Where to Start: the 4 Best York History Tours

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

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

Start at the Guy Fawkes Inn at 6:30 pm and follow a 90-minute evening walk around York’s Minster area, lesser-seen streets, and the Shambles. Guides such as Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie mix grim history, ghost stories, humour, and theatrical storytelling before finishing near the Shambles.

“Dan was an excellent tour guy, very entertaining and made the experience memorable, creating an atmosphere with every story.”

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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, Karen, Sean, or David. Expect 2 to 3 hours of stories covering the Minster, kings, the abbey, the Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower, with central hotel pickup available.

“I chose this tour because I wanted to learn about all of York’s history from the Romans to the Vikings to Henry VIII to Guy Fawes and everything in between. Chris was an amazing tour guide. He knows sooo much about history and weaves the stories so well. His local knowledge of York is impressive. He went above and beyond to make the day educational and amazing.”

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3.York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

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

Follow a costumed guide such as Cornelius Piper, Merlot, Willow, or Nutmeg through York’s old town. Hear true stories of Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected witches while visiting the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and hidden lanes.

“It was a really lovely tour through the streets (gate) of York. Stories, murders, witches... Cornelius was great and friendly!”

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4.York Witches and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $23

Follow a costumed witch from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate through the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, and Barley Hall. You’ll hear tales of witches, rats, magic, and York’s past during a lively 70 to 75 minute walk. Guides include Nix, Merlot, Willow, and Cornelius.

“Wonderful tour of York and the Shambles. Our tour guide, nutmeg, I believe 🤔, gave a fantastic tour, she was fun and very informative. Would definitely recommend..”

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