Top York Pop Culture 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.

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.

Lots of walking tour itineraries are understandably full of happy historical facts, but what about the darker side of the story? This York tour doesn’t sugarcoat the villainous stuff—a guide talks you through the stories of some of the city’s most morally dubious characters and lets you wash the tales down with five shots of different rums inspired by these stories.

Many of York's spookiest streets, passageways, and cobblestone lanes aren't vehicle-accessible, so walking is the best way to get up close to the city's haunted locations. Join a guide to explore while you listen to stories about mysteries, tragedies, and alleged hauntings at The Shambles, The Golden Fleece pub, Mad Alice Lane, Clifford’s Tower, and more.

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 make key stops for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings.

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.

Take part in this true crime walking tour and uncover the grim realities of York’s criminal past. Along the way, you will learn about executions, arsonists, thieves, forgers, highwaymen, and murderers whose actions left a lasting mark on the city.

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.

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

York’s dark past offers more than ghost stories—but don't worry, there's plenty of those on this tour too. On this guided walking tour, hear about witchcraft, legends, plague victims, persecution, and the chilling reality behind medieval torture as entertainment. It's perfect for history buffs and fans of spooky stories alike.

Explore York after dark on a spine-chilling guided ghost tour. Wander through Minster's Yard, Pavement, and Precentor's Court as your guide shares chilling tales and eerie historical facts you'd miss exploring alone. Hear stories from England's most haunted inn, the Golden Fleece, and come face to face with one of York's local ghosts. Short and atmospheric, this tour is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing.

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.

Spend a day exploring the Yorkshire filming locations for both the new and the original BBC version of “All Creatures Great and Small”. From the former surgery and home of Alf Wright to lunch in the pub that was used as the interior of The Drovers Arms, you’ll see some iconic spots. Your driver will get you around in a mini-van where you’ll watch the beautiful Yorkshire Dales roll by.

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.

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.

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Dare to embark on “Whispers of York Ghostly Adventure” and become the hero of your chilling tale in one of England’s most haunted cities. This journey isn’t just a tour; it’s a passage through time, where the thin veil between the past and present reveals York’s hidden spirits. Under the cloak of twilight, navigate the shadowy lanes of the Shambles, stand beneath the towering spires of York Minster, and tread softly through ancient halls where history’s echoes fill the air. With every step, uncover the secrets and spectral stories that linger in York’s historic heart. Gather your courage, step into the night, and let the ghostly whispers of York transform you into the storyteller of your eerie adventure. Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Explore the picturesque Yorkshire Dales on a private tour tailored for fans of 'All Creatures Great and Small.' Visit iconic filming locations such as Grassington, known as Darrowby, and Bolton Castle, where heartfelt moments unfolded. This immersive experience includes a stop at the Wensleydale Creamery, where you can sample the famous cheese. Enjoy breathtaking scenery while guided by an expert who shares insights about the region’s history and the beloved series. Perfect for groups of up to 16, this 8-hour tour provides a unique glimpse into the countryside that inspired James Herriot's stories. - Full-day private tour lasting 8 hours - Visit filming locations like Bolton Castle and Grassington - Sample cheese at the renowned Wensleydale Creamery - Led by an expert guide with insightful commentary throughout the journey

Includes an exclusive FREE book written by your guide! Step into the world of Westeros on our Winterfell: A Game of Thrones Fan Tour of York, our latest tour following over 15 years of award winning history tours of York. Explore York’s dramatic history through the lens of Game of Thrones, from the freezing edge of the Roman Empire — the real “Winterfell” — to the Wars of the Roses, the true inspiration for the clash of rival houses. Discover the echoes of Britain’s bloodiest battle in the “Battle of the Bastards,” and see how York’s towers, walls, and snickelways shaped the world of Jon Snow, Cersei, and Tyrion. Along the way, your guide brings York’s history to life with vivid parallels between fact and fantasy. Please note young children under 5 are free, just let us know at time of booking

York isn’t just England’s most historic city – it’s officially Europe’s most haunted. On this spine-chilling self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the dark underbelly of a place where 2,000 years of history have created the perfect conditions for supernatural activity. As you walk, you’ll hear about poltergeists, spectral monks, murdered children, and other entities that refused to leave when their mortal lives ended. You'll hear about the home to St. Mary’s Abbey, where the ghostly silhouette of a faceless monk still stalks the ruins. You’ll weave through York’s atmospheric streets, passing haunted pubs where objects move of their own accord and temperatures drop without explanation. Along the way, you’ll hear spine-tingling tales of the sinister Barghest (a demonic black dog whose appearance foretells death) and the violent poltergeist that terrorizes unsuspecting shoppers at The Body Shop.

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.

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.