Things to do in York, England: The Best Private Tours

December 14, 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. Castle Howard and Fountains Abbey Private Day Trip from York

Grand Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Discover two of Yorkshire’s finest attractions on this flexible private tour from York. Travel by spacious and comfortable luxury executive car, with pick up from your hotel in York, accompanied by an experienced local driver-guide. You’ll spend an unforgettable day visiting the amazing Castle Howard estate (made famous as the location of ‘Brideshead Revisited’) before travelling across the rural Yorkshire countryside to Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Park – the UNESCO World Heritage listed Cistercian Monastery and Georgian Water Gardens. Enjoy the flexibility to set your own timings and to add stops along the way.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off in the York area, Private, local, experienced driver/guide, Transport by private air-conditioned executive vehicle, Unlimited photo stops at your discretion, Luggage space available

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By maggieo635

Spent about six hours walking around the ruins and then Studley park. Stunning place in a gorgeous setting along the river. The abbey itself has numerous ruins to see but also some high buildings and fabulous intact cloisters, some of the best I've ever seen. The scenery takes it's own pride of place and of course the history makes for a rewarding day out, go and enjoy.

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

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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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.

3. 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.

4. Private York Christmas Walking Tour

Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK York City Walls
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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.

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

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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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.

6. Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster

Rail Station, York YO24 1AB, UK Let Me Show You London
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Join us for this half day walking tour of York, which gives you a great overview of this beautiful city in Yorkshire. This walled city has so much to offer, from Roman history, through the Vikings, to the Chocolate merchants and Harry Potter.  Maybe you’re passing through the area, but if not it’s just a 2 hour train ride from London, it’s easily reachable for a day trip.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Blue Badge guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By sknipfel

Marina was superb. I took this tour with my husband and three sons (20,18.17). Loved that we had a small group and could ask questions. Note this tours doesn't include skip the line tickets. We ended up seeing the crown jewels at the end of the day to avoid the ridiculously long line.

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. Withlocals Highlights & Hidden Gems™: Best of York PRIVATE Tour

York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH, UK ►► Withlocals - Local Private Tours ????????
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Centuries-old buildings, traditions everywhere, and a lively atmosphere; York is a magical place! Join the local host of your choice on a tour that has it all. From a sight of the best highlights the city has to offer to the discovery of unique spots only the locals know about - this experience brings together the best of both worlds! Enjoy the city to the max and hear more about the origin of York as you see the city’s main landmarks.This private tour will show you the city through the eyes of your local host.Each one of them has carefully created a unique itinerary based on their interests and passions.And while the landmarks might be the same, the stories, points of view and hidden gems will vary according to the host of your choice. Follow your host to one of their favorite spots and enjoy a tasting selected by them, for you.This is the perfect time to ask your host more about their life in their city and to get recommendations about the top things the locals like to do in York.

Inclusions: Private tour, Local guide, Local tasting

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and beverages not listed as inclusions

10. Private Ghost Tour of York

Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK York City Walls
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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.

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