free walking tours york

The Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York

York’s Original & Most Popular

Free Walking Tour

The State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

As a mark of respect for the State Funeral of our late Queen all tours are suspended on Monday 19th September 2022

The Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG) offer daily free 2-hour walking tours to visitors from all over the world.

We have been offering complimentary guided tours around York since 1951.

Our team of 80+ local expert guides take great pleasure in showcasing our beautiful city, and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our regular twice-daily tours.

Tours begin at 10.30am & 1.15pm and run every day except Christmas Day.

Our tours are free; there is no need to offer a tip.

PRE-BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

Joining Our Tours

Our daily tours begin at 10.30am & 1.15pm

For the enjoyment and safety of our visitors, tour numbers are limited to 30 visitors per tour and so pre-booking is recommended.

BOOK YOUR TOUR HERE

Our complimentary tours are intended for individuals, couples and small groups of family/friends, and tickets are limited to a maximum of 6 people per booking. Our tours are NOT available for commercial tour groups – other commercial tour guide services can be found via the VisitYork website.

Organised bonafide educational tour groups can book in advance using the Group Booking Form.

Wheelchair users are very welcome but please check with your guide on duty about the route as there are some areas especially on the City Walls where access may be difficult or impossible. Guides will be as flexible as possible about accommodating you.

There are two guides on duty for each of our twice-daily tours, and we typically split the full group into two smaller tours. Please try to arrive 5 minutes before the start of your tour, so our guides have time to greet you and arrange the tour groups.

Please note: We reserve the right to cancel the tour should circumstances, in the judgement of the guides on duty, be such that it is not safe to undertake it. We also reserve the right to refuse any individual who cannot or will not observe the safety precautions.

Tour Start Point

All our tours depart from outside York City Art Gallery in Exhibition Square and last approximately 2 hours.

Meet your guide between the William Etty statue, and Kings Manor Entrance Gates in front of the Art Gallery, look out for our Tour Times ‘A’ Board which is the starting point and located near the entrance to Kings Manor.

York Art Gallery, Exhibition Square

Tour End Point The final part of the tour takes us to York’s oldest street, the Shambles .

Our daily tours are absolutely FREE and, unlike some other advertised tours, there’s really no need for a tip at the end!

Our daily tours are intended for individuals, couples and small groups of family/friends only., organised tour groups should not just turn up to our daily tours. we offer tours designed for larger educational groups, (not commercial operators) so please book ahead using our group booking form on our contact us page or use the button below., are you interested in becoming a guide with the avg.

The Association of Voluntary Guides (AVG) has been offering free tours of the City of York for over 70 years and to ensure we can continue to offer this service well into the future, we are always interested in welcoming new members to join our team of Guides.

or use the QR code with your mobile device

A few of our Tour Highlights

Multangular Tower

Museum Gardens

St. Mary’s Abbey

The Kings Manor

Bootham Bar

The Bar Walls

Treasurer’s House

York Minster

St. William’s College

Holy Trinity Goodramgate

The Shambles

have experienced our tours

of touring the City of York

have participated in our tours

leading our tours 364 days a year

Some of our most Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book?

Tour numbers are limited per guide, so we recommend that tours be booked in advance at this link Book Online . Once you have your ticket (there’s no need to print it out, a mobile version is fine), please arrive at the meeting point at Exhibition Square at least 5 minutes before the designated start time.

If you were not able to pre-book, you may turn at the meeting point up at the start of a tour and, subject to availability, we will try to accommodate you on a tour.

Where does the tour start?

All tours depart from outside York City Art Gallery in Exhibition Square .

Simply meet your guide by our ‘tour times’ board next to the William Etty statue and the fountains outside the Art Gallery.

Don’t forget your face mask.

Where does the tour end?

The final part of the tour takes us to York’s oldest street, the Shambles. (During Covid-19 restrictions the end point will vary depending on circumstances on the day, your guide will advise).

How much does a standard tour cost?

The tours are FREE and entirely without charge, the volunteer’s reward is showing the beauty of the City to as many people as possible.

Some of our most recent feedback

I recently enjoyed an AVG tour of York (May 24, 1:15) and want to tell the organizers how much I appreciate the tour guide (Sandra I think. An 80 year old dynamo with an encyclopedia-mind and lots of interesting opinions). Your program, if this is any indication, will receive rave reviews from me, and from my sister, who traveled with me. Thank you so very much. — Brenda Niskala Canada , 31st May 2024

We had a wonderful experience. The tour is very interesting and bring you around the best spots in the city of York. Martin was an amazing guide, keeping us entertained while telling us about York’s history and monuments. This an amazing (free) and interesting opportunity to get to know such beautiful city. A must-do! — Fab , 27th May 2024

Richard was knowledgeable and enhanced our tour with some humor and great stories. We learned learned things we would not have discovered on our own! — Sally and Bob , 28th May 2024

The TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence designation recognizes attractions that consistently earn great TripAdvisor reviews from travellers. The Certificate of Excellence accounts for the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by travellers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period.

Our Tours Start Here

Tour start address

York City Art Gallery Exhibition Square York YO1 7EW

Where to meet

Meet your tour guide outside City Art Gallery next to the William Etty statue.

Private Tours
Testimonials

White Rose York Tours

Home of York's finest free tour – Daily at 11am and 3pm

Step into History in the Capital of the North

Join us every day at 11am (and 3pm from april to october), under the tree opposite the main entrance of york minster, close to bennett’s tea rooms. just look for our sign and the guide in the blue tee-shirt..

Advance booking for our tours is not necessary, however we will happily accept bookings if you want to guarantee a place on the tour. Please contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone or text on 07792 207679 if you would like to book your place on a tour. We will hold any pre-booked places until the tour start time.

“The best walking tour I have ever experienced”

That’s according to one of the many excellent reviews our guests have left us on Tripadvisor and other review sites. In our first six months we went from being a brand new company to being the highest rated historical walking tour company in York, and second highest rated tour of all. And we did it by emphasising quality over quantity. Unlike some free walking tour companies, we don’t cram guests onto the tour and herd them around like cattle behind students reciting a script. Our guides are historians and history enthusiasts, and we try to keep our groups small enough that everyone feels like they have had a personal experience, and we take a leisurely pace because we believe York is a city to be savoured, not hurried.

Stepping through the streets of York is like taking a tour through all of England’s history. The Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and Normans all remade the city to their own purposes. The Tudors and the Stuarts made themselves welcome here. The Wars of the Roses and the English Civil War left their mark. For two thousand years, York has been at the heart of the nation’s affairs, and our self-employed guides will bring that history to life as they lead you through lush parks and narrow lanes, past grand churches and palaces and ruined castles and abbeys and along the historic city walls. Come with us on our walking tour, and you will understand why they call this city the Capital of the North.

What’s On The Free Tour?

On our free tour of York you will see and hear the history of one of the most fascinating cities in Britain or anywhere else in the world, in the company of one of our expert guides. Our free tour includes:

York Minster and the Liberty of St Peter
City Walls and Gatehouses
St Mary’s Abbey and the Museum Gardens
The Shambles
York Castle
Roman and Viking Invasions
Catholic Saints and Martyrs
English Kings and Queens
Dick Turpin and the truth about the Moonlight Ride

The tour commences every morning (year round) at 11am and every afternoon from April to October at 3pm. All our tours start outside the West Entrance of York Minster (the end with the two towers), under the tree on the wide pavement opposite the groups entrance and close to Bennett’s Tea Rooms . Just look for our sign, or for the guides in our distinctive blue “White Rose York” tee-shirts. Our friendly and helpful guides are there to help get you registered on the tour and answer any other questions you may have.

There is no need to book in advance, however if you would like to let us know you are coming so we can keep an eye out for you and provide you with a warm welcome, please feel free to use the form on our contact us page, letting us know which tour you would like to join and the number in your party. We would love to hear from you.

How It All Works

The Free Tour movement is the fastest growing sector of the tourist industry. All across Europe, and now all across the world, free tours are springing up in every major tourist city providing a great deal for tourists and tour guides alike. Our guides are self-employed and self-motivated, they provide a tour that mixes in-depth historical knowledge and story-telling with an entertainment style. And because the tour is free, and the guides work for tips only, it means that they ensure that you get the best and most entertaining tour possible.

Our guides will never pressure you to tip, because we believe that you understand the value of the service they provide you. We believe that money should be given freely, in proportion to the value of the tour and the budget of the traveler. And that in the end you will see that you have had great value for money, whether you gave a little or a lot.

Our tours run every single day of the year (except Christmas and Boxing Day), come rain or shine, at 11am from outside the historic York Minster, and also at 3pm April to October. No need to book*, just turn up around 10 to 15 minutes before tour time and look for our sign, or our guides who you can tell from the blue tee-shirts with the White Rose York logo on the front. Speak to any of them, they will be glad to help you get registered on the tour, or answer any other questions you may have.

(* Because we try to keep tours to a reasonable size, private advance bookings are required for groups of more than 8 persons. Please phone or email using the details on the contact page.)

Tripadvisor reviews of White Rose York Free Tours-Day Tours in York

The Free York Walking Tour

Tour Information

Free york tour, free york tour highlights.

Free Tours By Foot is proud to present York’s newest pay-what-you-like walking tour!

Sometimes known as England’s second city, York’s tangible history goes back centuries. A one-time capital city, York was founded by the Romans, inhabited by the Vikings, destroyed by William the Conquerer, and played a key role in the Wars of the Roses and Civil Wars before finding it’s place as an early railway hub and confectionery manufacturing Mecca. Come with Free Tours by Foot and explore medieval walls, stone gateways and cobbled streets. We’ll visit the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, the stunning windows of York Minster, and the iconic buildings on the Shambles.

Learn the difference between a snickett and a ginnel as we make our way down hidden alleyways, through beautiful gardens, and along a lovely river. See the warehouses that first brought Chocolate to the country, the remains of a Norman castle, the prison where England’s most notorious rogues did time, and one of the most famous tea rooms in the country. Free Tours By Foot is ready to show you all that York has to offer on this one-of-a-kind tour!

Sites Visited on the Free York Walking Tour:

Abbey Gardens
St. Mary’s Abbey
Yorkshire Museum
Exhibition Square
The City Walls
York Minster
Barley Hall
The Shambles (Diagon Alley?)
Betty’s Tea Rooms
Jorvik Viking Museum
Clifford’s Tower
York Castle Museum (former prison)
Skeldgergate Bridge

Reservations: Book HERE . Walk-ups will be permitted, if space is available.

Where: Tour begins at the Museum Gardens gate. ( map )

When: Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10:30

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Distance: 2.5 km (1.5miles)

Language: English

Cost: This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it’s done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone’s budget.

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Free Things to Do in York

We know that exploring a city can hurt the pocket, but sometimes the best things in life ARE free. Check out our list of free things to do and see in York.

Museums, Galleries and Heritage

National railway museum.

York is well known for its railroad history, so no trip to York would be complete without a visit to the National Railway Museum. Get up close to rail icons including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive.

Despite the impressive array of engines celebrating the past, present and future of rail history, the museum is completely free to enter.

York Art Gallery (permanent collections only)

Spot the L.S. Lowry’s, Turner or Hockney and surround yourself with some of the best ceramic art in the world at one of the UK’s best regional galleries. An £8 million development in 2015 saw it shortlisted for the Art Fund Museum of the Year and the European Museum of the Year as the whole building was transformed. The gallery has three exhibition spaces on the ground floor, displaying the best of national and international exhibitions (paid entry), and four on the first floor, including two galleries which are home to the Centre of Ceramic Art (CoCA), which showcases our internationally significant collection of British Studio Ceramics and are free to enter. At the rear of the building, walk down into the Artists Garden and the Edible Wood before exploring the rest of the beautiful York Museum Gardens.

York Minster (free to residents only)

Residents can access York Minster for free with a proof of address, or a York Card.

Discover one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals, a masterpiece in stained glass and stone and a sacred space which has been at the centre of Christianity in the north of England since the 7th century.

The Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass.

York’s churches

York has dozens of medieval churches dotted around the city centre, and many of them are open during the daytime for visitors to look in. Try St Michael le Belfrey in York city centre, Holy Trinity hidden in a leafy oasis behind shops in Goodramgate, or one of the York City Centre Churches to explore ancient places of worship. York has a strong history of non-conformist churches to explore – stop by the Friargate Quaker Meeting House and discover its historical links to the Rowntree family, visit imposing Methodist Centre, St Saviourgate , and nip down the road to see the quirky York Unitarians chapel . Note – please check opening times for churches directly and in advance to avoid disappointment.

York Explore Library

For those of you who are really into your history, pay a visit to York Explore Library and Archives. Their archives are available for members of the public to browse, however, some specific archives do need to be booked in advance. Discover the library garden – a hidden gem which is often quiet and secluded, and features some of York’s urban archaeology which shows the development of the city walls from Roman times through the ages. You also have the option of taking a book from the shelves and having a read in their cafe or renting a computer to check up on emails or plan your next activity. Explore has fifteen libraries dotted all over the city, including a mobile library, and a reading café in Rowntree Park. Large or small, all offer a peaceful space to spend an hour or more, and are totally free to enter.

Outdoor Experiences

Guided walking tours.

With over 80 trained guides and 60+ years of experience, the Association of Voluntary Guides in York is well suited to take you on a two-hour tour of the city.

Tours run every day of the year except Christmas day and leave from Exhibition Square (outside of York Art Gallery).

Self-Guided Walking Tours

Visit York’s Visitor Information Centre for a range of self-guided walking tours that you can use to explore the city. Many cover hidden histories and niche interests in the city and are perfect for experiencing the city in a different light at your own pace.

Museum Gardens

In the centre of York, only a couple of minutes away from York Minster and the busy shopping streets, there is a little haven of peace. In the shadow of the Yorkshire Museum, relax in Museum Gardens.

Take a stroll and watch the squirrels and wildlife, walk down to the bank of the river or just simply sit on the grass and enjoy an ice cream. See all of York's gardens.

York City Walls

One of the attractions that draw people to York is the ancient city walls, which are some of the most complete medieval city walls in Britain. These are of course absolutely free to walk around.

A full circuit of the walls is approximately 3.4 kilometres (2.1 miles). Be aware of steep steps and uneven ground in places; this might not be suitable for all walkers and is not wheelchair accessible.

The Shambles

The Shambles is one of the oldest and best preserved medieval shopping streets (and most famous) in England. Once home to butchers, the street is now filled with boutique fashion lines, sweet and chocolate shops, cafes and jewellers.

It's nice to take a walk down the street, looking at the overhanging buildings and imagining what it might have been like all those years before.

York’s Parks and Green Spaces

Beyond the city centre, there are lots of beautiful green spaces to enjoy. Walk down the River Ouse to encounter Millennium Bridge and nearby Rowntree Park , or head upriver to Homestead Park and the riverside at Rawcliffe. In the heart of Tang Hall is a jewel of a nature reserve, St Nick’s , where 24 acres of beautiful meadowland and woods cover a historic rubbish dump site. The site includes a nature centre and regular activities to take part in. Discover the city’s four Strays – over 800 acres of historic common land preserved for anyone to access. Or why not dig out your bike and use the Sustrans network of former railway lines to explore the surrounding area?

Planning on staying in York? Find trusted hotels, B&Bs and other accommodation in York and book directly through Visit York.

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Free 2 Hour York Walking Tour

Tour Details

Duration : 2 Hours Language : English Amount of Walking : Moderate Meeting point : 49 Stonegate (Opposite Links of London) Availability: Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11am and 2pm

Any groups of 7 or larger, and any privately organised groups, will not be permitted to take this tour; if you are a part of such a group, you must make a private booking or you will be turned away.

DUE TO SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES THIS TOUR IS NOT ABLE TO OPERATE. WE HOPE TO OPERATE THIS AS SOON AS GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED AND FUTURE BOOKINGS CAN ONLY BE VALID THEN.

Explore York with a professional and knowledgeable local guide

See famous sites steeped in ancient, Medieval and modern history!

Walk in the footsteps of figures like Richard III, Guy Fawkes and Emperor Constantine

Get the inside story on local restaurants, bars and much more!

Ever since its establishment in 71 AD, York has been the site of savage warfare, intense political intrigue and industrial breakthrough. It was here that Constantine, who would shake Europe to its core by converting Rome to Christianity, became Roman Emperor. It was here that Richard III, later immortalised by Shakespeare, plotted his campaigns during the Wars of the Roses. York is the birthplace, too, of Guy Fawkes, the greatest traitor in England’s history!

At Footprints, we provide engaging, enjoyable tours to groups and individuals from around the world. We’ll cover history and architecture – but we’ll do so in a way that can really hold your interest! As a professional nationwide firm operating in Oxford, London, Bath and Cambridge as well as York, we have ample experience in constructing the kind of tour that a customer will genuinely remember for years to come!

Many of our guides are local history students; all are well-versed in York’s unique history and keen to share it with visitors. Over the course of your Free 2-Hour Walking Tour, they’ll work tirelessly to ensure that you see what you want to see and hear what you want to know!

Our free two hour walking tour of York covers:

York Minster

Emperor Constantine

Richard III

The Multangular Tower

The King’s Manor

Berden Hall

St Mary’s Abbey

York City Walls

Clifford’s Tower

Fairfax House

York Castle Prison

St Williams College

War of the Roses

And lots more besides

From architecture to the best places to eat and drink, you’ll get a real local insight into this vibrant city.

You’re probably thinking: Other tour companies in York charge for all of this! How can it all be free?

At Footprints, we believe in letting you decide how much your experience was worth. This means that if you enjoy the tour, we invite you to leave a tip. If you have a bad time, we’ll say sorry, and that’s the end of it. Tips are completely voluntary. While our guides do not receive any funding from the city, they will never pressure you to leave a tip.

Get in touch with us today, and secure your booking for this unmissable experience!

You must reserve a place in order to attend this tour – all groups over 8 must make a private tour booking. Such large groups bookings will not be valid on the day.

Our Most Popular Tour

York Minster & City Tour

Enter York Minster and visit the most dramatic parts of the city on this great value tour, with small groups

Previous Tour

Booking for free 2 hour york walking tour.

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Your essential guide to visiting York, England

Free Things to do in York

Visitors to York are often surprised at the number of free things to do in York.

There are free attractions in York for all ages and budgets so, unlike many other cities in the U.K, it is possible to visit York on a budget.

In addition to all the free things to do York is a small, compact city so you won’t need to spend any money on public transport or taxis once you arrive. Yorkshire people are also known for their frugal ways so you can also expect to find great deals on food and drink.

Table of Contents

Things to do in York for free – historical attractions

The national railway museum.

The National Railway Museum (NRM for short) is a favourite of York residents. We have visited every year since I have lived in York and there is always something new to see. There is something at the NRM for all ages so I think it is one of the best things to do in York with kids.

You can explore two huge halls packed with shiny trains, engines and carriages of every age, size and colour. There is also a large model railway, an active restoration workshop and a railway memorabilia exhibit.

See the Eurostar nose cone under a section of the Channel Tunnel, sit in a Shinkansen carriage (the only Bullet Train outside of Japan) and view the fastest steam engine in the world, The Mallard. There is also a working replica of Robert Stevenson’s famous engine, ‘The Rocket’ whilst the Station Hall has a Royal carriage once used by Queen Victoria.

Go onto the outdoor balcony and wave at the trains entering and departing York railway station.

Kids will love the small enclosed playground and the miniature railway ride.

Opening hours – Everyday 10 am to 5 pm.

👉 Local tip – The NRM is very busy at weekends and during school holidays so arrive early for your visit. In 2023, the NRM is undergoing reconstruction works so there are rolling exhibit closures. You can check latest updates and book free tickets online in advance here.

Useful information

The NRM is located directly behind York railway station so it is an ideal location if you are visiting York by train .

You can find fee paying parking opposite the main Museum entrance.

It is a 15 minute walk from York city centre to the NRM. Alternatively, you can catch the ‘Museum Road Train’ from outside York Minster to the NRM entrance. The road train departs every 30 minutes between 11.15 am and 4.15 pm, has a journey time of 10 minutes and costs £3.50 for adults / £2.40 for children each way.

There is a restaurant, outdoor picnic area, a cafe and toilets at the NRM.

Note that the interactive science lab ‘Wonderlab’ is fee paying. Its 18 hands on exhibits are fantastic for kids but unfortunately it isn’t free. Tickets cost £9 adults and £7.20 for children aged 4-16 years.

people walking on narrow grey stone walls next to green trees

Walk the City of York walls

If you’re looking for free romantic things to do in York , I recommend taking a stroll around the medieval city walls. They are the longest city walls in England (around 2 miles long) and are built on the remains of older, Roman era walls.

The walls are popular with York residents so you will see office workers, shoppers and families using the walls as a shortcut home or as a jogging circuit.

You will spend around 2 hours completing a full circuit of the walls. You can access the walls at any of the four medieval gateways (called ‘bars’) which were once the main entrances to the city of York.

Highlights of the City of York walls

Monk Bar is the largest and most ornate of the four historic bars. It sits at the entrance to Goodramgate, around the corner from York Minster.

You can see a 14th century portcullis, arrow slits and murder holes which were used for dropping boiling water (among other nasty things) onto invaders below. In my opinion, it also has the best bar entrance; a steep set of enclosed narrow stone stairs.

Walmgate Bar is the most complete of the four medieval gateways as it is the only bar to retain its original barbican section.

It is also the only bar with a cafe so it is an ideal spot to take a break on your circuit of the city walls.

Bootham Bar is the nearest bar to York Minster. A section of the original Roman wall can be seen opposite Bootham Bar adjacent to Kings Manor.

Micklegate Bar is the closest bar to York rail station and sits opposite the oldest convent in England, the Bar Convent.

Opening hours – Everyday from dawn till dusk. Note that the walls are closed in icy weather.

👉 Local tip – If you don’t have time to walk the full circuit, I think the most interesting and scenic section of the walls runs between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar. It runs behind York Minster and offers perfect photo opportunities.

Unfortunately, York city walls can only be accessed by steps so they are not wheelchair user or pushchair friendly. You must collapse pushchairs and carry them up the narrow entrance stairs.

The path along the walls is not enclosed so keep children close. There are also several steps along the pathway so don’t forget to watch your feet whilst admiring the views.

There are public toilets outside Bootham Bar and a cafe at Walmgate Bar.

Monk Bar has a fee paying exhibition about Richard III whilst Micklegate Bar has an exhibition about King Henry VII.

The Shambles

The Shambles is one of the most visited locations in York and has been voted ‘The Best Street in Britain.’

It is an atmospheric, narrow, cobbled street lined with lopsided, overhanging medieval buildings. When you walk along The Shambles you will feel as if you are stepping back in time.

In medieval times, The Shambles was the home of the butchers shops of York. If you look closely you can still see dangling metal hooks and the wooden ledges where the meat was displayed. It is these ledges ‘shammel’s (flesh shelves in Anglo Saxon) which gave The Shambles its name.

Kids will love the Harry Potter wizarding shops as this historic street is said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies.

👉 Local tip – The Shambles gets very busy at weekends and holidays. Visit as early or as late as you can. The photo above was taken by my friend during the Covid lockdown; it is rare to see The Shambles empty!

Look out for The Shrine of St. Margaret Clitherow halfway down The Shambles. An unassuming wooden door opens onto a tiny chapel dedicated to York born saint, St Margaret Clitherow who lived here with her husband in a butchers shop in the 16th century. Margaret was brutally martyred on York’s Ouse Bridge in 1586.

There are fee paying public toilets on Silver Street in the adjacent Shambles Market. If you want to eat or drink there are a few cafes on The Shambles or pop into the Shambles Market for street food options.

wooden overhanging buildings, on cobbled street against blue sky The Shambles in York

Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate

Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate (which loosely translated means neither one thing nor another) is York’s shortest street. It is adjacent to The Shambles between Colliergate and Fossgate. Blink and you’ll miss it!

In the Middle Ages, Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate was the site of the city’s stocks and whipping post.

Explore York’s snickets and snickleways

The word snicket or snickleway is Yorkshire slang for an alleyway. A labyrinth of ‘snickets’ criss-cross the city of York and are used as shortcuts for York residents. If you have time, I think there are two snickets you shouldn’t miss.

Lady Peckett’s Yard is alleged to be one of the most haunted spots in York. You’ll find the 17th century snicket squeezed between York Gin and Pizza Hut on Pavement. Pope’s Head Alley between High Ousegate and Peter Lane is just 2.5ft wide.

If you see a snicket, follow it – who knows where you’ll end up? I think our snickleways are one of York’s hidden gems.

Attend a service at York Minster

York Minster is the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe and contains more stained glass than any other English cathedral. It is an unmissable York attraction.

Unfortunately, due to the cost of upkeeping the Minster, it is not free to enter unless you are attending a service.

You are not permitted to look around immediately before, during or after the service. However, you will get to see the nave and hear the spine tingling Minster organ and choir.

Opening hours – Monday – Saturday 9.30 am to 4 pm, Sunday 12.45 pm to 3.15 pm. Sightseeing is not possible during services.

York Minster offers disabled access. There are toilets inside the cathedral. You can find out times of services on the York Minster website here.

Visit one of York’s historic churches

York is packed with historic churches. All churches apart from York Minster are free to enter.

Holy Trinity Church on Goodramgate dates back to the 15th century. It contains rare boxed pews (the only ones in York). It was recently used as a filming location for the BBC drama ‘Gentleman Jack.’

Holy Trinity Church on Micklegate is listed in the Domesday Book as one of five great northern churches. It has a Monks of Micklegate exhibition as well as cloisters, gardens and ponds.

Unassuming All Saints Church on North Street has an outstanding collection of 13 high quality stained glass dating back to the 14th and 15th Century. The chancel ceiling is beautifully decorated so don’t forget to look up!

See the best City of York architecture

Stonegate (named for its stone paving) is lined with interesting and ornate buildings. My favourite are the Tudor frontage of the The Golden Balls pub or the 15th century building, ‘Mulberry Hall,’ home to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop.

Turn into Coffee Yard snicket to see the exterior of the timber Barley Hall, a medieval era townhouse. If you continue through the snicket into cobbled Grape Lane you will get a glimpse of the medieval banqueting hall inside Barley Hall.

At the end of Stonegate is St. Helen’s Square. It is home to Betty’s Tea Rooms, the pink Mansion House, home to the Lord Mayor of York and the Grade II listed St. Helen’s Church.

High Petergate (starting at Bootham Bar) is lined with black and white Tudor buildings. Look out for Guy Fawkes Inn, the birthplace of the infamous Gunpowder plotter.

The colourful facades of the Georgian and Victorian buildings of Low Petergate feature on many York postcards whereas lively Fossgate’s cobbled street is lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants.

Look out for an elaborate doorway half down down Fossgate which leads to the Merchant Adventurers Hall. The grounds of this 660 year old timber building are free to enter though you have to pay to enter the hall.

Do a free walking tour of York

One of the best things to do in York for free is to join a guided walking tour or complete your own self-guided tour.

A tour in York will help you to navigate the city but it’s also one of the best free activities in York you can do to learn about history and stories of the city.

There are free tours you can join. I highly recommend joining the Association of Voluntary Guides who offer free, no tip tours starting from Exhibition Square in front of York Art Gallery. The tours are led by knowledgeable locals and run all year round. Tours last around 1.5 – 2 hours and start at 10.15 am and 1.15 pm.

Alternatively, a tip based tour with White Rose Tours lasts 3 hours and includes a tea break halfway through the tour.

These tours begin outside the west entrance of York Minster everyday at 11 am. It is a long tour but you are able to leave whenever you want to.

In addition to the Squirrel Trail in Museum Gardens, families can also do the city based Cat Trail which takes around 1 hour to complete.

Pick up a free map from The Cat Gallery on Low Petergate or download a free map here. Then find 20 cat sculptures ‘hidden’ on city centre buildings; some of the sculptures date back over 100 years.

Check out my recommendation for fee paying tours in York here.

boy in blue jumper pointing down a cobbled street with white buildings, tours in York with kids

Watch a street performance

York offers diverse, family friendly street performances. These range from full piece bands to pop singers, magicians and opera singers.

There are a few locations in the city you can visit for a street performance. St. Helen’s Square and Parliament Street is the best place to find a singer or band. King’s Square in front of York Chocolate Story is where you will find the magicians and street artists.

My personal favourites are the opera guy (usually near Betty’s) and the brilliant Hyde Family Jam (usually on Parliament Street).

Please note – T hese performers are highly skilled and talented artists. Although I have listed street performers in this free things to do in York article, they make a living from your donations. No donations, no York street artists. If you have been entertained, please give what you can to support the artist.

Attend a festival or an event

One of the things I love most about living in York is that there is always something going on. There is a festival or event every month; most of which are free to attend.

If you are visiting York at Christmas, even the Christmas Markets in York are free. It is regularly voted one of the best Christmas markets in Britain.

In February, there is a free Ice Trail weekend when the city is packed with ice sculptures. You can also see free ice carving demonstrations. There is also a week long Jorvik Viking Festival which includes craft demonstrations, best beard competitions and live combat. Don’t miss the noisy and rousing Parade of The Tribes through the city centre.

Other free York festivals include York Chocolate Festival in April, the Georgian Festival in August and the York Food and Drink Festival in September.

No matter what time of year you visit York, you will find something free happening in the city centre.

Free Things To Do in York – Parks and Gardens

Museum gardens .

I love visiting Museum Gardens. This landscaped park is a respite from the busy city centre and offers several free attractions in addition to the fee paying The Yorkshire Museum.

See The Hospitium, a private 15th century Tudor building and explore the extensive 13th century remains of St Mary’s Abbey.

The 3rd Multiangular Tower – one of York’s best preserved Roman remains – is tucked away in a quiet corner of the gardens. Sadly, it is often missed by visitors and residents alike. I recommend going inside the tower to appreciate its size. You can clearly see the different layers of bricks from different periods of history; the lower bricks are Roman whilst the middle level bricks are medieval.

Don’t miss the ruins of St Leonard’s Hospital , just inside the city centre entrance on Museum Street. It was the largest northern hospital in medieval times.

Enjoying an impromptu picnic in Museum Gardens is one of my favourite t hings to do in York for couples.

Opening hours – Museum Gardens are open everyday from 9 am – 6 pm.

👉 Local tip – If you are visiting York with kids download the free, interactive ‘Squirrels Trail’. This fun to follow trail will lead you to the hidden treasures around Museum Gardens.

There are no public toilets in the gardens. The nearest public toilets are inside York Central Library which is adjacent to the gardens.

There is usually a coffee can inside the gardens.

York Observatory

Museum Gardens is also home to the oldest working observatory in Yorkshire, built in 1832. It houses a 4 inch telescope (once the largest in the world) and a rare 1811 clock which tells the time based on the positions of stars. The clock is 4 minutes and 20 seconds behind Greenwich Mean Time and, at one time, all the clocks in York were set by this clock.

The observatory is free but due to its tiny size it has limited numbers and limited opening hours. Check opening hours here in advance of your visit.

Rowntree’s Park

This is the biggest park in York and the nearest playground to York city centre. It is a 10 minute walk along the River Ouse (opposite bank to the city centre) from Clifford’s Tower.

Rowntree’s Park has a large adventure playground, a smaller playground for young children, tennis courts, a skateboard track, a pond and an excellent cafe. Public toilets are available inside the park and in the cafe.

Dean’s Park

This small leafy park sits behind York Minster. It is never busy yet it offers fantastic photo opportunities of York Minster.

It is home to the Cathedral Library, the arched ruins of an Archbishop’s Palace and a WWII memorial.

Edible Wood

York’s newly panted Edible Wood sits between Museum Gardens and York Art Gallery. Don’t pick or eat anything in this educational garden as most of the plants are poisonous!

The Edible Wood follows the same opening hours as Museum Gardens.

Take a stroll along the River Ouse

The River Ouse flows through York city centre. Its paved, leafy riverbank is a popular meeting and exercise spot.

The paths are suitable for pushchairs however they are not fenced in. There are several restaurants, pubs and cafes that provide riverside views and outdoor seating.

👉 Local tip – This is my favourite walk along the River Ouse. Start from King’s Staith near Skeldergate Bridge. Walk on the city side of the river to the pedestrian only Millennium Bridge. Cross over the bridge and return to York on the other side of the river, passing Rowntree’s Park on the way.

There are fun, free things to do in York for everyone. Let me know if you discover something free to do on your trip to York which I haven’t listed here!

Hidden Gems in York

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York Minster with kids

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20 Interesting facts about York

Privacy Overview

Walking Tours - Association of Voluntary Guides

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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.

WALKING TOURS - ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY GUIDES (York) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Away With Maja

20 things to do in york that are absolutely free.

UPDATED MARCH 2022! As one of the most popular destinations in the North of England, York sees huge crowds of tourists every year. Having lived in York for a year and a half 3.5 years over 5 years now (!!), I love living here and having so much to explore in my own backyard! Being such a famous destination to visit can mean that prices for a lot of attractions are pretty expensive. But despite that, there are still lots of things to do in York that won’t break the bank. Here are 20 things to do in York that are absolutely FREE!

St Mary's Abbey ruins, with a tree with red leaves in the background, in York, England.

1) Stroll through Museum Gardens

Museum Gardens is my favorite place in York—it looks especially beautiful in the spring when the flowers bloom! It’s absolutely free to visit, and there’s a lot to see. You can see the ruins of St. Mary’s Abbey, which date to 1294, and explore the crypt of the old St. Leonard’s Hospital by Explore Library. You can also see the Multangular Tower, one of the remaining towers of the Roman fort, Eboracum, and the black-and-white Hospitium (although it’s only open for weddings and events). All of these things are must-sees in York, it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in the city, and it’s all free! My top tip? Bring a picnic lunch when the weather is nice!

2) National Railway Museum

The National Railway Museum is the largest train museum of its kind in the country. You could easily spend most of a day here, exploring the different trains, going through the different exhibits, and learning about their history. Best of yet, the National Railway Museum is completely free! This is also one of the best things to do in York with kids .

3) York Observatory

Yorkshire’s oldest Observatory was built in 1832, and its conical roof is a feature in Museum Gardens. The Observatory houses a large telescope built by Thomas Cook. It was nearly demolished in the early 1980s, but £50,000 was raised by the public to save it. Unfortunately, the Observatory has very limited opening hours as its run by volunteers. It’s typically open from 11:30am-2:00pm on Thursdays and Saturdays. The Observatory is free though—there’s no entrance fee to go inside when it’s open!

4) York’s Edible Wood

Tucked behind York Art Gallery is York’s Edible Wood. This garden was created in July 2015, to explore peoples’ relation with permaculture and our relationship with food. All of the plants in the Edible Wood are (you guessed it!) edible, although generally they ask not to actually pick the plants. As the Edible Wood is connected to Museum Gardens, it is free to visit!

5) Attend a service at York Minster

Visiting York Minster will cost you—general admission is about £10, with tower tour tickets going up to £15. However, the Minster is still a working and fully operational church. If you want to have a look inside but don’t want to throw down a bunch of money, you can visit for a service—there’s never a charge for services! Although you’ll miss out on many of the highlights of the building, you’ll get to attend a service in a beautiful atmosphere.

Blossoms in front of the pale blue door of St. Olave's Church in York, England.

6) Visit any of York’s smaller churches

While York Minster does cost money to visit, you can drop by any of York’s other smaller churches for free. Some of my favorites of York’s smaller churches are St. Olave’s Church, Holy Trinity Goodramgate, St. Michael le Belfrey, and Holy Trinity Micklegate.

7) Watch Street Performers

As York sees loads of tourists (especially on weekends), there are always street performers in the city center. All the street theater or music is completely free—although performers always appreciate tips. Some of the best spots for street performers are outside York Minster, on Petergate, and in King’s Square. Man With Big Balls (who called me out for taking the above photo and posed for me!) is one of my favorites!

8) Attend a Theme Festival

York has so much history it seems to overflow everywhere you go. One of the best times to visit York is during one of the big festivals ! The Viking Festival lasts for a week every year at the end of February. Romans take over the town for the Roman Festival the first weekend in June. In February, you can take part in the York Ice Trail and visit ice sculptures around the city. The first Sunday of the summer months, Fossgate turns into a big street party for Fossgate Festival. All of these festivals have free activities you can participate in!

9) Go on a Free Walking Tour

There are several different organizations that run free walking tours in York. The Association of Voluntary Guides run tours that start outside York Art Gallery in Exhibition Square (daily at 10:15am and 1:15pm). White Rose tours start from outside the Minster (daily at 11:00am, and 3:00pm April-October). Every Sunday, there’s a free 1-hour Museum Gardens walking tour at 1:00pm. There are a few other free companies, but those are the main ones. While tips are always appreciated by guides, the tours themselves are free!

10) Walk along the River Ouse

One of the main rivers running through York, the River Ouse (pronounced “ooze” as in “booze”) is a wonderful place for a stroll when the weather’s nice. You can do a loop from Skeldergate Bridge to Lendal Bridge in the town center (cut up Coney Street when on the east side of the river). It’s very popular with runners and cyclists!

Gray's Court Hotel and York Minster from York's City Walls, York, England.

11) Walk the City Walls

One of York’s main attractions are its spectacular set of medieval walls, surrounding the town center. While most of the walls date back to the 13 th century, some sections date back to the Romans in 70 AD! There are 4 main gates (called bars) to the city: Micklegate, Walmgate, Monkgate, and Bootham Bar. The full circuit is 2 miles, although the best stretch is arguably from Bootham to Monkgate—the views over to the Minster are spectacular. The walls are open from dawn to dusk, but may be closed in bad weather. They are completely free and one thing you absolutely must do in York!

The barbican at Gatehouse Coffee in Walmgate Bar in York, England.

12) Admire the views from the Barbican at Gatehouse Coffee

Tucked inside Walmgate bar is one of my favorite cafes in the city, Gatehouse Coffee. It’s housed in the medieval barbican, which underwent restoration in the Victorian period. You can go out along the walls of the barbican, although to be polite it’s best to ask if that’s okay before going out. It’s free to do this, although I definitely recommend stopping for a chai latte or a treat here!

13) Explore the Snickelways

I’ve already written a big blog post on York’s best snickelways , the winding, narrow passageways and hidden alleys and snickets around the city. Some of the best are Lady Peckett’s Yard, Coffee Yard, Horn Pot Lane, and Hole in the Wall to Precentor’s Court. It’s one of the best free things to do in York.

14) Walk down the Shambles

One of York’s main attractions is the medieval shopping street called the Shambles. With a mention in the Domesday Book in 1086, the street is one of the oldest in Europe! It was supposedly the inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, and with the narrow, cobblestone street, and the overhanging buildings, you can see why! This is one of York’s most famous snickelways, and one place you absolutely must see. It’s free as long as you don’t buy anything!

15) Wander through the Markets

York is home to a variety of markets, all of which are free unless you purchase anything. Shambles Market is on everyday, and there are markets or festivals on Parliament Street nearly every weekend. If you’re visiting the city during St. Nicholas’ Fair in December, you can explore York’s Christmas market!

16) Window shop around town

Window shopping is always free as long as you don’t buy anything! York is full of small, local, independent businesses which tourists and locals alike love. Stonegate—an old, medieval, pedestrianized street—is the main shopping street in the city center. Gillygate and Bishopthorpe Road are also big shopping areas for independent stores. Coney Street is the city center’s main hub for high street, chain businesses.

17) Enjoy the Gardens at Treasurer’s House and Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

While both the Treasurer’s House and the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall charge admission prices to go inside and visit, they both have spectacular gardens outside. The gardens are absolutely free to relax and enjoy! The gardens are only open when the sites are open though, so do check in advance during the slower winter season.

18) Stroll through Dean Park and enjoy the views

Dean Park is the large, green, spacious park surrounding York Minster. The views of both the Minster and the City Walls are wonderful from here, and it’s free to visit! The park is at its prettiest in the spring, when there are crocus flowers planted around. Dean Park is generally open from dawn to dusk.

19) Explore Rowntree Park

Located just outside York’s city center is Rowntree Park. This is a beautiful park with lots to see and do—playgrounds for kids, fields for sports, a large pond, and even its own café! Like all the parks, it’s 100% free and doesn’t cost anything at all. You can easily walk here from Skeldergate Bridge on the west side of the River Ouse (it’s well sign-posted).

20) Marvel at the architecture in York Train Station

York Station is one of the most beautiful in the country—the clock near the footbridge is particularly stunning! The train station was actually used as a film location in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, as a stand-in for King’s Cross (Hagrid and Harry walked across the pedestrian bridge before he boarded the Hogwarts Express). The train station is free to visit and there are no ticket barriers in operation. It’s also home to some of the only free toilets in the city center!

Planning Your Trip

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

Budget: Safestay York or The Fort Boutique Hostel
Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
Luxury: The Grand

You can book hostels in York here , and check out hotels in York here !

While York isn’t necessarily a cheap travel destination in England, there are plenty of free things to do in the city that won’t break the bank! I hope this helps in planning a budget trip to York!

Have you ever been to York?! Did you do any of these free things?

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31 thoughts on “ 20 things to do in york that are absolutely free ”.

[…] 20 Things To Do In York That Are Absolutely Free […]

I’ve done / seen pretty much all of these, apart from going into the York Observatory and to Rowntree Park. Would definitely like to do the latter. Looks a lovely green space to relax in!

Rowntree Park is great – so big too! 🙂

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[…] 20 Things To Do In York That Are Absolutely Free! […]

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[…] York is a fantastic destination for a city break or a UK post-lockdown staycation. The city is full of history, and wandering the charming streets often feels like stepping back in time. Marveling at the magnificent York Minster, the largest cathedral in Northern Europe, is a must. Walking the City Walls is also one of the best things to do in York. Arguably, the best stretch is between Bootham Bar and Monkgate, where you can see some incredible views over to the Minster. This is also one of the best free things to do in York! […]

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Essential Free Tour York

Walk through the historic Shambles , the oldest (and narrowest) shopping street in Europe.
Learn about Guy Fawkes and his conspiracy plot against the Houses of Parliament!
Visit Roman, Viking , and Tudor remains to learn about incredibly turbulent war engagements.

See All Tours in York

Free Tours in Your Language

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Tour like you never have before

Taking You A Step Away From The Real York

A Step In Time

Walk past history.

Allow our guides to show you around York as it has never been seen before. You will hear tales of York that have previously been untold.

Experienced Guides

We pride ourselves on our guides' ability to think on their feet and adapt to the circumstances and needs of our customers. Their experience and knowledge of York is surpassed by their love of public speaking and their comic turn!

Beautiful Sites

York needs no introduction, best to just step in and see its wonders for yourself. Allow us to take you on a merry wander round this beautiful city.

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We run all our tours Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. If you would like a tour on another day please let us know and we will see if the guides can't get back on their feet and out of the pub.

Free Walking Tour

Some things are too good to pay for.

Have a tour on us! Our flagship walking tour is now offered for free. Explore York with one of our guides as they talk you through the histo...

Swimming Tour

A wet and wild tour through britain's most historical city.

Take advantage of the recent influx of natural York mineral water and join us on our swimming tour. We will be floating around the sites, an...

The Extended Tour

A real hike about town.

£48.01 per person

If you enjoyed the free tour, you will be raring to go for this extensive exploration of the city and its surroundings. Make sure you bring ...

Why walk York when you can ride York?

£15 per person

Get off your feet with this fast paced dash around York following the old train timetable. Bicycles not provided.

Jogging Tour

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York Walking Tours: The COMPLETE Guide

From free tours to ghost tours and everything in between, there are so many York walking tours to choose from. I’ve scoured the internet for all the York walking tours I could find and put them all together in this handy guide for you to browse.

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.

I love to take a walking tour whenever I arrive in a new city. You can learn so much about a place in a few hours and they’re a great way to get your bearings when you arrive somewhere new. Walking tours are generally run by local people too so you can quiz your guide for the best local tips and recommendations to make the best of your stay.

There are so many different types of York walking tours that I’m certain you’ll find something to enjoy.

Looking for more things to do in York? Check out my ULTIMATE Guide to York!

1.1 Bespoke York -Private Walking Tour of the Walled City
1.2 York Walls Private Walking Tour
1.3 Private 2 Hour York Walking Tour
1.4 Private Viking Walk of York
1.5 Private Walking Tour of York
1.6 Private York Christmas Walking Tour
1.7 Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights & York Minster
1.8 Private Historical Walking Tour of York
2.1 York: A Harry Potter Themed Guided Tour of York
2.2 York: 1 Hour Evening Walking Tour
2.3 York Minster & City Walking Tour
2.4 Best of York on Foot
2.5 Instagrammable York History Experience
2.6 The Bloody Tour of York
2.7 The Bloody York Gin Tour with Mad Alice
3.1 Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels Walking Audio Tour by Voicemap
3.2 A Fatal Feud – An Immersive Treasure Hunt – Style Murder Mystery – The Secret City
4 FREE WALKING TOURS IN YORK
5 YORK GHOST WALKS
6 OTHER YORK TOURS
7 WHICH YORK WALKING TOUR WILL YOU CHOOSE?

PRIVATE YORK WALKING TOURS

Cobbled road and the roadside curb just after rainfall

Want to take things at your own pace and stop for all the photographs without feeling like you’re holding the rest of the group up?

Have a specific historical focus in mind that you want the tour to focus on?

Want to choose where to start and end the tour and even pick the sights you see along the way?

Then a private York walking tour is the one for you!

There are SO MANY private York walking tours to choose from. Here’s a roundup of all the exclusive tours that are available in York.

Bespoke York -Private Walking Tour of the Walled City

An exclusive two hour tour York walking tour.

Explore York with your private guide as you take in the complete history of York from the beginnings of Christianity right through to its days as The Chocolate City.

Learn about York’s dealings with the Vikings and the Romans and how these significant events in history have shaped the city we see today.

York Walls Private Walking Tour

A 2-3 hour bespoke tour tailored to your interests.

The walk focuses on the city walls with their spectacular city views and fascinating medieval history, but this walk is free for you to customise as you please.

See areas often missed by tourists, stop off for refreshments in some of York’s best coffee shops, visit the most famous medieval street in the world and take a peek inside York Minster. Whatever you want to do, you can be sure that this will be a fun filled and truly personalised experience of York.

Private 2 Hour York Walking Tour

A fully customisable, 2 hour York walking tour.

The walk is completely tailored to your interests so just let your guide know what you want to see.

If you’re not sure, or you just want an overall York experience, your guide can create a perfect itinerary for you.

See York’s hidden gems as well as its top attractions, all whilst soaking up the historical atmosphere and learning about the city’s rich history and best kept secrets.

Private Viking Walk of York

A two hour private tour with your guide, Sigwulf.

If you want an in depth account of York’s days as a Viking city, then look no further.

Sigwulf will take you on a fascinating York walking tour and teach you things you never knew about how the Vikings influenced the city of York.

Learn about the deeds of famous Vikings such as Ivar the Boneless and discover the origins of those strange street names.

Don’t miss out on the chance to visit an authentic themed Viking bar, built right on top of an original Viking feasting hall!

Private Walking Tour of York

An exclusive 1.5 – 2 hour York walking tour.

Fully tailored to your specific needs and interests, choose your starting point anywhere in the city to begin your adventure.

Gain a fantastic overview of this fascinating city, which will take you on a journey through Roman history, Viking rule and chocolate heaven.

Private York Christmas Walking Tour

This 2 hour fully customisable tour is the ultimate festive treat!

York can get extremely busy at Christmas time but it’s also arguably when it’s at its most magical.

Navigate the crowds with your own private tour guide at your side, learning all about York’s rich and fascinating history and visiting famous landmarks and hidden gems.

Private Walking Tour: York City Highlights & York Minster

The longest of the private tours, this York walking tour is around 4 hours long.

Starting at York Railway Station, this tour packs in the best of York’s top attractions such as the Museum Gardens, Jorvik Viking Centre, The Shambles, Clifford’s Tower, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and finishes at York Minster.

Your ticket for York Minster is included and you can skip the queues to enjoy a private tour of the impressive gothic cathedral.

Private Historical Walking Tour of York

This tour gets great reviews on TripAdvisor.

With hotel pick up at any central location, this historical walking tour covers York’s history, culture, architecture and people, with content tailored specifically to your own interests.

Guides are knowledgable and enthusiastic historians who pride themselves on being able to answer any (York related!) question that’s thrown at them!

GROUP YORK WALKING TOURS

shadows on a wall of 4 people walking together

Generally a much cheaper option than a private tour, you can still get so much value from a group walking tour of York.

Just because you can’t choose the itinerary on a group York walking tour doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a York walking tour that suits your interests.

Just like the private York walking tours, there are a whole host of group walking tours to choose from.

Here is a complete roundup of all the available group walking tours of York.

York: A Harry Potter Themed Guided Tour of York

This two hour York walking tour is an absolute must for any Harry Potter fans.

A fun and interactive tour, your guide will entertain you with facts about Harry Potter as well as the history of York itself.

The tour promises quizzes and games with video clips of movie scenes, costume pieces and re-enactments. You’ll be taken to some Harry Potter themed sites as well as seeing and learning about some of York’s main historic attractions.

York: 1 Hour Evening Walking Tour

This one hour York walking tour allows you to soak up the history and charm of York after most of the other tourists have retreated back to their hotels for the night.

A great introduction to York’s colourful history, this tour will take you through the snickelways and backstreets to show you all of York’s main historical sites.

York Minster & City Walking Tour

This two hour walking tour offers a fantastic journey through York’s fascinating history with entrance to York Minster included.

Most of the tour guides are history students from York University, and their enthusiasm and knowledge about their subject will shine through.

Dig deep into York’s history and marvel at the stunning architecture whilst exploring all the major historic landmarks in the city.

Best of York on Foot

A fantastic introductory tour of the city, this 1.5 hour York walking tour is a great option for those wanting an overview of York and its history.

Visit St. Mary’s Abbey, Museum Gardens, York Minster (tickets not included), Stonegate and the Shambles whilst learning about York’s rich history along the way.

Instagrammable York History Experience

Definitely one for the photographers out there, this tour is the perfect mix of history, culture and Instagram worthy backdrops.

With a focus on capturing York at its best, your guide, John promises to take you off the beaten track and show you parts of York that you might otherwise have missed.

With a keen eye for photography, he limits the tours to 10 people so he can create an intimate experience and ensure you capture the perfect shot.

The Bloody Tour of York

See a different side to York on this enjoyable hour and a half walking tour of York’s gruesome past.

Mixing entertainment with education, your guide will teach about the bloody past of York’s top landmarks in this fun alternative city tour. If you fancy a twist on the traditional historic walking tour, this one is for you!

The Bloody York Gin Tour with Mad Alice

This two hour York walking tour combines history and gin to create the perfect introduction to the city.

With three samples of gin thrown into the mix, you’ll explore the Shambles, see the imposing York Minster and learn some gruesome tales of York’s bloody past.

AUDIO & DIY WALKING TOURS OF YORK

2 pairs of feet, one wearing black Converse High Tops and the other wearing maroon pumps, walking on flagstones

If you prefer to explore independently but would still like a bit of guidance , then you might like to check out an audio walking tour of York.

Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels Walking Audio Tour by Voicemap

VoiceMap is a unique city guide which uses your smartphone’s GPS alongside the VoiceMap app to guide you around the city at your own pace entirely. If your data is restricted, the VoiceMap app will also work offline.

If you were to take the tour in one go, it would last around 1 hour 15 minutes, but you can stretch this one out for as long as you like. Stop for a coffee when you want, visit a museum if it takes your fancy, jump on a river cruise if you feel the need. The app, and the rest of your tour, will be waiting for you when you’re ready to pick it back up again.

A Fatal Feud – An Immersive Treasure Hunt – Style Murder Mystery – The Secret City

Based on a real murder trial that took place around 1491, this immersive treasure hunt style adventure offers you a different way to explore York and see the major sites.

Riddles are sent to you via a smartphone app for you to solve as you explore York and take in the incredible historic sites around you.

There are two optional pub breaks along the way, and help is at hand if you need some help or find yourself lost. Your progress is also timed so it’s a great way for groups of friends to challenge each other!

FREE WALKING TOURS IN YORK

As well as the options that require you to pay upfront, there are also a number of ‘free’ York walking tours available.

I’ve been on many a free walking tour in cities all over the world. I’ve had some great experiences and some experiences that have left me just wanting to run away at the first opportunity! It can be a bit of a gamble but thankfully, it’s usually worked out ok for me.

Although these York walking tours are technically free, there is the expectation that you will offer a donation to your guide at the end of the tour based on what you feel the tour was worth. I always have an idea of what a paid walking tour would have cost and base my donation around that. If you do it this way, you won’t necessarily end up paying much less for a free tour than you would for one of the paid options, but doing it this way seems fair to me.

Here is a list of the all the available free walking tours in York.

Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York – this tour really does appear to be free in the true sense of the word. The website states there is really no need to offer a tip at the end!

Footprints 2 Hour Free Walking Tour of York

White Rose York

YORK GHOST WALKS

tour guide on the ghost tour telling a ghost story

Being a city with such a gruesome past, there is little wonder that there are many tales of ghosts and ghouls which haunt the streets of York.

Capitalising on this, there are several different ghost walks that take place around the city in the evening.

I really enjoyed the Original York Ghost Tour during my recent short break in York. It was just the right mixture of informative, entertaining and spooky.

I’ve put together a list of all the ghost tours available in York.

The Original Ghost Walk of York

Shadow of York Ghost Walk – voted best small attraction in York

Ghost Hunt of York

The Ghost Trail of York

Ghost Creeper

Ghost Keeper

OTHER YORK TOURS

There are other ways to see York that don’t involve so much walking. If you want to give your feet a rest, take a look at some of these other options for tours in York.

York & Yorkshire – Full Day Guided Walking and Minibus Tour

Guided Cycling Tour of York

York Hop On Hop Off Bus

WHICH YORK WALKING TOUR WILL YOU CHOOSE?

That just about concludes my complete guide to York walking tours!

As you can see, there are plenty to choose from and you’re almost guaranteed to find something that suits both your interests and your budget.

Which York walking tour will you choose? Drop me a message and let me know!

A York walking tour is a fantastic way to see the city. Click here for a roundup of the best York walking tours available! #york #yorkshire

Hi! I’m Helen – proud Northerner and the founder of Venture Up North. Disclosing local secrets to inspire unique adventures, join me on my mission to make sure that Northern England is recognised for the truly wonderful place that it is.

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York Uncovered Walking Tour

History walked differently.

Uncover the unheard stories of York on a guided walk through the historic centre. Our walking tour provides the perfect introduction to the rich history of the beautiful and iconic city, while going beyond traditional narratives and highlighting stories of women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of colour. Our guides are all post-graduate students researching history in York and are dedicated to sharing the diverse and vibrant history of the city they love.

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Group Tours

Wondering the best way to visit york with a group? We offer private group tours, led by our team of academic tour guides.

Private Tours

Interested in unique things to do in York? Our private tours take you through the beautiful city centre at the date and time of your choosing.

Other Cities

Our sister organisations have been running uncomfortable tours in Oxford and Cambridge since 2018. Like with our walking tours, these tours are researched and run by local academic researchers.

Free-City-Guides.com

Independent Advice for your city break

Walking Tours

York Walking Tour Man (www.free-city-guides.com)

Evenings in York are about two things. Eating and drinking or walking tours. The most common tours are the ghost walks and there are lots to choose from, but there are plenty of other options too. The Guy Fawkes Trail, The Historic Toilet Tour and the Graveyard, Coffin & Crypt Tour are all available under the banner of “YorkWalk”. The ghost walk we took was led by an excellent guide who looked and played the part and over the course of an hour introduced us to 3 ghosts in the major tourist streets of York. This is an extract from our free York City Guide .

Here are some of the main regular walking tours in York plus the meeting point you will need:

Ghost Creeper – A ghost detective leads this walk. 7.30pm every night from July through to Hallowe’en then every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from November to June. Meet outside Jorvik in the Coppergate Shopping Centre.

Ghost Walk Experience – A tour which includes York’s walls and Monk Bar gate. 7pm every night meeting at the Roman Column outside York Minster.

York Horror Tour – Hear about the dark stories from York’s streets. 6.45pm from York’s most haunted pub The Golden Fleece, latecomers can join at 7pm from the Guy Fawkes Inn.

York Walls Audio Tour – An audio tour that takes you around the 2 mile circuit of the walls. Available from the Visitor Information Centre, The Punchbowl Inn (Stonegate – open daily 10am-11pm) and the Richard III Museum (Monkbar – open daily 9.30am-4pm).

The Original Ghost Walk of York – Explore the history, mystery and folklore of York. 8pm from the Kings Arms, Ouse Bridge.

York Terror Trail – A history of the horrors of York. Running Monday to Sunday 6.45pm at the Golden Fleece

YorkWalk – Entertaining, historical guided walks. Special walks also operate on selected days throughout year; these incclude the Choccy and Sweetie tour, Inaccessible York, Jewish Heritage, Historic Toilet Tour, Bloody Execution Tour and many more. See signboard at the meeting point – the Museum Garden gate.

York Viking Walk – See where the battles took place and learn how the Vikings overcame the brave Saxon resistance. Walks start every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6pm. The meeting point is behind All Saints Church on Parliament Street, opposite Marks & Spencer’s.

Haunted Walk of York – A no-gimmicks historical ghost tour. Tours run on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm all year and every night from Easter until the end of October. Meet outside York City Art Gallery on exhibition square.

Association of Voluntary Guides Free Walk – Free guided walking tours of the city. Leaving from Exhibition Square at 10.15 am, 2.15 pm & 6.45 pm in the summer and 10.15am in the winter.

York Historic Pub Tour – An informative guided tour round York’s ancient streets and hidden alleys whilst visiting 4 of England’s finest inns. Pre-booking only for this one. Call Bruce Murray on 01904 795950.

Ghost Trail of York – A short walk featuring ghost stories and historic locations. Meet at 7.30pm at the Minster (West Doors), every night.

Ghost Hunt of York – A Victorian guide will introduce you to the ghost and ghouls. 7.30pm from the Shambles

The World Tour of York – The story of York both in the past and today. Tours run Every Saturday and commence at both 11.00 and 14.00. The walks last between 1.5 to 2 hours. Meet in St Helen’s Square near Betty’s. Book on 07981 242764.

York Photo Trek – A one hour photo tour around York centre with a professional photographer. Tours leave 10am & 4pm Museum Gardens entrance, Museum Street. Book on 07530 157132.

This list is by no means exhaustive and other walks spring up from time to time. For the latest walks available, see the VisitYork.org website.

All of the meeting points for the walks are mentioned above. You can move this map around and zoom into see where they are in relation to other York landmarks:

York City Walking Tours with a Twist

Book your guided tour of york…, york city tours like you’ve never seen before.

Welcome to Invisible (York)! We offer friendly walking tours of York that showcase the city like no other. All our themes are chosen by our guides themselves, all of whom have been affected by homelessness. They have all worked for several months to offer you these unique tours of York.

Our unique York walking tours give you a different perspective on the history, people, and places of this city. Whether you’re local or visiting, come join us for a different type of day tour!

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Last Updated on May 4, 2023

York is an amazing and vibrant city. The best thing is that there is so much to do for free. If you’re looking to have a trip away on a budget, York is a great place. You could spend a weekend here without spending a penny.

If you have kids and a family there are plenty of free attractions and things to do for the younger generation too.

Read on for lots of ideas.

Table of Contents

National Railway Museum

The National Railway museum is an amazing place to visit, even if you’re not a massive fan of trains. There is so much to see including a massive collection of trains including Royal carriages, Army trains and a bullet train from Japan. Also look out for Stephen’s Rocket which is the first steam locomotive and The Mallard. which still holds the record for the fastest Steam Train in the world.

If you’re with kids, there’s an outdoor play area too.

The railway museum is free but you have to book in advance via the website. They do ask for a donation if you can afford it, but otherwise it’s free of charge.

Find out more at the National Railway Museum

Walk the York Walls

The York old city walls are still standing from the 13th century and you can walk around the whole of the walls for free.

If you just want to do one section, I like the section by York Minster as you get some lovely views.

Find out more about the York Walls .

Attend a Service at York Minster

You have to pay to visit and walk around inside York Minster (unless you are a resident of York). If you are resident of York or a York student you can visit the Minster for free. You’ll need proof of address which could be a York Card, driving licence or utility bill. Students must have a local College/Uni ID card with valid date. Tickets still need to be booked in advance.

However, even if you’re not a resident you can attend a service at the Minster for free. You won’t be able to walk around the whole building but you can experience the peaceful atmosphere and stunning interior during the service.

Find out when you can attend a service at the York Minster website .

Of course, it’s free of charge to walk around the outside of York Minster and view the impressive and stunning building.

Children are also free to visit the York Minster with a paying adult (up to four children go free with one paying adult).

Visit Dean’s Park

Dean’s Park is at the back of York Minster. It’s a small green space but lovely to walk around and get a view of the other site of the Minster. It’s a lot quieter than the surround streets, making it a peaceful place to stop and rest on one of the benches.

Walk down The Shambles

The Shambles is a quaint and pretty street with buildings still standing from medieval times.

It’s said to be the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movie and a must for Harry Potter fans.

Even if you’re not interested in Harry Potter, it’s a stunning street where tops of the houses hang over the bottom half. You can also visit and browse in the small little shops and eateries which include a fudge shop, chocolate shop and themed Harry Potter shop.

If you’re a Christmas fan, you’ll love a nose round the Christmas shop too.

Top Tip – if you don’t like crowds go early in the morning as it can get very busy during the day.

Museum Gardens

The Museum Gardens are lovely for a stroll about, particularly on a sunny day. You can see St Mary’s Abbey which is a stunning piece of architecture within the gardens. A great place for kids to run around and let off some steam. If the weather is good, why not take a picnic.

Kids will also enjoy doing the free Squirrel trail.

Free Walking Tours

While you’re in York, why not take advantage of a free walking tour.

The Association of Voluntary Guides for York , lead regular free walking tours and no tip is expected at the end of the tour. Pre-booking is recommended.

White Rose York tours also lead free walking tours around York and have excellent reviews.

Little Viking Ispy Walking Trail for Kids

Pop into York tourist office and pick up a free Little Viking walking trail for kids. It’s described as a fun walking trail for families that’s available all year round. It encourages families to explore York and helps them discover places they might not otherwise have seen.

Find out more here:

Do the York Cat Trail

The York lucky cat trail is a really fun way for kids to explore the city whilst finding hidden statues of cats! You can pick up a leaflet with the clues from the lucky cat shop.

Find out more at York Lucky Cats

Selfie Trail

Another self guided trail is the Selfie Trail. The trail takes you on the most iconic photo spots around the city and you can share them with your Instagram followers as you go! A good trail for older kids. Post your best York selfies online and be sure to tag @visityork and #yorkselfie on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Mythical Creature Trail Quest

Another free trail, perfect for kids created by the York Mumbler. It takes you on a short but magical trip of York where you help discover the eight mythical creatures hiding in the city.

York Art Gallery

General admission to the York Art Gallery is free but you’ll need to book your tickets in advance. However, there are charges for special exhibitions. The gallery is open on Wednesdays to Sundays.

The gallery is very family friendly and there are worksheets and activity sheets you can download and print off from York Art Gallery website to get kids involved during their visit.

Rowntree Park

You can walk along the river to Rowntree Park . There is great for kids as they will enjoy the playground and the duck pond. Older kids can shoot some hoops on the basketball courts or play some table tennis (you’ll need to bring your own bats!).

Holy Trinity Church

The Holy Trinity Church is very beautiful with stunning stain glass windows. It’s also peaceful and quiet and despite it’s beauty lacks the number of tourists that visit the Minster. A must while you’re in York if you enjoy looking at places of worship and historical churches.

Watch the Street Performers

York is a city full of tourists and there are often street performers entertaining them for free (especially in the summer months). The renowned place for street-performers to do their performances is in the Kings Square.

Enjoy a Festival

York has many festivals with free events throughout the year. Some to look out for are the Ice Trail in March (or sometimes Februrary) when ice sculptures transform the city centre. At Christmas, York becomes very festive with Christmas activities and experiences including the St Nicholas Fair which you can browse around for free. You can find out when the York festivals take place here and see if there are any free events as part of the festivals during your visit.

Visit the Library

Next to the museum gardens, you’ll find York library . It’s a great place to pop in and have a break for the tourist attractions by reading a book of the shelf. There is also a cafe inside.

Edible York

A free initiative that you can look out for when your in York is Edible York . The initiative is run by volunteers to show how One of they’ve done is created public veg beds that you can see throughout the city. If there’s food to pick, you can pick some.

You can go on a self guided tour to see the different veg beds and edible gardens througout York. If you’re a resident of York, get involved with planting and other activities too.

Blue Plaque Trail

York is full of free trails and there is one to suit every interest and age range. A blue plaque trail is another brilliant walking activity where you can learn so much about York as you go.

York Civic Trust has been placing commemorative plaques to people and places on buildings in York since the 1940s. There are four trails that are available on their website. There’s something for everyone, with trails on Literary York, Artistic York, Scientific York and Radical York. Each takes about 30 to 60 minutes.

York Civic Trust has created a PDF for each trail with information on the person behind each Blue plaque. The PDFs are fascinating and point out other landmarks and places of interest on your trail too. These are often hidden gems you wouldn’t have already noticed. The PDF can be downloaded onto a smart phone or printed.

Where to Stay

York has some pretty amazing youth hostels. The YHA York has a central location and excellent reviews. You can check out more hostels and places to stay on Booking.com

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Free Walking Tour New York

Learn the secrets of new york city through new yorkers, free new york walking tour.

Ever curious about New York City's ascent as a pivotal financial, cultural, and political hub? Keen to understand the spirit of New Yorkers? Embark on an exploration of the city through its residents' perspective with our 2 hour long tour!

Our NYC Free Walking Tour unfolds New York's dynamic history and architectural splendor. We'll start our journey from the historical Fraunces Tavern - the place where it happened, and through historical facts and talking about the people that build America, cross a mosaic of famed landmarks and hidden jewels. Our guides, through interesting stories blend historical narratives with the city's contemporary pulse.

This is a pay-as-you-wish tour. When the tour ends you'll decide how much is the value and pay the guide. You will be able to get a unique perspective of how it truly is to love in the Big Apple.

To embark on this unique journey and uncover the soul of New York City, secure your spot on our NYC Free Walking Tour. Dive deep into the heart of the city's history, culture, and spirited life with those who know it best. Book now to experience New York like never before.

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25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

W ith so much to explore in New York City, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s where these NYC tours come in handy. There are so many innovative ways to see the city and explore and learn about New York from expert guides. From boat tours to walking tours to historical tours and food tours, we've rounded up 25 family-friendly tours of NYC guaranteed to help you find the perfect way to discover the city’s hidden secrets and fun facts.

We've got tons more picks for enjoying New York City with kids in our Visitors Guide for Families , which includes our picks for the top attractions in NYC and 100 things to do in NYC with kids before they grow up .

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Family-Friendly General Interest Tours of NYC

1. contrasts, color, and character bus tour of nyc – midtown west.

Best for : Ages 10+

The Contrasts, Color, and Character Bus Tour might jump off from Midtown, but it's an excellent tour if you want to step outside of Manhattan and explore New York City’s outer boroughs, including Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Queens. On this tour, expect to ride around on a bus and hear about Harlem’s African American history at the Apollo Theater, see numerous graffiti murals and bold street art that decorates the outer boroughs, and learn about the culture and everyday life of Brooklyn’s Hasidic Jewish community.

2. Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour – Midtown West

Best for : All ages

1 hour, 45 minutes

If you want to be immersed in the heart of New York City, the Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour is the tour for you. On this NYC tour, guests learn about Broadway's different theaters and hear some spooky stories and behind-the-scenes tales. This a great New York City tour for kids as it’s less than 2 hours and kids under 4 get in for FREE!

3. Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo Neighborhood Walking Tour – Civic Center

2 1/2 hours

This tour steps off on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge. Hear about the construction of the infamous Brooklyn Bridge as you walk across this NYC landmark. From the bridge, you’ll be able to see beautiful city views. Once you hit Brooklyn, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Dumbo’s galleries and shops, before snapping a family photo with the city skyline as your famed backdrop.

4. Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour – Midtown East

1 1/2 hours

The famed Grand Central Terminal is full of surprises you’d never expect! This New York City transport hub is popular for many reasons, but even people who commute through it daily don’t know its hidden secrets. From a concealed tennis court to a backward ceiling, you’ll learn all the confidential history. Stick around once your tour is over to enjoy some of these fun, kid-friendly finds .

5. New York In A Day Walking Tour – Midtown West

This tour makes for an ambitious adventure for any family, so definitely note that it lasts six hours, and pack snacks and water accordingly! Explore all the highlights of New York City, from Times Square to the 9/11 Memorial to the Statue of Liberty on foot, via subway, and even by ferry. Make sure to bring good walking shoes.

Best Boat Tours of NYC for Families

6. circle line manhattan cruise – hell's kitchen.

Best for : Ages 3+

If you’re looking for a solid boat tour, the Circle Line Manhattan Cruise is a great choice. This guided boat tour circumnavigates the entire island, offering views of New York City’s waterfront. See the skyline, sail under the Brooklyn Bridge, and even snap a postcard-worthy picture of the Statue of Liberty. Guests learn about all five boroughs as you sail past. This boat tour of NYC lasts a whopping 2 1/2 hours. If you're crunched for time, consider booking the 50-minute Downtown Express Sightseeing Cruise guided by the same company.

7. Freedom Liberty Cruise – Hell's Kitchen

1 hour, 15 minutes

The Freedom Liberty Cruise is another popular boat tour in NYC. As you cruise along the Hudson River, you’ll see major landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and Freedom Tower. Instead of a guided tour, this boat tour of NYC is more free-form, and passengers take in the views with their families, take photos, and enjoy concessions from the boat. This more relaxed, less structured option may be a better choice for some families.

8. North River Lobster Company – Hell's Kitchen

What's not family-friendly about a Hudson River cruise that comes complete with a seafood lunch or dinner? As this boat sets sail up the Hudson River, its waitstaff gets to work, keeping cups filled and tummies full. There's a full bar on board. Feeding a crowd? Opt for The Shelly, a 28-inch classic lobster roll with slaw and chips served on a board and worthy to feed the entire family. Kids can top off their meal with a lobster-claw-shaped popsicle in a variety of flavors.

9. Manhattan Adventure Boat Tour – Battery Park City

Best for : Ages 5+

If you’re looking for a more exhilarating option, the Manhattan Adventure Boat Tour is the best option. This intimate, 12-person, narrated NYC tour cruise takes place on a speed boat, so expect to go fast while you explore some of New York’s must-see sights, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, The High Line, and the Freedom Tower.

RELATED : 3 Days in NYC an Ultimate Itinerary from a Local Mom

A guided tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art lets families connect to artwork in unexpected ways. Photo by Jody Mercier

Pop-Culture, Music, and Museum Tours of NYC

10. museum tour for theater lovers – upper east side.

Best for: Ages 8+

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a kid-friendly treasure , but if your family is into theater, take the Staged tour. Fun for the whole family, this interactive museum tour looks at the history of theater from ancient Greece to contemporary musicals that its stories inspired. It also examines other cultures and how they used theater for thousands of years. Throughout this NYC museum tour, there are activities and questions to keep your family engaged. This is definitely a fun one!

11. Super Tour of NYC: Heroes! Comics! More! – Midtown West

Best for : Ages 6+

The Super Tour of NYC is full of comic books and cinema lore! Visit the iconic locations where favorite superheroes “saved the day.” Guests see 40 locations over three hours. If you aren’t a fan of comics at the start of this tour, you will be by the end.

12. Walking Tour: All-of-a-Kind Family – Lower East Side

Even if you haven’t read Sydney Taylor's classic book All-of-a-Kind Family , families love exploring the story and its characters on the Lower East Side with this dedicated walking tour. To make the most out of the tour, try to read the book beforehand, and then immerse yourselves in the excitement of visiting the Main Sanctuary of the Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Allen Street tenements, Hester and Orchard Streets, Seward Park, Seward Park Library, and The Pickle Guys, which carries characters’ favorite snack.

13. Griffins, Goblets, and Gold: A Magical Arts Tour – Upper East Side

Another guided tour of The Met, the Griffins, Goblets, and Gold Tour is a must-see. This two-hour tour explores the museum’s magical items, including parts of an actual castle, depictions of mythical creatures, and spooky objects. The whole family gets a chance to create their own magical world! Intrigued? Better get your tickets!

14. NYC TV and Movie Tour – Midtown West

The NYC TV and Movie Tour invites guests to travel around New York City, learning about the filming locations for favorite TV shows and movies from the comfort of a coach bus. Led by an NYC actor, you get the inside scoop on all the stops along the tour, and the host even quizzes you and your family with some fun trivia.

15. Radio City Music Hall Stage Door Tour – Rockefeller Center

If you and your family haven’t visited Radio City Music Hall, booking the Stage Door Tour is a great way to experience this art-deco treasure. During this NYC tour, guests go behind the scenes of this iconic NYC location to explore its astonishing history. Plus, at the end of the tour, you meet a real Radio City Rockette! Read our full review here and book your tickets online .

Historic Educational NYC Tours for Families

16. chinatown official historic district tour – chinatown.

The Chinatown Official Historic District Tour is a 90-minute walking tour that sheds light on Chinatown's unique history. Aside from seeing a Taoist Temple, the largest Buddhist statue in NYC, and more, guests get exclusive access to places that are usually off-limits to the public.

17. NYC Slavery and the Underground Railroad Walking Tour – Financial District

On this historical tour, guests learn about the origins of slavery in colonial New York, visit the African Burial Ground National Monument, and explore a former stop along the Underground Railroad. Hear stories of courage and learn facts you won’t hear anywhere else.

18. Gilded Age Mansions Tour – Upper East Side

Sometimes it’s fun to take a trip back in time and on this Gilded Ages Mansions Tour, you can do just that! Learn about historic scandals and romances while stepping inside a few of the only remaining Gilded Age mansions located on Fifth Avenue. Visitors learn about the families who lived in these houses, and take in the beautiful architecture of the era. This is a tour for the kids who love a great story!

19. Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour – Battery Park

If you’re interested in immigration history and want to teach your children a little about their ancestors, the Secrets of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Walking Tour is a wonderful place to start. On this NYC tour, explore both Liberty and Ellis Island, while hearing stories of the immigrants who arrived through Ellis Island and their journey to America.

20. Catacombs by Candlelight – Little Italy

Best for : Ages 8+

If you’re looking for a unique NYC tour, the Catacombs by Candlelight Tour at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral is a stunner. This historic tour takes guests into the catacombs and explores parts of the building that are usually closed to the public. This is a tour your family will always remember!

21. Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour – Midtown West

The Birthplace of Hip-Hop Bus Tour gives families a new way to discover music history. Journey through Harlem and the Bronx while learning about hip-hop's early days. Hear personal, real-time narratives and see secret rap battle sites! After this tour of NYC, your children will know everything about the hip-hop pioneer legends.

Family-Friendly NYC Food Tours

22. tea around town: afternoon tea bus tour – manhattan, ny.

This tour is a magical moving tea room paired with live entertainment. Pass sights like Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library's main branch, and Radio City Music Hall as you sip tea and champagne and eat scones and sweets in a double-decker bus dripping with luxurious floral decor.

23. A Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour – Union Square

4 1/2 hours

Everyone loves pizza, and this is New York pizza at its best! Whether you’re a seasoned local or just visiting, exploring the world of pizza on the Slice of Brooklyn Pizza Tour is a delicious option. This bus tour escorts visitors to two Brooklyn pizzerias and shows you sites along the way, such as Coney Island’s boardwalk.

24. The Original Cupcake Tour – Greenwich Village

If there is one thing kids love, it’s cupcakes! So, for a sweet treat, consider taking your family on The Original Cupcake Tour of Greenwich Village. Explore multiple bake shops and indulge in their treats during this guided food tour of NYC. Plus, get the chance to create your own cupcake. Who says you can't have your cake and eat it, too?

25. Walking and Food Tour – Flushing, Queens

Enjoy some tasty foods on the Walking and Food Tour in the melting pot of Flushing, Queens. This is a great tour for children who are open to trying new foods—diverse cuisines such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Indian are all on the menu. Little foodies get to try some of the best Flushing street food and snacks, guided by a local with a passion for cuisine.

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25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More

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Free Walking Tour of York by the Association of Voluntary Guides to the
The Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG) offer daily free 2-hour walking tours to visitors from all over the world. We have been offering complimentary guided tours around York since 1951. Our team of 80+ local expert guides take great pleasure in showcasing our beautiful city, and we look forward to welcoming you on one of ...
White Rose York Tours « Home of York's finest free tour
Our free tour includes: The tour commences every morning (year round) at 11am and every afternoon from April to October at 3pm. All our tours start outside the West Entrance of York Minster (the end with the two towers), under the tree on the wide pavement opposite the groups entrance and close to Bennett's Tea Rooms.
The Free York Walking Tour
Free Tours By Foot is proud to present York's newest pay-what-you-like walking tour! Sometimes known as England's second city, York's tangible history goes back centuries. A one-time capital city, York was founded by the Romans, inhabited by the Vikings, destroyed by William the Conquerer, and played a key role in…
Free Things to Do in York
Guided Walking Tours. With over 80 trained guides and 60+ years of experience, the Association of Voluntary Guides in York is well suited to take you on a two-hour tour of the city. Tours run every day of the year except Christmas day and leave from Exhibition Square (outside of York Art Gallery). Self-Guided Walking Tours
Free Walking Tour York
Best Free Walking Tours in York Famously known for being one of the few remaining walled cities in the world, York is undoubtedly a top destination for any traveler. If you are looking to visit a medieval city with 15th century architecture that is perfectly suited for a king, then this is the perfect destination for you.
The best 10 Free Walking Tours at York
Free walking tours in York Find unique free tours with GuruWalk in any city in the world Destination Dates. Quality PRO Quality Verified Languages English Features No minimum number of attendees Electronic payments accepted Schedule 00:00 23:59 Tour Type Essential
Free 2 Hour York Walking Tour
Tour Details. Duration: 2 Hours. Language: English. Amount of Walking: Moderate. Meeting point: 49 Stonegate (Opposite Links of London) Availability: Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 11am and 2pm. Any groups of 7 or larger, and any privately organised groups, will not be permitted to take this tour; if you are a part of such a group, you must make ...
Free Things to do in York
Do a free walking tour of York. One of the best things to do in York for free is to join a guided walking tour or complete your own self-guided tour. A tour in York will help you to navigate the city but it's also one of the best free activities in York you can do to learn about history and stories of the city.
WALKING TOURS
About 14 of us were entertainingly guided around York and through its history by Kevin. 2000 years of history was imparted at about 20 different spots both on the Walls and around the city. The guides ask for no tips so we donated some money to an animal charity. 2 1/2 hours of exercise and learning. Would thoroughly recommend.
20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely FREE!
9) Go on a Free Walking Tour. There are several different organizations that run free walking tours in York. The Association of Voluntary Guides run tours that start outside York Art Gallery in Exhibition Square (daily at 10:15am and 1:15pm). White Rose tours start from outside the Minster (daily at 11:00am, and 3:00pm April-October). Every ...
Essential Free Tour York
There is so much to discover about the city of York and its rich historical legacy! Join the Essential Free Tour of York to stroll along the extensive city walls while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings, and walk along cobblestone narrow streets lined with mesmerizing buildings. Guided by an expert local guide, your small group of international travelers will visit Roman, Viking, and ...
Walk York
Free Walking Tour. Some things are too good to pay for. 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Free! Event Details. Free Walking Tour. Some things are too good to pay for. Have a tour on us! Our flagship walking tour is now offered for free. Explore York with one of our guides as they talk you through the histo... Event Details. 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Free! Swimming ...
York Walking Tours: The COMPLETE Guide
2.6 The Bloody Tour of York. 2.7 The Bloody York Gin Tour with Mad Alice. 3 AUDIO & DIY WALKING TOURS OF YORK. 3.1 Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels Walking Audio Tour by Voicemap. 3.2 A Fatal Feud - An Immersive Treasure Hunt - Style Murder Mystery - The Secret City. 4 FREE WALKING TOURS IN YORK.
York Walking Tour
Uncover the unheard stories of York on a guided walk through the historic centre. Our walking tour provides the perfect introduction to the rich history of the beautiful and iconic city, while going beyond traditional narratives and highlighting stories of women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people of colour. Our guides are all post-graduate ...
York Walking Tours
Association of Voluntary Guides Free Walk - Free guided walking tours of the city. Leaving from Exhibition Square at 10.15 am, 2.15 pm & 6.45 pm in the summer and 10.15am in the winter. York Historic Pub Tour - An informative guided tour round York's ancient streets and hidden alleys whilst visiting 4 of England's finest inns. Pre ...
York Walking Tours
Welcome to Invisible (York)! We offer friendly walking tours of York that showcase the city like no other. All our themes are chosen by our guides themselves, all of whom have been affected by homelessness. They have all worked for several months to offer you these unique tours of York. Our unique York walking tours give you a different ...
18 Brilliant Free Things To Do In York
Free Walking Tours. While you're in York, why not take advantage of a free walking tour. The Association of Voluntary Guides for York, lead regular free walking tours and no tip is expected at the end of the tour. Pre-booking is recommended. White Rose York tours also lead free walking tours around York and have excellent reviews.
Free walking tour New York: Free Booking Without Credit Card
Free walking tours in New York 4,007 opinions from other walkers about New York tours 4.57 4007 ratings. Arnaud 01 Jun 2024 Verified booking Travelled in couple - Jun 2024 Thanks you for the tour ! We will happy to see you again for an other one !
5 Self-Guided Walking Tours in York, England + Maps
Self-Guided Walking Tours to Explore York, England Follow these 5 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore York, England on foot at your own pace. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit the city attractions which interest you the most.
15 Free Things To Do In York
National Railway Museum. Stop By York's Markets. Homestead Park. Free Walking Tours. Dean's Park. York Walls Festival. Rowing on the River Ouse. York is a beautiful city, with its rich history, charming streets, and vibrant culture! It's become a fantastic destination for families seeking memorable experiences.
Free Walking Tour New York City
You will be able to get a unique perspective of how it truly is to love in the Big Apple. To embark on this unique journey and uncover the soul of New York City, secure your spot on our NYC Free Walking Tour. Dive deep into the heart of the city's history, culture, and spirited life with those who know it best.
Walking Tours in NYC That Show The Hidden Gems of the City
Published on May 30, 2024 at 10:41 AM. The true heartbeat of a city is found through its underbelly—the hidden gems. And when it comes to discovering off-the-beaten-path treasures in New York ...
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours
2. Broadway and Times Square Walking Tour - Midtown West. Best for: All ages. 1 hour, 45 minutes. If you want to be immersed in the heart of New York City, the Broadway and Times Square Walking ...

York’s Original & Most Popular

The State Funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II

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Tour Start Point

Our daily tours are absolutely FREE and, unlike some other advertised tours, there’s really no need for a tip at the end!

A few of our Tour Highlights

Multangular Tower

Museum Gardens

St. Mary’s Abbey

The Kings Manor

Bootham Bar

The Bar Walls

Treasurer’s House

York Minster

St. William’s College

Holy Trinity Goodramgate

The Shambles

Some of our most Frequently Asked Questions

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White Rose York Tours

Step into History in the Capital of the North

“The best walking tour I have ever experienced”

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The Free York Walking Tour

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Free Things to Do in York

Museums, Galleries and Heritage

York Art Gallery (permanent collections only)

York Minster (free to residents only)

York’s churches

York Explore Library

Outdoor Experiences

Self-Guided Walking Tours

Museum Gardens

York City Walls

The Shambles

York’s Parks and Green Spaces

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Free 2 Hour York Walking Tour

Tour Details

You’re probably thinking: Other tour companies in York charge for all of this! How can it all be free?

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York Minster & City Tour

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Free Things to do in York

Things to do in York for free – historical attractions

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Walk the City of York walls

Highlights of the City of York walls

The Shambles

Whip Ma Whop Ma Gate

Explore York’s snickets and snickleways

Attend a service at York Minster

Visit one of York’s historic churches

See the best City of York architecture

Do a free walking tour of York

Watch a street performance

Attend a festival or an event

Free Things To Do in York – Parks and Gardens

York Observatory

Rowntree’s Park

Dean’s Park

Edible Wood

Take a stroll along the River Ouse

Hidden Gems in York

York Minster with kids

Day Trip to York

20 Interesting facts about York

Privacy Overview

Walking Tours - Association of Voluntary Guides

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WALKING TOURS - ASSOCIATION OF VOLUNTARY GUIDES (York) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Away With Maja

1) Stroll through Museum Gardens

2) National Railway Museum