York Walls Private Walking Tour

York, GB
91% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (153 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Tour escort/host
  • inclusion
    Other
    Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Admission fees
    Does not include entry to any attractions

Meeting Point

Outside York Minster near the entrance to the gift shop is the Roman Column. Its easy to find and right in the centre of town, a great place to meet!

Meeting point

11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

We end wherever is convenient for you, either back at your hotel, or recommend an actvitiy or somewhere for a well deserved drink! Don't worry we'll ensure you don't get lost!

Meeting point

Museum St, York YO1 7FR , United Kingdom

End point

Pickup

Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)

Pickup Location
Alhambra Court Hotel
B+B York
Clementine's Guest House
Dean Court York
DoubleTree by Hilton York
Galtres Lodge Hotel
Grays Court Hotel
Hampton by Hilton York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Hedley House Hotel Limited
Hilton York
Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
Holiday Inn York
Holiday Inn York City Centre, an IHG hotel
Hotel du Vin York
Hotel Indigo York, an IHG hotel
Impossible Motel
Jorvik House
Judges Court Hotel
Malmaison York
Middletons Hotel
Minster View Apartment
Moxy York
No. 1 York by GuestHouse
Novotel York Centre Hotel
Premier Inn York City
Premier Inn York City Blossom Street South Hotel
Premier Inn York City Centre (layerthorpe) Hotel
Radisson Hotel York
The Churchill Hotel
The Grand York Hotel
The Grand, York
The Judges Lodging
The Milner York
The Queens Hotel
Travelodge York Central
Travelodge York Central Layerthorpe
Travelodge York Central Micklegate
York City (Blossom St North) hotel
We typically meet at the Roman Column by York Minster, but this is YOUR tour, so we can meet you on foot at the reception of your hotel anywhere in the city centre, or at a location of your choosing

What to expect

1
York City Walls

The walls of York have a rich and bloodthirsty history stretching back nearly 2000 years. Whilst free to walk on, visitors can often leave the city having missed out on discovering the secrets of the walls, and the city they have protected for so long. These personalised tours provide a totally unique, bespoke and entertaining history of the walls and the city they have protected for so long. Each tour is designed just for you, so please get in touch with the local provider if you have any special interests or needs. Refreshments can also be arranged along the way with some excellent coffee shops, pubs and restaurants to check out (own expense), and in addition will also tour other parts of the city too (Castle, Minster, Shambles etc) should you require. As local tour guides passionate about the city, they can also handle any restaurant bookings or just general advice about other things to do in York during your stay. As these are bespoke tours, please contact the local provider as soon as you can in advance so your booking can be guaranteed and the guides have enough time to prepare the tour for your adequately. Please note that the walls close at dusk, and some parts are occasionally closed if there are icy conditions. Whilst the walls are well designed for tourists, wheelchair access is limited however please contact the local provider if you require disabled access as alternative routes which walk beside the walls, not on them, can be arranged. Should you require an evening tour, please contact the local provider to discuss your requirements, often the guides focus more on the other areas of York as well as the walls to provide a more atmospheric experience. Please note that on this tour it will be only yourselves and your tour guide, for a truly personalized experience of the city.

Duration 20 minutes
2

Multangular Tower

One of the finest roman structures in England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!

Duration 15 minutes
3

St. Mary's Abbey

The most picturesque place in York, often missed by visitors, with a world famous history - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!

Duration 15 minutes
4

King's Manor

Now part of the University, this was once the house of the Abbot of St Marys

Duration 15 minutes
5

Bootham Bar

An entrance to the city has stood here for 2000 years - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!

Duration 15 minutes
6
York City Walls

A world heritage site - the only place on Earth to see Roman, viking & medieval defences all in one place - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!

Duration 15 minutes
7
Treasurer's House

Site of the most famous ghost story in the world!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
8

Barley Hall

A recreation of genuine medieval life. Note entrance is not included as part of the tour, however we can show you the best parts for free!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
9

Shambles

The most famous medieval street in the world, but it has a very dark history!

Duration 10 minutes
10
Jorvik Viking Centre

Site of the only viking houses to be found anywhere in the world!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
11
Clifford's Tower

A huge motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
12
York Castle Museum

A huge motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
13

Micklegate Bar

the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
14

Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar

the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    A minimum of 2 adults/seniors per booking is required (single adult is available but at a surcharge at our discretion)
  • Additional information
    Children must be accompanied by an adult/senior
  • Additional information
    Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Additional information
    Please inform the local provider of the preferred pick up point at the time of booking.
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Provided by York Walls Tours

What our experts say

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    Visit local coffee shops during the tour.
  • icon
    Ask your guide about hidden city gems.
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    Dress in layers; weather changes quickly.
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    Consider a dinner reservation post-tour.
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    Check out nearby Shambles street after!

More About this Experience

Introduction

Step into the fascinating history of York with the York Walls Private Walking Tour. This one-of-a-kind experience offers a personalized journey around the world-famous city walls, guided by an experienced tour guide. With a rich and bloodthirsty history stretching back nearly 2000 years, the walls of York hold secrets and stories waiting to be discovered.

What to expect?

During this immersive tour, expect to gain a deep understanding of the walls and the city they have protected for centuries. With a duration of 90 to 180 minutes, you'll have ample time to explore and absorb the captivating history of York. From witnessing the iconic Roman Column near York Minster to visiting the Multangular Tower and St. Mary's Abbey, each step will transport you back in time. The tour also covers other notable landmarks like Bootham Bar, Barley Hall, Shambles, Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford's Tower, York Castle Museum, and Micklegate Bar.

Who is this for?

The York Walls Private Walking Tour is designed for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and curious travelers who want a deeper understanding of York's captivating past. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple looking for a romantic trip, friends exploring together, or a family on a memorable vacation, this tour is suitable for anyone seeking an immersive and personalized experience.

Why book this?

What sets this tour apart is the personalized touch and flexibility it offers. Unlike big group tours, you'll have the undivided attention of your tour guide, ensuring an intimate and tailored experience. Additionally, the tour is conducted outdoors, ensuring compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines. You'll have the opportunity to explore at your own pace, with the freedom to pause for refreshments at some of York's finest food and drink establishments.

Good to know

It's important to note that the York Walls close at dusk, and wheelchair access is limited. However, alternative routes can be arranged, ensuring everyone can enjoy the tour. If you're looking for an atmospheric evening experience, the local provider can accommodate your request and provide a more immersive tour of other areas in York.

Reviews

Travelers who have embarked on the York Walls Private Walking Tour rave about the knowledgeable guides and fascinating insights they gained along the way. The personalized experience and intimate setting allowed them to truly connect with the history of York. Many highlight the professional and courteous nature of the guides, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable tour. Overall, visitors walk away with a deeper appreciation for the city's heritage and a newfound love for York.

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