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York’s Dark Journey: A Self-Guided Tour of its Medieval Horrors

New To The Site! York, England

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90 to 120 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation

Overview

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear the grisly tales that shaped this ancient city through the theatrical persona of a Victorian physician who “lived“ in York from 1841 to 1877. Dr Reginald Smalls will bring centuries-old stories of murder, plague, and rebellion to life as you walk the historic streets where these dark events unfolded.

The All Saints Church on High Ousegate sets the stage for several of the shocking events you’ll hear about. From the banks of the River Ouse to the “Shambles,“ where rows of hooks once displayed fresh meat, each cobblestone and ancient building holds secrets waiting to be uncovered.

You’ll continue past iconic landmarks like York Minster with its imposing Gothic architecture, the city’s ancient defensive bars (fortified gateways), and St. Helen’s Square with its grand Georgian buildings. You’ll veer into lesser-known areas to discover spots like Bedern Hall and narrow snickelways steeped in dark history.

What's Included

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Food and drink
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

High Ousegate
York YO1 8RZ, UK

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

End point

Museum Gardens
Museum Street, York YO1 7FR, UK

The tour ends in front of the Yorkshire Museum

What To Expect

Tower Gardens (Pass By)

We’ll pass by Tower Gardens in York, a tranquil riverside park near the city walls. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
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Clifford's Tower (Pass By)

You’ll catch a glimpse of Clifford’s Tower, one of York’s most iconic historic landmarks with sweeping views over the city. Please note that admission to the tower is not included in this tour.
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Castlegate (Pass By)

We’ll pass by Castlegate, a historic street in York lined with notable architecture and cultural landmarks. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
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Shambles (Pass By)

We’ll walk through the Shambles, one of York’s most famous medieval streets, known for its timber-framed buildings and quaint shops. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
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Bedern Hall (Pass By)

You’ll pass by Bedern Hall, a hidden medieval gem once used by the Vicars Choral of York Minster. Please note that admission to the hall is not included in this tour.
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York Minster (Pass By)

You’ll catch a glimpse of York Minster, one of the largest and most magnificent cathedrals in Northern Europe. Please note that admission to the Minster is not included in this tour.
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Bootham Bar (Pass By)

We’ll pass by Bootham Bar, one of the historic gateways into York’s city walls, offering a glimpse into the city’s medieval defenses. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the York’s Dark Journey: A Self-Guided Tour of its Medieval Horrors?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-110804P979


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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
  • Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • App for Android and iOS
  • Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
  • Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
  • Food and drink
  • Transportation

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Report Product Issue

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free Cancellation

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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