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Private York Self-Guided Tour

25 Reviews 3.92 out of 5 stars Based on 25 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | York, England
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from $12.32 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Private York Self-Guided Tour Image 1
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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish
Instant confirmation

Overview

Forget about crowds, schedules or lines! With this self-guided experience, your smartphone is your new private guide.

Discover history hiding in plain sight in the beautiful city of York! This is an entertaining and informative experience for everyone to enjoy - whether you’re a local or a newcomer to the city.

Here you will learn about religion, roman conquerors, revolutions, the true history of Vikings, Saints, infamous Massacres, Harry Potter and much more. You will also get an overview of the characters who played an important role, such as Roman Emperors from thousands of years ago, King Charles I, Guy Fawkes, the most terrifying Viking Kings ever documented like Ragnar Lothbrock or Harald Hadrada (who happen to have lived here in Jorvik) and much more. Plus, you'll get insider recommendations so you get the most out of your visit.

PS: You will get an email with step-by-step instructions on how to download our app and unlock the tour.

What's Included

  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
  • In-person Guide
See 2 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

6 Minster Yard
York YO1 7JD, UK

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

Tower St
York YO1 9SA, UK

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation.
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York Minster

Our tour starts at The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Saint Peter in York, commonly known as York Minster. This cathedral is one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe and the minster is the seat of the Archbishop of York, the third-highest office of the Church of England. Here you will learn the story of this beautiful building, its surroundings and more.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

The Roman Column

Did you know that York was once a Roman Fort? Founded in 71 AD, by Roman General Quintus Petillius Cerialis of the Ninth Legion, Eboracum was a fort built on flat ground above the River Ouse near its junction with the River Foss. In this tour, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Roman Heritage of the city and the remains you can still find today.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Dean's Park (pass by)

This stop is all about the medieval past of the city, specifically, you will learn about the "boundaries" of St Peter's Church and its inhabitants. This city within a city didn't come within the Mayor’s authority thus the area inside was known as the 'Liberty of St Peter'.Come with us to learn what happened inside and what were the social repercussions of St Peter's monks all over the city.
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St. Michael le Belfrey Church

The church of St Michael le Belfrey is the only remaining sixteenth-century church in York and is the largest pre-Reformation parish church in the city. The church is famous for being the place where Guy Fawkes was baptised on 16 April 1570. Here you will learn everything about the guy who made the 5th of November so remarkable all over the world.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

High Petergate

Petergate Street, now part of the Minster Quarter, stands on the site of the Roman Via Principalis, the first-century main east-west route through the Roman fortress. The street is named due to its proximity to York Minster, which is dedicated to St Peter. High Petergate was the medieval route into York from the North, it runs from Bootham Bar to Stonegate. Some of the medieval buildings still stand here, forming an eclectic mix with those dating from the Georgian era other period styles of architecture. We will stroll with you through this street and tell you all about it.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Petergate House (pass by)

Strolling through High Peter street towards the north entrance you will find Petergate House, a Grade II listed building that was once the home of Sir Thomas Herbert, a historian and groom of the bedchamber to Charles I. You will learn all about these characters and their story. We will also tell you a story about a haunted house in this area.
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Bootham Bar (pass by)

At the end of Petergate street, you will see the Bootham Bar, which once was one of the four main entrances to the Roman fortress some 2000 years ago. You will dive into its history and understand why it still preserved.
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York City Walls

Since Roman times, York has been defended by walls of one form or another. York has more miles of intact wall than any other city in England. They are known variously as York City Walls, the Bar Walls and the Roman walls. In this stop, we will tell you everything about the walls, recommendations on where to hop on, and give you the liberty to walk through it as long as you like.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Multangular Tower

The Multangular Tower is located in the western corner tower of the Roman fortress, standing 9 metres high, it contains stonework from both the Roman and medieval periods.
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5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Museum Gardens

The beautiful ten-acre botanical Museum Gardens, which surround the Yorkshire Museum, cover the grounds of the former medieval St Mary's Abbey. Established in the early nineteenth century by the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, and designed by landscape architect Sir John Murray Naysmith, the gardens are famous for their stunning collections of trees, shrubs, perennial plants and bulbs.Several noteworthy historic buildings stand within the gardens, these include the remains of the west corner of the Roman fort of Eboracum and St. Mary’s Abby.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. Mary's Abbey

St Mary’s Abbey occupied an extensive precinct site immediately outside the city walls, which is now the Museum Gardens. It was a Benedictine foundation with origins dating back to 1086 when magnate Alan Rufus, a distant cousin of William The Conqueror and Count of Brittany, granted it to the monk Stephen of Whitby. At this stop, you will also learn about the remains of the Roman Anglian Tower.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Shambles

The Shambles is an old street in York, with overhanging timber-framed buildings, some dating back as far as the fourteenth century. It was once known as The Great Flesh Shambles used to display meat shelves from butcheries. We will walk you through this Harry-Potterish street while we discuss its past, what's a myth and what's real about both the novel and real-life events.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow

Among the structures of the Shambles is a shrine to Saint Margaret Clitherow, who is an English saint and martyr of the Roman Catholic Church. She was married to a butcher who owned and lived in a shop in this street, her home is thought to have been No. 10 Shambles.Here, we will let you discover her former house, and tell you all about her past and why she became a Saint.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Jorvik Viking Centre (pass by)

Jórvík or Danish York is a term used by historians for the south of Northumbria (modern-day Yorkshire) during the period of the late 9th century and first half of the 10th century when the city was dominated by Vikings. At this stop, you will learn the rich history of the Vikings, who happened to establish themselves here more than a thousand years ago. You will also get a bonus of the stories of the most famous Vikings who visited the city (three in total, and yes, Ragnar is among them).
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Clifford's Tower

Clifford’s Tower is one of the best-loved landmarks in York. It is the largest remaining part of York Castle, once the centre of government for the north of England. At this stop, you will get all about York Castle history and its relation with the people of York. We will also give you a list of recommendations of places to go, where to eat and what to do on your visit to this beautiful city.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 14 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces 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 Private York Self-Guided Tour?

A: This tour 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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour 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.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-329930P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

3.92
25 reviews

Average 3.92 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
15
4 stars
2
3 stars
2
2 stars
3
1 star
3
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 27 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private York Self-Guided Tour?
A:
This tour 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.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour.
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour.
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app.
  • Audio guide, pictures, videos, recommendations and all the info you need.
  • Jenny will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!).
The following is NOT included:
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour.
  • In-person Guide.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 4..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Private York Self-Guided Tour is as follows:

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private York Self-Guided Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • You will get an email with instructions to activate your tour
  • Map, directions, GPS route and stops of each tour
  • Unlimited access to this Self-Guided Tour on the app
  • Audio guide, pictures, videos, recommendations and all the info you need
  • Jenny will guide you through an audio guide (no computer-generated voice!)
  • Any entrance fee for the attractions mentioned during the tour
  • In-person Guide

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces 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

Report Product Issue

Activity name