Embark on a guided tour from the dawn of Christianity to the birth of the Kit Kat. Experience the historic beauty of York’s city center and come across the Museum Gardens and York Minster.

PRICE: See Booking Site

 

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.

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

Includes:
Guide
Postcard map
Minster entrance fee

 

 

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