The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group
5
The Best of York on Foot in a Small Group
By Yorktour
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
About
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 8 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Written guide: English
Print or digital reading material such as a guide, map, brochure, etc.
More
- Complementary map of York
- Multimedia illustrations accompany the tour - all guides carry iPads
- Personalised greeting sign at the meeting point
What's not included- Entrance fees: the tour is outdoors and does not include museums or the interior of the cathedral.
- Entry/Admission - York Minster
- Start:
- York YO1 7DS, UKWe will be in the square in front of the central library - York Explore Library and Archive, Museum Street YO1 7DS The guide will have a sign with your name so you should be able to find us (please don't join any tour that does not have your name displayed as it won't be ours)!
End:- Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate, York YO1, UKThe tour ends in the heart of town at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, at the end of the Shambles.
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pushchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 180288P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travellers
- 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: 180288P1
From
â‚ą2,226.69
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- York YO1 7DS, UKWe will be in the square in front of the central library - York Explore Library and Archive, Museum Street YO1 7DS The guide will have a sign with your name so you should be able to find us (please don't join any tour that does not have your name displayed as it won't be ours)!
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate, York YO1, UKThe tour ends in the heart of town at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, at the end of the Shambles.
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- South_Georgia_boy0 contributionsInformed and pleasant guideWe had a GREAT tour with Sarah. She is so personable, she puts you at ease. Clearly she is very knowledgeable about York. We enjoyed the easy tour at a time of day when the hustle and bustle was over. She made it informative and fun!Written 26 April 2024
- D5321ZTjennar0 contributionsGreat Tour of York!This tour was amazing! Sarah was so informative, engaging, and accommodating. There were only 3 of us and she really went out of her way to answer all of our questions and make sure we saw and learned all of York that we wanted to. I can’t recommend this tour company or Sarah enough.Written 21 February 2024
- delligill0 contributionsTerrific, informative, friendly walking tour with a great guideReally enjoyable, friendly and informative walking tour with Sarah, as part of a small group (there were 5 of us on the tour). Sarah couldn’t have been more welcoming, friendly and informative. We learnt a lot about Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Viking and medieval York with just the right amount of detail. It never became even remotely boring! We couldn’t recommend this tour highly enough for an introduction to York and its remarkable history.Written 27 January 2024
- Voyager488533025570 contributionsGreat tour!Such an enjoyable introduction to York. The guide was very knowledgeable and being in a small group allowed us to ask questions as we went. Would recommend!Written 24 November 2023
- Claire B0 contributionsI now know why york is a walled cityAlfred was a good guy. Super friendly and full of knowledge. Would definitely recommend this tour with Alfred!. Learned a lot of things that I didn’t know despite many school trips!Written 18 July 2023
- LizB9180 contributionsSuperb guided walk of YorkOur 2hr walking tour was superb👏 Sara had so much historical knowledge and planned our route related to important information very well. It was just my husband and I which was great and we had time to ask lots of questions. By the time we’d finished we felt as though we’d not only achieved York’s story, but had achieved a new frind in Sara! Such a lovely friendly person. Both she and her husband Alfred communicated with us very well prior to our arrival in York. I would thoroughly recommend their guidance.Written 14 June 2023
- Iantherealone0 contributionsFriendly Informative & Enjoyable Tour of YorkFriendly, informative & very enjoyable tour of York. A great insight into the evolution of York from its early beginnings to the present day. Would thoroughly recommend this experience.Written 7 April 2023
- howardj3080 contributionsFirst class personal tour of YorkA fascinating insight into both the historical and personal forces that shaped York . Alfred was entertaining , knowledgeable and reactive . He knows his history and pulled it all together effortlessly. If you want your eyes open to why and how York evolved , this is a must do .Written 17 March 2023
- Nicole H0 contributionsAlfred's tour of York should not be missed!What a fantastic tour! Alfred our guide was brilliant. His knowledge of York's history was incredible and he took us on a tour of the city that showed us how unique and fascinating York is. His stories were so entertaining and informative and made me see York in a completely different light. I cannot recommend him highly enough! Book a tour with Alfred, you will be delighted, it's best two hours you will have in York!Written 4 October 2022
- Jo-Anna I0 contributionsCity Highlights Small Groups Walking GroupSarah was really friendly and knowledgeable. A wealth of information and fascinating insights into Roman, Anglo-Saxon, Norman and Tudor history of the city as well as funny anecdotes and legends. We've been to York a number of times of the last few years but this was the first time we'd been on a proper tour. Was definitely worth the money!Written 26 September 2022
- ndnyct0 contributionsOutstanding!!We absolutely loved our tour of York with Alfred!! From the very beginning Alfred made the tour fun, interesting and engaging for everyone in our group, from our three kids (ages 7, 10 and 12) to my 74 year old father. We had communicated in advance some background about ourselves, and Alfred remembered all of our details which made the experience that much more personable. Alfred is extremely knowledgeable on the history, architecture, "hidden secrets" and basically every aspect of York, the UK and beyond. Our tour wove together the ancient history of York to the present day in a cohesive and fascinating story. Alfred complimented the sights we saw with some images on an ipad and in books, which provided another interesting dimension, especially for the kids. Alfred even shared with us some of his personal experiences growing up in the city which the kids also loved. We truly felt that all the sights and stories we learned of York could not have been found in a book or travel guide. A truly memorable experience – highly recommend – thank you Alfred!Written 29 August 2022
- Mike9239_120 contributionsUncovering the fascinating history of YorkPrior to our visit, Alfred contacted us to arrange pickup from our hotel and agreed to move the start time by an hour to accommodate us. The two hours passed amazingly quickly as Alfred had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the City and tailored the tour to fit our interests which he had assimilated very quickly. This meant that we could go into much deeper level of detail of the origins of the City and the impact the various periods of history had on it! His delivery of the subject matter was very engaging and amusing. Cannot believe how much knowledge we packed into the 2-hour Tour. We cannot emphasise the benefits of this one-to-one tour in getting a much deeper appreciation of the beautiful city of York. Alfred is a wonderful host – so cannot recommend highly enough this private tour for your visit.Written 17 June 2022
- 928felicityg0 contributionsA must-do walking tour of YorkOur guide Alfred (who owns YorkTour) was a fantastic guide. Our family group included our 15 year old daughter and my 89 year old mum (in a wheelchair) and we all found the tour really interesting and enjoyable. Alfred tailored the walk to suit the wheelchair but I don’t think we missed out on anything because of it. York within the city walls is mostly flat and not very big so we managed to see and learn a lot in the 2 hours. Alfred’s love of his home city is obvious. Can’t recommend YorkTour highly enough.Written 15 June 2022
- HenryCrabbe0 contributionsYork RevisitedWe had an amazing informative 2 hour of York. The guide was interesting and informative, and encouraged a two way dialogue. Thoroughly recommended.Written 28 April 2022
- 472vikkic0 contributionsA great introduction to YorkOur party of four greatly enjoyed our walking tour of York with Alfred. He is extremely knowledgeable about the history and architecture of York and skilled at conveying his knowledge in an entertaining but thoughtful manner. He was patient answering our multiple questions. It was great having a small group. The tour helped us to become familiar with York so we could decide which areas we wanted to explore later in the day. I would highly recommend it.Written 18 April 2022
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.
Contribute
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.
Popular mentions
5.0
438 reviews
Excellent
427
Very good
11
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
plenty84
London5 contributions
Feb 2023
I booked this as the first activity on my visit to York for the first time and I can honestly say it provided the best start for me to further explore the city as a solo traveller. The tour guide, Sarah was very communicative in the days beforehand informing me on the meeting point and what to look out for.
When I met her she was very welcoming and friendly and very accommodating. The group I joined happened to be a very small one, just myself and a couple (also from London). We walked around part of the city for 90 minutes but took in many of the main attractions, all the while Sarah was taking questions from us about other areas and was able to give personal advice and recommendations on where to go afterwards. I took on some of those recommendations afterwards which really added to my experience of York.
I would highly recommend going with Sarah and her tour company if you want to see York from a more local perspective, and pick up some wonderful tips on places to go. Even though it's a walking tour it's not very tiring, and you can go at your own pace. And above all, Sarah was very friendly and welcoming and you could tell she wanted you to enjoy the city just as much as she does.
When I met her she was very welcoming and friendly and very accommodating. The group I joined happened to be a very small one, just myself and a couple (also from London). We walked around part of the city for 90 minutes but took in many of the main attractions, all the while Sarah was taking questions from us about other areas and was able to give personal advice and recommendations on where to go afterwards. I took on some of those recommendations afterwards which really added to my experience of York.
I would highly recommend going with Sarah and her tour company if you want to see York from a more local perspective, and pick up some wonderful tips on places to go. Even though it's a walking tour it's not very tiring, and you can go at your own pace. And above all, Sarah was very friendly and welcoming and you could tell she wanted you to enjoy the city just as much as she does.
Written 20 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.
Thanks so much for such a full and considered response! We’re really pleased to think we appeal to solo travellers and will never cancel if there’s only one person booked - but even at full capacity we have a limit of 8 to make sure the experience is as you described. Thanks again - it was lovely meeting you Sarah
Written 27 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Vicky G
Norwich, UK3 contributions
A great morning spent with Alfred, thank you. He was very engaging and delivered lots of information in a relatively short space of time. He took the time to get to know his audience and cleverly made the whole experience interactive. If you are thinking of doing a walking tour, do this one.
Written 22 April 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.
Thanks so much Vicky - we do try to make the tour interactive and get to know everyone, so we keep the groups sizes small and personable enough. We much prefer it that way! Alfred
Written 30 April 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
k M
12 contributions
Having seen large tour groups in cities where it appears that most cannot see or hear the guide, I really liked that this was a small group tour. Sarah was clear where we should meet and followed this up a couple of hours before the tour began to ensure we knew where we were going. We are a family of 4, and there were 8 people in our tour group. Sarah learned all our names and engaged our history-loving teen in discussion. She took us around parts of the city we otherwise wouldn't have seen and gave a good-level of detail, so that those of us who know a bit of the appropriate histories beforehand and those of us who did not, all enjoyed the tour. She also gave some recommendations, which we happily followed up the next day.
Written 20 August 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.
Thank you SO much for a) joining the tour and b) taking the time to write such a considered and helpful response! Yes, there are many tours in York where you will find yourself at the back of 20-odd people and we really try to provide an alternative to that. We also really appreciate that kids enjoy the tours - the truth is far more compelling than somebody spinning supernatural nonsense in a silly hat … (I really would find dressing as a witch not a good look) Sarah
Written 21 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lizzie
Newton Solney, UK13 contributions
This was a great experience. With just a small group our guide created a great atmosphere and through story telling was able to bring to life the bones of the city as well as show us the modern life of the city. Excellent tour and would recommend to all!
Written 10 August 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.
Dawn
Radcliffe on Trent, UK1 contribution
This was our first visit to York and we were curious to learn about the city. Alfred was an extremely knowledgable and charismatic guide who could hold the attention of and inform his audience. In just 90 minutes we learnt some of the most interesting and quirky facts about the city. He was more than able to answer our questions and demonstrated a breadth and depth of historical knowledge. Highly recommend.
Written 4 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.
Thanks so much for the lovely comments and glad that this was your introduction to the city - very best Alfred
Written 10 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hollybutterfly
Syracuse, NY12 contributions
Alfred was a master tour guide! Shared his enthusiasm for his home town and the historical context of York to allow us to fully understand and appreciate the city. Really, really enjoyed this tour!
Written 14 August 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.
Many thanks - it’s interesting that storytelling is subjective as the commentator below was less enthusiastic: but we really try to make the tours personal and most of our guests seem to prefer that
Written 21 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue B
24 contributions
Best of York in a small group tour (8 people) was the perfect way to learn the history of the city . Sarah the tour guide was very knowledgeable and being a smaller group we were able to ask questions and hear her talk about all things York. I would highly recommend this tour.
Written 22 August 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.
Hi Sue, well keeping the groups small and personable keeps it lively and interesting for us because the questions and conversations will always be different - we do think it's the participants who make each tour distinctive as much as we do thanks so much for taking part. Very best Sarah
Written 18 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
julie h
5 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
Fantastic tour. Our guide Alfred was extremely knowledgeable and very informative. He was very engaging and happy to answer any questions we had. As first time visitors to York, the tour covered the history of the city and made us appreciate where we were all the more. It is a level walk at an easy pace and the smaller group which it advertises ( there was 8 in our group) made it easy to hear everything Alfred was saying and the questions others were asking . I would highly recommend this tour. York you didn’t disappoint and we will return!
Written 4 December 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.
Thanks so much - yes we really do promise a small group, personal experience (there are plenty of other options in York which will leave you struggling to hear at the back)
Written 15 December 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nelly Ortiz
London, UK9 contributions
Jun 2021 • Family
Alfred is pleasant, very knowledgeable and entertaining. A fantastic guide! The 1.5 hour tour was great, I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know history and lots of fun facts of this beautiful city. I could only make a small suggestion: to be walking around a bit more in the ruins of the Abbey while we listened to Alfred, and similarly to be walking around the privately owned garden grounds around it as he described the ancient walls and the first roman settlements. I realise it’s challenging to do this on the hottest day of the year! I know he was looking for shady spots for us! It’s also challenging to walk and talk, since he’d want to ensure everyone is able to listen but younger people (we had 2 teenagers) might want to look around a bit more, even if they don’t catch every bit of information.
I still thoroughly recommend it. Alfred is the author of a history book of York, so if you are looking for someone who knows his topic, he’s the one!
I still thoroughly recommend it. Alfred is the author of a history book of York, so if you are looking for someone who knows his topic, he’s the one!
Written 2 June 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.
Hi Nelly - thanks for the kind response and will take your points on board Alfred
Written 2 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John W
11 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We took the Story of York Walking Tour with Farrah as our guide on a drizzly day and it was fabulous. Farrah’s knowledge of York’s amazing history was so impressive and she was a delight to be with. Due to the light rain our group of 4 were the only ones to show up so we were treated to a personal tour and Farrah brought the city’s old and modern history alive for us. Highly recommend this tour! Otherwise you’re just walking around with no back history or understanding of the significance of what you are seeing. Thank you so much Farrah.
Written 5 October 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.
Hi this is Ferah - delighted you were able to brave the rain! (Important point - we never cancel and will ALWAYS go ahead whatever the conditions) But the fact you enjoyed it delisted the weather's best efforts is particularly pleasing so many thanks!
Written 7 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi! I’ll be in York on the 11th and the 12th and would really like to join this specific tour, as it seems to be the most informative one. I see there’s no availability during these dates, I’m a solo traveller, is there any way to help me with getting in this tour? (:
Written 2 February 2025
Not really sure tbh. The walk does a lot of stop-start activity - all outside - so there is no reason why someone with a dog could not join the walk.
However, not sure about whether guide would want dogs. You need to ask this question of the company
Written 8 April 2022
What time does this tour start at?
Written 27 February 2022
El tour es en inglés o puede ser en
español??
Written 28 January 2020
Hi there,
Just wondering what time the tour starts?
Thanks!
Written 10 December 2019
We had booked the 2pm slot but I think there was an earlier one in the day around 10am.
Written 5 March 2020
Hi, I will be in Leeds and plan to go to York in the afternoon and head to Liverpool the next day, would it be posible to do the tour on Dec 14th evening?
Written 20 November 2019
Visiting York Sat 3 Aug and looking for a walking tour suitable for my girls 6 and 10. Does your tour suit or is it mainly history and buildings at adult level? Any of the more gruesome elements included Horrible History style? Thanks
Written 1 August 2019
Alfred Hickling
York, United Kingdom
Dear Nikki - we're always delighted to have children on the walks and include the gory details!
Written 3 August 2019
Showing results 1-8 of 8
Buy it with
Top rated
*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.