Top York Historical Tours

Gunpowder, Plot and Treason A Walking Tour Through York’s Darkest Legends Step into the shadows of York’s bloodstained past. From the birthplace of Guy Fawkes to the final cries at Clifford’s Tower, Gunpowder, Plot and Treason unearths the city’s most chilling tales of rebellion, betrayal, and forgotten heroes. Follow in the footsteps of criminals, martyrs, and monarchs — and discover the dark heartbeat that still echoes through York’s ancient streets. History is written by the victors — but on this tour, you’ll hear the whispers of those who dared to defy them.

Skip the standard group tours and enjoy an alternative history of York during this award-winning, immersive guided tour of the city. Pass by top attractions—such as the Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre—as you listen to your guide tell tales of witches, queens, and murderers that you wouldn’t hear on most other tours.

York has a rich history, dating back almost 2,000 years, but finding out which heritage sites to see can be time-consuming. Hear tales and trivia you won’t find in the guidebooks when you join this walking tour, led by a guide with a passion for history. From Guy Fawkes to York Minster, from butchery to falconry, from martyrs to dungeons, get an in-depth perspective on this fascinating city.

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.

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.

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.

Discover a variety of York's hidden treasures during this walking tour. Uncover the city's culture, history, and best-kept secrets with the help of you guide. From famous landmarks like Bettys and York Minster to tales of Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin, explore intriguing stories and overlooked marvels. Plus, delight in a chocolatey treat from York’s Chocolate Story, adding a sweet touch to your adventure. Whether you're a local or visitor, experience York in a different light.

This prebooked York Dungeon admission helps you save time waiting in ticket lines at the entrance, so you can get to the action quicker. Once inside, there’s so much to discover—including a ride, live shows, and interactive exhibits. As you explore the dungeon’s displays, you can learn more about York’s dark history, as well as notorious figures from the past—such as Dick Turpin and Guy Fawkes.

Discover the best of Whitby and the North Yorkshire Moors on this captivating full-day tour. Start in the charming market town of Pickering, then explore the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Visit the moorland village of Goathland, known as ‘Hogsmeade’ in 'Harry Potter.' Enjoy Whitby’s seaside charm with fish and chips, stroll the harbor, and visit Whitby Abbey. Conclude in Glaisdale, home to the romantic Beggers Bridge.

Start by meeting your guide just outside York Minster. From there, you’ll enjoy a tour of the cathedral’s exterior. Hear stories about the Gothic architecture, the Minster gardens and see the new statue of Queen Elizabeth II. Then step inside York Minster with your guide and journey through 1400 years of English history. Take a snap of the famous Five Sisters window – dedicated to women who died in WWI. Explore the world-class cathedral and uncover the Chapter House, Undercroft Museum and much more.

York is an ancient city that’s filled with more history than most tourists realize. Embark on an immersive walking tour and listen to tales of its history, from Roman times to the Vikings to the plague and to present day. Hear stories of Roman toilets, discover the grisly details of Dick Turpin’s execution, and learn about the gruesome cures concocted to cure the Black Death as you pass by the Minster, Jorvik Center, Shambles, Clifford’s Tower and more.

Discover the enchanting Yorkshire Moors on this captivating day tour from York. Begin your adventure in the picturesque village of Hutton-le-Hole, where charming cottages and serene landscapes invite a leisurely stroll. Continue to the historic port of Whitby, the backdrop for Bram Stoker's Dracula, and enjoy time to explore its cobbled streets, abbey ruins, and sample local fish and chips. Visit the quaint Robin Hood’s Bay and snap photos at the iconic Goathland Station, known as Hogsmeade in Harry Potter. With a small group setting, benefit from a personal touch and insights from your driver-guide. - Full-day tour of Yorkshire Moors and Whitby from York - Free time to explore Hutton-le-Hole, Whitby, and Robin Hood's Bay - Visit Goathland Station, famous from Harry Potter - Travel in a comfortable 16-seat mini-coach with expert commentary

Ideal for travelers looking for the flexibility to determine their own itinerary, the Visit York Pass provides access to over 30 attractions, including York Minster, York Dungeons, York's Chocolate Story and more. Don’t worry about buying individual admission tickets; instead, use the convenient and hassle-free Visit York Pass to save time on the day. The Visit York Pass also gives you discounts on hotel stays, restaurants, tours, ghost walks and more! Don’t feel limited by set itineraries and visit the attractions which appeal to you Choose from a one-day or multi-day Visit York Pass to fit your schedule Save on travel time with the included 24-hour City Sightseeing bus ticket and river cruise.

The heartwarming TV series “All Creatures Great and Small” has inspired a new generation with the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales. Skip the stress of car hire and pair sights from the series with key locations from the creator’s life on this tour from York. Along the way, sample Wensleydale cheese, photograph Aysgarth Falls, and soak up views from high passes to get a taste of true English culture.

With beautiful architecture and medieval history, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but pounding the sidewalks on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, hop into the saddle and spin through the city streets by bicycle, and hit top attractions like York Minster with ease. Follow safe routes inside and outside the ancient city walls, with your guide bringing York’s colorful Roman and Viking history to life.

See a slightly lesser-known side of York with a local guide who loves sharing the hidden gems of this medieval city with visitors, including pubs pouring great regional craft beer. You'll see hidden gems that most people walk past, learn a little bit about the city and have some fun while you're at it with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests see the 'real' York.

See a spookier side to York without the worry of getting lost during this guided ghost walk around the streets and snickelways (alleys) of the medieval city. Listen to your guide tell tales of York’s tragic past that you wouldn’t otherwise hear, ask questions along the way to learn more, and enjoy an atypical introduction to the city.

Get a comprehensive tour of York combined with personalized attention on this private excursion. Your dedicated guide will tailor the tour's stops and commentary to your private group's interests. Learn all about York's history, culture, architecture, and people as you walk.

Explore York after dark on a spine-chilling guided ghost tour. Wander through Minster's Yard, Pavement, and Precentor's Court as your guide shares chilling tales and eerie historical facts you'd miss exploring alone. Hear stories from England's most haunted inn, the Golden Fleece, and come face to face with one of York's local ghosts. Short and atmospheric, this tour is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

Delve into the rich history of York on the Shambles & Shards walking tour, focusing on the art and significance of stained glass. This expert-led experience takes you inside churches, revealing the intricate stories behind stained glass creation and preservation. Enjoy a relaxed stroll through historic streets, witnessing firsthand the craftsmanship that has endured through centuries. Perfect for history buffs and art enthusiasts alike, this tour offers a unique perspective on York's cultural heritage. - Expert commentary from a professional stained glass conservator - Visit historic sites with entry included where necessary - Small group settings for personalized attention - Accessible to all levels of knowledge with engaging storytelling

Families visiting York - this is York's only tour created specifically for children, and is ideal for wizard fans! Kids will enjoy a more engaging experience exploring York's history, magic, and mystery by walking around the city with a guide dressed as a wizard. Along the way, hear jokes, watch close-up magic, and search for mythical creatures at interesting locations–such as the York Minster, and the Shambles.

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.

Discover the rugged beauty of rural Northern England on a full-day tour from York—no need to rent a car or tackle the area's country roads yourself. Explore traditional English moorland villages, Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, famed filming locations for the Harry Potter™ movies. Head into the North York Moors National Park for panoramic views over the rolling countryside, then wander Whitby at your leisure, with options to visit Whitby Abbey, the port, or the Captain Cook Museum. Return via the Hole of Horcum.