Location: York
Top Things to do in York
The 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in York, England
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
Overall Ratings
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
Overall Ratings
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 Tour - Haworth, Bolton Abbey and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York
Overall Ratings
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.
4. Hello York! Private Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
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
Exclusions:
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!
5. Exclusive York - Private Socially Distanced Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
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.
6. York Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Tour with Audio Guide- 24 Hours Ticket
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reconnect with your favourite York landmarks with this hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour around the towns best loved sites, with a live guide. Sit back and relax as our audio guide regales you with fascinating information about York Minster, Micklegate Bar, Clifford’s Tower and much more. You can hop-on and hop-off at any of the 20 stops. A great break from online learning for the kids, with a chance to have a more interactive experience. It’s been a very long time since we’ve been able to see the iconic monuments of this great city, so join us and revisit the best of York! We will be providing single-use masks and gloves on this tour, although customers are welcome to provide their own. The first tour of the day starts at 09:23am from Exhibition Square.
Inclusions: A 24 hour hop-on hop-off open top bus tour around York , Audio guide in English, Masks provided
Exclusions: Refreshments, Gratuities, Live guide
Reviewed By 244rajivp
Bruce was a great tour guide and Oliver was a great driver. Excellent tour, given the COVID-19 circumstances.
7. Private Ghost Tour of York
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Let your own personalised tour guide take you on a spectacular trip round this world famous city at night. You are provided a unique guided tour experience and picked up at your hotel or elsewhere in town at a place of your choosing, at a time that suits you. You will be taken around the major historic points of interest in York, without a big group to tag along with or time schedules to keep, and even arrange coffee or food along the way at some of York's very best food and drink establishments. Private tour means it will be operated with just your guide and you.
Inclusions: Tour escort/host, Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only), Private tour
Exclusions: Entrance fees (2 small museums located around the walls are available for entry separately), 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.
8. York Walls Private Walking Tour
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 66 reviews
Covid-19 Update : Please note that as this is a private walking tour (just you and your guide) and the entire tour is outside, so we are happy to confirm we comply with all social distancing rules making this the perfect way to explore York. Your own personalized tour guide, taking you on a spectacular trip round the world famous city walls! You are provided a unique guided tour experience - you will be picked up at your hotel, or in town at a place of your choosing, at a time to suit you. You will be taken around the walls, no big groups to tag along with or time schedules to keep, and even arrange coffee/food along the way at some of York's very best food and drink establishments.
Inclusions: Tour escort/host, Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)
Exclusions: Entrance fees (2 small museums located around the walls are available for entry separately), 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.
9. York Walking Tour including York Minster
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 17 reviews
This 2-hour walking tour provides you with fantastic insights into the most historic and world famous sites in York. Starting with Romans you will explore the 'Snickelways' of York - a unique collection of small streets and footpaths - and architectural wonders that have captivated the world's attention for centuries. The tour culminates in the magical York Minster - a must see for any walking tour, and you have an option to choose the tour with or without the entrance fee.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By Hazel B
Jade was our guide and she was great. We were half hour late due to St Giles Fair traffic issues but she very rapidly rejigged her planned route to get in everything we had wanted to see. So glad we did it as it was a great introduction to the City. As a student at Oxford, Jade had a real hands on knowledge of both current and particularly historic facts about the key landmarks and little nooks and crannies. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
10. Private Historical Walking Tour of York
Overall Ratings
4.9 based on 972 reviews
We offer a guided historical tour of the fabulous city of York, the Capital of the North. Step into history with one of our knowledgeable guides and see the amazing sights of the city and hear all the history behind them. Our tours are guided by experienced historians and can be up to 3 hours in length, with breaks for refreshments if you wish, depending on your requirements.
Inclusions: TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee, Professional guide, Hotel pickup (if central), Private tour
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities
Reviewed By James2764
David was a fantastic guide, he worked really hard to meet the needs and wants of the group, he seemed to know so many wonderful stories and kept us all totally engaged throughout, time literally flew by.
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