City Highlights Small Group Walking Tour

Tour Highlights

• Explore the medieval labyrinth in a group of no more than eight people
• Discover a Roman fortress and ruined abbey within a Victorian botanic garden
• Wander through the Shambles - the original Diagon Alley
• Find out how the Minster grew to become the country's largest gothic cathedral
• Locate the point where it is possible to see two thousand years of history - while turning on the spot

Tour Details

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 worry about being left at the back! This family-friendly walking tour includes all the key sights - including the exterior of the Minster and the celebrated Shambles - though we will also lead you deep into the medieval maze of ‘Snickelways’ to follow in the footsteps of the Romans and Vikings who created York.

Hidden behind the starting point of the central library we enter the tranquil, green oasis of the Museum Gardens - a Victorian botanic landscape which contains the remains of the Roman fortress, a Saxon-era tower and the spectacular ruins of St Mary’s Abbey.

From here it is a short walk to the Minster - the largest medieval gothic cathedral in the country - which has dominated the city’s skyline for over 900 years (please note admission to the Minster isn't included, but we'll give you all the details from the outside).

The Minster lies at the heart of a warren of ancient streets whose layout is Viking in origin. You’ll hear tales of Nordic invasion while delving deep into the maze of secret passages known as ‘Snickelways’; passing an unhappy mermaid and a little red devil as well as catching a glimpse of a 15th Century banqueting hall.

Finally you’ll emerge into the Shambles, York’s best-known cobbled street - once a row of butchers, now instantly recognisable to Harry Potter fans as the inspiration for Diagon Alley.

Tour Include

• Guide
• Postcard map

Tour Exclude

• Minster entrance fee

Important Notes

Know before you go

• Comfortable shoes are recommended as you will be on your feet though York is forgivingly flat.
• Suitable for all ages - family groups especially welcome
• Well-behaved dogs can come along too!
• Please note this is a walking tour of the city - admission to the Minster is not included

Meeting point

• Make sure to check your email for instructions and credentials to access the tour

The tour is not suitable for

• Elderly and pregnant women