J & M York City Walking Tours

4.7 (532 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

532 reviews

4.7

St. Mary's Abbey the largest fortified Abbey in England. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Constantine the Great — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 30 people
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: J & M City Walking Tours

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–12 years) · Youth (13–17 years) · Adults (18–59 years) · Seniors (60–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: No free inclusions

Not included

Not included: Alcoholic Beverages

Itinerary

York

Passing 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

20 min Admission not included

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

Passing 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

Passing 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

10 min

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.
St Cuthbert's Church

6 min

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.
York City Walls

15 min

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.
Statue of Constantine the Great

10 min

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

5 min

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.
Merchant Taylors' Hall

4 min

On the city walls you'll see the Merchant Taylors, discover how guilds became the economic centre of Cities like York, the Taylors significance to the city and its role today.
Shambles Market

5 min

Visit the market and discover their significance in Yorks economic growth.
Monk Bar

5 min

One of 6 gates in York you'll discover its role in the city defences, the legend of the Wild men of York as well as our Bars more gruesome uses.
Stop 13

5 min

As we walk along this Saxon street you'll discover the Dutch House, it's significance to architectural changes after the Great fire of London and the emergence of Insurance policies.
Kings Square

5 min

In this ancient square you'll discover the meaning behind our street names and thinner Viking heritage and learn about the very centre of the city of Jorvic
York Castle Museum

7 min Admission not included

From out side we'll look at the old building s of the museum looking at prison reform, the building usage in the past and delve into the myth and stories behind the real Dick Turpin.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Starts at the Statue of Constantine, (PLEASE ignore the sat nav address For Cars only you need to walk and head to the statue)South entrance of York Minster. The booked time is departure time. Arrive 10 minutes early. Guides don't answer phones once tours begun. Late comer not refunded.

End point

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.

Using your ticket

Tours leave at the time booked, from the statue of Constantine the Great, to be found on the South side of the Cathedral, where you also find the Rose window. Guides will not answer phones during a tour, late comers can contact in advance or up to 5 minutes into the tour. The tour does not return for late comers. No refunds given if tours are missed.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.