Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights and York Minster

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.

1. 1

   York Railway Station

   30 min

   Starting from York’s magnificent 19th century train station, we make our way towards the walled City. Whilst not much remains of the original Roman walls, the refurbished sections let us stroll in safety whilst enjoying a privileged view.

2. 2

   Museum Gardens

   30 min

   Once inside the walls we cross the River Ouse, then enter the Museum gardens, giving us the chance to look around St Mary’s Abbey. Historically this grand building was a very rich monastery, originally built in the 11th century home to the Benedictine Monks, it was dissolved in 16th century. Only a few walls remain, however you can still see the Abbots house and its various styles owing to years of change. Maybe your guide can point out the window belonging to the room where Henry VIII stayed!

3. 3

   Jorvik Viking Centre

   30 min

   Continuing through the city we pass the Jorvik centre, home to one of the most famous discoveries in modern archaeology. Your guide will explain how the Vikings first came to York, using its location on the rivers Ouse and Foss to establish a prosperous trading port.

4. 4

   Shambles

   30 min

   As if by magic we get to the start of The Shambles, the medieval shopping street. Even though none of Harry Potter was filmed here, you can just imagine walking down Diagon Alley, now’s your chance to pick up a wand or broom! If you have children in your group they might catch a glimpse of one the many sculpted cats lurking here and all over the city.

5. 5

   Clifford's Tower

   30 min

   Like many other towns and cities York also has a castle. Built in the traditional method as a motte and bailey castle by the Normans, it hides some particularly disturbing history about the Jewish community in 12th century. Only Clifford’s tower is intact today and is open to climb for stunning views of the city

6. 6

   Merchant Adventurers' Hall

   30 min

   York has always been a centre of commerce, early residents in need of a venue for charity, worship and business commissioned the construction of the Merchant Adventurers Hall. Originally built in the 14th century, it has undergone several changes over the years, but remains in use to this day. This beautiful building is widely regarded as one of the best preserved medieval guildhalls in the world.

7. 7

   York Minster

   1 hour

   Like something from a fairytale, we wind our way through the quirky little alleyways. Stick with your guide and mind your head, you won’t have to worry about getting lost. Eventually we approach the magnificent structure of York Minster, the largest Gothic Cathedral north of the Alps. With your guide, you will explore both the past and the present of this grand building. Pausing during the tour there’s plenty of opportunities to admire the architecture, stained glass windows, contemporary art and much more. We stay just over an hour at Minster before finishing our tour. Your guide will help with any necessary information and suggestions to make the most of your stay whilst in York.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.