Private York Minster Guided Walking Tour

My husband and I met Dave Haw at the Guy Fawkes Tavern, as arranged, and had a private tour of York Minster inside and then continued with a group as Dave shared about the architecture, statues, and garden outside. Dave has a strong Yorkshire accent, being from West Riding, and I have a Southern accent (Roll Tide), but it didn't take but a moment for the three of us to get on. Dave asked us about our interests, ramifications of my physical challenges, and gently gauged our historical knowledge of York (slight). He was ever mindful of my limitations, our sense of humor, and our knowledge gaps. Dave knows almost everyone in the Minster. He got us each binoculars from somewhere and unearthed a notebook as well that showed us outlines and closeups of the floor plan and stained glass images. The stained glass is extraordinary. Incredibly detailed and vibrant, even though it needs cleaning and restoration. There is a Minster tour devoted exclusively to the stained glass. I imagine it's fascinating. We saw tombs along and below the nave, the gorgeous Chapter Room, the stonemason area plus various stages of stonework reconstruction, and Gerald the Cathedral Cat hunting birds. Altogether, we toured the Minster and its area for 3.5 hours--isnt that rather surprising? Who would think so many points of interest could keep us so easily engaged, everywhere and for so long? Dave was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and kind our afternoon flew by--in spite of our aching feet! I think a person could spend a semester just studying the Minster/Cathedral. Dave has obviously spent years doing so.

We met Dave by happenstance while in York, and, due to a cancellation, he had a last-minute opening for a tour. A walking tour hadn’t been on our schedule for the day, as we only had the one afternoon/evening-but I am SO glad that things worked out as they did! Dave has so much knowledge, and some great stories to tell. We left knowing so many interesting tidbits we would have missed out on had we not toured with him. Dave is so kind and friendly, and I hope to do another tour with him if we make it back to York in the future! You can’t beat a small private tour of York, and you certainly can’t do better than Dave to lead you on it.

Dave has an encyclopedic memory that he brings with humor with many anecdotes both in the beginning and at the end funny to hear.

+5

Dave is a brilliant, entertaining and very knowledgeable guide. Fantastically 2 hour walk but he could have easily done 8 hours.

Amazing! Totally exceeded expectations. Dave’ presentation is faultless and his local knowledge seems infinite. His Yorkshire sense of humour makes for a most engaging experience. I saw a completely different side of York. Thanks Dave!

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable regarding York Minster cathedral. He discussed little known items regarding the stained glass, history and architecture of the cathedral.

Had a great experience with Dave. Even though I've been to the Minster many times, we learned so many interesting facts about the place. Additionally, Dave was quite comical

Dave is knowledgeable and personable. He introduced us to a few others in the Minster that had authority over the Organ and Choir, a stone mason, a docent. He knows a ton of history. Interesting character - you will enjoy a lively tour.

We had a wonderful tour of York Minster with Dave, he is an engaging and hilarious guide who possesses a wealth of knowledge about the cathedral and city of York. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had an enjoyable experience. If we return to York, we will definitely be signing up to his tour of York city, I wish we'd stayed an extra day so that we could have attended.

Dave was engaging enthusiastic energetic and a wonderful guy. lovely tour lovely people lovely ambience revolving historical sites around York. Love from Viet Nam