Why York is an ideal city for walking tours?
York’s compact, historic streets are made for exploring on foot. Its medieval walls, centuries-old buildings, and atmospheric alleys make every step a journey into the past. Whether you’re marveling at the grandeur of York Minster, strolling along the Shambles, or wandering through Museum Gardens, there’s a story around every corner. We love the Wizard Walk of York—a family-friendly, magical experience that combines history, magic, and fun for kids aged 5–10. It’s perfect for families looking for something engaging and playful during their visit [].
Another standout is the private York Walls tour, offering personalized insights along the ancient city defenses—great for history buffs wanting an exclusive experience. For a spooky twist, the York Witches and History Walking Tour blends ghostly tales with medieval architecture, making it perfect for those who love a little eerie entertainment. And for those interested in the city’s darker side, the Historical Pub Walking Tour reveals stories behind York’s oldest taverns—an immersive way to enjoy the city’s social history.
1. Wizard Walk of York – WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award
Rating: 5.0/5 (739 reviews)
Price: $16.47 per person
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
This is hands down one of the most charming and unique experiences in York—especially if you’re traveling with kids or are a fan of magic. The Wizard Walk of York is the only tour created specifically for children, with a guide dressed as a wizard who performs magic tricks, tells jokes, and searches for mythical creatures at sites like York Minster and the Shambles. It’s a lively, engaging way to learn about York’s history through a magical lens.
The tour is packed with highlights: kids get to see magic up close, search for mythical beings, and learn history as you stroll through the city’s most iconic streets. Reviewers praise the humor and interactive nature, calling it “hilarious,” “fantastic,” and “an absolute must-do.” It’s ideal for families with children aged 5–10, or anyone looking for a playful introduction to York’s stories.
Bottom Line: Fun, family-friendly, and affordable, this tour is perfect if you want a memorable, entertaining way to explore York with young kids.
2. Shared Walking Tour in York
Rating: 5.0/5 (366 reviews)
Price: $20.59 per person
Duration: 1 to 3 hours (approx.)
Starting inside The Guy Fawkes Inn, this tour dives into York’s famous history of conspirators, the gunpowder plot, and the city’s royal connections. From there, it includes visits to York Minster, Museum Gardens, and the Shambles, offering a rundown of the city’s most important sights.
The guide shares detailed stories, including tales from Roman times to medieval rebellions. Reviewers highlight the guide’s depth of knowledge and humor, describing it as “unbelievable” and “tailored to our interests.” The tour is flexible enough to accommodate different paces and interests, making it a good choice for first-time visitors who want a solid, engaging history walk.
Bottom Line: For those seeking an in-depth, well-rounded introduction to York’s past, this tour offers excellent value for the price and a flexible experience.
3. York Witches and History Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (301 reviews)
Price: $23.41 per person
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Step into the shadows with this spooky, theatrical tour focusing on witchcraft, medieval superstition, and strange stories. The guide, dressed as a witch, takes you past York Minster, the Shambles, and High Petergate as they recount tales of witch hunts, magic, and the city’s darker side through history.
Guests praise the “entertaining yet educational” nature of the tour, with a mix of ghost stories and medieval myths. It’s suitable for adults and children alike, making history approachable with a fun, spooky twist. Expect to hear about York’s “well-preserved medieval streets,” and learn about the city’s witchcraft legends in a lively, theatrical style.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in the eerie and supernatural side of York, with stories that are as fun as they are chilling.
4. Time Traveller’s Walking Tour of York – Morning Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (148 reviews)
Price: $21.96 per person
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
This tour takes a playful approach to York’s history from Roman times to the present day. The “Time Traveller” guides you through Clifford’s Tower, the Shambles, and York Minster, sharing stories about Dick Turpin, the Black Death, and medieval executions. Kids and adults alike enjoy the interactive storytelling, and everyone gets to snap photos of the city’s historic landmarks.
Highlights include a souvenir trophy at the end and lively commentary. Reviewers appreciate the “fun and different” style, and note that it’s great for families wanting an accessible, engaging history lesson. The tour’s flexibility makes it easy to see key sights without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: A lively, educational experience that balances storytelling with sightseeing, ideal for families or history enthusiasts.
5. York Walls Private Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (138 reviews)
Price: $89.51 per person
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Go behind the scenes of York’s medieval defenses with a bespoke private tour. Walk along the city walls, enjoy panoramic views, and visit the wall museums (not included). The private aspect means you can customize your itinerary: focus on the walls, visit York Castle, or explore the Shambles and Minster at your own pace.
Guests praise the guide’s knowledge, with reviews noting “John was amazing” and “the best guided experience.” The tour is best suited for those wanting a personal, flexible exploration of York’s defenses, history, and architecture. It’s a bit more expensive but offers tailored insights and an intimate feel.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history lovers seeking a personalized experience, with the option to customize highlights in York.
6. J & M York City Walking Tours
Rating: 4.5/5 (422 reviews)
Price: $16.47 per person
Duration: 2 hours
This guided stroll covers everything from the York Minster and Clifford’s Tower to the Shambles and the city walls. The guide emphasizes stories of Robert the Bruce, Oliver Cromwell, and Constantine the Great while exploring local flora, fauna, and architecture. The tour dives into York’s layered past, with plenty of anecdotes and off-the-beaten-path insights.
Reviewers enjoy the “friendly, knowledgeable” guide and the relaxed pace. It’s especially good for travelers who want a rundown without feeling rushed. If you’re interested in the city’s legends and history, this tour balances depth with approachability.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, engaging tour for history fans wanting to see the highlights and some lesser-known stories.
7. Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York
Rating: 5.0/5 (87 reviews)
Price: $17.16 per person
Duration: 1.5 hours
During the festive season, York transforms into a Christmas wonderland. This walk is packed with tales of medieval Christmas rituals, Viking midwinter festivals, and Victorian traditions. You’ll pass York Minster and Shambles Market, learning about the city’s Christmas customs dating back 1500 years.
Sarah, the guide, is praised for her enthusiasm and detailed storytelling. The tour offers a cozy introduction to York’s holiday spirit, making it ideal for families or anyone wanting an atmospheric seasonal experience. Expect to hear about mistletoe, fruitcake, and Roman winter festivals.
Bottom Line: An engaging, festive tour that paints a vivid picture of York’s Christmas traditions, perfect for seasonal visitors.
8. Private Viking Walk of York
Rating: 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Price: $89.72 per person
Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
This private tour explores York’s Viking past with a guide who shares legends, stories, and facts about the city’s Norse heritage. Walk through the Roman and Viking sites, and learn about Ivar the Boneless, Eirik Bloodaxe, and the impact of the Vikings on York’s culture.
Guests appreciate the personalized approach and the chance to explore at their own pace. The guide’s stories bring the city’s Viking era to life, making it an excellent choice for history enthusiasts eager for a deeper understanding of York’s Norse roots.
Bottom Line: A tailored, immersive Viking experience ideal for those with a keen interest in medieval Scandinavia.
9. Historical Pub Walking Tour in York
Rating: 5.0/5 (44 reviews)
Price: $8.23 per person
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
This isn’t your standard pub crawl. Instead, it’s a lively exploration of York’s social and drinking history, visiting some of the city’s oldest listed pubs. Learn about riots, riots, political scandals, and bizarre entertainments that took place within these historic taverns. The walk is designed to give you a taste of local life across centuries.
Guests love the “bizarre stories” and appreciate that all proceeds support a charity. It’s a relaxed, informal way to soak up York’s vibrant pub scene while learning about its past. A good pick for social history buffs and those interested in local culture.
Bottom Line: An affordable, fun, and socially conscious way to experience York’s lively pub scene and its stories.
10. Exclusive York – Private Personally-Designed Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (40 reviews)
Price: $205.73 per group (up to 8)
Duration: 2 hours
For those seeking a personalized experience, this private tour allows you to customize your itinerary. Visit highlights like York Minster, Shambles, Castle, and Museum Gardens, with a guide who adapts the route to your interests. It’s ideal for first-timers or travelers with specific sites in mind.
Guests praise the guide’s flexibility and knowledge, with reviews mentioning “unlimited customization” and “a private, tailored experience.” The tour is perfect for families or couples wanting a private day tailored around their curiosity.
Bottom Line: The best choice if you want a bespoke experience that covers all the must-see sights with personal attention.
11. Private York Minster Guided Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (35 reviews)
Price: $68.58 per person
Duration: 1 to 3 hours
Enjoy York Minster’s artistry and history on a private guided tour. Explore Gothic architecture, learn about famous figures, and see behind the scenes with the cathedral’s craftspeople. The guide shares stories about stained glass, stone carvings, and medieval legends.
Reviews note the guide’s enthusiasm and the chance to avoid crowded areas. It’s suitable for visitors wanting a deep dive into this iconic cathedral and the opportunity to ask lots of questions. Post-tour, your guide can offer personalized tips for exploring the rest of York.
Bottom Line: A detailed, intimate exploration of York Minster, perfect for those with an interest in architecture and ecclesiastical history.
12. York Saints and Sinners Private Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (29 reviews)
Price: $19
Duration: 2 hours
This tour explores York’s history through its characters—saints and sinners—covering figures like Henry VIII, highwaymen, and local martyrs. The guide shares stories at landmarks like Micklegate Bar, Clifford’s Tower, and Ouse Bridge, weaving a narrative of religion, crime, and political intrigue.
Guests praise the engaging storytelling and the chance to see less touristy parts of the city. It’s a lively, story-driven tour that appeals to those interested in the city’s controversial and colorful past.
Bottom Line: An entertaining way to understand the complex moral fabric of York’s history and its memorable personalities.
13. Private Walking Tour of York
Rating: 5.0/5 (13 reviews)
Price: $164.48 per group (up to 15)
Duration: 2 to 4 hours
This customizable private tour covers key sights like York Minster, Museum Gardens, Shambles, and York Castle, with the flexibility to focus on your interests. The guide shares stories of Roman, Viking, and medieval York while allowing ample time for questions and exploring.
Guests appreciate the personalized approach and the ability to tailor the route. It’s great for families or small groups wanting a relaxed yet rundown of the city’s highlights.
Bottom Line: An adaptable, intimate experience suited for those wanting to shape their sightseeing around personal interests.
14. York 3-Hour Photography Walking Tour
Rating: 5.0/5 (8 reviews)
Price: $102.87 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Take your camera (or smartphone) and learn how to capture York’s historic beauty. Led by a professional photographer, this tour guides you through York Minster, Fossgate, Bootham Bar, and Merchant Adventurers’ Hall, sharing tips on lighting, composition, and best angles.
Guests rave about the personalized advice and the chance to photograph hidden corners and famous landmarks. It’s perfect if you want to improve your photography skills while exploring the city. Expect a mix of practical lessons and hands-on shooting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to hone their skills amid York’s picturesque streets.
15. Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster
Rating: 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Price: $317.99 per person
Duration: 4 hours
This private tour is perfect for those wanting an immersive, rundown of York’s Roman, Viking, and medieval landmarks. Starting at York Railway Station, the guide leads you through Museum Gardens, Clifford’s Tower, and St Mary’s Abbey, with great views along the River Ouse.
Guests mention the personalized attention and the ability to cover all major highlights while discovering little-known stories. It’s best for travelers who want to maximize their time and dive deep into the city’s layered history.
Bottom Line: A full-day, private experience suited for history lovers eager for in-depth storytelling.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in York
When deciding which tour best fits your interests and schedule, consider your budget, physical activity level, and curiosity. For families and those looking for a whimsical experience, the Wizard Walk is unbeatable. If history is your main focus, the Shared Walking Tour or Private York Minster Tour deliver excellent depth.
Travelers with a taste for the spooky might prefer the Witches and History Tour, while those eager for a tailored experience can opt for the Private York Walls or Personalized Tour. And don’t forget seasonal options like the Christmas Tour, if you’re visiting during the holidays.
Booking early is recommended, especially for private or popular tours, and consider combining a themed walk with visits to landmarks like York Minster or the Shambles for a complete experience.
Final thoughts
York offers a range of walking tours that cater to different interests and travel styles. Families can enjoy the magic of the Wizard Walk, while history enthusiasts might prefer the detailed Shared Tour or personalized Private Tours. For those wanting to add a spooky or seasonal touch, the Witches Tour and Christmas Walk won’t disappoint.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance will help ensure a smooth, enjoyable visit. York’s streets are waiting—so lace up your shoes and get ready to step into history.