J & M York City Walking Tours
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- No free inclusions
What's not
- Alcoholic Beverages
Itinerary
Our guide will show you what makes York so unique, the Medieval walls and Gateways, the Minster, the ancient Shambles, Lantern towers, rivers and castle. See the grave of Dick Turpin and walk through 2000 years of the cities heritage follow in the footsteps of ancient tribes, Romans, Kings and Queens and some of histories most notorious. Our guides can also take you around the museums of your choice for an additional fee.
The largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minster took 252 years too build. There are Minster guides inside, tours last an hour.
Walking around the Motte of the castle built in 1069, your guide will bring alive its bloody and dark secrets, walk in the grounds of what would have been on elf the finest castles in England.
Walk down into the Medieval levels of the City and let our guide tell you about the richest Guild in York and the part the traders played in Yorks prosperity. Find out how important women were in this guild.
The street of the Butchers, our guide will take to the shrine of St Margaret Clitheroe, and exploring with to uncover the secrets of one of Yorks oldest streets.
We take a look at this medieval church with its rich history, built partially from Roman brick work it also features Saxon and Norman architecture. Its most unique feature is its 'Devils door' we will unravel the truth behind the myth.
We take in a section of the medieval walls where you'll see the cities Roman defences, danish earthwork and discover its medieval past, sieges, and Victorian alterations. We will also pass by the old Jewish quarter of the city.
Learn about the origins of York, its visiting emperors and delve into the story of Constantine the Great, his effect on Christianity and York.
As we enter the old Hungate Parish, you'll discover the Black Swan, its famous residents and links to the battle of Quebec. Near by is a building whose architecture reflects the Irish heritage of the area as well as having a chance to spot one of Yorks famous Black Cats.
On the city walls you'll see the Merchant Taylors, discover how guilds became the economic centre of Cities like York, the Taylors significance to the city and its role today.
Visit the market and discover their significance in Yorks economic growth.
One of 6 gates in York you'll discover its role in the city defences, the legend of the Wild men of York as well as our Bars more gruesome uses.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.7
- 5467
- 439
- 30
- 23
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Ratings come from 532 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5York history - perfect tour!
Absolutely great tour. Meeting was easy. He waited a bit fot for last minute booking not on his phone & sure enough another couple should up :) Guide was loud enough, & easy to understand. Also he answered all questions enthusiastically.
5Great value for the Cost - Knowledgeable Guide
Nick is a very experienced guide and you can tell that from his ease of answering questions, his clear audible projection without amplification, and knowledge of York's sites and history. Excellent value for the tour with an overview of the central area. He is approachable for questions and has an easy meetup point at the Minster.
5Excellent tour in York
Our guide Nick, who is a History graduate, lives in York. He is immensely knowledgeable and is a good communicator. Excellent introduction to York and we greatly enjoyed the tour.
5Snapshot of the beginning of England until now
Highly recommend this tour. You walk around the same locations but you miss all the detail that really makes experience so much better.. you provide a snapshot. I’ve been gone from the very beginning up until now. Our guide was able to give us an inside so many areas and delivered it so well.
5Great intro to York
A nice small group made the experience even better.
5Great walking tour of York
Great walking tour of York, our guide was very informative and d happy to answer any questions
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Starts at the Statue of Constantine, (PLEASE ignore the sat nav address For Cars only you need to walk and head to the statue)South entrance of York Minster. The booked time is departure time. Arrive 10 minutes early. Guides don't answer phones once tours begun. Late comer not refunded.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 30 travellers
- Operated by
- J & M City Walking Tours
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in York
- Its from-price is 78% below the median of the 186 experiences we list in York.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 14 of 186.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About York
York is a walled cathedral city in northern England, a place of Roman and Viking history, medieval lanes and a vast Gothic minster.
York Minster, among the largest Gothic cathedrals in northern Europe, towers over the city, and its stained glass includes the Great East Window, one of the biggest areas of medieval glass in the country. Medieval walls, the longest in England, encircle the old centre and can be walked along the top. The Shambles, a narrow lane of leaning timber-framed buildings, was once the street of butchers.
Top-ranked sights in York: York Minster, Clifford's Tower, The Shambles.
Special offers in York
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
