J & M York City Walking Tours

493 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 493 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This adventure is highly rated and has met our top quality standards.
York, England

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On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English

Overview

Step off the beaten path into the beating heart of York’s rich, rebellious past! This highly rated walking tour isn’t your average stroll—it’s an adventure through 6,000 years of real history, gripping stories and your chance to discover all you can on your visit.

We’ll explore the city’s mighty medieval defences and how they evolved to keep out everyone from invading armies to enticing tourists. Marvel at York’s architectural wonders, from Roman stonework to the craftsmanship of medieval masons whose skills shaped the skyline we see today.

Discover the powerful guilds that once ruled the city’s economy, their grand halls, and the “cash crops” that fuelled their rise. Constantine the Great to Oliver Cromwell, Robert the Bruce to kings, queens, history’s biggest names walked these streets, and now, so will you.

Wander along city walls and down ancient streets, as we bust myths and reveal the truth behind the past.

This is York unleashed: gritty, glorious, and unforgettable.

What's Included

  • No free inclusions
  • Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

4 Minster Yard
York YO1 7JB, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

High Ousegate
York YO1 8RZ, UK

The end point is 6 minutes walk from the start of the tour. The location gives access, to Jorvik Viking Centre, Castle museum and Cliffords tour, the river walk and 2 minutes from the Shambles.please note end point may vary.

What To Expect

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York (pass by)

Our guide will show you what makes York so unique, the Medieval walls and Gateways, the Minster, the ancient Shambles, Lantern towers, rivers and castle. See the grave of Dick Turpin and walk through 2000 years of the cities heritage follow in the footsteps of ancient tribes, Romans, Kings and Queens and some of histories most notorious. Our guides can also take you around the museums of your choice for an additional fee.
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York Minster

The largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minster took 252 years too build. There are Minster guides inside, tours last an hour.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Clifford's Tower (pass by)

Walking around the Motte of the castle built in 1069, your guide will bring alive its bloody and dark secrets, walk in the grounds of what would have been on elf the finest castles in England.
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Merchant Adventurers' Hall (pass by)

Walk down into the Medieval levels of the City and let our guide tell you about the richest Guild in York and the part the traders played in Yorks prosperity. Find out how important women were in this guild.
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Shambles

The street of the Butchers, our guide will take to the shrine of St Margaret Clitheroe, and exploring with to uncover the secrets of one of Yorks oldest streets.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St Cuthbert's Church

We take a look at this medieval church with its rich history, built partially from Roman brick work it also features Saxon and Norman architecture. Its most unique feature is its 'Devils door' we will unravel the truth behind the myth.
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6 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

York City Walls

We take in a section of the medieval walls where you'll see the cities Roman defences, danish earthwork and discover its medieval past, sieges, and Victorian alterations. We will also pass by the old Jewish quarter of the city.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Statue of Constantine the Great

Learn about the origins of York, its visiting emperors and delve into the story of Constantine the Great, his effect on Christianity and York.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Black Swan

As we enter the old Hungate Parish, you'll discover the Black Swan, its famous residents and links to the battle of Quebec. Near by is a building whose architecture reflects the Irish heritage of the area as well as having a chance to spot one of Yorks famous Black Cats.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Merchant Taylors' Hall

On the city walls you'll see the Merchant Taylors, discover how guilds became the economic centre of Cities like York, the Taylors significance to the city and its role today.
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4 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shambles Market

Visit the market and discover their significance in Yorks economic growth.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Monk Bar

One of 6 gates in York you'll discover its role in the city defences, the legend of the Wild men of York as well as our Bars more gruesome uses.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Ogleforth

As we walk along this Saxon street you'll discover the Dutch House, it's significance to architectural changes after the Great fire of London and the emergence of Insurance policies.
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Kings Square

In this ancient square you'll discover the meaning behind our street names and thinner Viking heritage and learn about the very centre of the city of Jorvic
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5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

York Castle Museum

From out side we'll look at the old building s of the museum looking at prison reform, the building usage in the past and delve into the myth and stories behind the real Dick Turpin.
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7 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the J & M York City Walking Tours?

A: This adventure is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This adventure is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-298794P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.86
493 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 493 adventurer reviews collected by Top10Adventures® and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
448
4 stars
36
3 stars
0
2 stars
1
1 star
8

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • No free inclusions
  • Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

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Non-refundable

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Non-refundable

This adventure is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This adventure requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This adventure requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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