Highlights
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.
About This Deal
Departure Point
- Starts at the Statue of Constantine, (PLEASE ignore the sat nav address For Cars only you need to walk and head to the statue)South entrance of York Minster. The booked time is departure time. Arrive 10 minutes early. Guides don't answer phones once tours begun. Late comer not refunded.
Return Details
- 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.
Duration
2 hours
Languages Available
- Human tour guide - English
Points of Interest
Stop At: York
York
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.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: York Minster
Minster Yard, Deangate, York
The largest Gothic Cathedral in Northern Europe, York Minster took 252 years too build. There are Minster guides inside, tours last an hour.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Clifford's Tower
Tower Street, , York
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.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Merchant Adventurers' Hall
Fossgate, York
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.
Duration: Not Available
Stop At: Shambles
11 Shambles, , York
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.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: York City Walls
, , York
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.
Duration: 6 minutes
Stop At: Shambles Market
5 Silver Street, York
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.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Monk Bar
Off Lord Mayors Walk, York
Learn about the origins of York, its visiting emperors and delve into the story of Constantine the Great, his effect on Christianity and York.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Kings Square
City Centre, York
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: York Castle Museum
Eye of York, Tower St, York
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.
Duration: 4 minutes
Stop At: Merchant Taylors' Hall
Aldwark, York
Visit the market and discover their significance in Yorks economic growth.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: The Black Swan
23 Peasholme Green, , York
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: St Cuthbert's Church
Peasholme Green, York
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.
Duration: 5 minutes
Stop At: Statue of Constantine the Great
York Minster, York
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
Duration: 5 minutes
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- No free inclusions
Redemption Instructions
Tours leave at the time booked, from the statue of Constantine the Great, to be found on the South side of the Cathedral, where you also find the Rose window. Guides will not answer phones during a tour, late comers can contact in advance or up to 5 minutes into the tour. The tour does not return for late comers. No refunds given if tours are missed.
Voucher Info
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
The tour identified in this promotion is made available through Viator. Groupon is not affiliated with or sponsored by the J & M City Walking Tours in connection with this deal. Please contact Groupon customer service for all inquiries related to this offer. Inquiries placed to Viator will be directed back to Groupon.
This offer is not eligible for promo codes.
Fine Print
14-day cancellation rights do not apply; no refunds or exchanges permitted. Voucher valid only for date and time listed; may not be exchanged or redeemed for other dates. Purchaser name and phone number must be provided at checkout; this information will be shared with Viator and the tour operator for purposes of order fulfillment. Groupon promo codes may not be used for this offer. Groupon voucher Terms of Sale do not apply. See the tour operator's terms and conditions for this offer here.
Offer is not eligible for our promo codes or other discounts.