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.
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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


Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
  • 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!
Pickup details
  • We can meet you on foot at the reception of your hotel anywhere in the city centre, or at a location of your choosing
Hotel pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.
    End:This activity ends back at the meeting 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.

      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

      From
      £65.00
      per adult (price varies by group size)
      Select date and travellers
      Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

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      About the operator
      Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
      • York City Walls
        9,930
        United Kingdom
      • CassimaSK
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Very entertaining
        I loved this kind of attraction as city walls are accessible from the multiple points around the old town and there are not too many people on your way. The only downside would be that entrances do close at around the sunset time but it's understandable I guess due to the safety reasons.
        Written 16 January 2025
      • billwA9385PO
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Great Tour, Entertaining and Knowledgeable Guide
        John was an excellent, fun, and highly knowledgeable tour guide in York. His love of the city and its history was evident. He told us many entertaining stories and "read the walls" for us -- the history of York through the ruined walls of Roman, Norman, and Medieval architecture. He mixed in the origins of the Christmas dates and rituals that we know today, given we were touring on December 19. And taught us much more about Vikings than we ever knew before, including facts about their non-patriarchal society that valued the skills and intellect of women, even as warriors, just as they valued those of men.
        Written 31 December 2024
      • Navigate04483296405
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Stunning views
        This is a lovely way to see the town. I would like to come back and walk all of the town walls. Lovely views and great feature.
        Written 19 December 2024
      • variouslots
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Recommend the walls
        This is a great way to have a breather from the crowds in the centre, and gain a different perspective of the city. Doing a section then breaking off for a refreshment was most enjoyable.
        Written 5 December 2024
      • 980amy9
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        Lovely walk
        Had a lovely independent walk around the old ruins of the walls. Interesting history and get some great views. Don't really need a guided tour as can find a lot of info online.
        Written 16 November 2024
      • lawliettl
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        A good walk, lots of stairs.
        A nice walk to do, gives you a great view of all the city from pretty much every possible angle. There are a lot of steps though so it can be quite difficult if you have difficulties with that. The stairways can also be quite narrow in places. That said there are a good few spots to stop and rest on. The one thing that gets somewhat irritating is that some people can be very ignorant and inconsiderate, blocking what is already a narrow walkway to make the person they are with take a hundred photos of them pulling stupid poses in the most inconvenient of places. To clarify, I do not mean people photographing the scenery, they always stand aside and make sure others can pass, and I do not mean people in groups taking photographs against the scenery as they use the wider open rest spots and do not obstruct the paths. It is the idiots that live their lives on social media, just completely blocking walkways when there are a lot of people trying do the walks while they pout and pose for their camera while a friend takes photos.
        Written 2 November 2024
      • 18katey
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        For castles lovers
        Walking along York’s city walls was one of my favorite parts of visiting the city. You get great views of the Minster and the surrounding area, and it’s a lovely way to take in the history of York. The walls are well-preserved, and there are information boards that explain the history as you go along. It’s also a nice, peaceful walk, even though there were a few tourists around. If you love history and walking, this is a must-do!
        Written 27 October 2024
      • X8838ANjohnp
        0 contributions
        1.0 of 5 bubbles
        Dog phobic city
        Visit spoilt by not allowing dogs in all kinds of places especially the walls, next time went to Chester dogs allowed had great time.
        Written 9 October 2024
      • Safari16761515630
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Entertaining and informative.
        The ghost walk was very interesting with lots of local facts, plus a bit of added fiction for effect, but overall it was entertaining and well worth it.
        Written 6 October 2024
      • B_lSteven
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        An amazing must-do activity in York
        Taking a walk away from the bustling streets and gaining some perspective on the city. There are some sections with fantastic views of Minster and the old town. Others provide a pleasant opportunity for a stroll and are calmer.
        Written 29 September 2024
      • johnhp702
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Walk the walls
        Stretch your legs and walk the city walls either by yourself or as part of a tour, it is a great way to view this wonderful the city.
        Written 27 September 2024
      • wzhkevin
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        A great way to see the city from a different perspective
        I walked the walls on my own without relying on any tour. That was good enough for me. I'm sure I could have learnt more on a guided tour, but really I think it's about seeing the city from a different perspective. An easy walk on even surface, albeit with unavoidable stairs here and there, sometimes steep. The stretch between Micklegate Bar heading clockwise towards Lendal Bridge is the most scenic, and if you only have a short time to walk the wall, that is the section I would do. However, the rest of the wall is also interesting, and takes you through parts of the city you wouldn't normally go.
        Written 22 September 2024
      • Jonnyjubb
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Enjoyable Walk
        A thoroughly enjoyable walk round the city of York. Quite a few steps where the gaps in the walls are, as well as a few narrow stretches without a guard on the inside, so just be careful if you’re a bit unsteady on your feet. A unique experience seeing the sights from a decent vantage point. Took us just over 90 mins. Would do again if we’re back in York.
        Written 15 September 2024
      • hannahbX5815GH
        0 contributions
        4.0 of 5 bubbles
        A Walk Through History
        I had a great time walking along York City Walls. The views of the city are beautiful, and you can really feel the history. A must do if you visit York!!
        Written 15 September 2024
      • Welluce
        0 contributions
        5.0 of 5 bubbles
        Very nice walk
        Nice walk, and interesting to see where you end up! Views on particular parts of the walls are great for photographers :)
        Written 30 August 2024
      See all 9,930 reviews
      These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members 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.

      Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

      Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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      5.0
      5.0 of 5 bubbles92 reviews
      Excellent
      76
      Very good
      14
      Average
      0
      Poor
      0
      Terrible
      2

      Ben H
      Bulleen, Australia97 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We spent a very enjoyable morning walking round York with John, who was exceptionally entertaining and engaging with excellent knowledge of the history and architecture of York. We found that the experience of having a personally guided tour was very much worth the money. I’d strongly recommend John’s tour to anyone with a deep interest in the history of the city.
      Written 8 September 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.

      Kathryn G
      Arlington, VA4 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Sept 2024 • Family
      John was a great guide. He was very funny and animated while also clearly have a mastery of his area of scholarship and practice. He had some interesting insights and thoughts about debunking some commonly held beliefs and oft repeated stories about UK history and culture (but not in any way outlandish or offensive). He took us (not far) off the beaten path, as well as to all the things we were expecting to see. We felt entertained and educated.
      Written 21 September 2024
      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.

      toolonginexile
      Birmingham, UK201 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Mar 2024 • Couples
      On previous visits to York we have walked the city walls, enjoying the views it has to offer, without really knowing the history of the walls. We. decided to take the York City Walls tour. We turned up, on the day, without booking, for the 10.30 a.m. walking tour. We received a friendly greeting on arrival and waited for our tour guide, Tom, who was excellent. There is a small gift shop, with some nice souvenirs, and books on the history of York. Tom's expertise was archaeology and the history of York and we learned how important the city walls have been, and still are today, to the citizens of York. We were lucky to be the only two on the tour and learned so much of the history of the city walls, right up to modern times. The tour takes 60 minutes, during which we learned so much. Fascinating and fun. Value for Money, excellent, at £8.50 for us both!
      Written 22 March 2024
      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.

      Jonathan B
      Beccles, UK202 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      We walked the walls without a guide. The views of the city are amazing and you can get a feel how the city was in the past. There are some great photo opportunities of the along the way, just bear in mind that there are quite a few steps.
      This is a must do activity on a visit to your York, especially as it is free.
      Written 13 November 2024
      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
      1 contribution
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      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.
      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.

      Wardy
      Edinburgh, UK6 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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.
      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.

      Jaqueline M
      13 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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.

      Lee B
      Manchester, UK203 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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.

      Laurie V
      Houston, TX4 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      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.
      Laurie we will flag this for removal. As stated at the time we never received a booking from you. I fail to see what we can do when we never even received the booking request (nor payment) in the first place. I'm glad viator refunded you and was happy to assist you in this process as stated at the time. I therefore feel rating our tour as 1* when you haven't actually done the tour through no fault of ours is misplaced
      Written 24 December 2023
      This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

      Nigel F
      Aberdeen, UK97 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      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.

      Showing results 1-10 of 80
      *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

      York Walls Private Walking Tour

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