Shambles

Join a dark comedy ghost walk in the heart of York, a city believed to be the most haunted in all of Europe. Together we'll walk the streets and learn about some terrible things, such as the tragic story of the plague house on College Street, a message from beyond the grave and the haunting of Bedern Slums. We will gather as a group on Grape Lane, outside Quacks Printers, and from here will set off on a tour of the city's darker side. There may be a little bit of interaction with your guide, but we will never have actors waiting in the shadows to jump out at you, so don't be afraid! Your tour will end either on the cobbles of York's famous Shambles or beneath the looming stones of Clifford's Tower and your guide will happily direct you back to your accommodation or transport links.

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.

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.

Winner of The Guild of Tour Guides award. Immerse your self in a tour 6000 years in the making! Discover York on this highly rated tour as we head off the tourist beat to discover the real history of York. From the cities origins, we look at the defences, and architecture, Robert the Bruce, Oliver Cromwell, Constantine the Great, kings and queens and many others who would shape the cities rich past. Along the way you'll see the flora and Fauna, city walls, and snickleways as we debunk the cities myths and walk in the footsteps of Romans to tourist! No stone is left unturned on this exciting story of York.

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.

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!).

Get off the beaten path of the regular tourist trails and join your guide for an exciting exploration of York’s snickelways, the quirky and unique labyrinth of hidden gems threading throughout the city. Meet your guide and get ready for a one-of-kind journey through the paths of the city known only to locals. Discover the story of the city as told by its tiny alleyways as you take in its charming streetscape. Gain a unique perspective on York’s rich cultural heritage and history as you uncover the stories that lie around - and in - every corner in the city. Visit some of the city's most picturesque sights tucked away in Bookbinder’s Alley, Starre Yard, Coffee Yard, and Grape Lane. Marvel at the sights along Swinegate, Patrick Pool, Finkle Street, and Three Cranes Lane. Hear stories from the city's past as you venture through Mad Alice Lane, Hornpot Lane, and the Shambles. Explore the most unusually named passages of the city, Whip Dog Lane and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. Complete your experience by immersing yourself in the stunning and majestic Lady Peckett’s Yard.

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)

Dive into the dark and eerie side of York on this captivating walking tour, designed for thrill-seekers and history lovers alike. Starting at the iconic Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate by St Crux church, this 1.75-mile tour takes you through York’s atmospheric snickelways, historic streets, and haunted landmarks. Over the course of the tour, you’ll hear spine-tingling tales of tragedy, mystery, and ghostly encounters that have lingered in York for centuries. Visit the infamous Treasurer’s House, where Roman soldiers are said to march through the basement. Wander the shadowy alleys of The Shambles, home to restless spirits of the past. Walk through Mad Alice Lane and uncover the tragic story of its namesake. Your journey also includes chilling stops at Clifford’s Tower, where the site of a historic massacre is said to echo with the cries of the lost, and Bedern Passage, where the ghostly whispers of orphaned children have been heard. Along the way, we’ll take you through hidden corners and narrow snickelways that come alive with history and legend after dark. We’ll end the tour at The Golden Fleece, one of York’s most haunted pubs, where you’ll hear tales of its many resident spirits. With every step, you’ll uncover more of York’s ghostly secrets, all shared by an engaging guide who brings these chilling tales to life. This tour is family-friendly, but some stories may be too spooky for very young children. Perfect for a night out with friends, a unique date, or anyone curious about York’s fascinating, haunted past. Comfortable walking shoes and a sense of adventure are all you need to join us. Are you ready to step into the shadows of York and discover the stories that refuse to be forgotten? Book now to secure your spot!