Tours & tickets

York Minster

Let the darker side of York's history send a chill down your spine as you discover the city’s dark and terrible secrets. Board the Necrobus and get ready to embark on a 75-minute theatrical sightseeing tour. Enjoy a comedy horror journey around York's seedier past as your creepy conductor shows you the sights from a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. The on-board actors and eerily decorated bus will ensure you have the spookiest ride in town. Learn about the sinister side of many of York's most famous landmarks including Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin's grave. Let your imagination run wild as you hear about the ghosts that reside within the medieval walls of one of England's spookiest cities.

Join your characterful witch guide and hear the true historical tales of suspected Yorkshire witches across the ages. Delve into fascinating pieces of York's history along the way too; secrets of St Crux Church, York Minster, Petergate, Swinegate and so very much more await on this character led walking tour. Your friendly costumed guide will enchant you on this exciting escapade, seamlessly weaving history with vibrant storytelling. Did these Yorkshire witches deserve their fates? Cross York’s cobbles and uncover the truth about the likes of Mad Alice – was she driven to insanity? What about John Wrightson, was he really a "Wrong-son"? Mary Bateman; wise woman or murderer? And did Margaret Clitheroe really deserve her fate…? You make your own mind up on this magical educational journey to the past. Be transported through the twists and turns of York's gates (streets!) and snickelways. You will shuffle down Shambles, hop through King's Square, amble along “Bookbinders Alley” and saunter down Stonegate. The breathtakingly iconic York Minster cannot be missed, and your faithful guide will happily point out a pub where a very famous plotter lived. You’ll learn of hauntings, meet a certain little red devil and discover a building that was hidden away for decades… In an experience that brings together true stories, history, and a wisdom that we can learn from our terrible ways of the past, you are sure to be enthralled by this enchanting city and Yorkshire’s rich witchy chronicles. *Please note this is an outdoor walking tour so dress for the weather, my dears.

York is a city with over 2000 years of history to explore. Your Visit York Pass gives you the freedom to choose your adventure. After purchase, your pass gives you entry to over 30 attractions and 15 discounts. Simply choose which attractions take your interest and start exploring. The more you see, the more you save. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in York. Choose to visit locations like Treasurer's House, Bar Convent, York Cocoa Works, JORVIK Viking Centre, York Army Museum, Barley Hall, The Hilt, York Castle Museum, Beningborough Hall, York Cold War Bunker, Captain Cook, National Centre for Birds of Prey, York Minster, Castle Howard, National Railway Museum - Train, Air Museum, City Cruises, North York Moors Railway, Yorkshire Arboretum, City Sightseeing, Yorkshire Museum, Clifford's Tower, Roman Bath Museum, DIG, Golden Tours, Fairfax House, York Dungeons, Goddards, Van Gogh, Merchant Adventurer's Hall, Stump Cross Caverns, and York Chocolate Story. The Visit York Pass also gives you discounts on hotel stays, restaurants, tours, ghost walks and more!

Embark on a walking tour of York. Meet your guide outside the Guy Fawkes Inn on High Petergate. Follow your guide around the streets, including lesser-known areas with stops to hear the grim history and haunted stories of the area. Enjoy a tour that fluctuates between comedy and seriousness, with dark and very detailed stories. Hear gripping tales of ghostly encounters and other extremely unpleasant history of times gone by. Along the way, see famous landmarks such as the Minster and the Shambles. The tour will usually end on or near the Shambles depending on how busy the area is.

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.

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. Hidden behind the starting point of the central library we enter the tranquil, green oasis of the Museum Gardens - a Victorian botanic landscape which contains the remains of the Roman fortress, a Saxon-era tower and the spectacular ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. From here it is a short walk to the Minster - the largest medieval gothic cathedral in the country - which has dominated the city’s skyline for over 900 years (please note admission to the Minster isn't included, but we'll give you all the details from the outside). The Minster lies at the heart of a warren of ancient streets whose layout is Viking in origin. You’ll hear tales of Nordic invasion while delving deep into the maze of secret passages known as ‘Snickelways’; passing an unhappy mermaid and a little red devil as well as catching a glimpse of a 15th Century banqueting hall. Finally you’ll emerge into the Shambles, York’s best-known cobbled street - once a row of butchers, now instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.

⚠️ Not your average tour, a hauntingly great alternative to a ghost tour… York’s dark past isn’t just history – it’s a killer story. Step off the beaten path and into a twisted tale of plague, paranoia, and punishment – where the real horrors don’t wear fangs or capes. This is no vampire fairytale. This is the bloody, bizarre, and bone-chilling truth behind England’s most haunted city. What to expect: Hear spine-tingling tales steeped in fact, folklore, and fear Explore the weird world of alchemy, old-school science, and paranormal experiments Meet humans far more terrifying than any ghost (and they were real) Discover how dark legends were used to control, scare, and manipulate Ask yourself: were these stories innocent myths – or medieval mind games? History, horror & myth collide in this thought-provoking thrill ride through York’s shadowy side. Tour Duration: 75–90 minutes Departs on time – ghosts don’t wait Who’s it for? Curious minds & open eyes Brave souls (or overconfident ones) Sceptics, believers & lovers of the weird and wonderful ‍‍‍ Family-friendly – but parental discretion advised (you know your little goblins best) ⚠️ Attend at your own risk. We don’t do jump scares – but history just might haunt you. Book your tickets now — because York’s past isn’t just history. It’s a hauntingly good story.

Want to see the best of York? You are in for a cultural (and tasty) treat! Join your eccentric character guide and get an up-close walking tour experience of the city and its delightful hidden gems. York is a marvellously mysterious place, and you are going to experience it at its best. So, get ready; culture, history, heritage, and best kept secrets await on this character led walking tour. You will pass by famous landmarks and have some of their surprising secrets revealed; Bettys, Bootham Bar and York Minster to name but three. You’ll learn the unknown truths of York’s most infamous characters Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin. And York’s’ hidden gems? Well, you are in for many a surprise! Your savvy guide will point out treasures hidden in plain sight that even locals don’t know about; concealed courtyards, unusual statues, secluded snickelways, and curious artefacts that are so often simply passed by. Every gate (that’s a street!) has its own unique story to tell, and you’ll hear the scintillating stories of each as you amble along with your trusted guide. Oh, and chocolate! Very important here in York! Included on this charming tour is a delicious taster from York’s Chocolate Story. A handmade chocolatey delight made on-site right here in York. This local treat hand-picked by our partners adds a satisfying savouring in a city steeped in chocolate history. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, our Historical Gems Walking Tour will allow you to get to know this beautiful city through a different perspective, discovering exclusive insights that few people get the chance to experience. Not only is the tour packed with hidden history and fascinating facts, but our character guide brings an energy to the tour that is uplifting and entertaining, making it an unforgettable experience for all. Our sharp, witty sleuth cannot wait to share their vast knowledge with you! *Do please dress for the weather chums! The tour runs in rain or shine (sometimes even snow!).

Join the most MAGICAL ticket in town on York's highest-reviewed wizard activity! A wonderfully whimsical wand-er around York, led by a real wizard guide. Search for magical creatures with plenty of laughs and surprises along the way... Ideal for Harry Potter fans, but muggles are welcome too. You'll laugh, you'll gasp, and you'll make unforgettable memories on an experience like no other. We'll venture down winding alleys and snickleways, and also take in some of York's most spellbinding sites, including the iconic Shambles, Mad Alice Lane, St. William's College and York Minster. The Wizard of York has a magical myriad of awards up his sleeve including Best Tour (three times!) Experience of the Year, Best of York Award and even 3rd Best Family Experience in the World. Book with confidence – and book early – before all the tickets vanish (as if by magic!)

Starting at the Roman Bath pub and museum, hear its history and the many reports of paranormal activity before making your way through some of the ancient alleys and backstreets as you listen to the grisly history. Next, head to Kings Square and the historic Shambles. After hearing about the street, the guide will tell a few ghostly tales before talking about the historic Golden Fleece, said to be the most haunted pub in York. A stroll along the shortest street in York will take you to another pub to hear of hangings and a famous highwayman. Then the group will head to Bedern Hall for another chilling story before heading to College Street and visiting The Treasurers House. The tour ends at York Minster. (As the tour is by private booking only the tour route can be altered)