Welcome to York - The Royal 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 Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles and Jorvik, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk beneath Clifford’s Tower, in the heart of York Castle.
Additional Info
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‘s Included
Unique expertise - both our guides have Ph.D. qualifications in scientific subjects
What To Expect
Museum Gardens
In York Museum Gardens we'll see the ancient city walls, including the Multangular Tower, built by the Romans. We'll talk about Eboracum, emperors, and the remarkable role of York in the Roman Empire.
York Minster
Outside York Minster we'll reveal the Roman and royal stories of this magnificent, historic cathedral.
Options
York History Walk: Royal Route
York History Walk: Royal Route: Start point: outside Yorkshire Museum, York Museum Gardens. Finish point: beneath Clifford's Tower, York Castle.
Reviews
6 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great walking tour for history buffs
JeanetteS588,
Aug 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a really informative and enjoyable walking tour of York with Simon. We started at the museum next to Roman ruins and ended at Clifford Tower, traversing York’s history and heros in between. I recommend this tour.
Memorable and Engaging
Lauren M,
Jun 5, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I had so much fun on the York air walk! Being able to explore the city from the walls was beautiful, and gave me a different view than I had from the ground. The guide was an excellent storyteller, and encouraged questions--he even had trivia questions with a prize! I really loved the detail and the thought that was put into creating a tour based around the theme of air. I saw a lot of things I might have overlooked, and had an absolutely amazing time! This is a really special way to get to know the city of York.
The best, by far
peterp826,
Aug 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have taken tours before in various cities, including York. This was by far the best. The idea of linking York's history to 4 themes is a fantastic idea. I learned a lot about York from Simon that, as a regular visitor to York, I didn't know before. I will also take the other 3 tours.
Outstanding tour of York
louisebB9688TP,
May 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide Simon was full of passion about his knowledge of the history of York. So many interesting facts we learned along the way. This was a fantastic tour that we would highly recommend to anyone of any age. Super value for money.
Lot of local knowledge
CommodoreChris,
Apr 29, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very knowledgeable guides with lots of detail about geography, geology history, and folk lore. Been to York many times but still learned more.
Experienced a v inspiring view into a little of York’s history.
gloriabC4016ZL,
Jul 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The varied detailed topics researched by guide, & gentle pace that the walk covered. This allowed time 4 unhurried question & answer time.
From £12.00
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