Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

York Walls Private Walking Tour

141 Reviews 4.83 out of 5 stars Based on 141 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 97% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
York, England
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

90 to 180 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore York by day with John, your award-winning guide with the Cool Shore Excursions 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

  • Tour escort/host
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)
  • Does not include entry to any attractions
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

11 Minster Yard
York YO1 7HH, UK

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Museum Street
York YO1 7FR, UK

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!

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

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.
Read more

20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Multangular Tower

One of the finest roman structures in England - we bring it back to life including 3D reconstructions!
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

King's Manor

Now part of the University, this was once the house of the Abbot of St Marys
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Bootham Bar

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

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Treasurer's House

Site of the most famous ghost story in the world!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Shambles

The most famous medieval street in the world, but it has a very dark history!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Jorvik Viking Centre

Site of the only viking houses to be found anywhere in the world!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Clifford's Tower

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

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

York Castle Museum

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

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Micklegate Bar

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

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Henry VII Experience at Micklegate Bar (pass by)

the most famous gateway in England, mentioned by Shakespeare and still used today when the Queen enters the city
Read more
Show 13 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the York Walls Private Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-32407P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.83
141 reviews

Average 4.83 out of 5 stars based on 141 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
127
4 stars
10
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 33 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

York Witches and History Walking Tour

Step into the Shadows of York... Prepare for a walking tour like no other! An immersive, educational journey through history. Dare to indulge in something …More

Step into the Shadows of York... Prepare for a walking tour like no other! An immersive, educational journey through history. Dare to indulge in something...

70 to 75 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (479)
from
$23

Interactive Treasure Hunt Experience of York's Secret

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll …More

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$21

Guided Bike Tour in York

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 …More

5.0 (623)

Guided Bike Tour in York

5.0 (623)

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...

120 to 150 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (623)
from
$41

Immersive Murder Mystery in York, A City Treasure Hunt Experience

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll …More

Immerse yourself in historic sights and obscure quirks as you solve riddles and progress on your treasure hunt style adventure. Once your tale starts you’ll...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.5 (56)
from
$21

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

Welcome aboard our daytime sightseeing trip in York, where travellers embark on an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. Our daytime sightseeing trip …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Welcome aboard our daytime sightseeing trip in York, where travellers embark on an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and natural beauty. Our daytime sightseeing trip...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.3 (1,389)
from
$20

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

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 …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

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...

1 hour 15 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (1,153)
from
$16

The Deathly Dark Tour of York

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 …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.9 (4,195)

The Deathly Dark Tour of York

4.9 (4,195)

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...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (4,195)
from
$19

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

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 …More

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...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (3,362)
from
$21

What's Included

Activity name

  • Tour escort/host
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)
  • Does not include entry to any attractions

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name