England · YORK TOURS & ACTIVITIES

The 15 Best Things to Do in York

65 tours  ·  ★★★★★★★★★★ 4.8 average  ·  from $16.64

3.Ghost Bus Tour of York

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 2,404 reviews · 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $27.56

Ghost Bus Tour of York on a classic Routemaster with stops at Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and Dick Turpin’s grave, plus a pub break.

“I expected the tour to be stories of the paranormal etc but most of it was done as a joke. I couldn't tell if the places and events were real or not. We got off the bus at one point, this was dangerous as we had to follow the guide over a busy road at night. There was no attempt at safety to ensure everyone was back on the bus. Not in the least scarey, too much emphasis on jokes.”

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4.Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,403 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $18.03

Walk York at dusk on a guided ghost tour, from the Minster edges to Shambles, with spooky, funny stories and great value.

“Walk around the city for approximately 90 minutes. Some interesting stories but couldn’t always understand what the tour guide was saying.”

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5.Private Historical Walking Tour of York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,324 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $195.60

Private 2-3 hour walking tour of York’s Minster, abbey, Shambles, and York Castle, tailored to your group with optional pickup.

“Chris is a wonderfully talented guide. His depth of knowledge is extraordinary. We can't recommend his tour highly enough.”

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6.Daytime Sightseeing Boat Cruise in York

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,256 reviews · 45 minutes (approx.) · from $20.72

A 45 to 60 minute River Ouse cruise in York with live captain commentary, handy onboard toilets, and views of York Minster and Clifford’s Tower.

“Quick river tour if you have limited time. Nice commentary, and hot and cold beverages are available.”

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7.York Dungeon Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,108 reviews · 1 to 2 hours (approx.) · from $26.34

Skip the line at York Dungeon with a mobile ticket time slot. Interactive live shows, dark local stories, and rides in about 1-2 hours.

“Great actors living the moment !. Putting selected customers on the spot , all with good humour. Be prepared to mix in and enjoy the experience.”

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8.Wizard Walk of York – WINNER Best Tour & Best of York Award

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 918 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $16.64Best value

A 75-minute wizard-led walk around York for families. Magic tricks, comedy, and playful stops near Shambles and York Minster.

“An enjoyable hour or so, with fun magic for the children and corny jokes for the adults, the time passed quickly as we moved around the centre of York. There was not too much walking and many stops for explanations and fun.”

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11.Guided Bike Tour in York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 592 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $41.61

A 2 to 2.5 hour guided bike tour of York, hitting York Minster, the city walls, and key Roman and Viking sites.

“Probably the best tour we have ever been on! The guide Cecil is seasoned and informative and truly knows the history of York! 10 of 10 in the tour rating scale!”

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12.City Sightseeing York Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 545 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $23.58

Hop on and off York’s medieval walls on a 24-hour bus pass with audio commentary, 20 stops, and easy self-paced sightseeing.

“We really enjoyed the tour. York is such a beautiful, historic city! The tour bus helped us see a broad range of sights in one afternoon. Our live tour guide on our first circuit was outstanding - much better than the recorded “guide” we had on a second partial circuit.”

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13.J & M York City Walking Tours

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 480 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $18.02

A 2-hour guided walk through York’s walls, Minster, Shambles, and Castle stories, priced affordably with optional museum add-ons.

“Nick provided us with some very interesting information about York and was the highlight of our day.”

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14.Shared Walking Tour in York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 480 reviews · 1 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $20.80

Walk York’s historic center car-free with David Daw, from Minster Yard to Shambles Market, with Museum Gardens included and a small-group feel.

“Dave, our tour guide was terrific. He was extremely knowledgeable, always accommodating what the group wanted, knew everyone and adapted the pace to what the group wanted. If you want to know about York, I highly recommend this tour.🤗”

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