J & M York City Walking Tours





Description
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.
Tour Options
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.
As we walk along this Saxon street you'll discover the Dutch House, it's significance to architectural changes after the Great fire of London and the emergence of Insurance policies.
In this ancient square you'll discover the meaning behind our street names and thinner Viking heritage and learn about the very centre of the city of Jorvic
From out side we'll look at the old building s of the museum looking at prison reform, the building usage in the past and delve into the myth and stories behind the real Dick Turpin.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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
Reviews(513)
Our tour guide was excellent. He was very informative and was able to answer all our questions. Our only complaint was your confirmation did not tell us where to meet for the start of the tour. We had to ask a police officer who fortunately knew where it started.
Our excellent guide Nick literally took us through history and the streets of York as we discovered how York evolved from a Roman city where Emperor Constantine was crowned, through Anglo Saxon times and Vikings, through the Shambles of the Medieval period. He was interesting and informative as we learned about Yorkminster Cathedral, Clifford Tower, the Shambles, the gates of the walled city and more.
Fab experience. Nick was very knowledgeable. It was worth doing the walking trip. He was very patient as I had to translate few things for my mum.
Thank you for the amazing review. I’m glad you all enjoyed the tour and your mum got the best too!
Really great tour with so much information. A must do if you want learn about the history of York.
Isn’t York just amazing! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the tour and our city.
The guide was second to none with his knowledge and presentation. Nothing was too much trouble if one of us asked questions. Overall, I can recommend for the future.
Thank you for your great review
We had an informative and highly enjoyable walking tour.
Glad you had a great time.
Great historical tour with some amazing myth busting revelations. The guide was extremely knowledgeable and was open to any questions.
Thank you for this awesome response
This is a very interesting walking tour. Our guide, Nick, was engaging and extremely knowledgeable. The meeting place is in front of the statue of Constantine at York Minster. The meeting address states the statue but also states 4 Minster Yard, which is a bit confusing as Minster Yard is down the side, nowhere near the statue! The walk is fairly easy to negotiate, with plenty of stops where Nick supplies lots of historic information, including the most recent changes. Some pavements are narrow, some streets are cobbled and you do need to be able to climb and descend steps as part of the tour is along the walls. We really enjoyed it and as a result of the places of interest we went to , we’re planning a return visit to go inside and explore in more detail. Thanks Nick!
Thank you for this awesome response. Minster yard is a pain as sat nav takes you away from the statue I wish they’d let me change this!
Nice tour to gain an overview of York.
Thank you. For your kind comments
The Presentor was excellent- knowledgeable, humorous & considerate. Despite the poor weather he was so engaging & considerate.
Thank you for your lovely message



