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York, a historic city in northern England, presents a rich array of activities that cater to diverse interests. Whether you're interested in its Roman roots, medieval streets, or culinary delights, York has something for everyone. From guided tours that delve into the city's past to food tastings that highlight local flavors, your itinerary can easily be filled with engaging experiences. With over 50 active tours available, including city, food, and ghost tours, you can tailor your visit to suit your preferences.
Types of activities
Heritage & Museum Tours: Delve into York's rich history through guided museum visits and heritage-focused tours.
Food & Drink Tours: Sample local cuisine with four distinct tours that highlight York's best culinary offerings.
City Tours: Choose from 16 different city tours that cover a range of themes from architecture to local culture.
Ghost & Dark Tours: For those intrigued by the supernatural, three guided tours delve into York's haunted history.
Day Trips: Nine day trips are available, allowing you to venture beyond the city to nearby attractions.
How we pick what's worth booking
This guide curates activities based on customer reviews, tour quality, and overall value. We thoroughly assess each tour's itinerary, the expertise of the guides, and the experiences offered to ensure that they meet high standards. Our selections prioritize activities that provide insightful content and engaging interactions, whether you're wandering the ancient streets of York or sampling its culinary specialties.
Frequently asked questions
Are skip-the-line tickets worth it?▾
Skip-the-line tickets can save you considerable time, especially during peak tourist seasons. This can be particularly beneficial for popular tours and attractions.
How far in advance should I book my tours?▾
It is advisable to book your tours at least a few weeks in advance, especially for popular options, to ensure availability and secure your preferred dates.
What’s the difference between free and paid tours?▾
Free tours typically operate on a tips-only basis, while paid tours often include additional benefits such as exclusive access, guided insights, and included experiences.
Are there family-friendly tour options available?▾
Yes, many tours in York are designed to be family-friendly, offering engaging content suitable for children and accommodating family groups.
What are the refund policies for tours?▾
Refund policies vary by tour provider, but most allow cancellations with a full refund if made within a specified timeframe, usually 24-48 hours before the tour.
Editor's picks
For a hearty taste of York's culinary scene, consider the Food & Drink Tours, particularly the Chocolate and Cheese Tours, which highlight local specialties. If you're intrigued by the city's past, the Heritage & Museum Tours provide a deep dive into its storied history and artifacts. For those looking for a thrill, the Ghost & Dark Tours offer a chilling perspective on York's haunted locations. Lastly, the variety of Day Trips allows for a seamless venture into the surrounding countryside, making it easy to see more of Yorkshire during your visit.
Tours and Activities Search
Find the best things to do in Yorkshire. Browse 50 tours and activities, from cultural experiences and outdoor adventures to local favorites and insider picks. All experiences feature verified reviews, flexible booking, and instant confirmation.
Featured Tours and Activities in Yorkshire
York Unearthed Exclusive 2 Hours Private Walking Discovery
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 Euro
Rating: 5/5
Private York Walking Tour with Local Guide
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 t
Rating: 5/5
The Silly History Walk of York: A Self Guided Audio Tour
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 char
Rating: 5/5
Boat Party Experience with DJ & Drinks in York
Get ready to hit the dance floor on York's most exciting party boat!
Whether you're planning a hen party, a special celebration, or a night out with friends, our Party Nights Afloat are the perfect
Rating: 5/5
Things to Do in Yorkshire
Find top city tours, day trips, walking routes, food tastings, heritage visits, and ghost walks across Yorkshire.
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.
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.
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.
Get ready to hit the dance floor on York's most exciting party boat! Whether you're planning a hen party, a special celebration, or a night out with friends, our Party Nights Afloat are the perfect addition to your York adventure, welcoming groups of all sizes, big or small! From the moment you step aboard, you'll be greeted with a sparkling glass of fizz, you'll have a reserved table for your group, but with a live onboard DJ spinning hit after hit, you won't be sitting down for long! Get ready to dance to all your favorite floor fillers and feel free to send in your requests. Indulge in our delicious two-course buffet to fuel your dancing, and when you need a break, the bar will be open for all your drink needs. The party lasts for 2.5 hours as we cruise through the scenic city. Disorderly groups or excessively intoxicated individuals will be refused access or removed from the boat, without option of a refund. This product is NOT suitable for all-male groups or 'stag' parties.
Ideal for travelers looking for the flexibility to determine their own itinerary, the Visit York Pass provides access to over 30 attractions, including York Minster, York Dungeons, York's Chocolate Story and more. Don’t worry about buying individual admission tickets; instead, use the convenient and hassle-free Visit York Pass to save time on the day. The Visit York Pass also gives you discounts on hotel stays, restaurants, tours, ghost walks and more! Don’t feel limited by set itineraries and visit the attractions which appeal to you Choose from a one-day or multi-day Visit York Pass to fit your schedule Save on travel time with the included 24-hour City Sightseeing bus ticket and river cruise.
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by your expert driver guide. Our guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other tour in the glorious North of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guest's experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time in the uK worthwhile. Sheep sightings guaranteed!
Don't get lost in the crowds. Explore York at your own pace and in private with one of our expert, fully qualified, personable 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 (exterior only) 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 experience York your way!
A private guided walking tour with a dedicated guide around the historic streets of York. We'll take you to the best and most beautiful sights that the city has to offer. Along the way you'll learn about some of the great history of York along the way. We can customise the route to meet your interests if you want to tweak our regular tour. There is no other private tour of York like this and we'll visit almost every point of interest in the city as you can see from the details below!
See a slightly lesser-known side of York with a local guide who loves sharing the hidden gems of this medieval city with visitors, including pubs pouring great regional craft beer. You'll see hidden gems that most people walk past, learn a little bit about the city and have some fun while you're at it with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests see the 'real' York.
Design your bespoke ring with the guidance of your artisan ring makers. Choose your metal, pattern, width, finish, and engraving to create your one-of-a-kind piece.
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.
Start by meeting your guide just outside York Minster. From there, you’ll enjoy a tour of the cathedral’s exterior. Hear stories about the Gothic architecture, the Minster gardens and see the new statue of Queen Elizabeth II. Then step inside York Minster with your guide and journey through 1400 years of English history. Take a snap of the famous Five Sisters window – dedicated to women who died in WWI. Explore the world-class cathedral and uncover the Chapter House, Undercroft Museum and much more.
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.
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.
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.
Get ready to hit the dance floor on York's most exciting party boat! Whether you're planning a hen party, a special celebration, or a night out with friends, our Party Nights Afloat are the perfect addition to your York adventure, welcoming groups of all sizes, big or small! From the moment you step aboard, you'll be greeted with a sparkling glass of fizz, you'll have a reserved table for your group, but with a live onboard DJ spinning hit after hit, you won't be sitting down for long! Get ready to dance to all your favorite floor fillers and feel free to send in your requests. Indulge in our delicious two-course buffet to fuel your dancing, and when you need a break, the bar will be open for all your drink needs. The party lasts for 2.5 hours as we cruise through the scenic city. Disorderly groups or excessively intoxicated individuals will be refused access or removed from the boat, without option of a refund. This product is NOT suitable for all-male groups or 'stag' parties.
Ideal for travelers looking for the flexibility to determine their own itinerary, the Visit York Pass provides access to over 30 attractions, including York Minster, York Dungeons, York's Chocolate Story and more. Don’t worry about buying individual admission tickets; instead, use the convenient and hassle-free Visit York Pass to save time on the day. The Visit York Pass also gives you discounts on hotel stays, restaurants, tours, ghost walks and more! Don’t feel limited by set itineraries and visit the attractions which appeal to you Choose from a one-day or multi-day Visit York Pass to fit your schedule Save on travel time with the included 24-hour City Sightseeing bus ticket and river cruise.
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by your expert driver guide. Our guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other tour in the glorious North of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guest's experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time in the uK worthwhile. Sheep sightings guaranteed!
Don't get lost in the crowds. Explore York at your own pace and in private with one of our expert, fully qualified, personable 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 (exterior only) 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 experience York your way!
A private guided walking tour with a dedicated guide around the historic streets of York. We'll take you to the best and most beautiful sights that the city has to offer. Along the way you'll learn about some of the great history of York along the way. We can customise the route to meet your interests if you want to tweak our regular tour. There is no other private tour of York like this and we'll visit almost every point of interest in the city as you can see from the details below!
See a slightly lesser-known side of York with a local guide who loves sharing the hidden gems of this medieval city with visitors, including pubs pouring great regional craft beer. You'll see hidden gems that most people walk past, learn a little bit about the city and have some fun while you're at it with a guide who prides himself on making sure guests see the 'real' York.
Design your bespoke ring with the guidance of your artisan ring makers. Choose your metal, pattern, width, finish, and engraving to create your one-of-a-kind piece.
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.
Start by meeting your guide just outside York Minster. From there, you’ll enjoy a tour of the cathedral’s exterior. Hear stories about the Gothic architecture, the Minster gardens and see the new statue of Queen Elizabeth II. Then step inside York Minster with your guide and journey through 1400 years of English history. Take a snap of the famous Five Sisters window – dedicated to women who died in WWI. Explore the world-class cathedral and uncover the Chapter House, Undercroft Museum and much more.
Ideal for travelers looking for the flexibility to determine their own itinerary, the Visit York Pass provides access to over 30 attractions, including York Minster, York Dungeons, York's Chocolate St
Rating: 5/5
Luxury Private Yorkshire Dales National Park Tour
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by your expert driver g
Rating: 5/5
Plan Your Visit to Yorkshire
Planning your activities in Yorkshire? We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred dates and times. Our featured experiences offer skip-the-line access, expert local guides, and flexible cancellation policies. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or in a group, you'll find options tailored to every preference and budget. All tours listed here have been vetted for quality and customer satisfaction through partnerships with trusted local operators and international tour providers.
Total tours available: 50Categories: 7Cities covered: 15