4 York History Tours Worth Booking

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

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

Meet at the Guy Fawkes Inn at 6:30 pm for a 90-minute walk through York’s darker corners. Guides such as Dan, Josh, and Mackenzie use theatrical storytelling, gallows humor, and local tales to bring the city’s ghosts and grim past to life. The route passes outside the Minster and finishes near the Shambles.

“Knowledgeable guide. Saw parts of York I had not experience. Stories were interesting. If you want a fun evening book it.”

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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 for two to three hours. Begin near York Minster, or arrange a central pickup, then follow stories tied to the Minster, kings, an abbey, the Shambles, and Clifford’s Tower. Guides may include Alan, Karen, Chris, Sean, or David. Expect a history-led walk with room for personal questions and local tips.

“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 witch guide such as Cornelius Piper, Magnificent Merlot, Willow, or Nutmeg through York’s old town. In 75 minutes, you’ll hear true stories about Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected witches while walking from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate past the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, and Barley Hall.

“Really lovely tour let by cornelius who was very friendly and informative”

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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 through York from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate to the Shambles. You’ll hear stories about witches, strange local customs, magical trees, cats, rats, and York Minster. Guides such as Nix, Merlot, Willow, and Cornelius keep the walk playful and interactive. It suits families and adults who want history with a theatrical twist.

“My Mum and I loved the tour with Nix. Very informative and entertaining, we very much recommend it. I loved how Nix responded and reacted to other passers by and how she parted the crowds with her broom!”

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