York: Recommended tours & tickets

Guided bike tour of York, inside and outside the city walls.  Starting at a central location in the city.  A 2 to 2.5 hour tour with multiple stops to hear the stories of the saints and sinners, the good and the evil, from Romans and Vikings to the sweetness of chocolate makers.  Although factual, your guide will tell the grisly tales in a lighthearted way.  The route is planned for safety and the best stopping view points and is mainly on quiet roads or designated cycle paths.

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!

The Bloody Tour of York is the multi award winning* tour of the City and has recently won the Arival Best Sightseeing Tour in Europe Award 2024. Join your guide Mad Alice or Lady Peckett as you wander down the medieval streets hearing the gruesome history the city has to offer. Ghosts, Witches, murderers, Kings and Queens have all left their bloody footprints. An entertaining, educational and a fascinating look at Britain's best loved city, Mad Alice promises a night to "Remember, remember..." Suitable for all ages.

Dare you take a trip into the past and uncover some of York’s turbulent and tragic history? A past that manifests itself in the unexplained sightings of shadows haunting our streets and buildings. Let us take you on a journey through the streets and snickleways and tell you about the shadows of York. Note: The tour is rated PG and not recommended for under 8's. The stories change from time to time. But they do contain in depth historic details, some of which can be dark, sad or gory. These may include executions, plague, suicide or any other grim facts. Some young children may find it disturbing. The shadows are waiting for you...

Discover the extraordinary Viking history of York, and the incredible tales of the most famous Vikings of them all - Ragnar, Ivar the Boneless, Erik Bloodaxe and Harald Hardrada. Why was York such an important Viking city, and why were so many Viking battles fought here? Find out why in this exclusive, personalized 2-hour walking tour of Viking York. ... meeting you at a time and location to suit you (for example at your hotel) there are no set times to meet or big groups to join with, this is your own tour which you can take at your own pace. For a small additional fee this can also include a stop off at an authentic Viking Themed Bar in York (great in the cold weather!), located on the same site as the legendary Viking Kings of York!

We offer a guided historical tour of the fabulous city of York, the Capital of the North. Step into history with one of our knowledgeable guides and see the amazing sights of the city and hear all the history behind them. Our tours are guided by experienced historians and can be up to 3 hours in length, with breaks for refreshments if you wish, depending on your requirements.

Let your own personalised tour guide take you on a spectacular trip round this world famous city at night. You are provided a unique guided tour experience and picked up at your hotel or elsewhere in town at a place of your choosing, at a time that suits you. You will be taken around the major historic points of interest in York, without a big group to tag along with or time schedules to keep, and even arrange coffee or food along the way at some of York's very best food and drink establishments. Private tour means it will be operated with just your guide and you.

See your favourite York landmarks with this hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tour around the town's best loved sites, with a live guide. Sit back and relax as our experienced guide regales you with fascinating information about York Minster, Micklegate Bar, Clifford’s Tower and much more. You can hop-on and hop-off at any of the 20 stops. A great history lesson for kids young and old, with a chance to have a more interactive experience. It’s been a while since we’ve been able to see the iconic monuments of this great city, so join us and visit the best of York! We will not be providing single-use masks on this tour, although customers are welcome to provide their own. The first tour of the day starts at 10:00am from Exhibition Square

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.

Explore the ancient city of York on a 24 hour unlimited hop-on hop-off bus tour. This sightseeing extravaganza will take you to all of the best places of interest, including Clifford's Tower, Monk Bar, Exhibition Square, The Stonebow, Museum Gardens and much more! The beauty of a hop-on hop-off service is that you can create your own schedule and discover this fabulous destination at your own pace. The double-decker bus provides you with an audio tour commentary in 10 languages, teaching you all about York's fascinating past as you cruise around. There's so much to learn about this northern city, which was originally founded by the Romans. You'll also get to experience panoramic views of these historic landmarks, thanks to the open-top deck.

Are you looking for a way to see York without joining a tour group? Explore at your own pace with this affordable walking tour. • Walk the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, and spot the story of Adam and Eve carved into York Minster’s Great West Door • Hear from producer James Easton, a local whose passion for York's history led him to create this bestselling VoiceMap tour • Do it all in 90 minutes or linger at stops along the way with complete control over when you start and finish • Get unlimited use before and after your booking date • Use the virtual tour option at home Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive a ticket with instructions and a unique code listed under “Before You Go”. Then install the VoiceMap app and enter your code. The app displays directions to the starting point, and when you’re in the right place, just pop in your headphones and tap start. VoiceMap has automatic GPS playback, with turn-by-turn directions. It also works offline.

York Pass is a sightseeing card which gives visitors free entry to top attractions, museums and monuments in York. It includes a free 24 Hour hop on hop off bus tour Once purchased, you will receive your digital pass directly to your email address for use on your mobile device. Simply show your pass at the attraction to gain entry. A number of attractions require online pre booking to gain admission with a York Pass. Please note attractions are busy at peak periods and we recommend booking at least 48 hrs in advance Your York Passes open the gateway to adventure and they include a 24-hour ticket for the City Sightseeing Bus and City Cruises York’s River Cruise. The pass doesn’t stop there!

Welcome aboard our daytime sightseeing trip in York, where travellers embark on an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. Our daytime sightseeing trip in York promises a memorable experience filled with breath-taking sights, intriguing tales, and moments of tranquillity along the historic River Ouse. It's the perfect way to explore the essence of York in a leisurely and immersive fashion.