A consideration for where to spend our week’s holiday was ‘Does Stephen do a walking tour near there’? We chose York, as neither of us have been there and knew that Stephen could magically bring history alive for us. Stephen’s knowledge and understanding of history is incredible, he doesn’t just quote facts, he explains and justifies them and often extends it with further linked examples. A random comment by either of us was picked up and immediately explored, if Stephen doesn’t know the answer he is willing to give his learned opinion based on his wide knowledge. We walked for three hours, at a pleasant strolling speed, with plenty of time to look around and gain extra information as Stephen pointed out things that were a new discovery for him too. For example, who was Mad Alice? Mad Alice snickleway is in Swinegate, a narrow alley…. or why Emperor Constantine’s sword is broken. We stopped at a number of the many historical areas and walked past others and learnt about their significance to Roman, Viking and Henry VIII’s dissolution and looting of the churches and abbeys. Highlights included Micklegate Bar, the Shambles, the Golden Fleece pub with its five ghosts, the York Minster and unbelievable crypt, the house where Guy Fawkes was born, Emperor Constantine’s memorial, Clifford’s Tower, Holy Trinity Church, Church of St Martin Le Grand, the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, Kings Manor, the Shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, Fossgate Guildhall. Stephen also let us know about walking along the city walls and where to find the grave of Dick Turpin so we could continue our walking tour independently. Walking with Stephen is a glorious mix of history, contemporary and links in between. He picks up on our interests and tailors the walk to include topics that he knows we enjoy. He is very friendly, chatty and personable and his enjoyment of sharing is infectious and we find ourselves looking further into things he has told us when we get home. I wish my history teacher at school had been like Stephen! This was our third walking tour with Stephen, and we’re already discussing where next?
York Private Walking Tour
+35 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 3–4 hours
- Price from
- $235 / person
- Location
- York, United Kingdom
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 1 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Hotel pickup
- Available
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Ye Olde England Tours
Description
A private guided walking tour with a dedicated guide around the historic streets of York. We'll take you to the best and most beautiful sights that the city has to offer. Along the way you'll learn about some of the great history of York along the way. We can customise the route to meet your interests if you want to tweak our regular tour. There is no other private tour of York like this and we'll visit almost every point of interest in the city as you can see from the details below!
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 8
- Adult (ages 15+)
- $235
- Infant (ages 5–14)
- $101
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $269.
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 6.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Micklegate Bar is the most significant of York’s four main medieval gateway bars, historically serving as the principal entrance for monarchs arriving from the south. Dating from the 12th–14th centuries, this historic landmark features a 4-storey structure that formerly held a barbican, acted as a prison, and displayed severed heads of traitors.
Holy Trinity Micklegate is a Grade I listed Parish Church. It is the home of the Monks of Micklegate exhibition and uniquely in York it is the only monastic church still in use following the Dissolution of the monasteries in 1536 before which it was part of a much larger complex.
York Mansion House
The home of the Lord Mayor of the City of York.
Regarded by the Victorians as one of the most beautiful churches in the city, St Martin's was burnt out in World War II, in bombing known as the 'Baedeker raids' for targeting historic cities. Only the tower and the south aisle survived. After extensive rebuilding, the church was rehallowed as a chapel of peace and reconciliation, and a walled garden was created from the remaining shell.
St. Leonards Hospital
Ruins of a medieval hospital founded after the Norman conquest, and largely destroyed under the orders of Henry VIII.
Yorkshire Museum
A beautiful building housing five galleries which showcase archaeological treasures plus displays of rare animals, birds and fossils.
Museum Gardens
These beautiful riverside gardens are where an old Abbey once stood and before that a Roman fort.
The remains of a Roman Legionary fortress established by the Ninth Legion, "Hispana", in AD71-74.
Multangular Tower
The Multangular Tower in the Museum Gardens is the most significant and intact structure remaining from the Roman walls. It was constructed as part of a series of eight similar defensive towers and is almost 30 feet high and has 10 sides... hence its name!
St. Mary's Abbey
Originally built in 1088, St. Mary’s Abbey is a beautiful historic ruin set in the peaceful Museum Gardens. The remains of the medieval abbey are impressive and give a glimpse of York’s rich past.
The Edible Wood is located in the York Museum Gardens and was planted in July 2015. The design of the Edible Wood is based on the principles of permaculture and forest gardening, exploring our relationship with food and the future of crop production. It features plants that have an edible component and are both attractive and useful – valuable qualities as home gardens become smaller and people search for multi-functional plants.
York Art Gallery
York Art Gallery’s collection of paintings spans more than 600 years and works range from 14th century Italian panels and 17th century Dutch masterpieces to Victorian narrative paintings and 20th century works by LS Lowry and David Hockney.
King's Manor
Now an education facility, this beautiful complex used to be the residences of the Abbott.
At the entrance to an old Roman street, Bootham Bar is a wonderfully imposing old City Gate dating in part to the 11th Century.
High Petergate
2,000 years ago you'd have been standing on the Roman Via Principalis. Today Petergate is one of the most beautiful streets in York and home to one of the most famous views in Britain.
St. Michael le Belfrey Church
Historic church in a 16th-century Tudor-Gothic building with a bell tower & Anglican services (Currently being restored).
York Minster
Marvel at one of the greatest buildings in Europe. (If you want to go inside, please pick the special option)
Statue of Constantine the Great
Find out why there is a statue in York to one of the greatest Emperors in the Roman Empire.
The Roman Column
This is the only remaining column of 36 that was once part of a grand Roman hall.
Stonegate
Sometimes said to be the most attractive street in York, Stonegate is as pleasing on the eye as its history is on the ears. One of the more famous people born here was the infamous Guy Fawkes who we still remember today on the 5th November when he tried to blow up Parliament.
Aside from being a very fine pub that we visit on our York Historical Pub Tour, this building was the birth place of the infamous traitor, Guy Fawkes.... Remember, remember the 5th of November!
Barley Hall
When you see how hidden away this wonderful old 14th century townhouse is, you can understand why it pretty much lay forgotten until the 1980's.
Holy Trinity Church
This old church dates in part back to the 12th century but with a history right up to the modern day. It's not always open but if it is, we can nip inside and look around.
Explore the medieval maze of picturesque lanes and streets
Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
Learn about this remarkable Tudor era lady who after a remarkable life was martyred in a terrible way and is now remembered as a Saint.
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
A street whose name is almost longer than it is. Find out what it's all about!
Just one of several old Roman streets we will go on, this one has been home to Vikings, a Friary, a Tudor cattle market and all sorts. These days there are less cows and a whole lot more nice little shops, pubs and restaurants.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
Still used today, this magnificent medieval guild hall is almost 700 years old.
River Foss
Enjoy a stroll along the river Foss that runs through the heart of York before flowing into the great river Ouse.
Clifford's Tower
Learn about some of the horrific history at this famous old tower.
Between the historic Cliffords Tower and the museum is this particularly picturesque square.
Fishergate Postern Tower dates from 1505 and is a lovely little fortification on the city walls.
Dick Turpin's grave
Visit the final resting place of the infamous and notorious Dick Turpin.
Fairfax House
Said to be the finest Georgian townhouse in the whole country and now a wonderful museum house. If you don't want to walk on the City Walls, you might want to end the tour here.
Jorvik Viking Centre
The home of all things Viking when it comes to York and the Vikings played a pivotal role in the history of our city. Our tour doesn't ordinarily go in there but if you'd like to go in, please let your guide know and it is no problem at all (tickets not included).
York City Walls
Your chance to do what we've all done at one time or the other, walk on the City Walls from Bootham Bar to Micklegate Bar (Optional)
What's included
Included
Hotel pickup from your Central York hotel
Entry ticket to York Minster (Select the option)
Local guide
Private tour
Professional guide
Not included
Food and drinks
Pickup Locations & Times
Please note, if your hotel is located in a pedestrianised district or with no vehicular access then we will meet you at a mutually agreed location.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress code is smart casual
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does York Private Walking Tour take?
York Private Walking Tour lasts about 3–4 hours. The itinerary has 36 stops.
How much does York Private Walking Tour cost?
Prices start at $235 per person for this York experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $269. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does York Private Walking Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, starting at 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
Can I cancel York Private Walking Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. Please note, if your hotel is located in a pedestrianised district or with no vehicular access then we will meet you at a mutually agreed location. Pickup points include Travelodge York Central Layerthorpe, Alhambra Court Hotel.
What languages is York Private Walking Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 15 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Is York Private Walking Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 1 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Ye Olde England Tours.
Reviews(1)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Exploring York with Stephen from Ye Olde England Tours
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from$235
5.0(1) Free cancellation