Top York Arts & Design in 2026

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.

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.

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.

York’s history spans nearly 2,000 years, so it’s hard to know where to start on a short visit. Walk with a guide along the city walls and through York’s historic streets, hearing how figures such as Constantine the Great, Robert the Bruce, and Oliver Cromwell shaped the city. Along the way, look out for local plants and wildlife.

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.

Movie enthusiasts, this one's designed just for you. Embark on a fascinating journey through York with an interactive tour that features movie trivia and group challenges. Along the way, discover iconic Harry Potter filming locations and enjoy additional elements such as video clips, costumes, and reenactments to enhance your experience. The tour is available in English, French, and German to accommodate more guests.

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, this pass makes experiencing a new place so much easier.

Delve into the dark side of York and see the city in a new light on this evening ghost bus tour. Visit notorious local haunts of restless spirits and pass eerie sites such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the grave of Dick Turpin, the infamous highwayman and murderer. Throughout the tour, hear anecdotes and fascinating facts about York’s grisly past, and stop at key sites for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings.

Journey back in time on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of York, England’s quintessential medieval town. Your flexible 24-hour ticket enables you build a custom itinerary of York’s main attractions such as The Stonebow, Clifford’s Tower, Museum Gardens and more. With unobstructed views from the open-top viewing deck and 20 possible stops around town, you have the best of the city at your fingertips.

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.

See a side of York’s history and art that lots of tourists miss out on on this small-group walking tour through the Shambles and Shards that focuses on the stained glass found in local churches. But don’t worry—you needn’t be a major art history buff to enjoy this experience. The tour is relaxed and accessible to all knowledge levels.

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.

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.

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.

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.