The 15 best things to do in York (2026)

The ranked list

1. 

   1. Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York -Best Tour Award Europe

   Outty Ranking93

   The Bloody Tour of York is the multi award winning* tour of the City and has recently won the Arival Best Sightseeing Tour in Europe Award 2024. Join your guide Mad Alice or Lady Peckett as you wander down the medieval s. 90+ Club at 93/100, 5.0/5 from 3,243 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $20, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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2. 

   2. The Deathly Dark Tour of York

   Outty Ranking91

   The Deathly Dark Tour of York is a grim and theatrical, dark comedy walking tour, perfect for those who have a bit of a wicked streak and are looking to explore the dark and spooky history of the city with one of our gui. 90+ Club at 91/100, 4.9/5 from 4,098 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $19, free cancellation, an Outty 90+ Club member.

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3. 

   3. Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

   Outty Ranking89

   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. Exceptional at 89/100, 4.9/5 from 1,511 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $18, free cancellation.

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4. 

   4. Wizard Walk of York - WINNER Best Tour & Experience of the Year

   Outty Ranking87

   Winner of a magical myriad of awards, and York's ONLY tour created for families with children! WINNER #1 Best Family Experience in the World 2025 - TripAdvisor WINNER Experience of the Year - Visit York WINNER Best of. Exceptional at 87/100, 4.9/5 from 1,126 traveler reviews, 1.3h from $16, free cancellation.

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5. 

   5. The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group

   Outty Ranking86

   Why follow the crowds? At Yorktour we believe a great tour should also be a fun conversation, which is why we guarantee there will be no more than eight participants so everyone can ask questions and no-one needs to worr. Exceptional at 86/100, 5.0/5 from 832 traveler reviews, 1.5h from $27, free cancellation.

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6. 

   6. North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

   Outty Ranking86

   Explore some of the many famous historical sites and adventure across the spectacular landscape. Here you’ll take a trip to the seaside town of Whitby once you arrive in the town you will have free time to explore histor. Exceptional at 86/100, 4.9/5 from 706 traveler reviews, 8h from $75, free cancellation.

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7. 

   7. Guided Bike Tour in York

   Outty Ranking85

   Guided bike tour of York, inside and outside the city walls. Starting at a central location in the city. A 2 to 2.5 hour tour with multiple stops to hear the stories of the saints and sinners, the good and the evil, fr. Exceptional at 85/100, 5.0/5 from 623 traveler reviews, 2h from £15, free cancellation.

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8. 

   8. Herriot and Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

   Outty Ranking84

   This Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park with an introduction to Herriot Country, including the picturesque town of Grassington (famous for its role as the fictional t. Exceptional at 84/100, 5.0/5 from 237 traveler reviews, 8h from £65, free cancellation.

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9. 

   9. Yorkshire Dales Tour from York

   Outty Ranking84

   The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most renowned national parks in the world, celebrated for its dramatic limestone hills, winding valleys, dry stone walls, lush meadows, and grazing sheep. Our friendly driv. Exceptional at 84/100, 4.9/5 from 325 traveler reviews, 8.3h from $75, free cancellation.

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10. 

    10. Fun, Flexible Treasure Hunt Around York with Cryptic Clues & Hidden Gems

    Outty Ranking81

    A fun and different way to see York! Solve satisfying clues and follow beautiful maps sent to your phones. Spot things other people take for granted! You’ll learn interesting facts and stories. Everything is outdoors. Exceptional at 81/100, 4.9/5 from 261 traveler reviews, 2h from $20, free cancellation.

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11. 

    11. Christmas Guided Walking Tour in York

    Outty Ranking81

    90 minute Daily Festive Walking Tours, exploring the History, Tales and Traditions of Christmases Past. The streets of York have been witness to celebrations for nearly 2000 years. Explore the medieval streets beneath th. Exceptional at 81/100, 5.0/5 from 108 traveler reviews, 1.5h from £6, free cancellation.

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12. 

    12. Historical Pub Walking Tour in York

    Outty Ranking81

    Discover an alternative history of York by taking this unique guided walk through the city centre. York has a reputation for having a pub for everyday of the year. Find out about some of the oldest as well as the people. Exceptional at 81/100, 5.0/5 from 86 traveler reviews, 2h from $11, free cancellation.

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13. 

    13. J & M York City Walking Tours

    Outty Ranking80

    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 c. Exceptional at 80/100, 4.7/5 from 530 traveler reviews, 2h from $15, free cancellation.

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14. 

    14. Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

    Outty Ranking80

    This small-group Guided Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park, enjoy more than two hours in the seaside town of Whitby and take a Steam Train rid. Strongly Recommended at 80/100, 4.8/5 from 412 traveler reviews, 8.3h from $105, free cancellation.

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15. 

    15. Yorkshire Dales Day Trip from York

    Outty Ranking79

    This Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, visiting Bolton Castle, Askrigg (filming location for Darrowby in the James Herriot All Creatures G. Strongly Recommended at 79/100, 4.9/5 from 224 traveler reviews, 8.3h from $105, free cancellation.

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Traveler ratings are provided by Viator and Tripadvisor. The Outty Ranking is our own independent evaluation. How the ranking works.

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