All York Tours & Excursions in 2026

Explore York with an award-winning, qualified historian guide! You'll travel back to the time of the romans, marvel at medieval fortifications and experience the Victorian boom that all helped contribute to making York the UK's "Second City." There's no better way to squeeze 2,000 years of history into a single journey while you uncover hidden gems and city secrets you'd never find on your own.

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.

The Aston Martin DB5 is the original Bond car — elegant, powerful, and unmistakably cool. With its silver finish and classic lines, it’s the automotive equivalent of a tailored tuxedo. Channel your inner 007 and drive a piece of cinematic history. Take to the track at the Tockwith circuit for a 6-lap driving experience, with an instructor alongside you to help you make the most of your time behind the wheel. Whether you're a lifelong motoring enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable driving experience, this is your chance to experience a true automotive icon from the driver's seat.

During the festive period, York’s streets are illuminated with twinkling lights, and it's the perfect place to get in the Christmas spirit. With this tour, a guide helps you get the most out of your time in the city by explaining more about its festive history, traditions, and tales you likely wouldn’t uncover if walking around alone—such as stories about Viking feasts, a famous Victorian author, and medieval Christmas rituals.

Explore York's vibrant culinary scene on a guided food tour that takes you through the historic streets and hidden gems of this iconic city. Sample six delicious foods, including cheese, noodles, and gelato, as you uncover the stories behind each bite. You'll even sample warm fudge from a 19th century whilst watching a demonstration of it being made. With an expert guide leading the way, enjoy a multi-course tasting experience that celebrates local flavours and independent eateries. Come hungry and ready to savour the rich history and diverse cuisines of York. You'll also visit key York landmarks and learn some fun facts (like how many jumbo jets can fit inside York Minister!). - Guided tour lasting approximately 4 hours with a maximum group size of 12 - Discover six unique food stops, featuring a variety of cuisines - All food included in the tour - Ideal for food lovers seeking to experience York's local culinary scene - Local history and fun facts

What sets this tour apart is the chance to explore some of Yorkshire’s most impressive medieval abbeys in one private day from York, while also seeing the villages, landscapes and historic towns that connect them. Rather than joining a coach tour, you travel as your own private group of up to four guests, with hotel pickup, a local driver-guide and a route that can adapt to the day. The focus is not simply on seeing ruins, but on understanding the monasteries, the communities around them and the dramatic changes brought by the Reformation. The route combines major historic sites such as Byland Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey with places including Coxwold, Kilburn and Helmsley, giving the day a much broader sense of Yorkshire’s history and landscape. As an English Heritage travel trade partner, we can also make pre-booked arrangements at participating English Heritage sites where available, helping admissions run more smoothly and giving our guests access to any applicable benefits.

Step off the grand thoroughfares and slip into the hidden arteries of medieval York. On this immersive redthread tour, you will navigate the city's ancient 'Snickelways'—narrow, shadowy passages where history isn't found in royal decrees, but in bizarre street names, ghostly folklore, and the gritty reality of everyday life. Join sociologist Lukas and local expert Lena as they decode the secrets of York's forgotten alleys, revealing a world of medieval red-light districts, phantom women, and the overwhelming sensory landscape of the past. - A 0.7 km self-guided tour with 6 stops over 64 min - Ideal for travelers interested in Social Fabric & Everyday Life and History & Memory - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

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.

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

Discover the enchanting beauty of the Yorkshire Dales National Park on this one-day tour from York. Experience picturesque villages like Pateley Bridge and Grassington, known for their charming cobbled streets and traditional pubs. Enjoy a visit to Hawes, famous for Wensleydale Cheese, and take in the stunning Aysgarth Falls. End the day at the serene Jervaulx Abbey, a historical gem. With expert commentary and ample free time to explore, this small group tour offers a personal touch to your adventure in the Dales. - Full-day guided tour departing from York - Explore storybook villages and enjoy local delicacies - Visit iconic sites including Aysgarth Falls and Jervaulx Abbey - Return to York by approximately 5:30 PM, with a small group for a more intimate experience

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the grisly tales that shaped this ancient city through the theatrical persona of a Victorian physician who “lived“ in York from 1841 to 1877. Dr Reginald Smalls will bring centuries-old stories of murder, plague, and rebellion to life as you walk the historic streets where these dark events unfolded. The All Saints Church on High Ousegate sets the stage for several of the shocking events you’ll hear about. From the banks of the River Ouse to the “Shambles,“ where rows of hooks once displayed fresh meat, each cobblestone and ancient building holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. You’ll continue past iconic landmarks like York Minster with its imposing Gothic architecture, the city’s ancient defensive bars (fortified gateways), and St. Helen’s Square with its grand Georgian buildings. You’ll veer into lesser-known areas to discover spots like Bedern Hall and narrow snickelways steeped in dark history.

Discover the North York Moors and Whitby without the hassle of organizing logistics, thanks to this private tour from York. Travel comfortably with a private driver-guide and enjoy the convenience of having an itinerary planned out for you. A highlight is the included heritage steam train ride from Goathland—famous for appearing as Hogsmeade Station in the *Harry Potter* movies—to Whitby, where you can enjoy free time to explore.

The Aston Martin DB9 is the grand tourer that defines cool. With a V12 growl and elegant curves, it’s the perfect blend of refinement and muscle. Whether cruising or hammering the throttle, it delivers class in every gear. Take to the track at the Tockwith circuit for a 6-lap driving experience, with an instructor alongside you to help you make the most of your time behind the wheel. Whether you're a lifelong motoring enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable driving experience, this is your chance to experience a true automotive icon from the driver's seat.

The Jaguar E-Type is a British icon with timeless curves and 60s racing heritage. Enzo Ferrari once called it the most beautiful car in the world. Behind the wheel, it’s smooth, charismatic, and full of classic charm — vintage motoring at its finest. Take to the track at the Tockwith circuit for a 6-lap driving experience, with an instructor alongside you to help you make the most of your time behind the wheel. Whether you're a lifelong motoring enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable driving experience, this is your chance to experience a true automotive icon from the driver's seat.

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.

You'll walk York’s historic streets, discover hidden gems, and visit characterful pubs with a local guide who believes the best way to explore a city is through good drinks, good stories, and good company. On this unique York pub tour, you'll see sights most people miss, hear stories about the city, and visit three to four pubs with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests experience a unique side of York and have a great time in the city.

Welcome to Nidderdale, a hidden gem in the Yorkshire Dales, ready to be explored from the comfort of your car. This driving tour takes you through a captivating mix of history, natural wonders, and local charm. Begin at Fountains Abbey, where ancient monastery ruins and serene Georgian water gardens—recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—combine history and beauty. Next, marvel at the gravity-defying Brimham Rocks, a natural sculpture park featuring formations that seem playfully stacked by giants. Continue to the market town of Pateley Bridge, home to England's oldest sweet shop, perfect for a nostalgic treat. Then ascend to Coldstones Cut, Yorkshire’s largest public artwork, offering dramatic views above a working quarry. End your journey at Fewston Reservoir, where tranquil lakeside trails and peaceful woodland paths invite you to stretch your legs. This tour unveils Nidderdale’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking scenery at every turn.

Puzzle fans need look no further than this immersive York treasure hunt murder mystery, set in 1491, that’s sent to your phone (over the Telegram app) as a series of riddles. Discover classic sights and quirky delights as you unravel each cryptic clue, unlock the path to the next location—and bring the criminal to justice. You’ll cover around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), with two optional pub breaks en route.

Explore the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales on a day trip from Leeds, and see some of the filming locations of the hit TV series All Creatures Great and Small. Travel to the moors and the quaint villages that make the Dales so unique, and learn about local landmarks, the mountains and valleys, and the characteristic dry stone walls that criss-cross the whole area.

Explore the lanes and stories of one of England’s most atmospheric cities on this Private York Historical Pub Tour — an unforgettable journey through centuries of rebellion, intrigue, ghosts and good cheer. York is a city layered with history: Roman foundations, Viking streets, medieval walls and Georgian elegance. But some of its most vivid stories are told not in museums — they’re told in its pubs. On this private walking tour, we visit a hand-picked selection of York’s most historic and characterful taverns. We begin at the birthplace of Guy Fawkes, the Guy Fawkes Inn, before descending to Roman remains beneath the Roman Bath. Hear ghostly tales inside the famously haunted Golden Fleece, soak up centuries of atmosphere at the Blue Boar, finishing by the river at the flood-prone yet beloved King's Arms. A complimentary drink is included in every pub. Relaxed, private and entertaining, this is York’s story told as it should be: in historic pubs, one glass at a time.

Getting from York to Manchester Airport doesn’t need to involve navigating busy public transport. Make life easy for yourself and secure a stress-free journey by choosing to travel with a chauffeur. As it’s a private service, exclusively for your personal group, you can choose your York pickup time to fit in with your flight schedule, then enjoy a seamless ride, directly to Manchester Airport.

The real beauty of this tour is the efficient use it makes of your holiday/vacation time. On first inspection, it may appear quicker to take the train. While the train is a great option for some, by the time you have caught a taxi, hauled your luggage to the correct platform at the station, and done the same again at the other end, you have spent nearly a full day travelling, missing out on historic sites such as Hadrian’s Wall, Bamburgh Castle, the wild Scottish border country or the other wonderful sites and landscapes we travel through along the way.

The audio guide is a convenient mobile companion for a self-guided walk around York. The tour is designed specifically for getting to know the city in a short time (1.5–2 hours). Follow the route on the map in the app to walk from the railway station to Lendal Bridge, passing the city’s main sights. You will definitely see: York Minster, Clifford's Tower, City walls, Micklegate Bar, The shortest street in England, Ancient Roman ruins. The tour includes 23 interesting stops. All stories are written by professional journalists and historians with a touch of humor and a love of travel. After downloading the tour, the app works offline. You can always hear the audio guide clearly through your headphones. Enjoy fascinating stories and legends as you move at your own pace, without needing to follow a tour group. At any moment, you can stop to rest in a café or turn down a picturesque alley, then continue your walk around the city.

York calls itself the most haunted city in Europe, though nobody has ever produced the survey that says so. This self-guided ghost walk takes the claim seriously enough to test it. With the Questo app you work a case file on the walled city that has been open since 1953. In February of that year, an apprentice fitting a boiler in a cellar behind the Minster saw Roman soldiers come through the wall, visible only from the knees up. Some stories hold up better than you'd expect. Others, like Mad Alice of Mad Alice Lane, fall apart the moment someone checks the gaol records. Thirteen stops lead from the old castle prisons and Clifford's Tower over Ouse Bridge to the Minster, then along the Shambles to the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. Each has a puzzle you solve on the spot, from a scrambled message to a doctored photo of a carved doorway. The walk covers about 2.6 km and takes most groups two hours. Hints and 24/7 support are built in. There are no jump scares, by design.