York Walls Private Walking Tour

4.8 (154 reviews) 1 h 30 min – 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

154 reviews

4.8

York Walls Private Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

York Walls Private Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Explore York by day with John, your award-winning guide with the viator badge of excellence for the past 8 years, on a private tour shaped around you. Choose where and when to meet:from your hotel or meet you at another convenient spot in the city (our default meeting spot is the Roman column next to the Minster)

Discover York’s Roman, Viking and medieval past as you visit iconic landmarks and uncover quieter corners and hidden secrets. John brings the city’s history to life with engaging stories, local knowledge and a friendly, relaxed approach.

With no large group or rigid schedule, you can explore at your own pace. Stop for a coffee or something to eat along the way, and make the tour your own.

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Culture Excellent Quality Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min – 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–30
Guide: English
Operated by: York Walls Tours

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–15 years) · Youth (16–17 years) · Adults (18–65 years) · Seniors (66–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Tour escort/host
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)

Not included

Not included: Admission fees: Does not include entry to any attractions

Itinerary

York City Walls

20 min

The walls of York have a rich and bloodthirsty history stretching back nearly 2000 years. Whilst free to walk on, visitors can often leave the city having missed out on discovering the secrets of the walls, and the city they have protected for so long. These personalised tours provide a totally unique, bespoke and entertaining history of the walls and the city they have protected for so long. Each tour is designed just for you, so please get in touch with the local provider if you have any special interests or needs.

Refreshments can also be arranged along the way with some excellent coffee shops, pubs and restaurants to check out (own expense), and in addition will also tour other parts of the city too (Castle, Minster, Shambles etc) should you require. As local tour guides passionate about the city, they can also handle any restaurant bookings or just general advice about other things to do in York during your stay.

As these are bespoke tours, please contact the local provider as soon as you can in advance so your booking can be guaranteed and the guides have enough time to prepare the tour for your adequately.

Please note that the walls close at dusk, and some parts are occasionally closed if there are icy conditions. Whilst the walls are well designed for tourists, wheelchair access is limited however please contact the local provider if you require disabled access as alternative routes which walk beside the walls, not on them, can be arranged.

Should you require an evening tour, please contact the local provider to discuss your requirements, often the guides focus more on the other areas of York as well as the walls to provide a more atmospheric experience.

Please note that on this tour it will be only yourselves and your tour guide, for a truly personalized experience of the city.
Multangular Tower

15 min

One of the finest roman structures in England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
St. Mary's Abbey

15 min

The most picturesque place in York, often missed by visitors, with a world famous history - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
King's Manor

15 min

Now part of the University, this was once the house of the Abbot of St Marys
Bootham Bar

15 min

An entrance to the city has stood here for 2000 years - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
York City Walls

15 min

A world heritage site - the only place on Earth to see Roman, viking & medieval defences all in one place - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
Treasurer's House

10 min Admission not included

Site of the most famous ghost story in the world!
Barley Hall

10 min Admission not included

A recreation of genuine medieval life. Note entrance is not included as part of the tour, however we can show you the best parts for free!
Shambles

10 min

The most famous medieval street in the world, but it has a very dark history!
Jorvik Viking Centre

10 min Admission not included

Site of the only viking houses to be found anywhere in the world!
Clifford's Tower

10 min Admission not included

A huge motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
York Castle Museum

10 min Admission not included

A huge motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
Micklegate Bar

10 min Admission not included

the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city
Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar

Passing by

the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

Outside York Minster near the entrance to the gift shop is the Roman Column. Its easy to find and right in the centre of town, a great place to meet!

End point

We end wherever is convenient for you, either back at your hotel, or recommend an actvitiy or somewhere for a well deserved drink! Don't worry we'll ensure you don't get lost!

Pickup points

Travelodge York Central Layerthorpe
Alhambra Court Hotel
The Milner York
Judges Court Hotel
Holiday Inn York City Centre By IHG
Hedley House Hotel. Wellness and Spa
Hampton by Hilton York
The Queens Hotel
Bootham Bolt Hole
Premier Inn York City Centre (Layerthorpe) Hotel
Premier inn layerthorpe
Impossible Motel

and 30 more pickup points

We typically meet at the Roman Column by York Minster, but this is YOUR tour, so we can meet you on foot at the reception of your hotel anywhere in the city centre, or at a location of your choosing

Using your ticket

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
The Walls are occasionally closed in places due to emergency maintenance, or icy conditions. Should this occur on your booking we will adjust the tour accordingly to avoid this area
The local provider takes no responsibility for any injury incurred whilst walking on the walls
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements (2 adults). In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund

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%

Good to know

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please inform the local provider of the preferred pick up point at the time of booking.
Children must be accompanied by an adult/senior
A minimum of 2 adults/seniors per booking is required (single adult is available but at a surcharge at our discretion)
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

Options

90min - 2hr tour

90min -2hr tour: a tour of the walls, including a variety of stopping off points and a chance to focus on the areas / history that interest you, including Roman, Dark Age, Viking, Medieval, Tudor etc.
2.5hr - 3hr tour

This includes a more extensive tour round the walls taking in some of the hidden areas often missed by tourists