Britain · YORK TOURS

The 15 Best York Tours & Walks

28 tours  ·  from $16

The walls take an hour, the Shambles takes ten minutes and the rest is worth a guide. The 15 below cover the ghost walks, the Minster and the Viking centre, with prices and the ones that need booking in the school holidays.

York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary - From King’s Staith to the northern riverbank
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, York Tours

York: Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary

1.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Commentary

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 2,618 reviews · 45 min · from $20Our pick

See York from the River Ouse on a 45-minute sightseeing cruise from King’s Staith. A captain such as Andy, Sophie, or Dave may provide the live English commentary, with city history, jokes, riverside views, a heated saloon, toilets, and a stocked bar.

“Excellent all round experience from boarding to leisurely cruising along the river while hearing historical facts about the area and seeing amazing sights The crew were professional and friendly and the refreshments were ample and reasonably priced”

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Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour - The Necrobus makes ordinary sightseeing feel different
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Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour

2.Comedy Horror Show: York Ghost Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2,496 reviews · from $26

See York from the eerie Necrobus, a classic 1960s Routemaster, during a 75-minute English-language comedy horror tour. A theatrical conductor, sometimes appearing as John Doe or Edgar Crank, links Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin’s grave with dark stories and jokes.

“A fun way to learn about area. It was well done with humor and touch of fright. Very good guides, they did excellent job”

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York: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour - York’s walls provide the first broad view
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York: Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

3.Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,231 reviews · 2 hours · from $18

Join a live guide such as Ellie, Aaliyah, Molly, or Libby for a playful two-hour walk through York. You will earn house points through Harry Potter quizzes, see places linked to Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express, admire York’s walls, and finish near the Shambles.

“Ellie our tour guide was fantastic her Harry Potter knowledge as well as knowledge of York was great, even though it was a ‘walking’ tour there wasn’t to much walking, Ellie also broke the tour up with fun Harry Potter themed quizzes that we could earn points for our ‘houses’ and a few other little challenges that made it fun and a brilliant family friendly experience”

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York: The York Dungeon Entry Ticket - Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot
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York: The York Dungeon Entry Ticket

4.The York Dungeon Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,108 reviews · 1h 15m · from $25

Step into York Dungeon for ten live shows covering Vikings, Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin, witch trials, and Victorian crime. Expect dark 360-degree sets, strong smells, audience participation, sudden scares, and comic acting. The English-language experience lasts 75 minutes and begins beneath the black and red sign in York.

“Great experience, very informative from the Saxons through to the Dick Turpin era. Actors demonstrated good knowledge with a few interactions with the audience, making you feel part of the whole experience with a few jumpy moments and laughs. The smells in the different areas brought you back to how people lived. A definite must have visit taking you back through history you won’t be disappointed.”

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York: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Gillygate and Monk Bar reveal medieval York
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York: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

5.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 954 reviews · 1 day · from $22

Use York’s City Sightseeing bus to get your bearings, then hop off near York Minster, Monk Bar, Clifford’s Tower, Walmgate Bar, and the railway station. You’ll hear commentary in 10 languages, with live guides such as Nigel, Charlotte, and Dom on selected services. A full loop takes about 60 minutes.

“The trip was very good & I was delighted to have connected back up, after I departed, with ease and availability”

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York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour - Meeting a witch at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
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York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

6.Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 928 reviews · 1h 15m · from $22

Follow an English-speaking witch guide for 75 minutes from Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate through the Shambles, York Minster, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and Shambles Market. Expect true tales of Mad Alice, Mary Bateman, and other suspected Yorkshire witches, mixed with local history, humor, hauntings, and theatrical storytelling.

“Our guide the Magnificent Merlot was amazing. There was dramatic flair with story telling, laughs and some amazing historical facts!”

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York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour - Roman York, Saxon York, and the remains of St Mary’s Abbey
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York: City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

7.City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 867 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $26

Follow Alfred, Sarah, Ferah, or Charlotte through York’s Roman ruins, Museum Gardens, Minster precinct, medieval Snickelways, and the Shambles. This English-language tour lasts 90 minutes, costs $26, welcomes families and well-behaved dogs, and keeps the group to eight.

“The tour was amazing! Alfred’s knowledge and the way he shared information were superb. I absolutely recommend it.”

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York: 60-Minute 'Happy Hour' Cruise For All Ages - Sailing past York’s best-known sights
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York: 60-Minute ‘Happy Hour’ Cruise For All Ages

8.60-Minute ‘Happy Hour’ Cruise For All Ages

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 852 reviews · 1 hour · from $17

Sail the River Ouse for one hour from King’s Staith with live English commentary, York Minster and Clifford’s Tower views, an onboard bar, and discounted drinks. The heated saloon, upper deck, toilets, and children’s activity sheet make this a relaxed evening outing for families and groups.

“Lovely evening river cruise, the boat had a bar and toilets. The skipper pointed out all the landmarks, it was enjoyed by us all. I was able to amend the booking for a day early which was very easy to do in the app. Highly recommend if you’re in York.”

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From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour - Byland Abbey puts Yorkshire’s past in view
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From York: North Moors and Whitby Tour

9.North Moors and Whitby Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 810 reviews · 8.5 hours · from $93

Travel from York by comfortable minibus through the North York Moors, stopping at Helmsley, Byland Abbey, Goathland, and Whitby. Depending on the date, ride the heritage railway into Whitby or visit Whitby Abbey. Guides such as John, Ben, Barry, and Steve add local stories throughout the day.

“Our driver and tour guide was Ben A who is very knowledgeable. Truly an amazing experience to check out the North Moors and Whitby area with Ben A.”

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York: The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour - Bedern Slums and York’s rougher past
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York: The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour

10.The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 780 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $20

Meet your English-speaking guide at 4 Grape Lane for a 90-minute theatrical walk through York. Guides such as Dalton, Daria, Dorian, Dafydd, and Davina mix eerie tales, dark comedy, audience interaction, and local history, finishing near the Shambles or Clifford’s Tower.

“Dalton was amazing he was funny told great stories made it a real pleasure”

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York's Chocolate Story: Guided Tour - Rowntree’s, Terry’s, and Craven’s
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York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour

11.York’s Chocolate Story: Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 624 reviews · 1h 15m · from $30

Spend 75 minutes exploring York’s chocolate story with an English-speaking guide such as Pip, Lee, or Austin. Trace cocoa from its origins to Rowntree’s, Terry’s, and Craven’s, sample chocolate, watch a chocolatier, and make your own chocolate creation.

“we enjoyed it very much learned a lot and go to make our own chocolate well worth the visit”

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York: Self-Steer Boat Rental - What one hour on the River Ouse feels like
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York: Self-Steer Boat Rental

12.Self-Steer Boat Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 620 reviews

Take the helm of a small motorboat from King’s Staith and cruise York’s River Ouse for one hour. You’ll receive clear driving and safety instructions, share the private boat with up to five people, and may bring snacks and soft drinks. Children aged 10 and under must wear provided life jackets.

“Absolutely fantastic. Boats were a little tires looking, but the route was absolutely fantastic and the guides were incredibly helpful. would definitely recommend if you want something to do on a sunny afternoon!”

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The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York - Wensleydale and the first big views
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The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

13.The Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 451 reviews · from $109

Travel from York into Wensleydale and Swaledale with an English-speaking driver-guide. Expect narrow scenic roads, village stops, Aysgarth Falls when conditions allow, and time at medieval Bolton Castle. Guides such as John, Ben, Barry, and Trevor add local stories and humor.

“We had an absolutely gorgeous day in the Yorkshire Dales. Cold but crisp wind, beautiful cloud formations making the views of the Dales absolutely stunning. Trevor our guide was knowledgeable and helpful and the stops were lovely. The only drawback was we didn't have enough time in each stop.”

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York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works - Arriving at York Cocoa Works on Castlegate
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York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works

14.Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 401 reviews · 1 hour · from $33

At York Cocoa Works on Castlegate, an English-speaking guide explains cocoa origins, York’s chocolate-making past, and tempering. You taste white, milk, and dark chocolate, then mould, flavour, and decorate a 200g bar to take home. A 10% shop and café discount follows the workshop.

“very good. bit cold (expected) but me and my other half really enjoyed it.”

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York: J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Walking Tour - Starting beside Constantine the Great and York Minster
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York: J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Walking Tour

15.J&M’s City Sightseeing and History Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 346 reviews · 1 day · from $16Best value

Meet beside Constantine the Great at York Minster for an English-language walking tour led by guides such as Nick or Liam. Walk the walls, Shambles, King’s Square and historic guild buildings while uncovering Roman, Viking and medieval York through clear stories, dry humour and myth-busting detail.

“The guide was highly knowledgeable and we enjoyed the our”

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New in York Tours

★ 3.8Nidderdale Driving Tour with an APP7 reviews
★ 4.1Horse Drawn Carriage Ride Around the Countryside York13 reviews
★ 5.0Horse Drawn Carriage ride & Cream Tea3 reviews
★ 4.9Heartbeat TV Locations Tour of YorkshireFrom $8017 reviews
★ 4.9“All Creatures Great and Small” Yorkshire Dales TourFrom $10965 reviews
★ 5.0Day Trip to Whitby and The North York MoorsFrom $7985 reviews
★ 5.0Private Guided Walking Tour20 reviews

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