Top Experiences in The Shambles

*IMPORTANT NOTE: This tour is offered in ONE LANGUAGE ONLY. Please make sure you BOOK THE CORRECT LANGUAGE on the day that it is available.*

The Saints and Sinners Tour looks at the history of York through the eyes of those who shaped it.
Meet the King, the Bishop, the Highwayman, the Chocolatier, the Martyr, the Terrorist, the Emperor, and the Artist.
Do you know their names? What do you know about their lives? Where can you find their traces in the city? Were they saints… Or sinners..?

I am your guide: Irene, an art historian born in Madrid and living in York for the last seven years.
Join me on a fascinating walk around York to discover all this and more!

- WINNER Best of York 2024, Visit York Awards
- WINNER Best Tour of York 2023 & 2024, Little Vikings Awards
- 3rd place winner Best Family Experience in the World, TripAdvisor Best of the Best 23/24

Tours will take place with one of two Wizard Guides, either Phoenix the Red OR Viridian The Green

Join The Wizard of York for five-star family fun with spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of York's history! Ideal for ages 5-10 in particular, or big kids with a silly sense of humour and an interest in the wizarding world...

A great alternative to a ghost walk, this tour focuses on FUN over frights. A truly magical and memorable experience that Harry Potter fans will go Potty for!

A fun and different way to see York!

Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones.

Spot things other people take for granted!

You’ll learn interesting facts and stories.

Everything is outdoors and you can do social distancing.

Let your own private guide take you around the world famous city of York, which is at its most beautiful during the Christmas season. Your bespoke tour will include visiting some of the key sites of the city, in addition to a number of our hidden gems usually missed by tourists, with your well informed and friendly guides.

Join us for this half day walking tour of York, which gives you a great overview of this beautiful city in Yorkshire. This walled city has so much to offer, from Roman history, through the Vikings, to the Chocolate merchants and Harry Potter.  Maybe you’re passing through the area, but if not it’s just a 2 hour train ride from London, it’s easily reachable for a day trip.

The Bloody Tour of York is the multi award winning* tour of the City.
Join Mad Alice as you wander down the medieval streets hearing the gruesome history the city has to offer. Ghosts, Witches, murderers, Kings and Queens have all left their bloody footprints.
An entertaining, educational and a fascinating look at Britain's best loved city, Mad Alice promises a night to "Remember, remember..."
Suitable for all ages.
*Yorkshire Choice Awards 2023
*Yorkshire Post Awards 2023
*Visit York Tourism Awards 2022
White Rose Awards 2020
*Visit York Tourism Awards 2020
* Visit York Tourism Awards - Experience of the Year 2019
*Visit York Tourism Awards - Guided Tour of the Year 2019
*Visit England Tourism Awards - Tourism Superstar, Bronze Award 2018
*Visit York Tourism Awards - Visitor Experience of the Year 2018, Highly Commended
*Winner York Culture Award - Performing Artist 2016

York Photo walks are about learning and developing
your photography knowledge, whilst exploring York’s
wonderful history, people and architecture.

The aim is to inspire you to stretch your creative legs
when you are out and about with your camera.
Whether you want to just learn the basics or
improve your photography skills the walk will have
top tips for all abilities.

Whether you have a DSLR, Point and shoot, mobile
or tablet camera. We will explore how to improve your
technique and photographic composition. Over the
course of our walk you will learn how to see the world
with an artistic eye.

We want this to be a fun learning experience, we
walk at a leisurely pace and you are free to ask
questions as we go round.

With a stop for refreshments and time to review your photos, talk through what you have taken. We will run through some theory and look at how this can be applied practically.

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With this self-guided experience, your smartphone is your new private guide.

Discover history hiding in plain sight in the beautiful city of York! This is an entertaining and informative experience for everyone to enjoy - whether you’re a local or a newcomer to the city.

Here you will learn about religion, roman conquerors, revolutions, the true history of Vikings, Saints, infamous Massacres, Harry Potter and much more. You will also get an overview of the characters who played an important role, such as Roman Emperors from thousands of years ago, King Charles I, Guy Fawkes, the most terrifying Viking Kings ever documented like Ragnar Lothbrock or Harald Hadrada (who happen to have lived here in Jorvik) and much more. Plus, you'll get insider recommendations so you get the most out of your visit.

PS: You will get an email with a code when booking (this code is different from your booking reference number!) and step-by-step instructions.

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.

If you want to know where all the cool stuff to look at in York is, no fuss, easy, then this App is made for you.
Travel isn't A to B it's all the colourful bits in between, the nooks and crannies, the secrets.
This limited guide puts you in the driving seat, you open our map and see what you want to see ultra easy and with a 48 hour window an absolute bargain.
Gunpowder
York Witch - She was hanged alongside two men on Monday 20 March 1809. After her execution, her body was put on public display in Leeds and strips of her skin were tanned into leather and sold as magic charms to ward off evil spirits.
Dick Turpin - Highwayman.
A Plague House - With the ghost of a child peering out the window. (By appointment only)
Alleyways that lead to magical views

If you want an easy, stress free, meander through the city with our map to guide and look too whenever, then you my friend are a true traveler.
“Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.” John Lennon.

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.

We offer a guided historical tour of the fabulous city of York, the Capital of the North. Step into history with one of our knowledgeable guides and see the amazing sights of the city and hear all the history behind them. Our tours are guided by experienced historians and can be up to 3 hours in length, with breaks for refreshments if you wish, depending on your requirements.

Are you looking for a way to see spooky York without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Track down the ghosts who haunt the city including Queen Anne Boleyn before her beheading and the Earl of Northumberland in search of his severed head
• Hear from producer James Easton, a local whose passion for historical York has led him to create three VoiceMap tours
• Do it all in an hour or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before and after your booking date
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then simply install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Experience this entertaining walking tour like no other. Dare to treat yourself to something special. This unique and alternative walking tour features historical tales, with a focus on those relating to Witchcraft, the spooky, and the strange. Your guide will be a characterful witch who will captivate you with this engaging often enlightening and ultimately uplifting experience.

Explore the dimly lit streets and spooky snickets of Yorks Medieval Old Town. Watch out on the cobbles as you lend your ears to terrible tales of the Witches of Yorkshire. Tread lightly as you walk on the very ground these mysterious and sometimes sinister events occurred.

Please note this is an outdoor walking tour so dress for the weather my dears.

Spend the day with your own guide and vehicle in one of the most famous and ancient cities in the whole U.K the City of York. Made famous for its huge amount of Viking history, it’s magnificent Cathedral, York Minster and who cannot help but fall in love with the stunning Shambles shopping area and market of York. It feel like Harry Potters Diagon Alley and any fan of the movies and books will agree. We will explore all the major sites of the city in a nice leisurely pace. We will have plenty of time to stop for shopping and take a nice lunch break in one of York’s ancient pubs as well as taking many stunning photos and videos of your time in the City.

Join for a discovery walking tour of York, which gives you a fantastic overview of this beautiful city. Understand the history of this great walled city (and walk on the walls), from Roman history, through the Vikings all the way to chocolate.

You'll find many unique, once in a lifetime experiences in York - a city thriving with history, culture and excitement. Take in the majesty of the iconic York Minster with the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country. Marvel at York’s historic architecture and enjoy an all-encompassing bus tour of this eclectic city.

York is one of England’s most historic cities. It was founded by the Romans and was the capital of the northernmost of their two British provinces. Later, famously, the Vikings made the city the capital of their British territory. All through its history, it’s been an important city and you can see that in its buildings, streets and monuments today.

• Return train travel direct from central London (Standard or First class option)
• Free Wi-Fi on-board the train
• Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour of York

You'll find many unique, once in a lifetime experiences in York - a city thriving with history, culture and excitement. Take in the majesty of the iconic York Minster with the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the country. Marvel at York’s historic architecture and enjoy an all-encompassing bus tour of this eclectic city.

York is one of England’s most historic cities. It was founded by the Romans and was the capital of the northernmost of their two British provinces. Later, famously, the Vikings made the city the capital of their British territory. All through its history, it’s been an important city and you can see that in its buildings, streets and monuments today.

• Return train travel direct from central London (Standard or First class option)
• Free Wi-Fi on-board the train
• Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus tour of York
• Overnight stay in a centrally located hotel with breakfast

Are you looking for a way to see York without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour.

• Walk the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, and spot the story of Adam and Eve carved into York Minster’s Great West Door
• Hear from producer James Easton, a local whose passion for York's history led him to create this bestselling VoiceMap tour
• Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish
• Get unlimited use before and after your booking date
• Use the virtual tour option at home

Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then install the VoiceMap app and enter your code.

The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

Explore with our medieval Monk Mort, apprentice to the Grim Reaper. With shadows on every corner, uncover the ghostly tales of York, its gruesome murders, legendary beasts, plague victims & persecution, discover the devilishly dark and occasionally bloody side of our city.

As night falls this beautiful city reveals its hidden secrets. Follow Mort down dark snickleways as he beguiles you with tales that curdle the blood.

Yorks tragic hauntings and devious past await every night, (not Monday) @The Golden Lion, Church Street. Explore Europes most haunted city with our experienced Monk...If you dare!

Suitable for friends, couples, those single travellers
and families of all ages. The tour will run whatever the weather and dogs are welcome!

80-90 minutes duration. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
We do Not call out inside the pub.

Tours attended at own risk. we take no responsibility for accidents or lost belongings on tours. Children to be supervised by parent/carer at all times

A tour 6000 years in the making!

Discover York on this highly rated history tour as we head off the tourist beat to discover the real history of York.
From the cities origins, we look at the defences, and architecture, Robert the Bruce, Oliver Cromwell, Constantine the Great, kings and queens and many others who would shape the cities rich past.

Along the way you'll see the flora and Fauna, city walls, and snickleways as we debunk the cities myths and walk in the footsteps of Romans to tourist!

No stone is left unturned on this exciting story of York.

This is a private tour so it will be just your group and guide (plus the ghosts of York).

Our experienced guide will tell you tales from Yorks' gruesome past, executions, murders, the plague and ghosts, as we make our way round some of the spookiest places in the city.

The price is per group.

As it is by private booking, we can be flexible about your exact requirements, start time, and pick-up point.

We can offer hotel pick ups* and as we can start at different locations, the tour route can be customised.

*City centre only. Check before booking.

Why follow the crowds? At Yorktour we believe a great tour should also be a fun conversation, which is why we guarantee there will be no more than eight participants so everyone can ask questions and no-one needs to worry about being left at the back! This family-friendly walking tour includes all the key sights - including the exterior of the Minster and the celebrated Shambles - though we will also lead you deep into the medieval maze of ‘Snickelways’ to follow in the footsteps of the Romans and Vikings who created York. Above all, our tours rely on great storytelling rather than gimmicks - so if we can’t remember everyone’s names there must be too many people taking part!

York is at its most magical around sundown.

The tourist crowds have departed, the streets are empty. Enjoy a one-hour evening stroll which includes all the major sights of York - including the exterior of the Minster and world-famous Shambles - but will also take you deep into the medieval labyrinth of secret passages and short-cuts known as 'Snickelways'.

There are plenty of ghost tour options in York - but why listen to stories when the truth is far more surprising? The early evening start time is perfect for working up an appetite. Informal, entertaining and 100% phantom-free.

A unique and memorable Tour of York, the amazing city of the north of England.
Founded by the Roman Empire in the year 71 AD, York was occupied by Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, and invaded by the Normans!
A great Gothic Cathedral: York Minster, the ruins of a medieval monastery, gardens, a Castle, Georgian and Victorian architecture... something to discover and talk about at every step!
One of the most photogenic and picturesque cities in the UK.
Bombed during World War II, York still preserves the market and an important number of streets and houses built over 600 years ago, allowing us to travel to the Middle Ages.
Climb the steps and walk a portion of the City Walls. With 3.5 km of solid stone, they offer another experience with fantastic views.
Discover York with us, you will learn about the city and how important York has been for England since it appeared on the maps 2000 years ago.

Dare you take a trip into the past and uncover some of York’s turbulent and tragic history? A past that manifests itself in the unexplained sightings of shadows haunting our streets and buildings.

Let us take you on a journey through the streets and snickleways and tell you about the shadows of York.

Note: The tour is rated PG and not recommended for under 8's.
The stories change from time to time. But they do contain in depth historic details, some of which can be dark, sad or gory.
These may include executions, plague, suicide or any other grim facts.
Some young children may find it disturbing. Please check FAQ for more information.

The shadows are waiting for you...

Don't get lost in the crowds. Explore York at your own pace and in private with one of our expert, fully qualified, personable guides. Delve deep into the medieval maze and discover secret corners few other visitors get to see.

This is an entirely personal service - once you have made your booking we will get in touch to arrange where to come and meet you (such as any city centre landmark or hotel). We will ensure you don't miss any of the highlights - including the world-famous Minster (exterior only) medieval city walls and Shambles - but if you have any particular areas of interest, please get in touch. It's your tour and we want you to experience York your way!

The tour is back for 2021!

It is especially aimed at those who are looking to have an enjoyable, entertaining walking tour combined with a focus on capturing the magic of the beautiful city of York for your memories & social media posts.

The tour lasts 3 hours and takes you off the beaten track into areas that visitors often miss. You will learn some history and experience some wonderful sights and you will make a connection with the city that will stay with you.

I believe in creating intimate experiences & moments that stay with you. The maximum group size I normally work with is limited to 10. However, in line with Government guidelines this is reduced to 5 for now.

Small groups mean everyone stays involved & engaged & you can ask as many questions as you like. It also means there is always someone to help you to create your images with tips on how to capture the perfect shot or to take shots of you against some stunning backdrops that will get plenty of reaction on social media.

Discover the extraordinary Viking history of York, and the incredible tales of the most famous Vikings of them all - Ragnar, Ivar the Boneless, Erik Bloodaxe and Harald Hardrada. Why was York such an important Viking city, and why were so many Viking battles fought here? Find out why in this exclusive, personalized 2-hour walking tour of Viking York. ... meeting you at a time and location to suit you (for example at your hotel) there are no set times to meet or big groups to join with, this is your own tour which you can take at your own pace. For a small additional fee this can also include a stop off at an authentic Viking Themed Bar in York (great in the cold weather!), located on the same site as the legendary Viking Kings of York!

The York Secrets & Legends Tour is a unique, fun and fascinating walking tour where you will discover secret places as well as uncover little-known tales from the history of the City.

Where in York do you need to kiss so stay together forever? Where can you find the most haunted house in York? Which street was voted the most picturesque in Britain? Why is York the second capital of England?

Ghosts, Harry Potter, kings, giants, chocolate and even unicorns! There is something new and interesting for everyone whether you are local, tourist, adult or child.

Follow Maria on this journey to learn about all of this and even more!

“Still round the corner, there may wait, a new road or a secret gate.” J. R. R. Tolkien

Let your own personalised tour guide take you on a spectacular trip round this world famous city at night. You are provided a unique guided tour experience and picked up at your hotel or elsewhere in town at a place of your choosing, at a time that suits you. You will be taken around the major historic points of interest in York, without a big group to tag along with or time schedules to keep, and even arrange coffee or food along the way at some of York's very best food and drink establishments. Private tour means it will be operated with just your guide and you.

Your own personalized tour guide, taking you on a spectacular trip round the world famous city walls! You are provided a unique guided tour experience - you will be picked up at your hotel, or in town at a place of your choosing, at a time to suit you. You will be taken around the walls, no big groups to tag along with or time schedules to keep, and even arrange coffee/food along the way at some of York's very best food and drink establishments.