What to do and see in York, England: The Best Cultural Tours

November 16, 2021 Alida England

Just two hours north of London by rail, the city of York holds 1900 years' worth of history in its ancient walls. The Romans built the city in 71 AD, and the Vikings captured it in 866 AD. Stop by the Yorkshire Museum and Gardens for a look at what the Roman and Vikings left behind (they must have packed light when they left). From there, move on to the York Castle Museum for a not-so-quick overview of the most recent 400 years.
Restaurants in York

1. Private Tour - Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to spend three hours enjoying Whitby, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk).

Inclusions: Private tour just for your group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

2. Private 2-Hour York Walking Tour

49 Stonegate, York YO1 8AW, UK Footprints Tours York
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

This private 2-hour walking tour is tailored to what you want to see, ensuring you make the most of your time in the beautiful city of York.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By I6560JUdavidc

We had a great time exploring the city and the tour guide Emily was very friendly and very knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend if you're interested in the city and it's history!

3. Private Tour - Haworth, Bolton Abbey and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore Bronte Country and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the West Yorkshire Pennine Village of Haworth (made famous by the Bronte sisters and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum), Bingley Five Rise Locks (the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal), the traditional Yorkshire Dales village of Linton (with its stone bridges and limestone falls), Bolton Abbey (where you will see the stunning setting of the ruins of the 12th Century Augustinian Monastery); and learn about the history of the area from your guide as you enjoy the spectacular scenery of the National Park.

Inclusions: Private tour just for your group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

4. Day Trip to Bronte’s Parsonage from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK Mountain Goat Tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

And Interesting Tour taking the Industrial History of Yorkshire, a time when the Iconic Bronte sisters were living and then heading back in time to the Bolton Abbey. The Bronte’s are Iconic within the literary world, join us as we head to the quaint town of Haworth where the sisters were inspired to write their masterpieces. Enjoy time to discover more at the former home now converted into a shrine to the Family. We will also explore Salts Mill in Saltaire, the world’s first Model Village and one of Yorkshires Unesco Heritage sites. We then head over the Hills into the Yorkshire Dales National Park to Explore the 12th Century Augustinian Bolton Abbey. Highlights • Salts Mill, Worlds First Model Village and Mill and UNESCO World Heritage Site • Haworth and the Bronte Parsonage • Bolton Abbey • Ilkley Moor  

Inclusions: Transport in a small mini-coach, On-board commentary in English

Exclusions: Food & drink, Additional (Entrance fees at Bronte Parsonage), Drivers gratuity (optional)

Reviewed By angelcat2017

Excellent day tour of Yorkshire Dales in comfortable (Covid-safe) minibus with friendly and knowledgable local guide Lee. Got to see so many places that would have been impossible without a car, lots of time to take photos, grab a coffee and have a walk at multiple stops. Great National Park, stone walls, tales of castles and abbeys. Very peaceful and tranquil stops, waterfalls galore! Even a stop at the Wensleydale Creamery to buy local cheese and have a relaxing bite to eat. We even managed a quick stop in the 3rd smallest city in the UK, Ripon, with its medieval cathedral. Breathtaking scenery and the highlight of our week's holiday in York.

5. York & the Lake District: Small-Group Tour from London (5-days)

Mercure London Kensington Hotel, 1A Lexham Gardens, Kensington, London W8 5JJ, UK GO-tours
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Join this five-day adventure exploring York and the Lake District from London, where you'll savour beautiful scenery in the Lake District and visit Stratford-upon-Avon and Cambridge as you travel through the heart of Britain. This small-group tour will you'll take you on a journey of spectacular scenery, literary legends and historic cities... • Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Lake District and historic cities like York and Cambridge • See the homes iconic literary figures William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter • See the Magna Carta in Lincoln Castle, take-in the imposing York Minster and visit King's College Chapel, Cambridge • Small-groups with a maximum of 16 passengers, starting & finishing in London • Includes: 4-nights accommodation, Tour Leader and minibus transportation

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, 4-nights en-suite accommodation, Driver/guide, Transportation in air-conditioned minibus, Small-group tour (max. 16 passengers)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By murrellge

A fantastic tour around the beautiful Cotswolds, visiting places steeped in history and character. Our tour guide, Glenn, was very knowledgeable on the area, offering this information in a friendly and engaging way. A great day out for all ages, made even better without the stress of travelling and parking, highly recommend and look forward to being on another tour in the future!

6. Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster

Rail Station, York YO24 1AB, UK Let Me Show You London
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Blue Badge guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By sknipfel

Marina was superb. I took this tour with my husband and three sons (20,18.17). Loved that we had a small group and could ask questions. Note this tours doesn't include skip the line tickets. We ended up seeing the crown jewels at the end of the day to avoid the ridiculously long line.

7. Hello York! Private Walking Tour

2 Precentor's Ct, York YO1 7EJ, UK Newcastle Tour Company
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Professional, local tourist guide, Tailor-made: choose your start/end points within the city centre

Exclusions:

Reviewed By sharyanne

We paid £8 per person for a guide to take us around Chester it started at the town hall and we visited the Rows the Eastgate clock the ruined pillars built on the bedrock, the vaulted cellar now in one of the local hostleries was awesome We also did the walls. Plus a couple of other points. The guide was lovely and very knowledgeable, well worth it. 90 mins but we did over run!

8. Haworth and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 24 reviews

This Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore Bronte Country and the Yorkshire Dales National Park, including the West Yorkshire Pennine Village of Haworth (made famous by the Bronte sisters and home to the Bronte Parsonage Museum), Bingley Five Rise Locks (the most spectacular feature of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal), Bolton Abbey (where you will see the stunning setting of the ruins of the 12th Century Augustinian Monastery) and the picture-postcard traditional Yorkshire Dales village of Linton with its stone bridges and limestone falls. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach​ tour, limited to 16 people.

Inclusions: Relaxed and friendly small-group tour, Comfortable 16-Seat Mini-coaches with Air-con & WIFI, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops, Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point near York Minster

Exclusions: Entrance fees to attractions (all optional), Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By LoveTravel552331

I booked the full-day private tour of Haworth & the Yorkshire Dales, and I was lucky to have Mark as the tour guide. He was professional, knowledgeable and he would make sure you have the best experience and that you enjoy the trip. I never felt rushed or that I am missing on something. I applause BOBH for the measures they took to be COVID secure; I never felt that I was risking my health or being unsafe. I highly recommend booking with them, and I am sure you would have a great experience as did I.

9. Exclusive York - Private Socially Distanced Walking Tour

York YO1 7EW, UK Yorktour
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

Why follow the crowds? Explore York at your own pace in the company of one of our expert, fully qualified and licensed 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, 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 see York your way! PLEASE NOTE - OUR VISITORS' SAFETY IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AND WE PLEDGE TO FOLLOW ALL CURRENT GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL DISTANCING AND DISEASE PREVENTION.

Inclusions: Complementary map of York , Multimedia illustrations accompany the tour - all guides carry iPads, Personalised greeting sign at the meeting point

Exclusions: Entrance fees: the tour is outdoors and does not include museums or the interior of the cathedral.

Reviewed By Karen H

If you're visiting York dont miss this tour! We thoroughly enjoyed it; our guide Alfred brought York to life through the ages, from its establishment by the Roman's to the present day. Lots of information, presented in a fascinating way.

10. Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spend three hours enjoying Whitby on our friendly, small-group, Guided Day Trip from York, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk). Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach​ tour, limited to 16 people.

Inclusions: Relaxed and friendly small-group tour, Driver/guide, who provides live commentary, Comfortable 16-Seat Mini-coaches with Air-con & WIFI, Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point near York Minster, Regular photo, refreshment, and restroom stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

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