Where to Walk: the 5 Best York Walking Tours

1.Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18Our pick

Join Shadows of York at 6:30 pm outside the Guy Fawkes Inn for a 90-minute walk through York’s dark past. Guides such as Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie combine theatrical storytelling with gruesome history, taking you around the Minster and toward the Shambles. Expect cobbles, outdoor stops, a group of up to 35, and an entertaining English-language tour.

“Dan was our guide and he was phenomenal. Absolute best story teller I’ve encountered. He was also able to suggest some great places to eat after the tour completed. Highly recommend.”

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2.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,324 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Walk York’s historic centre with a private guide such as Alan, Chris, Sean, Karen, or David. Over two to three hours, you’ll connect the Minster, York Castle, Clifford’s Tower, the Shambles, historic streets, and major buildings with stories from Roman, Viking, medieval, and Tudor York. Central hotel pickup is available.

“Great sense of humor and exceptionally knowledgeable. Good flow to the tour and ar just shy of 3 hours we saw all the mahor historical sites.”

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3.Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,231 reviews · 2 hours · from $18

Join a two-hour Harry Potter walking tour from the Cholera Burial Ground to the Shambles. Your English, German, or French-speaking guide sorts you into a Hogwarts house, runs quizzes and spell challenges, and connects York’s streets with Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express. Guides including Ellie, Aaliyah, Molly, and Libby bring plenty of energy and York facts.

“My family had a great time during our tour with Ellie. She was a blast, knew her HP knowledge and kept the large group moving well. Her quiz was a fun way to get group members to engage with others. Highly recommend her tour even if you only have time for one activity while you are in York as you see a lot and learn about the city’s history as well.”

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4.Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 928 reviews · 1h 15m · from $22

Follow a costumed witch guide through York for 75 minutes of true stories, local history, and theatrical fun. You’ll hear about Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, John Wrightson, and Margaret Clitheroe while visiting the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and more. Guides include Cornelius, Merlot, Willow, Nutmeg, and Nix.

“Cornelius Piper was a phenomenal guide. He was entertaining and enthusiastic about his work. My children and I enjoyed our tour.”

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5.Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 333 reviews · 1h 30m · from $18

Meet your English-speaking guide near the Guy Fawkes Inn and walk through York’s old streets for 90 minutes. Dan, Josh, and McKenzie are among the guides known for strong storytelling, humor, and dramatic delivery. Expect the Minster, the Shambles, lesser-known corners, ghost tales, executions, plague, and no jump-scare actors.

“Me and my partner absolutely loved it. The history and the ghost stories were amazing and made me jump a few times! The lady (sorry can’t remember her name) was superb in retelling the history and the ghosts of York.”

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