York Walls Audio Tour
Any trip to York has to include an excursion along the walls. Dating back 2000 years the ancient fortifications are perhaps – with the exception of York Minster – the defining monument of the city and are recognised as a major landmark throughout the world.
In fact there were once 108 walled towns and cities in England with less than a third now retaining a single gateway. The York Walls Audio Tour allows you to traverse the two-mile circuit of the walls at your own pace, with a fascinating commentary that ensures you don’t miss out on any of the history that encompasses examples of Roman, Dark Age, Viking and Medieval defences.
Telling the story of the walls and the city they protected, the historical commentary has been extensively researched through Roman to Victorian times. In addition to the narration, history is brought to life on the tour via a host of characters from the past including the first Christian Emperor Constantine, the medieval stonemason Thomas De Staunton and Elizabeth Caverley, who was the lifelong companion of the artist William Etty who campaigned tirelessly against the city council in the 1800s – when it was proposed to demolish the walls entirely.
There are 26 stopping points along the tour varying in length from three to ten minutes, plus an audio guide for the Richard lll Museum at Monk Bar with FREE entry as part of the tour.
Five background tracks cover different eras including Roman York, the Dark Ages and Viking York, the Civil War, Medieval York and the Final Battle and provides a great opportunity to increase not only knowledge about York but about history in general. There’ll also be a few mysterious secrets revealed along the way!
Even better, seven interesting venues are provided on the tour where you can stop for refreshment, including York’s most haunted pub and some fine restaurants.
Suitable for both children and adults, the commentary is delivered via an easy-to-operate personal media player with headphones provided – these can be kept afterwards, or your own headphones can be used should you prefer.
A refundable deposit of £5 is required and prices are £6.99 per adult, £4.50 for children and a family of two adults and two children £20.
The audio equipment can be picked up from:
York Visitor Information
De Grey Rooms
Exhibition Square
York YO1 7HB
Tel: 01904 550099
Richard III Museum
Monk Bar
York YO1 7LQ
Tel: 01904 634191
The Punch Bowl
7 Stonegate
York YO1 8AN
Tel: 01904 655147
York Visitor Information Centre
If you know of a tour or guide that should mentioned on the Directory of York, then drop us a line at support@directoryofyork.net
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