Tours and Tickets
York Walls Private Walking Tour
5

York Walls Private Walking Tour

By York City Walls
Recommended by 97% of travellers
97% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
About
from
£65.00
per adult (price varies by group size)
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-80
Duration: 90–180 minutes
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Tour escort/host
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off (by foot, city centre hotels only)
What's not included
  • Entrance fees (2 small museums located around the walls are available for entry separately)
  • Food and drinks
  • Entry/Admission - Treasurer's House
  • Entry/Admission - Barley Hall
  • Entry/Admission - Jorvik Viking Centre
  • Entry/Admission - Clifford's Tower
  • Entry/Admission - York Castle Museum
  • Entry/Admission - Micklegate Bar


Departure details
  • Traveller pickup is offered.
  • We can meet you on foot at the reception of your hotel anywhere in the city centre, or at a location of your choosing
  • Roman Column, 11 Minster Yard, York YO1 7HH, UK 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 is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Not wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 32407P1

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • 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
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Which attractions will I visit with York Walls Private Walking Tour?
How much is York Walls Private Walking Tour?
York Walls Private Walking Tour price starts from £66.09. Discover and book York Walls Private Walking Tour on Tripadvisor
What is the York Walls Private Walking Tour cancellation policy?
York Walls Private Walking Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book York Walls Private Walking Tour on Tripadvisor
Which company provides York Walls Private Walking Tour?
York Walls Private Walking Tour is hosted by York City Walls. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact York City Walls on Tripadvisor. Discover and book York Walls Private Walking Tour on Tripadvisor

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 32407P1

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Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • You'll start at
    Roman Column
    Or, you can also get picked up
    See departure details
  • 1
    York City Walls
    Stop: 20 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Multangular Tower
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 3
    St. Mary's Abbey
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 4
    King's Manor
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 5
    Bootham Bar
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 6
    York City Walls
    Stop: 15 minutes
    See details
  • 7
    Treasurer's House
    Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
  • 8
    Barley Hall
    Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
  • 9
    Shambles
    Stop: 10 minutes
    See details
  • 10
    Jorvik Viking Centre
    Stop: 10 minutes - Admission excluded
    See details
See 3 more stops
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About the operator
York City Walls
9,894
United Kingdom
  • N8699PYpeterw
    N8699PYpeterw
    0
    0
    Amazing Walls around the city
    Full of history and great walks around the city. So much to see along the way, you just have to do it.
  • 0Pete_23
    0Pete_23
    0
    0
    Walk the walls
    The walls do not now encircle the whole of York but there is still plenty of wall to walk. You don’t necessarily have to do it all in one go but it is worth trying to do the entire walk, especially as its free. From the wall you get good views of York and in certain locations there are boards explaining what you can see.
  • Flyingboy58
    Flyingboy58
    0
    0
    Walls.
    The walk on the walls is great. There are a lot of the walls left and they have open access. It’s easy if you can walk reasonable. And it’s so cool that this still exists and they allow such freedom is seeing it.
  • Roy581
    Roy581
    0
    0
    Self Guided Walk
    If you want to do this walk all at once you should be reasonably fit. There are places where there is no hand rails which could be a hazard. It gives you a view of all the different areas of the city and is worth doing if you have the time and energy.
  • Galya A
    Galya A
    0
    0
    Disappointed for missing half of itinerary stops and not staying on theme
    I really wanted to like this tour, especially because the guide seemed interesting and upbeat. Unfortunately, the reality didn't match my expectations. The tour barely touched on Viking history, and missed half of the proposed itinerary. I can't recommend this tour as it was off topic and didn’t feel like a good value for money. Despite being promised insights into York's rich Viking history, the tour ended up being incoherent, with hardly any Viking stories. Instead, I got a mix of random facts, mostly focusing on Romans and history as recent as Henry VIII. The tour missed the mark on its Viking theme. What disappointed me even more was that we didn't visit most of the places listed in the itinerary, such as the Jorvik Viking Center, Castle Museum, cliff tower, and the Viking-themed bar. Considering it was a private tour with just me and the guide, we were extremely mobile and missing all those stops confused me. I asked about the Jorvik center at the end, and the guide informed me it was already closed and I couldn’t visit even by myself. This information should have been communicated earlier so we could adjust the start time, begin the tour there, or at least notify me of potential closures beforehand. While I understand Viking history is based on folklore, titling a tour "Vikings" is misleading when the tour doesn't live up to that promise. The tour was exactly 1.5 hour long. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.
  • Layla K
    Layla K
    0
    0
    Great way to spend a couple of hours
    Great walk round York City walls. With exception of a couple of breaks in the wall it’s amazing to see how intact they are. We had a lovely day for it and it was well worth doing the entire walk. Great free experience and way to see a bit more of York on a crazy busy Saturday shopping day!!
  • BostonJandP
    BostonJandP
    0
    0
    Add some perspective to the City
    A different way to view York. Surprisingly the wall goes about 1/2 way around the City and then you can follow the rest of the wall by walking along the streets. You can enter the wall for free and don't have to pay for a tour.
  • lucybY9113FQ
    lucybY9113FQ
    0
    0
    Awesome
    This was something we were told 'we should do' and it didn't disappoint. We walked from Red Tower to Fishergate Postern Tower, I don't do heights so had been worried as I'd read some parts of the walls don't have a barrier along the wall, this part didn't, but it wasn't high enough to need it. It was a great way to see the city and all of us (2adults and 2 teens) enjoyed it. Glad we did it. At Fishergate, we then went into Witherspoon's for some food and a drink.
  • 141jeng
    141jeng
    0
    0
    A must when visiting York!
    A beautiful sunny Mknday morning, and we explored the walls. We walked all around and saw the stunning York from them. A must when visiting York!
  • MissMercury_1
    MissMercury_1
    0
    0
    No trip to York would be complete without doing this!
    No trip to York would be complete without having walked along some of the city's famous wall! It's very interesting to see the different views and historic original features. There are benches for you to stop and rest. Some sections of wall are higher than others. The highest section we went on had a railing to stop people falling off the edge but the lower sections don't have this. There was a section we walked on that had both sides complete. There are hand rails up the steps on the entrances to the wall, which are needed because they're steep. The walls aren't disabled or pushchair friendly but I'd definitely recommend walking on them if you're able to! A must-do!
  • faye57
    faye57
    0
    0
    Well maintained extensive wall
    I like city walls. Even better if you don't have to scoot over when people are approaching. No railing, but the drop does not look fatal. Just a roll down the hill. There are 4 bars which elsewhere would be Gates, some towers and lookouts. You can enter or leave the walls at each bar. Views into different neighborhoods.
  • royv647
    royv647
    0
    0
    Terrific that the walls still exist
    This morning we walked the York city walls. We walked the whole lot , took many photos, admired many places from the walls, great views of the Minster. Took us a leisurely 3 hours, it was pure pleasure to walk this ancient wall that protected the old city of York for generations. It must have been a lot of hard work and skill that saw it completed. Sure glad the move to demolished the wall years ago failed, well done to those that had the foresight to keep it, what a draw card it is now for the city. Loved our time on the wall.
  • I4183OYjudithc
    I4183OYjudithc
    0
    0
    Yorks incredible history
    Hadnt done the walls walk for many many years, and I live in York great views of the city. Woud be nice to have more information points and history along the way.
  • DavidS852
    DavidS852
    0
    0
    Nice views but no dogs allowed
    Nice walk along the walls but real shame you can’t take dogs. Lots of ways up and down so can join for small sections. Good views across the city.
  • Beccaowl
    Beccaowl
    0
    0
    Walked round walls on our own as 11 year old son and mum
    Great free fun with regular info boards giving relevant information as especially like motte and Bailey detail. However, when walls finished we struggled to find next stretch. Must do in York.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
80 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
11
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2

chicken0029
poole72 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
We spent a lovely couple of hours walking around the city of York on the ancient walls. There is a one way system in place to aid social distancing. We had to use Google maps on certain sections as there were a few gaps. You get a different view from up there and it was very interesting to see the different parts of the city.
Written 30 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Wardy
Edinburgh, UK4 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
John, our guide, was most informative and clearly very passionate about his subject. He was able to bring ancient history to life, ably assisted by the beautiful, historic backdrop of York itself. We would thoroughly recommend this tour.
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yorkwalls
thank you so much for taking the time to write this lovely review, it was an absolute pleasure to spend time in your company - hope to see you again!
Written 31 March 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Nigel F
Aberdeen, UK100 contributions
Jul 2021
Walking on the ancient city walls on a Summers evening is a glorious experience! This is a great way to see the city and view locations which otherwise cannot be seen or accessed.

A gentle stroll with an occasional halt for a coffee is a lovely way to spend an evening. It is also amazing how quiet the walls are, above the buzz of the city.
Written 20 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Claire W
4 contributions
We visited York and found it to be a beautiful and fascinating city. We planned on walking the city walls, this was not possible due to dogs not being allowed. We have an exceptionally well behaved dachshund but this prevented us from walking the walls, as dogs are 'not' allowed.
We are from chester and dogs are welcomed to walk around the city including the walls ( which are frankly better) york is missing a huge amount of visitors to the walls and it's history due to this view of dogs. Dogs are very often more well behaved than humans.
I could only give a rating of 1 as I didn't have the opportunity to rate it otherwise. We were very disappointed with this aspect of our visit to york!!!
Written 13 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yorkwalls
You have reviewed the york walls private walking tour, which you were not booked on and as such this will be flagged for removal. Dogs are not allowed on the walls because there have been issues with owners not cleaning up after their dogs.
Written 15 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lee B
Manchester, UK192 contributions
Aug 2022
This is always one of my favorite things to do in York. The city walls are afantastic way to circumnavigate the city and to drop on and off to see the sites.
I really love walking the walls every time I visit.
Well worth a try!
Written 18 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

colinfletcher282
York, UK11 contributions
Mar 2020
The often overcrowded section is from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar. Better to walk up at Lendal Bridge , at the top turn for the best view of the Minster. On past Mikelgate Bar to Skeldergate is ideal for a sunset out over Knavesmire.Back again gives a grand view of the Station.
Written 17 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
yorkwalls
thanks for your review however you've posted this incorrectly to the York Walls Private Walking Tour, whereas we believe your review refers only to the walls themselves. We're very glad you enjoyed your walk all the same!
Written 18 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jaqueline M
13 contributions
Feb 2023
My husband and I spent the day in the city so spent just over an hour walking around various sections of the walls. There are lots of informative boards along the way explaining the history behind various structures which my husband and I really enjoyed. Have to say the views are something which made the experience even more enjoyable on such a clear day as we had we could take in some lovely views of the cathedral.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Laurie V
Houston, TX4 contributions
I booked the York Walls private tour weeks in advance. The tour guide did not show for the tour. Numerous attempts were made to call and email the week of the tour with no response from the tour guide. Viator’s response when I called was for them to also call and send another email. When they could not reach the tour guide, I was told to go at the time I included in my email then cancel if the tour guide does not show up. The refund process was cumbersome with the refund taking up to seven days.
Written 14 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steven P
7 contributions
May 2022
This private walking tour was the greatest introduction to York we could have asked for. John was so welcoming, knowledgable and passionate about what he was talking about. We opted for a three hour tour and time literally flew by! The tour was adapted to our areas of interest and was completely interactive, with John welcoming all questions. Whilst we were going around, I heard other tour guides sounding like they were giving history lessons, and I felt so lucky that we chose this one instead. John had an open mind to history and it's interpretation, which worked well so with us. I had a hard time deciding which tour to do, so if you're reading this, definitely pick this one!!
Steven and Alex
Written 27 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michelle Ramsay
Bridgend, UK74 contributions
No trip to York is complete unless you have walked along the wall. There are various places you can get on to the wall and with COVID it has a one way clockwise direction. Views are beautiful and if has been well maintained. There are a number of spots with benches T-Mobile take a rest if needed! There are also various places where you can get off with lots of pubs and coffee shops to frequent.
Written 17 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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York Walls Private Walking Tour