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Tour of York - Saints and Sinners

5 (25)
York, GB
5 (25)
York, GB
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Experience the rich history of York on the Saints and Sinners Tour. Join Irene, an art historian and local resident, as she takes you on a captivating journey through the city. Discover the intriguing stories of the King, the Bishop, the Highwayman, the Chocolatier, the Martyr, the Terrorist, the Emperor, and the Artist who have shaped York's past. From infamous criminals to influential figures, uncover their lives and their impact on the city. Visit iconic landmarks such as Micklegate Bar and Clifford's Tower, and explore fascinating museums like York Castle Museum and Jorvik Viking Centre. Stroll along the famous Shambles and learn about York's most famous martyr. Marvel at the grandeur of York Minster and end the tour at Exhibition Square, where you will meet an artist whose life has both amazed and divided opinions. Join this enthralling tour and discover the saints and sinners who have left their mark on York.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Not Included
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-10 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Discover the history of York through the eyes of those who shaped it
  • Meet infamous kings, martyrs, terrorists, and artists
  • Explore iconic landmarks and museums in York
  • Learn about the intriguing lives and actions of saints and sinners
  • Uncover the traces of York's fascinating past throughout the city
  • Your guide: Art Historian; MA Archaeology & Heritage; background in museums and customer services.

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More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Saints and Sinners Tour of York, a captivating journey through the city's rich history. This tour offers a unique perspective, exploring the lives of influential figures who shaped York into the vibrant place it is today. Led by Irene, an experienced art historian and local resident, you will delve into the stories of the King, the Bishop, the Highwayman, the Chocolatier, the Martyr, the Terrorist, the Emperor, and the Artist. Through their tales, you will gain a deeper understanding of York's past and discover hidden traces of these individuals throughout the city.

What to expect?

During the Saints and Sinners Tour, you can expect a fascinating exploration of York's history and the characters who played significant roles in shaping the city. Irene, your knowledgeable guide, will share intriguing stories and insights, bringing the past to life. As you walk through the streets of York, you will uncover the secrets of these historical figures, discovering both their saintly and sinful sides. This tour promises to be an immersive and engaging experience, allowing you to connect with the city's past in a truly unique way.

Who is this for?

The Saints and Sinners Tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, curious travelers, and anyone looking to delve into the captivating stories that lie beneath the surface of York. Whether you are a local resident or visiting from afar, this tour offers a fresh perspective on the city's history, appealing to a wide range of interests. Irene ensures that the tour is accessible and enjoyable for all, providing a welcoming environment for individuals and groups alike. Join this experience and embrace the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems and lesser-known tales of York.

Why book this?

This tour stands out as a truly immersive experience, led by Irene, a passionate art historian with a deep understanding of York's history. Her expertise and engaging storytelling will transport you back in time, allowing you to see the city through the eyes of those who shaped it. As you wander through the streets, you will feel a connection to the past, gaining a newfound appreciation for the saints and sinners who left their mark on York. This tour offers an opportunity to learn and be entertained simultaneously, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a unique and enriching experience.

Good to know

Throughout the tour, Irene's extensive background in museums and customer services ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants. You will have the chance to ask questions, interact with the guide, and gain a deeper understanding of York's history. Please note that the tour does not include entry to York Art Gallery, but it concludes outside the gallery, allowing you the option to continue your exploration independently. Wear comfortable shoes and come prepared for a leisurely walk through the city's enchanting streets.

Reviews

Feedback from previous participants highlights the exceptional quality of the Saints and Sinners Tour. Travelers rave about Irene's captivating storytelling and the way she brings history to life. Many describe the tour as a highlight of their visit to York, praising the guides' knowledge and passion for the subject. Participants appreciate the opportunity to explore York's history in a fun and engaging way, with several remarking on the tour's ability to cater to a wide range of interests. Overall, the reviews reflect a high level of satisfaction and a desire to recommend this tour to others seeking an immersive and educational experience in York.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Micklegate Bar

We will meet in front of Micklegate Bar, inside the city walls. There we will talk about the first of our "sinners": the most infamous king in English history... Was he a monster, or a hero? A murderer, or a pious man who did his duty?

Admission Not Included

Ouse Bridge

We will stand on Ouse Bridge, the place where our first saint performed an incredible miracle! It is also where another saint, whom we will talk about later on, was executed for her faith...

Clifford's Tower

Clifford's Tower is all that is left of York's Castle. For decades it was also part of York's prison, and its most famous inmate is our second sinner: the most well-known highwayman in England... Did he really ride from London to York in just one day!?

Admission Not Included

York Castle Museum

(Pass by)

Once York's prison, today a wonderful museum of Yorkshire's social history from the 1500s to today.

Jorvik Viking Centre

(Pass by)

A museum where you can go for a ride through an old Viking village and learn about York (Jorvik)'s past.

Parliament Street

We stop at the end of one of York's busiest shopping streets to look at the old house of our second "saint", whose name is synonymous with chocolate. But he didn't make people's lives sweeter only with his products; he also did so with his actions and beliefs.

Shambles

Arguably the most well-known street in the city, we will stop here to talk about York's most famous martyr: the butcher's wife who lived here and was executed on Ouse Bridge for her Catholic faith. *PLEASE NOTE* as Shambles is a very narrow street and usually very busy, we will take a detour instead of going up it. You can explore it at your leisure in your own time.

York's Chocolate Story

(Pass by)

A fun museum where you can learn everything about York's chocolatey history, and even make a chocolate lolly yourself!

St. Michael le Belfrey Church

The church where our third sinner, the most famous terrorist of all time, was baptised. He could have changed the course of England's (and Europe's) history had he not been discovered. Remember, remember...

Statue of Constantine the Great

Our fourth and last "saint", Constantine the Great, was proclaimed emperor in York, where we can see his statue today. He changed the course of history and religion forever, but was he really a Christian himself..?

York Minster

(Pass by)

The greatest landmark of the city of York is its magnificent Gothic minster, whose origins date back to the 7th century.

Exhibition Square

We finish our tour in Exhibition Square, a very appropriate name for the place where the York Art Gallery stands. Here we will meet our last "sinner": an artist whose life was shrouded in admiration and controversy in equal parts... And who saved the York walls from destruction.

York Art Gallery

(Pass by)

Home of the CoCA (Centre of Ceramic Art), the biggest and most complete collection of British contemporary ceramics. It also has an extensive collection of paintings - most of which are not on display - and hosts temporary exhibitions periodically.

Reviews

(25)

5 (25)

Sue W

Irene was really interesting and informative and we really enjoyed the tour. She is Spanish and also bilingual so was a natural in explaining lots of interesting and amusing facts about a handful of people famous in York to a group of mixed language speakers. I would recommend her tour to anyone wanting a view of the city in either Spanish or English. She certainly knows her English history and was a very enjoyable guide for us.

Y1940HVdaniels

If you want to find out the real story of the people who make York great, rather than the usual tripe about witches and ghosts, then this is the tour for you. History needn’t be boring with Irene Altares Lerma, who brings the past to life with humour and knowledge.

H6081XWjohnw

Travelled to York on the morning of 13th January and had booked the Saints and Sinners Tour of York for 2pm that day, as an introduction for the family to Yourk and to our time there. What an inspired choice! Through the prism of the characters chosen, Irene brought people and periods in the history of York vividly to life before us. From first moment to last we three were engaged as a family. Brilliant storytelling, insightful pathways through the city and a huge degree of personal charm, all of which are testament to a quite brilliant guide. As a lover of place and history, could not have asked for more. My recommendation, to end, is to book Saints and Sinners without any hesitation. Thank you, Irene for such a superb start to our break in York. John, Amanda and Saoirse.

Kirsty186

Great afternoon tour with friends. Irene brings York to life with her interesting Saints and Sinners tour, can definitely recommend.

Sarah_A

As a frequent visitor to York we wanted to learn more about the city and its history whilst avoiding the novelty tours. Irene pitched her tour at the perfect level for us, delivering interesting information about York & its citizens across many periods of the last 2000 years relating it to both well known & "hidden" locations. The tour has whet our appetite to explore more of the city and its museums/galleries. If you are looking to do a walking tour of York then Irene’s tour is not to be missed!

Christopher F

Irene was a wonderful guide with a clear passion for history and an ability to engage others with the subject. What I liked about the Saints And Sinners Tour is the variety of individuals featured. Not all the ‘Saints’ were members of the Clergy and not all the ‘Sinners’ were brutes. Also, given the title of the tour it would have been very easy for Irene to just talk about figures from the Medieval period, but instead she included people from much earlier and much later than that. This helped give an insight into a broader scope of Yorks history. Some of the figures featured on the tour I’ve known about since childhood and others I hadn’t even heard of before. Yet I learnt something new about every one of them. I recommend this tour.

_K1070KY

Thank you so much for your wonderful tour. I’d been to York before the tour with school, but I couldn’t learn anything new from the school trip. That’s why I joined Saints and Sinners tour. The tour guide Irene is considerate, erudite and funny. I didn’t know about history of the UK at all, but through the tour, I got a new point of view which enables me to enjoy the time in York more.

mroses90

Amazing tour! We were the only ones booked for the day so we basically got a personal tour of York with a historian. I highly recommend Irene and this tour which is a more unique take on York history than the hundreds of ghosts tours available.

Mollie_S

We loved this tour! Irene is so knowledgeable and since we were the only ones on the booking we basically got a personal tour of York. Highly recommend!

Joepala1

We had a wonderful experience with Irene our tour guide. Her extensive knowledge of York's history is incredible. She was passionate in her work and escorted us through York as if she had been living here at that moment in time. I highly recommend this tour
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-22 01:23