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.

Romans, Vikings and Medieval York: An Audio Tour

Explore York's Minster's exciting history with Dave Haw Tours. Knowledgeable and dedicated, Dave offers in-depth Minster tours like no other!

Experience the art and history of the Minster, both inside and out, and have a chat with our incredible stone masons and York's very own Minster police force!

Private York Minster Guided Walking Tour

The tour begins inside The Guy Fawkes Inn (on High Petergate, opposite Michael Le Belfrey's church). From there you'll learn about the famous conspirators and the gun powder plot, in the very birthplace of Guy Fawkes himself!

We'll then proceed to York Minster yard, where you'll learn all about the Minsters rich history. We'll also visit several other famous spots in York, including The Shambles, Museum Gardens, and many more!

The important thing to remember when booking, is that no 2 tours are the same! Depending on how much time you have and what your interests are I'll make each tour as personalised as I'm able. 

The tour stops listed are just a few of many other places I can take you in York, so if you decide to come back for another tour, you can guarantee it will be very different from the previous excursion!

Private Walking Tour of York

Explore York on a guided e-bike city & surrounding area tour. Tours run daily and last 
around 2.5 hours Riders must be 16 and over and be competent riding a 
bicycle on UK roads. Bikes and helmets included

eBike Tour in York City

Most visitors choose between a highlights walk, a wall walk, or a ghost tour. This self-guided tour gives you the best of all three in a single route — from Roman ruins and Viking history to chilling tales told at the right moments, in the right places.

With your phone as your guide, you'll walk atop the ancient city walls, squeeze through snickelways, and hear why the Golden Fleece pub claims over fifteen resident ghosts. This tour is ideal for those who are in York for a day and want to get a taste of everything that York has to offer while having the freedom to linger and dive deeper into the sites that capture their interest. 

Pause for a pint, duck into the Shambles for photos, or linger inside York Minster — then pick up right where you left off. No group to keep up with, no fixed start time. Available in 9 languages with offline access.
Over 20,000 travellers have used our self-guided tours. If it's not for you, it comes with a full refund guarantee.

History and Hauntings Self Guided Walking Tour in York with App

This tour will take you across the historic centre of York and stop at a number of independent businesses, each one of which will provide you with generous examples of their fabulous food & drink. You'll get to enjoy Yorkshire Cheeses, Fish & Chips, Tacos, Chocolate and Pintxos with Sherry before choosing a sweet or savoury finale with a well earned Yorkshire ale!

While walking between the venues you'll hear a bit about the history of York and pass by several of the cities major attractions such as York Minster, Cliffords Tower and the City Walls.

Your guide is a York based food writer who knows the city and its hospitality scene intimately. He's been featured in the Lonely Planet guide, is a coordinating judge for the Guild of Fine Food and helps run York Food & Drink Festival....You can recognise him by the cutlery tattoos!

York on a Fork Food Tour

Dare to explore York's sinister side on this chilling self-guided ghost walk, venturing into the heart of England's most haunted city! 

With this tour, you can unleash York's eerie past at your own pace. You will explore over 12 of York's most haunted locations with the chance to encounter over 30 spirits. Peer down narrow snickleways where Mad Alice watches from the windows and pass by haunted pubs where ghostly regulars still sit at the bar. Hear about the real life incidents which leave even sceptics questioning their beliefs. You can put the tour on pause for some liquid courage at any of the famous haunted pubs along the tour. 

The tour can be experienced at any time of the day or night. But it is highly recommended to try it in the dark for the best experience and to increase your chances of encountering a spectre. This tour is perfect for adventurous travellers, couples, and small groups seeking a flexible experience.

Ghosts and Ghouls Haunted York Self Guided Audio Tour

Delve into the eerie history of York with the Witch Walk, a 90-minute guided tour led by the enigmatic Ragnell Hagathorn. This engaging adventure weaves together haunting tales of witches, ghosts, and other supernatural elements, perfect for both thrill-seekers and families. As you stroll through the historic streets, expect a blend of folklore, humor, and theatrical storytelling that brings the dark past of York to life. Suitable for ages 8 and up, this family-friendly tour ensures a captivating experience for all. The walk operates rain or shine, so dress for the weather and prepare for a memorable evening.

- Guided walking tour lasting approximately 90 minutes
- Family-friendly and suitable for ages 8 and above
- Experience ghost stories alongside folklore and theatrical elements
- Begins at St. Helen's Square, York at 7:30 PM

York Witch Walk: Haunted Tales and Theatrical Storytelling

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.

Private York Self-Guided Tour

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.

Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster

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. 

Discover the Best of York with 3 Self-Guided Audio Tours

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. 


Hello York! Private Walking Tour

The "Capital of the North", founded by the Roman Empire in 1st century AD, the walled city of York is living history. Come with us to get the insight of York Minster, the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, Jórvík Viking Centre, and other examples of this city's troublesome past, and for an insider view of modern York.


York Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide

York's streets have been witness to countless stories.

On this lighthearted walking tour, you'll discover York's fascinating past through humorous storytelling, historical anecdotes, and playful character encounters. From Roman legionaries to medieval monks and Victorian innovators, the city's 2,000 years of history will vividly come to life.

The tour starts at Clifford's Tower, a historic Norman fortification with a turbulent past. You'll weave through York's atmospheric streets and ginnels, encountering historical figures like William the Conqueror, Constantine the Great, and Guy Fawkes along the way. The Silly History Boys narrate stories of Viking invasions, Roman settlements, religious persecution, and medieval commerce through comedic sketches and entertaining dialogue.

The Silly History Walk of York: A Self Guided Audio Tour

Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. 
For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won't find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge.
The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.

North York Moors Private Tour day trip incl Steam Train & Whitby

Explore York's Dark side in our York Horrors and Haunts smartphone guided walking tour. You'll be guided step by step to the sites where pure horror took place and hear the history and mayhem that occurred here. And you'll hear about a few ghosts that linger. Go at your own pace. Stop anytime. Go anytime-1pm or 1am. Professionally narrated and infused with sound effects and music to set the mood. 

Be guided step by step using location aware walking tour technology. This is a hands-free experience, so feel free to keep your phones in your pocket and your eyes wide open. Go anytime, 24/7. And listen again anytime. The tour never expires. It's yours! 



York's Famous Ghosts Smartphone App walking tour

York is Europe's most haunted city. Its over 2,000 years of turbulent history has created the perfect environment for lingering spirits. On this self-guided walking tour, you'll visit the city's most haunted public houses, each one teeming with tales of ghostly figures and unexplained phenomena.

The tour starts at Bootham Bar, one of York's ancient gateways to the city. You'll weave through medieval streets to visit historic pubs like the Hole in the Wall, where a prison hatch once allowed patrons to pass drinks to unfortunate inmates, and the Guy Fawkes Inn, named after one of Britain's most notorious would-be assassins.

Along the way, you'll find out how the city's pubs have been the setting for tragic deaths, sinister plots, and unexplained hauntings that continue to this day. You'll hear about the Mad Maid who still cleans the Dean Court Hotel, the ghostly Roman soldier in the Hole in the Wall's cellar, and the bride who appears only to those suffering from recent heartbreak. 

York's Haunted Pubs: A Self-Guided Walking Tour

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.

Private York History Walking Tour

Step into the city's ancient walls, and meander through several thousand years of history on a private walking tour. As you walk the city walls, marvel in the spectacular views of York Minster, Northern Europe's largest cathedral and an architectural masterpiece that emits a radiating glow over the city. See where Guy Fawkes was born, now a pub with his namesake. Discover one of the world's best-preserved medieval streets as mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 and admire the medieval Clifford's tower, the largest remaining part of York Castle. Guildhall is located beyond the Mansion House, and is an imposing first Grade I listed 15th pile situated on the River Ouse. The tour finishes at The Star Inn, an old engine house, which sits on the edge of the Museum Gardens by the River Ouse.

The Best of York Private Walking Tour: Landmarks & Hidden Gems

Get your bearings and explore York like a local on this exclusive private walking tour, led by an expert guide. More than just a history lesson, this immersive experience brings the city's rich past to life as you stroll through its cobbled streets, ancient walls, and hidden corners.

Step back in time to Viking-age Jorvik, walk in the footsteps of Romans along the city's famous walls, and uncover how York evolved from a medieval religious center to the vibrant, historic gem it is today. From grand landmarks to tucked-away treasures, your guide will share the stories that make York unique.

Private York Walking Tour with Local Guide

Your private tour starts opposite Clifford's Tower outside Castle Museum, where the former officer-guide will give you insight into York's lengthy criminal history, up until the present day. Hear tales of the serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper, the unusual dealings at the York Magistrates Court and the old police station where police officers first started working from in 1892. 

Hear about the stories of dark dealings along the River Ouse, as you make your way to Dick Turpin's grave site. Wander down The Shambles, one of the city's 14th-century streets, which lent its likeness to several Harry Potter films, including where Harry and his friends hid from the Death eaters. 

Your guide will tell you of the abounding mysteries in the city's sites which have stood for more than 2000 years, one of the world's oldest police forces and of the city's oldest inhabited house. 

On the Beat: Murders, Crime & Mystery Private York Walking Tour

This tour follows the entire route of the most complete medieval walls in England. We will visit all of the famous Bars, gateways to the city, and learn about the history of them.

Join me on this tour of the mediaeval walls that guard my fascinating home city. Learn more about the city's 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, observe one of the world's great cathedrals and take in the incredible views..

York City Medieval Walls Private Walking Tour

What makes this tour of York unique is its rich blend of history, architecture, and scenic beauty, all encapsulated in a compact 2-hour journey. Starting at the awe-inspiring York Minster, one of Europe's largest cathedrals, the tour immerses visitors in the city's medieval charm with a walk through The Shambles, known for its timber-framed buildings and quaint shops. The ancient city walls offer panoramic views, while Clifford's Tower provides a glimpse into York's tumultuous past. Strolling through York's medieval streets and hidden courtyards reveals stories and legends, and a walk along the River Ouse by Skeldergate Bridge showcases the city's picturesque riverside setting. This tour uniquely combines key historical sites with the vibrant, living history of York, making it an unforgettable experience.

York Unearthed Exclusive 2 Hours Private Walking Discovery

Explore York at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour on your phone. You get a clear map of all 9 stops, simple directions through Google Maps, and short audio stories you can play when you reach each location.

The route covers the historic heart of York, from York Minster to Micklegate Bar, passing sites like The Shambles, Clifford's Tower, and Jorvik Viking Centre.

Start anytime, pause whenever you like, and explore freely. No groups, no schedules. Audio and text available in 7 languages.

Self Guided Walking Tour of York with Audio Guide

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.

Europe's Most Haunted City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of York

Our Party Passes offer a flexible way to experience popular weekend nightlife venues. Designed for both small and large groups, they provide pre-arranged guestlist access to selected bars and clubs across the UK.

You are free to visit as many or as few of the included venues as you wish, at your own pace, making this a great option for those who prefer an independent night out rather than a fixed itinerary.

This experience is not a guided tour. There is no host and no timetable to follow. Instead, your group is placed on the guestlist at each participating venue. On arrival, simply give your name at the door to receive guestlist entry. Where a standard door charge applies, entry is included at no additional cost.

Bar and Club queue jump entry Party Pass to multiple venues in York

On this self-guided walking tour, you'll hear the grisly tales that shaped this ancient city through the theatrical persona of a Victorian physician who "lived" in York from 1841 to 1877. Dr Reginald Smalls will bring centuries-old stories of murder, plague, and rebellion to life as you walk the historic streets where these dark events unfolded.

The All Saints Church on High Ousegate sets the stage for several of the shocking events you'll hear about. From the banks of the River Ouse to the "Shambles," where rows of hooks once displayed fresh meat, each cobblestone and ancient building holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

You'll continue past iconic landmarks like York Minster with its imposing Gothic architecture, the city's ancient defensive bars (fortified gateways), and St. Helen's Square with its grand Georgian buildings. You'll veer into lesser-known areas to discover spots like Bedern Hall and narrow snickelways steeped in dark history.

York's Dark Journey: A Self-Guided Tour of its Medieval Horrors

York isn't just England's most historic city – it's officially Europe's most haunted.

On this spine-chilling self-guided walking tour, you'll discover the dark underbelly of a place where 2,000 years of history have created the perfect conditions for supernatural activity. As you walk, you'll hear about poltergeists, spectral monks, murdered children, and other entities that refused to leave when their mortal lives ended.

You'll hear about the home to St. Mary's Abbey, where the ghostly silhouette of a faceless monk still stalks the ruins. You'll weave through York's atmospheric streets, passing haunted pubs where objects move of their own accord and temperatures drop without explanation. Along the way, you'll hear spine-tingling tales of the sinister Barghest (a demonic black dog whose appearance foretells death) and the violent poltergeist that terrorizes unsuspecting shoppers at The Body Shop.

York Ghost Adventure: A Self-Guided Paranormal Tour

The North Yorkshire Road Trip Online Guidebook is a structured multi-day journey linking York, the Yorkshire coast and the North York Moors into one route.

Covering approx 134 miles (215 km), with flexibility for 3–10+ days. Distances are manageable, but the contrasts are striking: medieval city streets, fishing villages above the North Sea and wide heather moorland across the national park.

The route unfolds in three stages.

York & the Howardian Hills – Begin in York exploring York Minster, the Shambles and the city walls before countryside around Castle Howard and Malton.

The North Yorkshire Coast – Whitby Abbey rises above the harbour while Robin Hood's Bay and Staithes cling to the cliffs along this dramatic coastlines.

The North York Moors – Inland roads cross open moorland linking Rievaulx Abbey, Helmsley, Pickering and Goathland.

With 12 months of online access included, choose a booking date that allows time to plan before travelling.

North Yorkshire Road Trip Guidebook-York Whitby & Yorkshire Coast

You'll find the country's most complete city walls encircling York, and this self-guided walking tour takes you on a complete circuit of them. Along the way, you'll hear the extraordinary history of this magical city, and find out about the Romans, Vikings, Normans and medieval citizens of York who built, defended, attacked and sometimes died here, on and around these ancient walls. 

On this tour, you'll see and hear about:

• The magnificent cathedral of York Minster
• The four impressive city gates, each with its own story
• The dominating remains of York Castle
• The last remains of the Roman occupation of York


Battlements of History: A Self-Guided Tour of York's City Walls 

Explore York with an award-winning, qualified historian guide! You'll travel back to the time of the romans, walk along medieval fortifications and experience the Victorian boom that all helped contribute to making York the UK's "Second City."

There's no better way to squeeze 2,000 years of history into a single journey while you uncover hidden gems and city secrets you'd never find on your own.

See All of York in One Day

Explore York with an award-winning, qualified historian guide! We'll travel through 2,000 years of history as we walk along Roman roads, medieval walls and royal thoroughfares.

This tour incorporates every inch of the most complete set of historical city walls anywhere in the UK. Find out why and how these fortifications were built - and hear the stories of those who dared to try to breach them..!

Private Tour of York Medieval City Walls

Discover York like never before with a self-guided trail that uncovers the city's hidden stories, from medieval snickelways to overlooked corners near the ancient walls, tucked-away corners, and scenic viewpoints. This engaging walk invites you to look closer at quirky landmarks and layered history, with thoughtful questions that bring each location to life.
Perfect for solo explorers, couples, families, or small groups, the trail offers total flexibility with no time limits. Simply download the PDF and bring your device, and immerse yourself in the charm and character of York.
Get ready to see familiar streets through a fresh lens.


York Self Guided Walking Trail 

Explore the fascinating history of York, the charming northeast England city that was founded by the ancient Romans!

On this self-guided tour narrated by an expert historian, we'll walk around from Exhibition Square, up the beautiful Stonegate, and visit York Minster, the huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral. 

Walk through the old city walls and visit its iconic key attractions such as the Shambles, JORVIK Viking Centre and finish the tour at York Castle Museum, as well as visiting Clifford's Tower.

Delve into York's secret stories and mysterious past, before learning about its bustling culture at Stonegate, for an epic cultural adventure in this must-see historic town. 

Note: This is a self-guided audio walking tour and does not include entrance tickets

York from York Minister to Stonegate Self-Guided Walking Tour

Curious about the lesser-known stories of York? Starting with the very first steps of this playful walk, you'll experience the thrill and beauty of discovery. Location-based riddles will show you the way to our favorite local places, including quiet courtyards, forgotten stories and cute hidden spots we'll keep secret... for now! Fun fact: this trail was created by our local creator.
- Explore York during this interactive and fun discovery walk
- Learn about the history and local stories of the city centre in a playful way
- Solve 12 location-based riddles to unlock directions to your next stop along the route
- See popular sights like St. Williams college and the Bootham Bar from a different angle and discover hidden local spots

This discovery walk is an educational and fun activity for friends, couples, families with kids, curious locals, visitors, and team building.


York: Snickets and Stories city game

Discover York's Magic: A Self-Guided Audio Adventure
Step back in time and explore York at your own pace with Niki – Your Travel Buddy. This self-guided GPS audio tour leads you through the city's most iconic sights, from the historic Micklegate and York City Walls to the serene Museum Gardens and magnificent York Minster. Wander along charming streets like The Shambles, uncover hidden gems such as Barley Hall, and relive Viking tales at the Jorvik Centre. Pause wherever you wish to shop, dine, or simply take in the atmosphere. Available in seven languages, this immersive 120-minute route covers 5.6 km of York's highlights — a perfect blend of history, culture, and freedom. Experience York your way – authentic, personal, and unforgettable.

Self-Guided York Highlights Walk with GPS Audio Guide

Experience the timeless charm of York on this private walking tour beginning at St. Helen's Square, one of the city's most elegant gathering places. As you explore medieval lanes, Gothic architecture, peaceful green spaces, and ancient Roman remains, your guide will share stories that reveal York's rich and layered history. From the iconic Shambles to the majestic York Minster and the tranquil Museum Gardens, this tour offers a beautifully immersive introduction to one of England's most historic and captivating cities. With flexible durations from 1 to 6 hours, it's the perfect way to discover York at your own pace.

York Private Walking Tour with a Local

Enjoy a private, exclusive tour with your own local guide. Dare to embark on "Whispers of York Ghostly Adventure" and become the hero of your chilling tale in one of England's most haunted cities. This journey isn't just a tour; it's a passage through time, where the thin veil between the past and present reveals York's hidden spirits. Under the cloak of twilight, navigate the shadowy lanes of the Shambles, stand beneath the towering spires of York Minster, and tread softly through ancient halls where history's echoes fill the air. With every step, uncover the secrets and spectral stories that linger in York's historic heart. Gather your courage, step into the night, and let the ghostly whispers of York transform you into the storyteller of your eerie adventure. 

Please note: The program and attractions may vary based on booking date/time and crowd conditions, ensuring each visit is a unique experience.

Private Sightseeing Tours in York