J & M York City Walking Tours

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Recommended by 98% of reviewers

Badge of Excellence | York, England

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2 hours (approx.)

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Overview

Step off the beaten path into the beating heart of York’s rich, rebellious past! This highly rated walking tour isn’t your average stroll—it’s an adventure through 6,000 years of real history, gripping stories and your chance to discover all you can on your visit.

We’ll explore the city’s mighty medieval defences and how they evolved to keep out everyone from invading armies to enticing tourists. Marvel at York’s architectural wonders, from Roman stonework to the craftsmanship of medieval masons whose skills shaped the skyline we see today.

Discover the powerful guilds that once ruled the city’s economy, their grand halls, and the “cash crops” that fuelled their rise. Constantine the Great to Oliver Cromwell, Robert the Bruce to kings, queens, history’s biggest names walked these streets, and now, so will you.

Wander along city walls and down ancient streets, as we bust myths and reveal the truth behind the past.

This is York unleashed: gritty, glorious, and unforgettable.

What's Included

No free inclusions

Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages

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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Minster Yard
York YO1 7JB, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

High Ousegate
York YO1 8RZ, UK

The end point is 6 minutes walk from the start of the tour. The location gives access, to Jorvik Viking Centre, Castle museum and Cliffords tour, the river walk and 2 minutes from the Shambles.please note end point may vary.

What To Expect

York (Pass By)

Our guide will show you what makes York so unique, the Medieval walls and Gateways, the Minster, the ancient Shambles, Lantern towers, rivers and castle. See the grave of Dick Turpin and walk through 2000 years of the cities heritage follow in the footsteps of ancient tribes, Romans, Kings and Queens and some of histories most notorious. Our guides can also take you around the museums of your choice for an additional fee.

York Minster

The largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minster took 252 years too build. There are Minster guides inside, tours last an hour.

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Clifford's Tower (Pass By)

Walking around the Motte of the castle built in 1069, your guide will bring alive its bloody and dark secrets, walk in the grounds of what would have been on elf the finest castles in England.

Merchant Adventurers' Hall (Pass By)

Walk down into the Medieval levels of the City and let our guide tell you about the richest Guild in York and the part the traders played in Yorks prosperity. Find out how important women were in this guild.

Shambles

The street of the Butchers, our guide will take to the shrine of St Margaret Clitheroe, and exploring with to uncover the secrets of one of Yorks oldest streets.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Cuthbert's Church

We take a look at this medieval church with its rich history, built partially from Roman brick work it also features Saxon and Norman architecture. Its most unique feature is its 'Devils door' we will unravel the truth behind the myth.

6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

York City Walls

We take in a section of the medieval walls where you'll see the cities Roman defences, danish earthwork and discover its medieval past, sieges, and Victorian alterations. We will also pass by the old Jewish quarter of the city.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Statue of Constantine the Great

Learn about the origins of York, its visiting emperors and delve into the story of Constantine the Great, his effect on Christianity and York.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Black Swan

As we enter the old Hungate Parish, you'll discover the Black Swan, its famous residents and links to the battle of Quebec. Near by is a building whose architecture reflects the Irish heritage of the area as well as having a chance to spot one of Yorks famous Black Cats.