Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Step off the beaten path into the beating heart of York’s rich, rebellious past! This highly rated walking tour isn’t your average stroll—it’s an adventure through 6,000 years of real history, gripping stories and your chance to discover all you can on your visit.
We’ll explore the city’s mighty medieval defences and how they evolved to keep out everyone from invading armies to enticing tourists. Marvel at York’s architectural wonders, from Roman stonework to the craftsmanship of medieval masons whose skills shaped the skyline we see today.
Discover the powerful guilds that once ruled the city’s economy, their grand halls, and the “cash crops” that fuelled their rise. Constantine the Great to Oliver Cromwell, Robert the Bruce to kings, queens, history’s biggest names walked these streets, and now, so will you.
Wander along city walls and down ancient streets, as we bust myths and reveal the truth behind the past.
This is York unleashed: gritty, glorious, and unforgettable.
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
No free inclusions
Alcoholic Beverages
York
Our guide will show you what makes York so unique, the Medieval walls and Gateways, the Minster, the ancient Shambles, Lantern towers, rivers and castle. See the grave of Dick Turpin and walk through 2000 years of the cities heritage follow in the footsteps of ancient tribes, Romans, Kings and Queens and some of histories most notorious. Our guides can also take you around the museums of your choice for an additional fee.
York Minster
The largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minster took 252 years too build. There are Minster guides inside, tours last an hour.
473 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lola P,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
Really nice and complete tour of York with a lot of historic data and curiosities of the city. Don't miss it!
Tracey H,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Lots of information about York and its history, how it’s evolved over hundreds of years. A good length of time- about an hour and a half with the guide happy to stop and answer any questions or expand on anything the group found particularly interesting.
Ann M,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
Nick provided us with some very interesting information about York and was the highlight of our day.
rich077,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Really interesting history of York with a lot of facts but delivered in a not too heavy way. Helped us to go back and look at points of interest .
Ruth B,
Oct 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Fantastic tour and guide, who was very knowledgeable with good people skills. We were a lucky group of four to have him all to ourselves, thank you!
Jacqueline L,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
Highly recommend this small group tour. Most enjoyable and informative. Perfectly paced. Nick our guide was extremely knowledgeable. He had a strong clear voice and answered many questions along the way. Top marks.
Dylan M,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide was super friendly and knowledgeable! Would recommend for anyone who wants to know about the history of York!
Chellen8964,
Oct 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great walk of the city great tour guide very informative. Highly recommend it if you’re visiting the city for the first time.
Susan B,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
The guide was informative with some humor, though expected to walk more of the walls so that was disappointing
Emma S,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
This tour was really interesting and informative. We were only in York for a day so we saw this tour and thought it would be great way to get the most out of York which we did. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and we will be visiting York again.
Operated by J & M City Walking Tours