Top York City Tours

You don’t have to join a tour group to discover York. This self-guided audio walking tour lets you set the pace and pick up and drop the route when it suits you. Hit all the signature spots—York Minster, Stonegate, Mansion House, the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, and more. The app works online and offline, and includes geodata, so you don't need to waste money on roaming charges.

Explore York at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your phone. You get a clear map of all 9 stops, simple directions through Google Maps, and short audio stories you can play when you reach each location. The route covers the historic heart of York, from York Minster to Micklegate Bar, passing sites like The Shambles, Clifford's Tower, and Jorvik Viking Centre. Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore freely. No groups, no schedules. Audio and text available in 7 languages.

Skip the busy ghost tours, and see the spooky side of York on a self-guided ghost tour. You’ll download a cellphone App, then listen to an audio tour to track down the ghouls and spirits that haunt the city of York. Linger where and when you want, or complete the tour within an hour; the experience is independent so you have the freedom to enjoy it on your own terms.

See the historic buildings and monuments of York through a lens on this unique walking photography tour. Take photos with the guidance of your professional photographer guide, and learn about the history of the ancient city as you go. Learn how to take photographs of landscapes, buildings and street portraits on your own camera, whether you have a state-of-the-art machine or you’re using your smartphone.

Don’t worry about getting lost in the winding streets of medieval York during this introductory small-group tour of the city, ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time in the region. See several York highlights—including St Mary’s Abbey, York Minster, and The Shambles—without worrying about directions, while benefiting from the insight of your guide throughout.

Experience the timeless charm of York on this private walking tour beginning at St. Helen’s Square, one of the city’s most elegant gathering places. As you explore medieval lanes, Gothic architecture, peaceful green spaces, and ancient Roman remains, your guide will share stories that reveal York’s rich and layered history. From the iconic Shambles to the majestic York Minster and the tranquil Museum Gardens, this tour offers a beautifully immersive introduction to one of England’s most historic and captivating cities. With flexible durations from 1 to 6 hours, it’s the perfect way to discover York at your own pace.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during an Ouse River cruise. Setting off in the early evening when the light softens, sail past ancient landmarks and quaint riverside villages, all the while learning about the area’s Roman and Viking heritage. Keep warm in the heated saloon, where you can buy alcoholic drinks, warm beverages, and snacks.

Explore the fascinating history of York, the charming northeast England city that was founded by the ancient Romans! On this self-guided tour narrated by an expert historian, we’ll walk around from Exhibition Square, up the beautiful Stonegate, and visit York Minster, the huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral.  Walk through the old city walls and visit its iconic key attractions such as the Shambles, JORVIK Viking Centre and finish the tour at York Castle Museum, as well as visiting Clifford’s Tower. Delve into York’s secret stories and mysterious past, before learning about its bustling culture at Stonegate, for an epic cultural adventure in this must-see historic town.  Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

From plague to Vikings to butchery and murder, discover York’s dark history on this family-friendly tour led by a guide known for his dark sense of humor. See sights such as York Minster, the Shambles, and Bedern Hall, the silliest street in England, as you hear tales of bygone days, vile crimes, and things that go bump in the night.

Exploring York on your own can mean wandering past centuries of history without really understanding what you’re seeing. This guided walking tour adds the stories and context that bring the city to life. As you stroll along the ancient walls and through York’s picturesque streets, your guide connects the landmarks to powerful figures such as Constantine the Great, Robert the Bruce, and Oliver Cromwell—explaining how their actions shaped the city you see today. Along the way, discover hidden details, natural features, and lesser-known corners you might otherwise miss, turning a simple walk into a deeper, more meaningful experience of York.

Uncover the medieval marvels of historic York on a bespoke walking tour with a private guide. Learn about York’s rich history as you walk around the centuries-old walls, pose for photos with a backdrop of the city or visit the wall museums (not included). Your private tour is yours to customize as you please, so you could also pay a visit to York Castle, stroll down the atmospheric The Shambles or take a peek inside the magnificent York Minster.

Learn about York's history and legends on a 2-hour Viking walking tour with a private guide, Sigwulf. You'll walk through town to see historical landmarks and listen to stories from the Viking days. Departure time is flexible to suit your preferences.

Join an exciting 60-minute walking journey through York. Learn all the key facts about the city, dive into the local lifestyle, and feel its unique culture. From York Minster to Shambles, get to discover the city's most defining landmarks. Your Local will also share insider tips on the best cafes, restaurants, and lively bars in York to ensure you get the most out of your stay. • See York through a local's eyes, uncovering the city's true essence. • Discover York's medieval architecture and charming old streets. • Get top local tips on the best bars, cafes, and restaurants to visit. • Maximize your time, discovering more of York in less time. • Enjoy the intimacy of a small group, with a maximum of 8 travellers.

With a colorful history dating back thousands of years, York ranks among England’s oldest cities—but exploring independently means you risk missing its hidden secrets. On this walking tour, begin with pickup at your central York hotel and explore the city’s narrow streets with your private guide. Capture the city on camera from vantage points around town, and delve into 2,000 years of Viking history and heritage.

Castle Howard is a place and palace like no other where for over 300 years the Howard family have been welcoming visitors. In just one visit you'll see a palace, a town, a fortified city, temples, magnificent woods, hills, valleys and a mausoleum. Heading out of York, you'll take in breathtaking views of York Minster as you head into the Vale of York. You'll then be driven through the charming villages of Sutton on Forest and Stililngton both mentioned in William the Conquerer’s Domesday Book after which the imposing York Minster comes into view. After driving through the Howardian Hills and former Castle Howard estate village of Bulmer you'll arrive at Castle Howard where you'll have the chance to stop for a coffee and browse the estate's shops. This will be followed by a private tour of the house and formal gardens before you're left to have lunch and explore on your own.