 to 2.5 hour tour with multiple stops to hear the stories of the saints and sinners, the good and the evil, from Romans and Vikings to the sweetness of chocolate makers.  Although factual, your guide will tell the grisly tales in a lighthearted way.  The route is planned for safety and the best stopping view points and is mainly on quiet roads or designated cycle paths.

Inclusions: Guide, Use of bicycle, Cycle helmets

Exclusions: None of these are applicable

Reviewed By giles928

Relaxed cycle which covered lots of interesting locations. Very informative. Excellent guide. Would recommend as a perfect introduction to the city.

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