The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Why follow the crowds? At Yorktour we believe a great tour should also be a fun conversation, which is why we guarantee there will be no more than eight participants so everyone can ask questions and no-one needs to worry about being left at the back! This family-friendly walking tour includes all the key sights - including the exterior of the Minster and the celebrated Shambles - though we will also lead you deep into the medieval maze of ‘Snickelways’ to follow in the footsteps of the Romans and Vikings who created York. Above all, our tours rely on great storytelling rather than gimmicks - so if we can’t remember everyone’s names there must be too many people taking part!
Additional Info
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
St. Mary's Abbey
The magnificent ruins of the largest abbey in northern England
Museum Gardens
A stunning Victorian botanic garden containing the standing remains of the Roman fortress - the place where York began!
What‘s Included
Personalised greeting sign at the meeting point
Multimedia illustrations accompany the tour - all guides carry iPads
Complementary map of York
Entrance fees: the tour is outdoors and does not include museums or the interior of the cathedral.
Options
The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group
Reviews
784 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Walking Tour of York
NikkiD271,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great walking tour with Alfred, who was incredibly knowledgeable and engaging. He shared so much history, but made it all relevant to our current experience and easy to digest. It was evident that Alfred is an experienced guide as he could easily adapt information on the fly so that it was specifically applicable to those in our group. I also really enjoyed the small group setting, which made it easy to hear him clearly throughout. If possible, I'd recommend scheduling your tour for early in your trip so you can see the places you may want to come back to. There were a lot of cobblestones/uneven pavement so wear comfortable shoes, however most of the route was flat or had ramps so mobility challenges should be ok. Great tour, thanks Alfred!
Fun and informative
Adventure517469,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a treat! So much history is packed into a very small space! Alfred brought Yorkshire’s story to life with absorbing stories and a generous dose of humour. He made us forget all about the rain! I highly recommend this tour.
Excellent tour
Zippy1969,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very informative, friendly and knowledgeable. Learnt so much, would recommend. Even the rain didn't dampen the experience.
Must do tour
PAULJUSTINR,,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sarah was great. Very informative. Have to take this tour to appreciate the city and history. So much to learn.
A trip back in time.
Ste W,,Jan 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Ferah was brilliant. In challenging weather, she held everyone's attention with a wealth of facts and stories about the history of York.
Interesting and informative walking tour of York
car0lynwr,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have been to York many times and this was my first walking tour of the cituly. Sarah, our guide, was very informative and the hour and half went very quickly. I highly recommend the tour to any visitor to York, new and old.
The best tour guide around the City
454deanb,,Dec 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the tour and we were not disappointed. Our tour guide was the most enthusiastic tour guide we've ever had! From knowing each persons name on the tour and consistently addressing us throughout the tour. Very informative about the top locations in York and all the Nooks & crannies in between. I would 100% recommend this tour at the start of your stay at in York.
Enthusiastic jaunt through time
Piers T,,Dec 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Alfred was a superb, enthusiastic York native who gave us a historical tour de force and kept spirits up despite the rain. He shared his wealth of knowledge over the 2 or so hours, and we came away with a good understanding of how to read York from the archaeology on view, building types etc. Being in a small group worked so well, and kept things fast paced and audible at all times. Would highly recommend.
Very enjoyable walking tour of York
Philip B,,Dec 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Engaging knowledgeable guide, good balance between historical facts and quirky fun information. Walk started on time and easy to find the guide
One of the best city walking tours I’ve ever done!
Janet C,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One of the best city walking tours I have ever done. Only 3 of us on the tour with a constant enthusiastic narrative as we walked along. The 90 minutes flew by. There are lots of things to see in York, but those chosen for this 90 minutes tour gave a strong representation of York through the ages, at every turn. Pleasant, informative and engaging without overload or silly stories. Thank you.
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Operated by Yorktour