What to do and see in York, England: The Best Walking Tours

October 3, 2021 Rosalyn Ihle

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 2-Hour York Walking Tour

49 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW, UK Footprints Tours York
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

This private 2-hour walking tour is tailored to what you want to see, ensuring you make the most of your time in the beautiful city of York.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By I6560JUdavidc

We had a great time exploring the city and the tour guide Emily was very friendly and very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend if you're interested in the city and it's history!

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 Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster

Rail Station, York YO24 1AB, UK Let Me Show You London
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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.

5. 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!

6. Instagrammable York History Experience

4 Museum St, York YO1 7FD, UK York Carriage Awaits
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

The tour is back for 2021! It is especially aimed at those who are looking to have an enjoyable, entertaining walking tour combined with a focus on capturing the magic of the beautiful city of York for your memories & social media posts. The tour lasts 3 hours and takes you off the beaten track into areas that visitors often miss. You will learn some history and experience some wonderful sights and you will make a connection with the city that will stay with you. I believe in creating intimate experiences & moments that stay with you. The maximum group size I normally work with is limited to 10. However, in line with Government guidelines this is reduced to 5 for now. Small groups mean everyone stays involved & engaged & you can ask as many questions as you like. It also means there is always someone to help you to create your images with tips on how to capture the perfect shot or to take shots of you against some stunning backdrops that will get plenty of reaction on social media.

Inclusions: Local guide

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Reviewed By Johanna V

When we visited York earlier in the week, we used York Carriage Awaits to show us the city without us having to walk! We had booked the 3-hour tour and John was perfectly on time at our hotel to pick us up. As we were early, we could ride through an area that later in the day is not accessible to any form of vehicle; so that was a real bonus. John has a massive knowledge of the history of York and of history in general. We learned a lot during the three hours! As we were picked up at 10.00am, although beautiful outside, the blanket over our knees was a nice gesture and very welcome. We can wholeheartedly recommend York Carriage Awaits for a memorable tour through York!

7. 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.

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

York Minster, Deangate, York YO1 7HH, UK ►► Withlocals - Local Private Tours ????????
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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

9. Dark Tales of York. Private ghost tours.

Roman Bath, 9 St Sampsons Square, York YO1 8RN, UK Dark Tales of York
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Our experienced guide will tell you tales from Yorks gruesome past, executions, ghosts and dark deeds, as we wend our way round some of the scariest places in the city. As this is by private booking it is exclusive for your group. We can be flexible about your exact requirements, start time and pick-up point. We offer hotel pick ups* and as we can start at different locations the tour route can be customised. *City centre only.

Inclusions: Gratuities

Exclusions: Private transportation, Access to historical attractions. , No food or drink is included in the tour price.

Reviewed By Happydays4509

Online tours have been great during lock down, new places everytime, lots of facts, very good guide,.

10. 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.

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