Discover the best of York with a private tour guide and learn about the rich history of this walled city that was founded by the ancient Romans and is famed for the huge 13th-century Gothic cathedral, York Minster.
On your private walking tour, you will:
- Walk along the ancient city walls with spectacular views of the York Minster;
- Enjoy a visit to York Minster, and discover its rich history from its Roman roots to the fires that threatened its existence;
- See local curiosities, like the oldest inhabited house in York;
- Uncover York's very own "Devil", explore King's Square and see the city's very own Roman column, which is over 2000 years old,
- Walk along The Shambles, York’s famed street - believed to be used as an inspiration in the Harry Potter films;
- See Clifford's tower, an iconic York landmark, and the largest remaining part of York Castle.
With a history dating back to the ancient Romans, the walled city of York is home to a massive 13th-century Gothic cathedral. The city’s walls form an interesting walkway for both visitors and locals alike. Though the city is compact, each street and historic building is steeped in centuries and even millennia of history. Uncover the magic of York with your private local guide.
Marvel in the spectacular views of York Minster, one of northern Europe’s largest cathedrals and an architectural masterpiece that emits a radiating glow over the city.
Let history continue to unfold before you, as you pass the place where Guy Fawkes was born, now a pub with his namesake. Weaving through the city, you'll discover one of the world’s best-preserved medieval streets as mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Take in the skinny 14th-century alleyways and overhanging timber buildings as you walk down The Shambles street, and stop to admire Clifford's Tower, the largest remains of York's Medieval Castle.
St Helen's Square is dominated by the grandeur of the Mansion House, the Lord Mayor’s official residence. Similarly resplendent, Guildhall is located beyond the Mansion House and is an imposing Grade I listed building situated on the River Ouse.
The tour finishes at The Star Inn, an old engine house that sits on the edge of the Museum Gardens by the River Ouse. Now a lovely restaurant, and your guide's favourite place to eat, it's a real taste of Yorkshire.
Tour duration3.5 hours 30 minutes
Type of tourWalking tour: no transportation is included
Attractions along this route:
Clifford's TowerThe original tower was built after the Norman conquest of York in 1068 - a tumultuous history continued for centuries after.
ShamblesA fourteenth century street with overhanging eaves, some have traced the history back to the 1068 Domesday Book.
York MinsterDedicated to Saint Peter, the cathedral of York dates back to the 15th century and is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe.
St Helen's SquareNamed for St Helen's Church located in the square, the area has been a gathering place for locals for nearly three centuries.
City Walls of YorkBuilt mainly in the 13th century and extended for 2 miles, York’s City Walls offer a splendid elevated walk around the city.
St Mary’s AbbeyIt was established in 1088 as a Benedictine monastery inside the city walls of York and became one of the largest and most powerful monasteries in the north of England.
River OuseThe Ouse flows for 60 miles through the city of York and the town of Selby to join the River Aire. The name Ouse is of Celtic origin and is formed from the word 'USA' which means water.
Grays CourtHidden down the narrow Chapter House Street between the Minster and the walls, with a history dating back to the 11th century, it's possibly the city's oldest continuously lived-in private house, originally built for the Archbishop of York's first Treasurer.
High & Low PetergatePetergate is one of the most fascinating streets in York divided into High Petergate and Low Petergate and named due to its proximity with the Minster dedicated to St Peter.
