Walking Tours in York, Compared: The 7 Best

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

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

Start at the Guy Fawkes Inn at 6:30 pm for a 90-minute walk through York’s darker past. Guides such as Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie use theatrical storytelling, gallows humor, and local tales around the Minster before finishing near the Shambles. Expect cobbles, outdoor stops, and a lively group of up to 35 people.

“A very enjoyable ghost walk with a guide who had 10 years experience and a good sense of humour would highly recommend it!”

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2.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

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

Walk York’s historic center with a private guide such as Alan, Chris, Sean, Karen, or David. In two to three hours, you’ll connect the Minster, royal history, St Mary’s Abbey, the Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower, with central hotel pickup available.

“This was a fascinating tour filled with historical details told in a way that brought each area of the city to life. We learned so much about this vibrant and charming area. The tour lasted more than two hours but was interesting every step of the way.”

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

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

Walk York’s Shambles, Minster quarter, and Bedern with the Wizard of York, known as Phoenix, in a 75-minute show of magic, jokes, and audience participation. Designed for children aged 5 to 10, it includes a handkerchief mouse, a chocolate frog challenge, magical creatures, and plenty of silly comedy for adults too.

“Hilarious and very clever. The kids in the audience lapped it up and were clearly having an amazing time. Great charecter”

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4.The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

This 90-minute York walking tour links St. Mary’s Abbey, Museum Gardens, York Minster, Stonegate, and the Shambles. Guides including Alfred, Sarah, Charlotte, and Ferah use iPads with old images to explain the city’s many layers. Groups are capped at eight, and the walk ends near Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.

“An extremely informative and heartfelt tour of the history of York, and how it’s many layers came to co-exist through good fortune and happenstance. Absolutely first rate.”

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5.J & M York City Walking Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 480 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $18

Walk York with local guides such as Nick and James, tracing 2,000 years of Roman, Viking, royal, and medieval history. In about two hours, you’ll see York Minster, the Shambles, city walls, Monk Bar, guild halls, Constantine’s statue, and the outside of York Castle Museum, with plenty of unusual stories along the way.

“This tour was really interesting and informative. We were only in York for a day so we saw this tour and thought it would be great way to get the most out of York which we did. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we will be visiting York again.”

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6.Shared Walking Tour in York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 480 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $20

Join David, often called Dave, at 10:30 am for an English-language walk through York’s old center. Expect York Minster, Museum Gardens, St Mary’s Abbey, the Shambles, All Saints Pavement, Saint Margaret Clitherow’s shrine, and Clifford’s Tower, with room for questions and possible local encounters.

“Dave was extremely knowledgeable and catered our experience to our interests. I especially liked seeing the Roman ruins under York Minster.”

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7.York Witches and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $23

Walk central York with a guide in character as a witch, visiting the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and more. Guides such as Nix, Merlot, Willow, and Cornelius combine local history with witchcraft tales, puns, and crowd interaction. The route is family-friendly, mostly accessible, and lasts about 70 to 75 minutes.

“Excellent! Fun and very informative and educational! Loved it! Thanks a lot Willow for the amazing time! Xx”

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