
Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 1,518 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. worth booking?
Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. is a 1.5-hour experience in York, United Kingdom, from $18 per person. It scores 90 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 1,518 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 90 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (1,518)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $18 per person
Dare you take a trip into the past and uncover some of York’s turbulent and tragic history? A past that manifests itself in the unexplained sightings of shadows haunting our streets and buildings. Let us take you on a journey through the streets and snickleways and tell you about the shadows of York. Note: The tour is rated PG and not recommended for under 8's. The stories change from time to time. But they do contain in depth historic details, some of which can be dark, sad or gory. These may include executions, plague, suicide or any other grim facts. Some young children may find it disturbing. The shadows are waiting for you...
What you get
About this experience
Dare you take a trip into the past and uncover some of York’s turbulent and tragic history? A past that manifests itself in the unexplained sightings of shadows haunting our streets and buildings. Let us take you on a journey through the streets and snickleways and tell you about the shadows of York. Note: The tour is rated PG and not recommended for under 8's. The stories change from time to time. But they do contain in depth historic details, some of which can be dark, sad or gory. These may include executions, plague, suicide or any other grim facts. Some young children may find it disturbing. The shadows are waiting for you...
What's included
Included
- Entertainment
- Guide
Not included
- On-board WiFi
- No wheelchairs provided
What you'll see and do
York Minster
We will walk outside around part if the Minster.
Pass by without stopping
Shambles
Shambles is a 15th century street, originally built as a meat market but mow jome to many Harry Potter shops.
5 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
York
We meet outside the Guy Fawkes Inn. Please arrive before the start time on your ticket. Please do not block the entrance or the road. Stand alongside the pavement nearby and your guide will meet you.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour will normally finish on or near the Shambles.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shadows of York
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for children under 8 or of a nervous disposition.
- No drunk or disorderly behaviour is acceptable. Anyone misbehaving will be turned away without refund. Private bookings available for large groups or hen parties. (subject to availability)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 1,516 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
1,516 verified traveler reviews for Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enjoyable and...
Enjoyable and informative, fun anf family friendly 😀 The tour guide knew her history and ghost stories, fact from fiction.
via Viator
Spooky but not too scary
A very entertaining guide (Charlie) and a great way to spend 1.5 hours walking around York. The whole family enjoyed this and would definitely recommend this.
via Tripadvisor
Perfect balance of history and ghost stories
What a fun and interesting way to spend a Friday evening. A perfect mix of history and tales of spooky occurrences. Charlie was a fabulous guide, showing us parts of York that we would generally walk by without thinking about, now perhaps, we will stop and look. Perfectly balanced tour with a 12 year old. Kept his interest and lots to talk about afterwards and made him want to know more. A miracle in itself. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
Fun for 90 minutes. About the right length
Pretty good. We enjoyed it. Liked the history more than the ghosts.
via Tripadvisor
Fun way to tour York inner city
We used this as a starting activity for our weekend break in York. Dan, our guide was thoroughly entertaining. His enthusiastic performance was great fun and made the hour and a half seem too short. In addition to touring the inner city, we learnt some history and some very interesting ghost stories. Would highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 531
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 90
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for York.
How much does Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. cost?
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Prices start at $18 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. take?
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Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in York is not rushed.
Is Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 90 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 1,518 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.?
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Around 531 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in York and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in York?
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On Outty we rank every York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe, The Deathly Dark Tour of York, Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour & Experience of the Year. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit York?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.?
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Included: Entertainment; and Guide. Not included: On-board WiFi; and No wheelchairs provided. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.?
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We meet outside the Guy Fawkes Inn. Please arrive before the start time on your ticket. Please do not block the entrance or the road. Stand alongside the pavement nearby and your guide will meet you. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History. if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.?
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Across 1,518 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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