Top York Sightseeing Tours in 2026

Enjoy all the perks of a ghost tour without having to rush to keep up with a group or spend a lot on a private guide with this self-guided tour. Download the app and enjoy three experiences along one single route—from Roman ruins and Viking history to chilling tales. Get a taste for what York has to offer without getting lost and at your own pace, with the freedom to linger at places that capture your interest.

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.

York’s main sights spread beyond the walled center, making it tiring to cover everything on foot in one go. Ride a hop-on hop-off bus past landmarks such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the National Railway Museum, with an audio guide sharing background on each. Step off at any of 20 stops to linger where you like, then rejoin the route when ready.

See the historic city of York from a different perspective during a 45-minute or 1-hour cruise on the Ouse River. Relax during a leisurely sail, accompanied by commentary that details the history and culture of York, and enjoy unobstructed views of landmarks such as Clifford’s Tower and the York Museum and Gardens. Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.

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.

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.

Reaching the North York Moors’ scattered villages and Whitby’s coastline in one day is tricky without a car. Travel with a small group and a guide through rolling moorland to Helmsley and Hutton-le-Hole, hearing stories of the region’s history and culture along the way. In Whitby, free time lets you wander the harbor town at your own pace.

This Private Tour provides the opportunity for you to get out into the countryside to enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park. We will pick you up from your hotel (or other location of your choice) at 10.00am and head out of the city for a circular tour of the National Park, with stops at Byland Abbey, Helmsley and the beautiful moorland village of Rosedale Abbey. There will also be 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 and we can make adjustments to suit your personal preferences. Departs 10.00am and drops off 2.30pm.

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.

Visiting any new city can be exciting, but challenging and costly to navigate for the first time too. With this York City Pass, heaps of logistics are sorted in one fell swoop. From York Minster to the York Dungeons to York’s Chocolate Story to discounts on hotel stays, plus a 24-hour City Sightseeing bus ticket and river cruise, this pass makes experiencing a new place so much easier.

Delve into England’s colorful history and admire architecture dating back to the Middle Ages on this morning or afternoon York walking tour. Follow a guide through the streets of York and discover landmarks including Bedern Hall, Clifford’s Tower, Fairfax House, King’s Manor, the Multangular Tower, St. Mary’s Abbey, Stonegate, and St. William’s College. Hear how Emperor Constantine, Guy Fawkes, and Richard III shaped modern York, and learn of the English Reformation as you explore York Minster.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

See a spookier side of York, without worrying about getting lost, on this guided ghost walk through 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.

This is the ultimate Yorkshire Dales adventure! Enjoy the luxury of having round-trip door-to-door transport included on this private tour. Save time by seeing many highlights of the Yorkshire Dales in a day, including Bolton Castle, Askrigg, Pateley Bridge, Hawes, and more. You’ll also visit the award-winning Wensleydale Creamery, where the delicious Wensleydale cheese is produced.

You will travel by Hot Air Balloon over the Historical City Of York and it's surrounding countryside. We offer Champagne Balloon Flights over the beautiful city of York from April – October each year. Our balloons are all multi coloured and look amazing both form the ground, from the air and in your pictures! Pilot Ollie says - "There’s nothing more peaceful and serene than watching the world go by as you fly over the countryside in a Hot Air Balloon. The most rewarding part of piloting balloons is being able to share the experience and excitement with others" Your ballooning experience will include: - 3 - 4 hour Experience - Detailed Passenger Safety Briefing - Opportunity To Help Set Up The Balloon - 45 minutes to 1 Hour Flight From York - Opportunity To Help Pack The Balloon Away - Champagne Toast - Flight Certificates - Optional In-Flight Photographs & Video (£20) - Minibus Ride Back To Launch Site

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 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.