York: Medieval City Walking Tour
Stonegate, York
Discover the medieval city of York on a walking tour. Explore the city's rich history, from Roman times to the present, and visit the Shambles, the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter.
This guided walking tour of York explores medieval streets and historic sites, ideal for history enthusiasts and first-time visitors.
Highlights
- Wander through York's medieval streets and hidden alleyways
- Discover the city's history from Roman times to the present
- Walk along the city walls and admire city views
- Visit the Shambles, inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter
- Explore the Cathedral quarter featuring York Minster
Description
Explore York’s medieval centre on a guided walking tour covering over 2,000 years of history since its Roman founding. Navigate the famous 'Snickelways', narrow alleyways steeped in Anglo-Saxon, Viking, and Norman stories.
Walk the historic streets lined with well-preserved, overhanging timber-framed houses mostly standing for over 600 years in the city centre.
The tour includes parts of the City Walls, Museum Gardens, ruins of Saint Mary's Abbey, York Minster Cathedral (one of Europe’s largest Gothic churches), Mansion House, Stonegate, Shambles street, St. William’s College, the Roman Tower, Clifford’s Tower, and other key historical sites along the River Ouse and the medieval Market quarter.
Includes
- Walking tour of York’s medieval streets and Snickelways
- Visit to City Walls
- Visit to Museum Gardens
- Visit to ruins of Saint Mary’s Abbey
- Exterior visit to York Minster Cathedral
- Exterior visit to Mansion House
- Visit to Stonegate
- Visit to Shambles street
- Exterior visit to St. William’s College
- Visit to Roman Tower
- Exterior visit to Clifford’s Tower
Excludes
Entry fees to museums, churches, the Cathedral interior, and other paid attractions are not included. This is primarily a walking tour of streets, gardens, and the city walls.
Important Information
- York city walls are inaccessible to wheelchairs and baby pushchairs. Those using these may stay on the ground level and rejoin the tour 20 minutes later. Please inform in advance if a wheelchair or pushchair will be used.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.
For the best experience, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring weather-appropriate clothing. Morning tours typically avoid crowds.
