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

December 24, 2021 Hector Krause

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. Full-Day Heartbeat Locations Tour from York

The Duke of York, York Station, Station Rd, York YO24 1AY, UK Heartbeat Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Step back to the 1960s on a guided bus tour exploring Heartbeat country in Yorkshire. Explore Aidensfield, Ashfordley and the beautiful moorlands of Yorkshire.

Inclusions: Live commentary on board, Local guide

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

2. Private Viking Walk of York

Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK York City Walls
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

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!

Inclusions: Tour escort/host, Private walking tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Stop at Viking-themed bar in York (additional fee)

Reviewed By 209genevieveb

I was a little bit skeptical of whether or not it would live up to the hype or would be worth the walk, but it definitely lived up to expectations. We went early in the morning and it was already a little crowded. It took us about 2 hours to walk the entire thing. I will say that we got very lost on the one section between Walmgate Bar and Mickelgate Bar. I recommend bringing a copy of the map with you as google maps will steer you wrong.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Private Self-Guided Treasure Hunt around York - Gardens and Guildhalls

Unnamed Road, York YO30 7BH, UK Treasure Hunt York
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Game Link for the Treasure Hunt

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Reviewed By Grendel46

Excellent experience, well thought out clues and presented in a fun way. We thought the clues were pitched at the correct level, not too easy and made you look very closely at your surroundings, without being impossible to solve. We had a fun day exploring York with a few pit stops for refreshement between clues. Would definitly recommend this as an activity for all the family to enjoy

6. Dark Ghost Walking Tour in York

Grape Lane, Grape Ln, York YO1, UK Dorian Deathly's Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York
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5.0 based on 161 reviews

The Deathly Dark Tour is a family friendly experience, perfect for those who have a bit of a wicked streak and are looking to explore the darker side of the city with tour guide famous for his wonderfully dark sense of humour.

Inclusions: Guide

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Reviewed By Paradise02518880916

The Deathlys have been doing fantastic lockdown tours and every single one has been engaging and entertaining. Mr and Mrs Deathly strike the perfect balance of spooky and funny. Well worth a visit if you can.

7. Guided Bike Tour in York

Gillygate, York YO31 7EQ, UK York Cycling Tours
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5.0 based on 412 reviews

Guided bike tour of York, inside and outside the city walls.  Starting at a central location in the city.  A 2 to 2.5 hour tour with multiple stops to hear the stories of the saints and sinners, the good and the evil, from Romans and Vikings to the sweetness of chocolate makers.  Although factual, your guide will tell the grisly tales in a lighthearted way.  The route is planned for safety and the best stopping view points and is mainly on quiet roads or designated cycle paths.

Inclusions: Guide, Use of bicycle, Cycle helmets

Exclusions: None of these are applicable

Reviewed By giles928

Relaxed cycle which covered lots of interesting locations. Very informative. Excellent guide. Would recommend as a perfect introduction to the city.

8. Best of York on Foot - Socially Distanced Small Group Walking Tour

Exhibition Square, York YO1, UK Yorktour
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5.0 based on 150 reviews

The story of York is the story of England in wood, stone and chocolate. Let our expert guides lead you on a ninety-minute journey through 2000 years, from the arrival of the Romans to the birth of the KitKat. This family-friendly walking tour includes all the key sights - including the Minster and Shambles - though we will also lead you deep into the medieval maze, or Snickelways. This is the secret side of York you would never be able to experience from an open-topped bus! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SAFETY OF OUR VISITORS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE: WE PLEDGE TO FOLLOW ALL CURRENT GUIDELINES ON SOCIAL DISTANCING AND TO ENSURE THIS THE TOURS ARE LIMITED TO A CAPACITY OF SIX PEOPLE PER GUIDE.

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 samuelmA5015EW

We very much enjoyed this walk in York's City centre that offered a great glimpse of the city's history and character. We particularly liked the guide's (Alfred) perspective and story telling which combines various perspectives, notably architectural and historical. Very professional and captivating. We recommend to purchase his book that is the perfect complement to the visit.

9. The Bloody Tour of York - Tourism Award Winner 2020

9 College St, York YO1 7JF, UK The Bloody Tour of York
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5.0 based on 337 reviews

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. * 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

Inclusions: Guided Walking Tour

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Reviewed By Yorkamy

We live in York and have seen Mad Alice leading tours for a while so decided we'd join one to see what they are like. We were not disappointed. We learned new things about York and the hour and a half was really good fun. Would recommend for locals and tourists alike as a way of getting to know the city's history better.

10. Private Ghost Tour of York

Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK York City Walls
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

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.

Inclusions: Tour escort/host, Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only), Private tour

Exclusions: Entrance fees (2 small museums located around the walls are available for entry separately), Food and drinks

Reviewed By 209genevieveb

I was a little bit skeptical of whether or not it would live up to the hype or would be worth the walk, but it definitely lived up to expectations. We went early in the morning and it was already a little crowded. It took us about 2 hours to walk the entire thing. I will say that we got very lost on the one section between Walmgate Bar and Mickelgate Bar. I recommend bringing a copy of the map with you as google maps will steer you wrong.

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