Take an early evening stroll from the dawn of Christianity to the modern day. See a side of York you would never see from an open-topped bus.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 1 hour
- Starting time 6:00 PM
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
- Small group
- Limited to 10 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Delve into the labyrinth of ancient passages and snickelways
- Soak up the stories behind the Minster, castle and medieval walls
- Discover the place where it is possible to view 2000 years of history while turning on one spot
- Explore the Shambles - the original Diagon Alley
Full description
Early evening is the most atmospheric time to experience York, the shops have closed, the tourist hordes have departed, the ancient streets lie at your disposal. This hour-long walking tour is for anyone seeking a concise, informal and entertaining introduction to York in the company of an expert local guide.
Discover why the Minster is known as a Minster rather than a cathedral, why all the streets in York are called Gates and all the gates are called Bars. Start your tour in Exhibition Square, and see 2000 years of history simply by turning in a circle. Take in all the must-see sights including the Minster, the medieval walls and the Shambles, the inspiration for Diagon Alley. Take the opportunity to enter the maze of ancient cut-throughs and back-passages, or Snickelways as they are known locally.
Although this isn't a ghost tour there are plenty of gruesome true stories to be heard. By the end of the walk you will be ready for your dinner reservation having tasted the full flavour of a city which still has Viking mud on its boots and a tang of cocoa in the air.
Includes
- Professional, fully-qualified tour guide
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
Meet in front of the fountains outside York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square, York, YO1 7EW
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
Know before you go
- Comfortable shoes recommended as you will be on your feet though York is forgivingly flat
- Suitable for all ages - family groups especially welcome
- No ghosts: this tour does not include any phantoms or ghost stories and is child-friendly
