Top York Private Sightseeing Tours

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.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of York Minster on this in-depth private guided tour. Explore the art, architecture, and grounds of the medieval cathedral—which still retains many original features—while avoiding crowded areas. You may meet the talented stone masons who maintain the historic building or chat with the cathedral's dedicated policing unit.

Enjoy all the perks of a ghost tour without having to rush to keep up with a group or spend heaps of cash to have a Yokr guide all to yourself. With this app tour, you don’t have to worry about getting lost in a new city while you hear spooky tales of alleged hauntings that lots of locals don’t even know about.

Get your bearings and explore York like a local on this exclusive private walking tour, led by an expert guide. More than just a history lesson, this immersive experience brings the city’s rich past to life as you stroll through its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and hidden corners. Step back in time to Viking-age Jorvik, walk in the footsteps of Romans along the city’s famous walls, and uncover how York evolved from a medieval religious center to the vibrant, historic gem it is today. From grand landmarks to tucked-away treasures, your guide will share the stories that make York unique.

Discover the imperial capital that shaped an empire. Long before it was York, this city was Eboracum—a crucial northern powerhouse of the Roman Empire where emperors ruled and stayed. On this immersive walking tour, you’ll leave the modern streets behind to trace the monumental footprint of the Roman legions. Led by an expert historical guide, we strip away the myths to look at the real history, engineering, and daily lives of the people who built ancient York. From high-status citizens to the soldiers guarding the frontier, discover how Rome stamped its authority on the British landscape. Perfect for history enthusiasts and curious travelers looking for an authentic, deep-dive exploration of York’s classical past.

Enjoy a fully flexible and independent way to discover York’s highlights and history with this self-led, smartphone audio tour. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone, and use whenever suits your schedule. With the help of the included GPS map and directions, you’ll discover key landmarks like the York Minster, York City Walls, and the Shambles; will learn about the city’s Viking history; and much more.

York is Europe’s most haunted city. Its over 2,000 years of turbulent history has created the perfect environment for lingering spirits. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll visit the city’s most haunted public houses, each one teeming with tales of ghostly figures and unexplained phenomena. The tour starts at Bootham Bar, one of York’s ancient gateways to the city. You’ll weave through medieval streets to visit historic pubs like the Hole in the Wall, where a prison hatch once allowed patrons to pass drinks to unfortunate inmates, and the Guy Fawkes Inn, named after one of Britain’s most notorious would-be assassins. Along the way, you’ll find out how the city’s pubs have been the setting for tragic deaths, sinister plots, and unexplained hauntings that continue to this day. You’ll hear about the Mad Maid who still cleans the Dean Court Hotel, the ghostly Roman soldier in the Hole in the Wall’s cellar, and the bride who appears only to those suffering from recent heartbreak.

York is amazing. King George VI once said, 'The history of York is the history of England'. Well he wasn't wrong. The city has been home to Romans, Saxons, Vikings and Normans. It has been the 'capital' of the north and has been a centre for trade, commerce and power through the centuries. Today York is a vibrant, modern city with one of the best windows on the past that you will ever find. Join me on a tour of my fascinating home city to learn more about its history and what has made it the city it is today. Walk in the footsteps of Roman soldiers and marauding Vikings, pass through medieval streets, stand in the shadow of one of the world's great cathedrals and take in the view from the city walls.

Any tourist can visit York and enjoy its historic buildings and picturesque cobbled streets, but what about learning about its past as Jorvik, as the Vikings called it hundreds of years ago? This private tour takes you through a side of the city’s story that most visitors miss out on.

This tour will take you across the historic centre of York and stop at a number of independent businesses, each one of which will provide you with generous examples of their fabulous food & drink. You'll get to enjoy Yorkshire Cheeses, Fish & Chips, Tacos, Chocolate and Pintxos with Sherry before choosing a sweet or savoury finale with a well earned Yorkshire ale! While walking between the venues you'll hear a bit about the history of York and pass by several of the cities major attractions such as York Minster, Cliffords Tower and the City Walls. Your guide is a York based food writer who knows the city and its hospitality scene intimately. He's been featured in the Lonely Planet guide, is a coordinating judge for the Guild of Fine Food and helps run York Food & Drink Festival....You can recognise him by the cutlery tattoos!

Journey through the rolling landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on this unique tour inspired by and focusing on the locations used in TV’s All Creatures Great And Small. Stopping in villages nestled throughout North Yorkshire, you will see filing locations as well as a trip to the World of James Herriot visitor center in Thirsk. Stop in several picturesque villages for photos and refreshments.

Yorkshire Icons brings together four completely different sides of Yorkshire in one private day from York. Explore the extraordinary ruins and landscaped grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, then slow the pace in Masham, a traditional market town full of local character. From there, discover the strange balancing formations and wide countryside views of Brimham Rocks before finishing in beautiful Knaresborough, with its riverside setting, historic streets and famous viaduct. With York-area pick-up and return included, your own private vehicle and a local driver-guide, the day is designed to feel relaxed, varied and personal rather than rushed from stop to stop.

Discover the magical city of York at your own pace with this guided tour. With a tour of more than 2 hours, you can explore iconic attractions like St. Mary's Abbey or Clifford Tower. This option without schedules or groups allows you to enjoy the city flexibly, including recommendations on gastronomy and family activities. Available in six languages, this experience is ideal for those looking for hassle-free personalized tourism. - 2h self-guided tour with + 15 points of interest - Access to information in 6 languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, Italian and German Explore iconic attractions and receive food recommendations. - No groups or schedules, ideal for traveling at your own pace.

This is a private Brontë Country tour from York, designed for guests who want more than a standard day trip. Instead of joining a coach or following a rushed group route, you travel with your own local driver-guide through Haworth, the Yorkshire moors, Brontë landmarks, literary viewpoints and atmospheric village stops. The tour combines famous Brontë locations with the wider landscape that shaped their writing — moorland views, historic churches, stone streets, remote ruins and quiet corners often missed on larger tours. The pace is flexible, with time for photos, short walks, café stops and exterior-only visits if preferred. With door-to-door pickup from York, private transport for up to four guests, and local storytelling throughout the day, it is a personal, comfortable way to experience Brontë Country without hiring a car or joining a large group.

York Beyond the Walls packs the character of Yorkshire into one unforgettable half-day. This is not a coach tour or a rushed whistle-stop — it is completely private for your group of up to four guests, with York pick-up and return included. In just four hours you’ll experience a Georgian market town, a hilltop village and historic church, the haunting ruins of Byland Abbey and the spectacular Kilburn White Horse, all with a local driver-guide and the freedom to enjoy the journey your way.

York is known for its medieval streets, ancient city walls, and beautifully-preserved buildings; and this private tour is the perfect way to make the most of your visit. Instead of studying a map, look up and admire the sights as a private guide shows you the city’s must-see sights. Places passed on the route include the York Minster, the building where Guy Fawkes was born, Clifford’s Tower, and the Shambles.

York has a fascinating Roman past and this private tour unpacks it more efficiently than you could likely do alone. View the city’s Roman relics, including its Roman Column, York Minster—built over a Roman basilica– and other points of interest, all with guided commentary for background. Along the way, hear about mad emperors and lost legions; and discover how a posting to York was considered dangerous in Roman times.

With rich Roman and Viking history and beautiful architecture, York is among England’s must-see cities—but exploring independently means you may miss its hidden secrets. On this private walking tour, follow your guide through historic York and find out what makes the city special. Explore top attractions like Clifford's Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the Roman walls, and St Mary’s Abbey, and enjoy skip-the-line access and sweeping views along the River Ouse.

Dare to explore York's sinister side on this chilling self-guided ghost walk, venturing into the heart of England's most haunted city! With this tour, you can unleash York's eerie past at your own pace. You will explore over 12 of York's most haunted locations with the chance to encounter over 30 spirits. Peer down narrow snickleways where Mad Alice watches from the windows and pass by haunted pubs where ghostly regulars still sit at the bar. Hear about the real life incidents which leave even sceptics questioning their beliefs. You can put the tour on pause for some liquid courage at any of the famous haunted pubs along the tour. The tour can be experienced at any time of the day or night. But it is highly recommended to try it in the dark for the best experience and to increase your chances of encountering a spectre. This tour is perfect for adventurous travellers, couples, and small groups seeking a flexible experience.

Wander. Discover. Connect with Inerro. Explore York at your own pace on a 2½-mile (4 km) circular self-guided trail through the city's medieval streets, historic landmarks and unexpected details. With 19 stops to explore, questions and things to spot encourage you to see York differently and notice details you might otherwise miss. Estimated time: 2 - 4 hours. Take your time and customise your experience, stop to explore a museum, pause for a coffee or drink, skip a stop if you're short on time, or return to the trail later. At the end, use the answers you've collected to tackle one final challenge. Accessible with caution: please note there are curbs, uneven paths, cobbles and rough terrain due to the historic nature of some landmarks. Users follow the route at their own risk. Perfect for curious travellers, couples, families and friends looking for a different way to experience York, without a guide or fixed timetable.

Delve into the eerie history of York with the Witch Walk, a 90-minute guided tour led by the enigmatic Ragnell Hagathorn. This engaging adventure weaves together haunting tales of witches, ghosts, and other supernatural elements, perfect for both thrill-seekers and families. As you stroll through the historic streets, expect a blend of folklore, humor, and theatrical storytelling that brings the dark past of York to life. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this family-friendly tour ensures a captivating experience for all. The walk operates rain or shine, so dress for the weather and prepare for a memorable evening. - Guided walking tour lasting approximately 90 minutes - Family-friendly and suitable for ages 8 and above - Experience ghost stories alongside folklore and theatrical elements - Begins at St. Helen’s Square, York at 7:30 PM

This Private Tour provides the opportunity for you to get out into the countryside to enjoy the fresh air and stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. We will pick you up from your hotel (or other location of your choice) at 10.00am and head out of town for a circular tour of Wharfedale and Nidderdale, with alternative potential stops at Bolton Abbey, Burnsall, Pateley Bridge and Fountains Abbey to suit your preferences. There will also be scenic photo stops along the way. You will be able to buy food and drinks en route, but feel free to bring your own food along and we will stop somewhere suitable for you to have a picnic away from any crowds. The itinerary for this tour is flexible, talk to your Driver when you set off to decide how you want to spend your time, based upon your personal preferences. Departs 10.00am and drops off 2.30pm.

Visit some of York's best and lesser-known sights and meet the cast of characters who have helped shape the city, from an ancient Roman outpost to the exciting city of today. • Enjoy three walking tours around the city. One tracing the city wall, another examining its ancient history and the final tour looking at its haunted spots • Hear from producer James Easton, a local resident, passionate about the history • Have complete control over when you start and finish with the ability to linger at stops en route • Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and 3 codes listed under “Before You Go”. Simply install the VoiceMap mobile app and enter your codes. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. The app has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.