Welcome to York - The River Route
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years.
With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights.
We offer two Welcome to York walks, aimed at people new to the city. On our River Route we’ll take a waterside walk through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via St Mary’s Abbey, the River Ouse, and King’s Staith, we’ll tell tales of fights and floods, monks and merchants, before finishing our walk beneath Clifford’s Tower, in the heart - or maybe the moat - of York Castle.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
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
See the spectacular ruins of St Mary's Abbey and learn about King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.
Hamlet Of St Marygate
Walking down from Museum Gardens onto Marygate, we'll see how this ancient street connected the River Ouse to the main road north. We'll see the old abbey walls, and Marygate Tower, and discuss how St Mary's Abbey controlled huge areas of medieval Yorkshire.
What‘s Included
Unique expertise from our PhD-qualified leaders
Options
York History Walk: River Route
York History Walk: River Route: Start point: Yorkshire Museum, York Museum Gardens. End point: Beneath Clifford's Tower, York Castle.
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Very interesting view of...
Ann R,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very interesting view of how the city grew along the river. Ian was an excellent and knowledgeable guide
Insightful views of the past along the river
Y4793TGsuer,May 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Informative and interesting tour of the river including old photos showing the area years ago. Definitely worth doing.
Informative
Tracey C,May 6, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Lots of interesting facts and things to see, my favourite being the John Snow plaque. My friend and I were the only ones on the tour so we had the added bonus of visiting Dick Turpins grave.
Info you'll never find out for yourself on the history of York
chrisaX6583WO,Apr 14, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the Water Walk yesterday having done the Earch Walk in October. Both with the PLACE organisation. We throughly recommend the Walks done by very knowledgeable guides. They detail extensive info that you'll never find out for yourself on the history of York. Well worth it. We'll have to do the other tours.
York walking tour
john19482016,Jun 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this tour with Dr Rogerson today and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you want to know a little more about York I would recommend this walking tour.
River Walk
I5649WDdavidb,Jun 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fascinating 2 hours introduction to the Rivers Ouse and Fosse and their impact upon the development of the city from Roman times to the present day. Aspects of history, commerce, archaeology and building construction were presented by Simon, our tor guide, to a remarkable depth; a history lesson full of interesting facts and amusing stories delivered with some humour. A really enjoyable experience; the only way to really appreciate this historic city. Many thanks.
Fresh facts and a fun time
Elizabeth Darcy,Feb 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Really enjoyed this tour of York which goes off the beaten track - quite literally - to the normal ghost tours. Loved learning how the geology and geography of York has affected its history. Liam was a really engaging guide, with the perfect mix of enthusiasm and humour. You'll never look at cobblestones in quite the same way again! PS Also appreciated how Liam skilfully grouped people to stand away from main thoroughfares and not block the road. I wish every tour guide was as mindful of this.
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