Discover York with a personalized walking tour designed for intimate groups. We ensure a maximum of eight participants, fostering a conversational atmosphere where everyone can engage and ask questions without feeling rushed.
This family-friendly tour covers all the essential sights of York. You'll see the exterior of the magnificent Minster and explore the famous Shambles. We'll also guide you through the intricate medieval 'Snickelways', retracing the steps of the Romans and Vikings who shaped the city.
Our tours prioritize engaging storytelling over mere gimmicks. We believe in connecting with our guests, which is why we aim to know everyone's name – a testament to our small group philosophy.
✓ A personalized welcome sign at the meeting point for easy identification.✓ Engaging multimedia illustrations presented on iPads by your guide.✓ A complimentary map of York to aid your exploration.✕ Admission fees for attractions: this tour focuses on outdoor exploration and does not include entry to museums or the cathedral interior.1 St. Mary's Abbey
Explore the grand ruins of the largest abbey in northern England, a site of historical significance.
· 10 min
2 Museum Gardens
Wander through a beautiful Victorian botanic garden, home to the remaining structures of the Roman fortress, the very birthplace of York.
· 10 min
3 York Minster
Admire the exterior of the largest Gothic cathedral in Northern Europe, a masterpiece of medieval architecture. (Entrance fee not included)
· 10 min · Admission not included
4 Stonegate
Navigate the charming and complex network of medieval shortcuts, known as 'Snickelways'.
· 10 min
5 Shambles
Experience one of Europe's best-preserved medieval streets, globally recognized as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.
· 10 min
You can present either a mobile or paper ticket. One ticket is required per booking.
Your meeting point is in the square directly in front of the York Explore Library and Archive, located on Museum Street, YO1 7DS.
Look for the guide holding a sign with your name for easy recognition. Please ensure you are meeting the correct guide by checking for the name sign.
The tour concludes in the vibrant heart of the city at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, situated at the end of the Shambles.
Your guide will be waiting for you in Library Square, on Museum Street (YO1 7DS), directly in front of the central library, also known as York Explore Library and Archive.
The guide will be holding a sign displaying your name for clear identification. Please do not join any tour group that does not have a name sign, as it will not be our group.
This tour is accessible for wheelchair users. Prams and strollers are welcome for infants and young children. Service animals are permitted on the tour. Convenient public transportation options are available nearby. Transportation links to the meeting point are wheelchair accessible. All areas and surfaces encountered during the tour are wheelchair accessible. The tour is suitable for individuals of all physical fitness levels. The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on various surfaces. Bring a camera to capture the historic sights of York. Be prepared for all types of weather, as the tour is primarily outdoors. Arrive at the meeting point a few minutes early to ensure a smooth start. Engage with your guide; they are a great source of local knowledge. To receive a full refund, please ensure your cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled tour departure time.
Product code: 180288P1
Activity offered by Yorktour via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Families History enthusiasts Couples Solo travelers Visitors seeking a personalized experience Intimate small-group experience with a maximum of 8 people. Engaging storytelling by knowledgeable guides. Covers key York landmarks like the Minster and Shambles. Exploration of hidden medieval 'Snickelways'. Family-friendly atmosphere. Multimedia aids (iPads) enhance the tour.
Population 208,400 (2016)
Elevation 25 m
Currency pound sterling
Driving on the left
Power plugs G · 230 V
Emergency number 999
Capital city London Average temperatures 3° Jan 4° Feb 5° Mar 8° Apr 11° May 14° Jun 16° Jul 16° Aug 13° Sept 10° Oct 6° Nov 4° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What is the meeting point for the tour? + The meeting point is in the square in front of the York Explore Library and Archive, Museum Street YO1 7DS. Look for the guide with a sign displaying your name.
Are there any entrance fees included in the tour? + No, the tour is conducted outdoors and does not include entrance fees for museums or the interior of the York Minster.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues? + Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options nearby are also accessible. It is suitable for all physical fitness levels.
What happens if it rains? + The tour is not cancelled due to bad weather, so please be prepared for all conditions.
How long does the tour last? + The tour duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Fun and Informative Walking Tour
belle7816, October 2026
Entertaining and informative
★★★★★ Viator review
Great tour
William_S, September 2026
Very interesting historical tour. Sarah was an excellent and knowledgeable guide and we learned many new details which you would not know without a good guide
★★★★★ Viator review
The Best of York with the best tour guide!
Fred_S, September 2026
We had the absolute best tour of York with our tour guide Alfred. He was so knowledgeable about all the architecture and all the history of it was absolutely fascinating. What a great personality. He had a great tour. It was with all the highlights and various periods of York’s history from the Roman foundings through Vinkings, medieval, up to current days.. Webhighly recommend this tour. It was far and away our best day in York!
Thanks to Alfred.
Sherry and Fred
★★★★★ Viator review
Excellent Tour
Bruce_C, September 2026
Our guide Alfred's passion for history and incredible historical knowledge made this a very fascinating and enjoyable tour. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting York.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Walking tour of York
122philb, September 2026
Charlotte, our guide for the morning was extremely knowledgeable and passionate on our tour. She knew her stuff and took us off the beaten track to experience some of the more unusual areas of York that you wouldn’t know about, unless you knew. Great experience and would recommend.
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