York Walls Private Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 154 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is York Walls Private Walking Tour worth booking?
York Walls Private Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in York, United Kingdom, from $91 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 154 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (154)
- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- From
- $91 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- Tour escort/host
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)
Not included
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
York City Walls
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.
20 minutes here
Multangular Tower
One of the finest roman structures in England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
15 minutes here
St. Mary's Abbey
The most picturesque place in York, often missed by visitors, with a world famous history - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
15 minutes here
King's Manor
Now part of the University, this was once the house of the Abbot of St Marys
15 minutes here
Bootham Bar
An entrance to the city has stood here for 2000 years - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
15 minutes here
York City Walls
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!
15 minutes here
Treasurer's House
Site of the most famous ghost story in the world!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Barley Hall
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!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Shambles
The most famous medieval street in the world, but it has a very dark history!
10 minutes here
Jorvik Viking Centre
Site of the only viking houses to be found anywhere in the world!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Clifford's Tower
A huge motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
York Castle Museum
A huge motte and bailey castle that once controlled Northern England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Micklegate Bar
the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city
10 minutes here · Admission not included
Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar
the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
York
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!
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
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!
Options you can book
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
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 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- York Walls Tours
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 154 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
154 verified traveler reviews for York Walls Private Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
5 Star Review For John and York Walls Tours
John met us right on time at our hotel and gave us a private tour of a lifetime! He tells the real historical stories of York dating back to 100 AD. John brings history to life with his colorful story telling and enthusiastic delivery of the subject matter. Just let John know your interests and he will customize the tour just for you. We liked the tour so much we were sad when our time ended so we booked another one. We would highly recommend any of John’s tours. You’ll be glad you did!
via Tripadvisor
Great tour with 3 grandsons
This is a very interesting and informative tour hearing about the Viking and the Roman history of York.
via Viator
Knowledgeable and entertaining tour
John was an excellent tour and full of knowledge and enthusiasm. Has a passion for the history. He showed us parts of York that we would never have found or known about. So glad we found him.
via Tripadvisor
Walk through History!
An amazing walk around York! John was very friendly and provided a detailed history of York’s rich history. Guaranteed to see things you would probably miss on your own. Most highly recommend
via Viator
Amazingly insightful walking tour.
Would highly recommend, we did the ghost tour. John is outstanding with his knowledge and love of history. Had he been a teacher I would have passed my GCSE history with flying colours! Engaging and passionate, this was without a doubt the highlight of our 3 day stay in York. A thoroughly educational and enlightening 1.5 hours of walking around the city listening to ghost stories and seeing the sites.
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
- Price range
- $91 to $127
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 54
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by York Walls Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.8.
See everything York Walls Tours runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
York Walls Private Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for York.
How much does York Walls Private Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $91 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 York Walls Private Walking Tour 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 York Walls Private Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 154 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule York Walls Private Walking Tour?
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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 York Walls Private Walking Tour 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 York Walls Private Walking Tour?
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Around 54 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 York Walls Private Walking Tour 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, Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.. 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 York Walls Private Walking Tour?
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Included: Tour escort/host; and Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only). Not included: Admission fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does York Walls Private Walking Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 44 listed pickup locations in and around York. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is York Walls Private Walking Tour 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 York Walls Private Walking Tour?
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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.
What happens to York Walls Private Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in York. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about York Walls Private Walking Tour?
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Across 154 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for York Walls Private Walking Tour?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including 90min - 2hr tour, 2.5hr - 3hr tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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