See Historic York with an Open Top Bus Tour
If you’re short of time or with young children or are simply tired of walking, what better way to see the city of York than from the top of an Open Top Bus?
The service, which is a family run business, works on a hop-on and hop-off basis from 9.08am in autumn and 9.20am in winter, running every 15 to 20 minutes (with no buses operating between 21st December and 8th January).
Travelling in a full circle around York City centre, Continue reading See Historic York with an Open Top Bus Tour
Tours of York Brewery take place daily with a chance to sample some of the real ales on offer included in the package.
Situated at in Micklegate, York’s one and only independent brewery was founded 15 years ago by Tony Smith and Tony Thompson. Beer is brewed using traditional methods Continue reading City of York Brewery Tour
The York Rowntree Walk
This walk is not only a celebration of one of the most famous chocolate factories in England – where such iconic confectionery as Smarties, Fruit Pastilles, Kit Kats and Polos are produced – but is also a tribute to the Rowntree family, and in particular the founder Joseph Rowntree, whose many philanthropic works helped to pave the way for the modern welfare state. Continue reading The York Rowntree Walk
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 Continue reading York Walls Audio Tour
The York Historic Pub Tour
The historic pub tour visits four of York’s most famous pubs with a generous sample of Yorkshire Real Ales (or soft drink) included in the price.
It departs daily whatever the weather – in fact umbrellas are provided in the event of rain – at 1.30pm, 5.00pm, 7.00pm and 9.00pm from St Helen’s Square near Betty’s Tea Rooms (Tea? What’s that?). Continue reading The York Historic Pub Tour
The York Viking Walk
For those in the mood for a bit of good old fashioned raiding and pillage, the York Viking Walk is an hour’s tour around the city showing in graphic detail how the Vikings invaded, lived, fought and were eventually defeated.
In the ninth and tenth centuries, York was the capital city of Viking England with a population higher than any other city in England.
There will also be gruesome stories galore about the terrible reign of Erik Bloodaxe, King of York, and of the formidable Viking Berserkers (or Norse Warriors) who howled like wild animals and fought in an uncontrollable trance-like rage, their name ultimately giving rise to the word “berserk.”
The tours are led by local children’s author and historian S.P. Grey, writer of the bestselling books The Last Vikings and Return of Sigurd the Dragon Slayer, who presents a dramatic and graphic picture of this bloodthirsty period of history that will stay with you for some time.
The York Viking Walk takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening at 6.00pm, kicking off from behind All Saints Church on Parliament Street across the road from the Marks & Spencer’s clock tower entrance. Look out for the boards identifying the setting off point.
With prices at £4 per adult, children and concessions at £2.50 and discounts available for groups, there’s no need for prior booking and the walk takes place in sunshine, rain, sleet or snow – in fact, whatever the weather.
York Visitor Information
De Grey Rooms
Exhibition Square
York YO1 7HB
Tel: 01904 550099
York Viking Walk
The York Viking Walk represents an opportunity Continue reading The York Viking Walk
The World Tour of York
The World Tour of York is an entertaining, two-hour guided walk that combines stories of York’s present as well as its past, including issues of York’s development and the lifestyles of its people throughout the ages as it transformed from the bleak swampland conquered by the Romans in AD 71 into the vibrant city that it is today.
The guided tour starts from St Helen’s Square, opposite Betty’s world famous Tea Shop – just look for someone wearing a gold and black uniform.
Continue reading The World Tour of York
