Ghost Keeper - York’s Premier Haunted Walking Tour
Explore York’s haunted streets with the Ghost Keeper tour—a thrilling blend of history, spooky tales, and theatrical storytelling.
The Ghost Keeper tour is a captivating evening walking experience in York, exploring eerie alleyways and historic streets with tales of hauntings, scandal, and death. Starting at 19 Coppergate, this theatrical tour blends local history with spooky storytelling, led by an engaging guide who brings York’s dark past to life with humor and audience participation.
A brief summary to Ghost keeper - Meeting point
- 19 Coppergate, York, YO1 9WT, GB
- Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive promptly at 19 Coppergate to ensure you don’t miss the start, as the guide begins on time.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on cobblestones and bring a jacket for cooler evenings.
- Evening tours are best for atmosphere; consider visiting on a Sunday night for quieter streets.
- The tour is family-friendly but may be best suited for children aged 9 and above due to spooky content.
- Participate in the storytelling and enjoy the humor, but no pressure if you prefer to listen quietly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Bus
Take York’s local bus services to the Coppergate area; from York city center, buses run frequently with a travel time of 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£4. Note that evening service frequency may be reduced.
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Walking
If staying in central York, the Ghost Keeper meeting point at 19 Coppergate is reachable on foot within 10-20 minutes via mostly flat, paved streets. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestone surfaces.
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Taxi
Taxis from York railway station to 19 Coppergate take approximately 10 minutes and cost around £6-£10. Evening availability is good, but booking ahead is recommended for busy nights.
Ghost keeper - Meeting point location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Ghost keeper - Meeting point
A Journey Through York’s Haunted History
Step into the shadowy streets of York with the Ghost Keeper tour, a unique experience that delves deep into the city’s rich history of hauntings and mysteries. The tour winds through narrow passageways and historic alleys, revealing stories of restless spirits, gruesome scandals, and centuries-old legends that have shaped York’s eerie reputation. This immersive narrative connects the past with the present, making each location come alive with ghostly tales.Theatrical Storytelling and Local Lore
The Ghost Keeper is not just a walking tour but a theatrical performance. The guide, often dressed in period costume, uses wit, humor, and dramatic flair to engage visitors. Audience participation is encouraged but never forced, creating an inclusive atmosphere where both families and ghost enthusiasts can enjoy the chilling stories. The mix of sarcasm and spooky anecdotes makes the experience entertaining and memorable.Exploring York’s Dark Corners and Modern Sites
While much of the tour focuses on York’s medieval streets, it also ventures into modern developments that stand on historically significant sites. This contrast highlights how the city’s haunted past permeates even contemporary areas. The tour’s route is designed to showcase both iconic and lesser-known locations, providing a comprehensive glimpse into York’s supernatural heritage.Atmosphere and Setting
The tour typically takes place in the evening, when the dim lighting and quiet streets add to the eerie ambiance. The narrow cobblestone lanes and ancient buildings create a perfect backdrop for ghost stories, enhancing the sense of mystery and suspense. The Ghost Keeper’s persona and storytelling style amplify the spooky atmosphere, making visitors feel as if they have stepped back in time.Community and Cultural Significance
Beyond entertainment, the Ghost Keeper tour contributes to preserving York’s cultural heritage by sharing stories passed down through generations. It celebrates the city’s unique identity as one of England’s most haunted cities, attracting visitors who seek both history and thrills. The tour fosters a deeper appreciation for York’s past, blending folklore with factual history.Practical Details and Visitor Experience
Starting at 19 Coppergate, the tour is accessible and suitable for a wide range of visitors, including families with children aged 9 and above. The guide’s engaging style ensures that the experience is enjoyable for both first-timers and repeat visitors. While the tour is mostly outdoors and walks through uneven terrain, it is designed to be manageable for most participants. Evening tours add a layer of excitement but require appropriate clothing for the season.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Parliament St
0.2 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
St Crux
0.2 km
Explore the echoes of medieval York at St Crux, where a grand church’s legacy lives on in a historic parish hall and poignant tales of martyrdom.
Ouse Bridge
0.2 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.2 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.3 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
The Stonebow
0.3 km
A historic gateway blending medieval charm and architectural evolution at York’s vibrant city heart.
Barley Hall
0.4 km
Discover the rich history of York at Barley Hall, a beautifully restored medieval townhouse showcasing life in the 15th century.
York Mansion House
0.4 km
Explore York Mansion House, a Georgian gem in the heart of York, showcasing the rich history and elegant lifestyle of the 18th century.
Baile Hill
0.4 km
Experience the history and beauty of York at Baile Hill, where stunning views and rich heritage come together in a serene setting.
Bedern Hall
0.5 km
Experience the enchanting Bedern Hall in York, a perfect venue that beautifully blends history and elegance for unforgettable weddings and events.
Roman Column
0.5 km
A 7.6-metre Roman column where Constantine may have been declared Emperor, standing in the shadow of York Minster since 1971.
St Anthonys Garden
0.5 km
Explore St Anthony's Garden in York, a serene retreat filled with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
The Norman House
0.5 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Fishergate Bar
0.5 km
Step through Fishergate Bar, a medieval gateway guarding York’s southern entrance, steeped in history and tales of rebellion.
Sundial Column
0.5 km
An elegant 18th-century sundial column on stone lions, quietly marking time just east of York Minster in a peaceful corner of the cathedral precincts.
Unmissable attractions to see
JORVIK Viking Centre
0.0 km
Step into Viking-age York at JORVIK Viking Centre, where history comes alive through immersive rides, artefacts, and interactive experiences.
St Mary's Church
0.0 km
Discover York’s ancient St Mary's Church—where medieval history meets contemporary art in a stunning Castlegate landmark.
Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience York
0.1 km
Step inside Van Gogh’s world with immersive projections and VR at historic St Mary's Abbey, York’s captivating digital art experience.
Coppergate Shopping Centre
0.1 km
Historic York’s vibrant open-air shopping centre blending culture, retail, and dining in the city’s ancient heart.
Fairfax House
0.1 km
Step into the refined world of Georgian York at Fairfax House, a stunningly preserved townhouse showcasing exquisite 18th-century art, architecture, and history.
Parish of All Saints, Pavement
0.1 km
Discover York’s historic All Saints, Pavement—home to a medieval lantern tower beacon and centuries of rich heritage in the city’s heart.
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
0.1 km
Step into York’s medieval past at the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, a stunning timber-framed guildhall alive with history, commerce, and community spirit.
The York Dungeon
0.1 km
Step into York’s darkest history with live actors, chilling shows, and immersive effects at The York Dungeon.
The Royal Dragoon Guards Museum and Regimental Association
0.1 km
Three centuries of cavalry heritage preserved in York's historic heart, where personal stories meet military grandeur.
York Army Museum
0.1 km
Explore centuries of Yorkshire military history through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences at York Army Museum.
The Spurriergate Centre
0.2 km
A historic 12th-century church transformed into a vibrant community café and Christian centre in the heart of York.
28 Shambles
0.2 km
Discover the historical allure and vibrant atmosphere of 28 Shambles, York's iconic medieval street filled with charming shops and local delicacies.
Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour and Best of York Award!
0.2 km
Experience the magic of York with the Wizard Walk, an award-winning tour that blends history, folklore, and captivating storytelling in a charming setting.
Clifford's Tower, York
0.2 km
Explore York’s iconic Clifford's Tower, a historic fortress with panoramic city views and a millennium of dramatic history.
The Shop That Must Not Be Named
0.2 km
Step into York’s enchanting Shambles and discover The Shop That Must Not Be Named, a magical Harry Potter emporium filled with wizarding wonders and immersive charm.
Essential places to dine
Rustique Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience authentic French flavors and vibrant bistro charm at Rustique, York’s beloved French restaurant with a welcoming atmosphere and great value.
Pavement Vaults
0.1 km
Experience York’s vibrant grill and bar scene with generous smoked meats, craft beers, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere at Pavement Vaults.
31 Castlegate Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience refined modern European dining in the historic heart of York, blending seasonal flavors with warm hospitality.
Ate O'Clock
0.1 km
Enchanting modern British dining in York’s fairy-lit alley, blending classic flavors with stylish charm and warm hospitality.
Ambiente Tapas Fossgate
0.1 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in York’s stylish Ambiente Tapas Fossgate, perfect for sharing, sipping, and socializing.
The Blue Barbakan
0.2 km
Experience hearty Polish classics and warm hospitality in York’s vibrant Fossgate at The Blue Barbakan.
Cosy Club
0.2 km
Historic charm meets stylish dining and cocktails in York’s iconic Cosy Club on Fossgate, perfect for all-day indulgence and special celebrations.
Marzano Italian & Grill
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of York’s vibrant Fossgate district.
Corner Grill House
0.2 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
The Olive Tree
0.2 km
Authentic Mediterranean flavors and fresh seasonal dishes in the heart of historic York, near Clifford’s Tower.
Wine Stories
0.2 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and an extensive wine selection in the cozy heart of York’s historic center at Wine Stories.
Il Paradiso Del Cibo
0.2 km
A lively, cash-only Italian gem on Walmgate, serving authentic Sardinian-style pizzas, pastas, and hearty meat dishes in a bustling, family-run setting.
Valhalla York
0.3 km
Experience hearty Viking-inspired tapas, unique ales, and a lively atmosphere at Valhalla York in the heart of the city.
The Cut & Craft York
0.3 km
Stylish steakhouse in York’s historic St. Sampson’s Square, famed for premium cuts, craft beers, and inviting modern ambiance.
D'vine Restaurant And Social Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant York venue blending British, Italian, and Mediterranean flavors with a lively social bar atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
0.0 km
Scandinavian creativity meets quirky British charm in this beloved gift and lifestyle shop.
Dog & Bone Vintage
0.1 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion and unique homewares in York’s charming Dog & Bone Vintage, where style meets sustainability across two floors.
Fenwick York
0.1 km
Discover luxury fashion, beauty, and homeware at Fenwick York, a boutique department store nestled in the heart of Coppergate Centre.
Give The Dog A Bone
0.2 km
Discover York’s quirky gift haven with two floors of unique treasures, from funky homeware to pop culture collectibles on historic Fossgate.
York Souvenir's
0.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Expressions
0.2 km
Discover unique vintage American sportswear and retro styles at Expressions, York’s friendly and authentic vintage clothing shop on historic Walmgate.
Gift Gallery
0.2 km
Discover unique gifts and charming souvenirs in the heart of York’s historic Shambles, where tradition meets thoughtful shopping.
Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts
0.2 km
Discover quirky, unique gifts and playful treasures in the heart of York’s historic Shambles at Mrs B's Emporium of Gifts.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.2 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Take One Gifts
0.3 km
Explore Take One Gifts in York for unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and memorable collectibles reflecting the city's charm.
Barghest
0.3 km
Discover Barghest, a quirky gift shop in York’s historic Shambles, offering unique film, TV, and music merchandise in a medieval setting.
Cello by Collectables
0.3 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Greybear
0.3 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
Sterling Souvenirs
0.3 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs at Sterling Souvenirs, your friendly gift shop in the heart of King’s Square.
The Medieval Scribe
0.3 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Three Tuns
0.1 km
Step into The Three Tuns, a centuries-old timber-framed pub on Coppergate offering historic charm and hearty Yorkshire hospitality in York’s heart.
Social 8 Lounge
0.1 km
Stylish York lounge bar offering crafted cocktails, small plates, and boozy brunch in a relaxed, elegant setting with a courtyard garden.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.1 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
Golden Fleece York
0.1 km
York’s oldest haunted pub offering historic charm, classic ales, cozy rooms, and a lively social atmosphere in the heart of the city.
The Fossgate Social
0.2 km
A lively independent bar and coffee shop on York’s Fossgate, known for craft drinks, specialty coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Blue Bell
0.2 km
York’s smallest and most beloved Edwardian pub, famed for its authentic atmosphere, quality ales, and warm community spirit.
The Hop York
0.2 km
A lively York city centre bar known for its craft beers, stone-baked pizzas, and vibrant live music in a historic Victorian setting.
Plonkers
0.2 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
Pivní York
0.3 km
Historic 16th-century timber-framed pub in York offering an exceptional selection of local and global craft beers in a cosy, multi-floor setting.
Tank & Paddle York
0.3 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Vudu Lounge
0.3 km
York’s eclectic after-hours lounge blending quality cocktails with a lively, quirky nightlife vibe until the early morning.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Victor J's
0.3 km
Eclectic art-inspired bar and restaurant in York’s heart, offering cozy seating, creative vibes, and lively weekend nights.
Dusk
0.3 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
