Hello York!

A Free Walking Tour Around York

Join me on a free guided walking tour around York, England's most historic city. It’s the perfect way to get familiar with the main landmarks and discover nearly 2000 years of history.Starting at York Minster we will travel along the city’s beautiful old winding streets including Stonegate and The Shambles. We then explore the history of the Vikings at Jorvik and the Normans at Clifford’s Tower. The tour finishes at the Museum Gardens which has everything from Roman remains to the ruins of a medieval abbey.

The free walking tour lasts around 90 minutes and is approximately 2 miles (3 kilometres) long. Tours run from June to September on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 and 13:30. Spaces are limited so please book in advance.

About Your Guide

Hello! I’m James and I run Hello York! Originally from Lancaster, I have lived in York for the past few years and love the layers of history that intertwine in our small and picturesque city.Outside of my tours you can find me travelling around Europe or playing music in one of the city’s many pubs - there’s over 365 (one for every day of the year!)

Photo of James who runs the Free York Walking Tour

Reviews

Gabriella ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
James is an excellent guide, he showed us the main touristic spots and was very professional , nice an kind, as well as well informed. Thank you, James!
Hector ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
The Best free tour I have ever taken in My whole life. James knows everything about York's history
Teresa ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
James was a wonderful guide: enthusiastic, knowledgeable, interesting warm and friendly. His guided walk has made our trip to York special and should be part of everyone’s visit!
Benjamin ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
We do free tours in every city we visit and James was honestly one of the best! He had fantastic knowledge to the city and its history! You could tell he really loves York! He was also ever so kind to really care about us and spent the walking parts of the tour getting to know us to personalise the tour even further! I could recommend James any more! Thank you!
These reviews are a short selection of several dozen left on GuruWalk see more reviews here

Why Take A Free Walking Tour?

York is made to be explored on foot. The city centre is incredibly compact and is full of narrow winding streets. You really need to have boots on the ground to appreciate all that the city has to offer!So, what better way to discover the city and learn about its history than from a friendly local? I'll show you the main landmarks and offer suggestions for restaurants, museums and activities.A free walking tour provides the perfect way to get to know York and help you to make the most of your time here.

A Tour That Gives Back

York is a beautiful city visited by millions of tourists each year but it is not without it's problems. This walking tour seeks to help change that and support the local community that is the backbone of the city.That's why I give 10% of all tips received on the tour to a local York based charity called Restore who provide accommodation to people who would otherwise be homeless. You can learn more about Restore on their website.By joining this tour and giving a tip at the end you are helping to better the lives of the people in the city and make a real positive difference to the world.

Where Does The Tour Go?

The free walking tour starts at the Roman Column next to York Minster and travels clockwise around the city. It is 2 miles (3 kilometres) long and takes around 90 minutes. You can see a full route map below, I've also listed 8 of my favourite stops along the route with accompanying photos.

Map showing the route of the Free Walking Tour in York. Starting at the Roman Column it goes clockwise around the city finishing in Exhibition Square

© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1. York Minster And The Roman Column

The tour starts outside of York Minster next to the Roman Column. It’s the perfect place to understand how York’s story began with the arrival of the Romans in 71 AD and the important role the city played in their occupation of Britain. You can also marvel at York Minster, the country's largest Gothic Cathedral.

Photo of the Roman Column and York Minster

2. Stonegate

We then take a stroll down Stonegate which is one of York’s oldest streets and was originally the Roman's main road through the city. It is said to be the birthplace of Guy Fawkes who plotted with 12 other men to assassinate King James I by blowing up the Houses of Parliament.

Photo of Stonegate in York

3. The Barley Hall & A Snickelway

The Barley Hall was built in 1360 by monks from a nearby priory who wanted to visit the city. It is something most tourists miss as it is only accessible via a Snickelway. A Snickelway for the uninitiated is a word unique to York and means a narrow street. The term comes from a fantastic book called the Snickelways of York.

Photo of a Snickleway leading towards the Barley Hall in York

4. The Shambles

The Shambles is perhaps the most famous street in York and with good reason. This road dates back to the Doomsday Book and was for a long time a street of butchers. Now it is known for Harry Potter and looks strikingly like Diagon Alley. You’ll get plenty of time here to admire the lopsided buildings and pose for photos.

Photo of the Shambles in York

5. Clifford's Tower

Clifford’s Tower has a history extending almost a thousand years. Originally built as one of two castles by the Normans it is a great example of a motte and bailey castle. It has a dramatic history and was the scene of mass suicide, civil war and latterly a prison.

Photo of Clifford's Tower in York

6. The River Ouse

We then take a walk along the banks of the river Ouse, York’s largest river. Here you can still see evidence of York’s industrial past with many historic warehouses lining the water’s edge. I'll also give you a recommendation of some nice evening riverside strolls to get away from the busy crowds.

Photo of The River Ouse in York

7. St.Helen's Square

After a short journey along Coney Street we arrive at St. Helen’s Square. This square contains some of the city's most beautiful and important buildings. Including the York Mansion House and Betty’s Tea Room. It was also the location of Roman York’s south eastern gate.

Photo of St.Helen's Square in York

8. The Yorkshire Museum Gardens

The Yorkshire Museum Gardens are perhaps York’s most beautiful park. Containing over 4,000 different species of flora, it was created in the 19th Century as a place for botany, science and to house the Yorkshire Museum. It also contains buildings from throughout York’s history including a Roman Wall and the ruins of St.Mary’s Abbey.

Photo of St. Mary's Abbey Ruin in the Yorkshire Museum Gardens

Why Visit York?

Naturally I am biased but York is truly the most beautiful, safe and historic city in the North of England. There are a dozen reasons I could give as to why you should come but here are my top four.

1. So Much History

King George VI once said that "The history of York is the history of England". We have it all! From Romans to Vikings, Tudors to The Industrial Revolution. If you have even the slightest interest in history - York is a must!

2. Made For Walkers

The city centre of York is really small - around only 1 mile across. But it is packed full of historical buildings, pubs, restaurants and parks. The centre is almost entirely pedestrianised which makes it a dream to wander around and soak in the atmosphere.

3. Well Connected

York has direct train connections to almost every major city in England and Scotland. Thanks to the East Coast Mainline it is just under 2 hours to London and 3 hours to Edinburgh. This makes it a great midway point between the two capitals and a rest from their busy pace. To book tickets I'd suggest using The Trainline.

4. Incredible Food

York receives around 8 million tourists each year from all around the world. That means we have restaurants and food from every corner of the globe. From Moroccan to Nepalese, Argentinian to Korean and everything in between!

Make The Most Out Of Your Stay In York

There is so much to do in York and never enough time so here are four tips for making the most of your time in York.

1. Booking Is Essential

York is an incredibly popular tourist destination and so it's best to book in advance. This is especially true at weekends, in the Summer, around Halloween and at Christmas. I'd recommend booking restaurants, museums and activities at least one week in advance.

2. Consider The York Pass

The York Pass gives you access to many of the city's main museums and activities. You can buy a one, two or three day pass. If you are planning to do a lot of the activities they offer it might be wise to get the pass. You can buy The York Pass here.

3. It's Not Made For Cars

The traffic can be quite slow in York especially if you are driving into the city centre. I would suggest getting the train into the city where possible. If you are driving you might want to use the Park and Ride as parking in the centre can be expensive.

4. Early Birds Get The Best Views

If you are staying over in York make sure you set your alarm and go out for a walk early on (7 - 9 AM). At this point in the day many of the city's best sights are completely empty. Especially The Shambles which later on in the day is packed from top to bottom with tourists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins outside York Minster next to the Roman Column. I will be carrying a large light blue umbrella.

When does the tour run?

The tour runs from June to September on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 and 13:30. Please arrive 10 minutes in advance. Places are limited so please book in advance.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts for approximately 90 minutes and is around 2 miles (3 kilometres) in distance

What will I see on the tour?

The free walking tour covers the main tourist sites of York. These include: York Minster, Stonegate, The Shambles, Clifford’s Tower, The River Ouse, St. Helen’s Square, The Yorkshire Museum Gardens, St. Mary’s Abbey, and Exhibition Square.

Is the tour really free?

Yes the tour is free and there is no obligation to give me a tip. Should you wish to give me a tip there will be an opportunity to do so at the end either by cash or card. Most people tend to give around £10 - £20 per person but this is completely your choice.

Can I cancel the booking?

Of course! Just let me know if you can’t make it, please try to do this as soon as possible as it will allow us to give your space to someone else.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

This is England so be prepared for a little rain! I would recommend a waterproof coat / umbrella. If the weather is bad I may cancel the tour. I will let you know ahead of time if this is the case.

Something else?

Have a question I've not covered about the Free Walking Tour in York or about planning your trip to the city? Please get in touch and I'll be happy to help.

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