Where to Walk: the 7 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

Follow Shadows of York for 90 minutes of spooky tales, grim history, and theatrical storytelling through central York. Guides including Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie lead the walk from the Guy Fawkes Inn toward the Shambles, with plenty of stops and little strenuous walking.

“We had a great evening on our ghost walk. Our guide Josh was very knowledgable and entertaining. We saw lots of sites around York and learned a lot of its history. We would definitely do it again if visiting York in the future.”

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2.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

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

Walk York with a private guide such as Alan, Chris, Sean, Karen, or David, following the city’s story from Roman and Viking times to Henry VIII and Guy Fawkes. Expect two to three hours of tailored commentary, central hotel pickup, and a finish near Clifford’s Tower.

“Our private guide was Chris Kelly…an absolute delight! Incredibly knowledgeable, well spoken, with an innate sense of bravado and flair. HIGHLY recommended 🤩”

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3.York: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

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

Join a live guide such as Ellie, Aaliyah, Molly, or Libby for a two-hour Harry Potter walk through York. Expect house sorting, quizzes, spells, costumes, movie clips, York history, city-wall views, the Shambles, and wizarding shops. It suits families, mixed-age groups, and casual fans.

“The lady was very friendly and full of knowledge - the kids loved her, thank you for making our day in York fabulous!”

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4.York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

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

Follow a costumed witch guide through York’s old town, from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate to Shambles. Hear true stories about Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected witches, while seeing York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and quiet snickelways. Guides include Cornelius Piper, Merlot, Willow, and Nutmeg.

“Tour was really good, but struggle a bit to pick up what was being said worh rhe put on accent.”

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5.Wizard Walk of York – WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 918 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $16Best value

Meet the Wizard Walk guide near St Crux and follow a 75-minute route through York’s Shambles, backstreets, and Minster quarter. Expect magic tricks, silly jokes, and searches for phoenixes, rats, mice, and owls. It is aimed at children aged 5 to 10, though adults join the fun too.

“Great show kids were amazed, they found it magical. Would and have recommend to everyone. The wizard is a born entertainer, very good with everyone, funny and brings the whole crowd into the walk. You can tell he loves what he does and the enthusiasm shows.”

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6.York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 867 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $26

Walk York with a small group of up to eight, visiting Museum Gardens, Roman and Saxon remains, York Minster’s exterior, medieval snickelways, and the Shambles. English-speaking guides such as Alfred, Sarah, Ferah, and Charlotte combine clear history with stories, questions, and local details.

“Charlotte, our guide, was a mine of information about all things York from ancient history to the modern day. She showed us many interesting things off the beaten tracks and had personal anecdotes and stories which made the tour even more interesting. A lovely hour and a half in her company was the highlight of our trip to York.”

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7.The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $27

Walk York’s old center with guides such as Alfred, Sarah, Charlotte, and Ferah. In 90 minutes, you’ll connect Roman remains, St. Mary’s Abbey, York Minster, Stonegate, and the Shambles, with iPad images, a map, and time for questions.

“Our guide Alfred was fantastic. His passion for York’s history was contagious. We learned all kinds of fascinating things about York’s Roman foundations and narrow covered passageways…things we may never have learned otherwise. Great job Alfred!!”

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