York City Medieval Walls Private Walking Tour

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.