Top York Half-day Tours

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.

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!

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.

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.

See a slightly lesser-known side of York with a local guide who loves sharing the hidden gems of this historic city with visitors, including pubs pouring great regional craft beer. You'll see sights most people miss, hear stories about the city, and visit 3-4 pubs with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests experience a unique side of York and have a good time along the way.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a great pick for travelers interested in discovering some of the best independent eateries in York. Save time scrolling through restaurant reviews, and learn about the local food scene from a guide instead. The tour visits five independent food venues for tastings and passes by famous landmarks such as the York Minster along the way.

Discover York like never before with a self-guided trail that uncovers the city’s hidden stories, from medieval snickelways to overlooked corners near the ancient walls, tucked-away corners, and scenic viewpoints. This engaging walk invites you to look closer at quirky landmarks and layered history, with thoughtful questions that bring each location to life. Perfect for solo explorers, couples, families, or small groups, the trail offers total flexibility with no time limits. Simply download the PDF and bring your device, and immerse yourself in the charm and character of York. Get ready to see familiar streets through a fresh lens.

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

Take a break from bustling York on a full-day tour of Herriot and the Yorkshire Dales, and travel across the mountainous region with ease via air-conditioned vehicle. Discover the region’s top attractions, including the filming location for "Darrowby" in the TV series "All Creatures Great and Small", Bolton Abbey, and Penistone Hill, and benefit from insights provided by your guide, as well as the more personalized experience of a small-group tour.

With a colorful history dating back thousands of years, York ranks among England’s oldest cities—but exploring independently means you risk missing its hidden secrets. On this walking tour, begin with pickup at your central York hotel and explore the city’s narrow streets with your private guide. Capture the city on camera from vantage points around town, and delve into 2,000 years of Viking history and heritage.

A fantastic walk around the city centre of York, enjoying stories about its long history. You and the host Kay will visit 5 great independent eateries, all serving delicious food with great passion. Food that is all sourced locally and with influences from around the world and each carefully chosen tasting makes up part of the city's vibrant food and drink scene. With a knowledgeable guide and the company of other foodies, you and your taste buds will not only thoroughly enjoy yourself but you'll be supporting these local independents too. You will be walking around the city centre and will end on Castlegate. You walk a little less than a mile in total. It is all flat although some of the streets are cobbled. There are minimal stairs at all your tastings although some have restrooms which are accessed by stairs. The host Kay do recommend having a very small breakfast – you want to save yourself for some delicious tastings!

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.

Explore York with an award-winning, qualified historian guide! You'll travel back to the time of the romans, walk along 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.

See the historic buildings and monuments of York through a lens on this unique walking photography tour. Take photos with the guidance of your professional photographer guide, and learn about the history of the ancient city as you go. Learn how to take photographs of landscapes, buildings and street portraits on your own camera, whether you have a state-of-the-art machine or you’re using your smartphone.

This tour follows the entire route of the most complete medieval walls in England. We will visit all of the famous Bars, gateways to the city, and learn about the history of them. Join me on this tour of the mediaeval walls that guard my fascinating home city. Learn more about the city's 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, observe one of the world's great cathedrals and take in the incredible views..

Explore York with an award-winning, qualified historian guide! We'll travel through 2,000 years of history as we walk along Roman roads, medieval walls and royal thoroughfares. This tour incorporates every inch of the most complete set of historical city walls anywhere in the UK. Find out why and how these fortifications were built - and hear the stories of those who dared to try to breach them..!