Top 7 Walking Tours in York

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 and follow a guide such as Dan, Josh, or Mackenzie through York’s dark past. Expect about 90 minutes of theatrical storytelling, stops near the Minster, lesser-seen streets, and a finish at the Shambles. The walk suits most people, but bring warm clothes and sturdy shoes.

“So we had Dan (I think) who was fantastic. His voice carried he include a little humour and was very affable. He wasn’t put off by the locals who made ghost noises. We learned a little on a very cold evening and my only gripe I guess was that for a place that’s the most haunted city in Europe - why did we only get 5 stories?”

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2.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

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

Walk through York’s Roman, Viking, medieval, and royal past with a private English-speaking guide. Starting near York Minster, you’ll visit major historic sights, hear stories shaped to your interests, and finish by Clifford’s Tower. Guides including Alan, Chris, Sean, Karen, and David lead tours lasting about two to three hours.

“We had a great private tour of York with our guide, Sean. He was incredibly knowledgeable and gave us a great overview of the city and its history. We enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it.”

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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

Follow the Wizard of York, known as Phoenix, through the Shambles, Minster area, and Bedern on a 75-minute mix of magic, comedy, and city sights. Expect silly jokes, audience participation, magical creatures, and tricks such as a handkerchief mouse. It is aimed at children aged 5 to 10, though adults and older children can join the fun.

“Great show kids were amazed, they found it magical. Would and have recommend to everyone. The wizard is a born entertainer, very good with everyone, funny and brings the whole crowd into the walk. You can tell he loves what he does and the enthusiasm shows.”

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4.J & M York City Walking Tours

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

Walk York with local guides such as Nick or James, covering the Minster, Shambles, city walls, Monk Bar, guild history, Constantine the Great, and Dick Turpin. This two-hour route mixes major sights with easy-to-miss corners, historic streets, odd tales, and practical orientation. Museum admissions are not included.

“This is an outstanding intro to the city and a great way to orient oneself as to what to see while you are visiting. Nick, our guide, was phenomenal!”

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5.Shared Walking Tour in York

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

Join David, also known as Dave Haws, for a flexible English-language walk through York’s old center. You’ll visit Minster Yard, Museum Gardens, St. Mary’s Abbey, the Shambles, All Saints Pavement, Saint Margaret Clitherow’s shrine, and Clifford’s Tower. The walk can last one to three hours, or longer if the group wants more history.

“David was amazing! His wealth of knowledge was incredible! He was so pleasant and fun…could have listened to his stories forever.”

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6.York Witches and History Walking Tour

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

Follow a costumed guide through York’s medieval center on a 70 to 75 minute walking tour. You’ll visit the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and other old streets while hearing stories about witches and York’s past. Guides such as Nix, Merlot, Willow, and Cornelius keep the mood playful, though the quality can vary by performer.

“Wonderful tour of York and the Shambles. Our tour guide, nutmeg, I believe 🤔, gave a fantastic tour, she was fun and very informative. Would definitely recommend..”

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7.Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 106 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $17

Start beside York Minster at 4 pm for a 90-minute English walking tour with guides such as Sarah. Hear how Roman Saturnalia, Viking mid-winter customs, medieval beliefs, Victorian literature, and York chocolate shaped Christmas, then finish by the Christmas Market on Parliament Street.

“Don't miss this heart-warming and fascinating Christmas tour. Sarah was fantastic with her mix of history, Christmas tales, and stories behinds the holiday traditions that brought the season to life. It made me see York in a wonderful way and better understand and appreciate the Christmas traditions I hold dear in my family. We took the tour our first night in York and it set the stage for our next three days of an unforgettable vacation.”

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