York’s Dark Journey: A Self-Guided Tour of its Medieval Horrors
- 1.5–2 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the grisly tales that shaped this ancient city through the theatrical persona of a Victorian physician who “lived“ in York from 1841 to 1877. Dr Reginald Smalls will bring centuries-old stories of murder, plague, and rebellion to life as you walk the historic streets where these dark events unfolded. The All Saints Church on High Ousegate sets the stage for several of the shocking events you’ll hear about. From the banks of the River Ouse to the “Shambles,“ where rows of hooks once displayed fresh meat, each cobblestone and ancient building holds secrets waiting to be uncovered. You’ll continue past iconic landmarks like York Minster with its imposing Gothic architecture, the city’s ancient defensive bars (fortified gateways), and St. Helen’s Square with its grand Georgian buildings. You’ll veer into lesser-known areas to discover spots like Bedern Hall and narrow snickelways steeped in dark history.
Inclusions
What's included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
What's not
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
- Food and drink
- Transportation
Itinerary
We’ll pass by Tower Gardens in York, a tranquil riverside park near the city walls. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
You’ll catch a glimpse of Clifford’s Tower, one of York’s most iconic historic landmarks with sweeping views over the city. Please note that admission to the tower is not included in this tour.
We’ll pass by Castlegate, a historic street in York lined with notable architecture and cultural landmarks. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
We’ll walk through the Shambles, one of York’s most famous medieval streets, known for its timber-framed buildings and quaint shops. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
You’ll pass by Bedern Hall, a hidden medieval gem once used by the Vicars Choral of York Minster. Please note that admission to the hall is not included in this tour.
You’ll catch a glimpse of York Minster, one of the largest and most magnificent cathedrals in Northern Europe. Please note that admission to the Minster is not included in this tour.
We’ll pass by Bootham Bar, one of the historic gateways into York’s city walls, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval defenses. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- This tour starts at High Ousegate. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- VoiceMap Audio Tours
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in York
- Its from-price is 83% below the median of the 186 experiences we list in York.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- 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.
