Top York Sightseeing Tours

Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and discover North Yorkshire’s diverse landscapes on this full-day small-group tour.

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.

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.

Ideal for travelers looking for the flexibility to determine their own itinerary, the Visit York Pass provides access to over 30 attractions, including York Minster, York Dungeons, York's Chocolate Story and more. Don’t worry about buying individual admission tickets; instead, use the convenient and hassle-free Visit York Pass to save time on the day. The Visit York Pass also gives you discounts on hotel stays, restaurants, tours, ghost walks and more! Don’t feel limited by set itineraries and visit the attractions which appeal to you Choose from a one-day or multi-day Visit York Pass to fit your schedule Save on travel time with the included 24-hour City Sightseeing bus ticket and river cruise.

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.

Experience the timeless charm of York on this private walking tour beginning at St. Helen’s Square, one of the city’s most elegant gathering places. As you explore medieval lanes, Gothic architecture, peaceful green spaces, and ancient Roman remains, your guide will share stories that reveal York’s rich and layered history. From the iconic Shambles to the majestic York Minster and the tranquil Museum Gardens, this tour offers a beautifully immersive introduction to one of England’s most historic and captivating cities. With flexible durations from 1 to 6 hours, it’s the perfect way to discover York at your own pace.

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.

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!

A hop-on hop-off bus is the perfect way to explore York on your terms. Sit on the bus and learn about the city's famous sights through an audio guide, and then hop off at any of the 20 stops that interest you. Along the way, pass by the York Minster, York Art Gallery, the National Railway Museum, Clifford's Tower, Jorvik Viking Centre, and the Monk Bar.

The historic city of York has many centuries of creepy and gruesome secrets. Learn more about the city’s dark past on a private walking tour that focuses on the area's ghost stories. This private tour can be customized to suit your needs and interests, so you're not tied to the rigid routes of standard tours. As you explore, see parts of York that many travelers miss out on, and come away with a completely new view of the city.

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 beer, good stories, and good company. On this 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.

Most visitors choose between a highlights walk, a wall walk, or a ghost tour. This self-guided tour gives you the best of all three in a single route — from Roman ruins and Viking history to chilling tales told at the right moments, in the right places. With your phone as your guide, you'll walk atop the ancient city walls, squeeze through snickelways, and hear why the Golden Fleece pub claims over fifteen resident ghosts. This tour is ideal for those who are in York for a day and want to get a taste of everything that York has to offer while having the freedom to linger and dive deeper into the sites that capture their interest. Pause for a pint, duck into the Shambles for photos, or linger inside York Minster — then pick up right where you left off. No group to keep up with, no fixed start time. Available in 9 languages with offline access. Over 20,000 travellers have used our self-guided tours. If it's not for you, it comes with a full refund guarantee.

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.

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.

Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.

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.

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

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.

Get your bearings and explore York like a local on this exclusive private walking tour, led by an expert guide. More than just a history lesson, this immersive experience brings the city’s rich past to life as you stroll through its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and hidden corners. Step back in time to Viking-age Jorvik, walk in the footsteps of Romans along the city’s famous walls, and uncover how York evolved from a medieval religious center to the vibrant, historic gem it is today. From grand landmarks to tucked-away treasures, your guide will share the stories that make York unique.

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.

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.

Take a tour with Neil aka Njál and hear all about the hidden Viking past of York. Hidden you say? Yes, the Vikings were even more influential to the city of York than many residents realise. Come and find out in what way!

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.