Top Activities on the Ground in York

With beautiful architecture and medieval history, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but pounding the sidewalks on foot takes time and effort. On this tour, hop into the saddle and spin through the city streets by bicycle, and hit top attractions like York Minster with ease. Follow safe routes inside and outside the ancient city walls, with your guide bringing York’s colorful Roman and Viking history to life.

Puzzle fans need look no further than this immersive York treasure hunt murder mystery, set in 1491, that’s sent to your phone (over the Telegram app) as a series of riddles. Discover classic sights and quirky delights as you unravel each cryptic clue, unlock the path to the next location—and bring the criminal to justice. You’ll cover around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers), with two optional pub breaks en route.

Explore the highlights of York without being stuck in a tour group on this self-guided treasure hunt. No need to carry a physical map, as all of the clues and maps can be accessed through your smartphone. Along the way, pass by top landmarks, and learn interesting stories about the city that you might discover otherwise.

An immersive adventure through York's past and present. Unravel cryptic clues as we take you on a journey through the city. Meet figures of myth and history, solve riddles, enjoy charming cafes and quirky pubs. Do you have what it takes to defeat ancient monsters and save the city? Work as a team to decode each clue and search for a nearby answer. All sent to your mobile phone via Telegram or Whatsapp (free on all app stores).

Uncover the charms of 1960s Yorkshire on a full-day tour from York, visiting film locations from classic British TV show Heartbeat. Admire the rugged scenery of the North Yorkshire Moors, get a taste of local life in villages like Pickering and Goathland, and visit the seaside resort of Whitby, also famous for its Dracula connections. Along the way, visit Heartbeat locations like Aidensfield Station, Bernie Scripps Garage and Funeral Parlour; stop for a drink at the Aidensfield Arms pub (own expense) and tuck into traditional fish and chips (own expense).

See a spookier side to York without the worry of getting lost during this guided ghost walk around the streets and snickelways (alleys) of the medieval city. Listen to your guide tell tales of York’s tragic past that you wouldn’t otherwise hear, ask questions along the way to learn more, and enjoy an atypical introduction to the city.

Experience York at its most atmospheric around sundown, after the tourist hordes have departed but before the night begins. This evening stroll hits the highlights, including York Minster, the City Walls and Shambles, but also takes you deep into the “Snickelways”, a medieval warren of secret passages, shortcuts and hidden alleys. Guides carry iPads with multimedia to bring the tour to life, while you’ll take home a map of York.

Don’t worry about getting lost in the winding streets of medieval York during this introductory tour of the city, ideal for first-time visitors and those with limited time in the region. See several York highlights—including St Mary’s Abbey, York Minster, and The Shambles—without worrying about directions, while benefiting from the insight of your guide throughout.

Uncover the medieval marvels of historic York on a bespoke walking tour with a private guide. Learn about York’s rich history as you walk around the centuries-old walls, pose for photos with a backdrop of the city or visit the wall museums (not included). Your private tour is yours to customize as you please, so you could also pay a visit to York Castle, stroll down the atmospheric The Shambles or take a peek inside the magnificent York Minster.

Delve into the dark recesses of York’s history on this evening ghost bus tour. With your spooky local guide, visit notorious local haunts of restless spirits, and pass eerie sites such as York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the grave of Dick Turpin, infamous highwayman and murderer. Throughout the tour, hear anecdotes and fascinating facts about York’s grisly past, and make key stops for a closer look at the city’s most haunted buildings. 

Skip the standard group tours and enjoy an alternative history of York during this award-winning, immersive guided tour of the city. Pass by top attractions—such as the Shambles and Jorvik Viking Centre—as you listen to your guide tell tales of witches, queens, and murderers that you wouldn’t hear on most other tours.

With rich Roman and Viking history, and beautiful architecture, York is widely considered among England’s must-see cities—but exploring independently means you may miss its hidden secrets. On this tour, follow your private guide through historic York and find out what makes the city special. Explore top attractions like Clifford's Tower, the Jorvik Viking Centre, the Roman walls, and St Mary’s Abbey, and enjoy sweeping views along the River Ouse.

Take the helm of your own boat and explore the river that brought the Vikings to the beautiful City of York by hiring a self-drive boat. They are fantastic fun, safe and easy to drive. Suitable for up to 6 passengers.

You don’t have to join a tour group to discover York. This audio walking tour lets you set the pace and pick up and drop the route when it suits you. Hit all the signatures—York Minster, Stonegate, Mansion House, the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world—and more. The app works online or offline, including geodata, so you won’t need to waste money on roaming charges.

Self-guided Travel Exploration Experience - 1 ticket allows up to 15 Family & Friends! - Over 100 Destinations & Challenges - Win Prizes* - Avoid Crowds, Kid Friendly, Hidden Gems - Start & Finish anytime - 100% Free Cancellation Our York themed scavenger hunt is a truly innovative way to travel and explore. Simple to use, great fun, and the best way to discover places and experiences you may never find alone. Take the stress out of planning your day trip with this perfect blend of challenge, fun and learning. Utilising seamless GPS technology, you choose where you begin, decide your route, take breaks, and when and where you finish. With hundreds of destinations and challenges displayed on your screen, you can attempt to visit them all (earning points and prizes) or simply enjoy the journey at your own pace. Whether exploring by car, on foot around town, or hiking across the countryside, our GPS technology guides you every step of the way. Make your day out an adventure! *T&Cs