As a seasoned traveler and a self-proclaimed aficionado of all things paranormal, I can wholeheartedly vouch for the enchanting ghost tours in York. Having traversed the cobblestone streets of various haunted cities across the globe, I can confidently say that these tours offer an unparalleled experience that is both educational and thrilling.
Presently, it’s an ideal season for embarking on a ghost tour! The weather is gradually cooling down, nights are becoming darker, and there’s a noticeable chill in the air as Halloween festivities reach their peak. Whether you’ve already reserved spots for Scarefest, Fright Night, or one of the top UK Halloween events, why not spice up your October calendar with an extra dose of terror: a ghost tour!
Among the British cities, York stands out as one of the most ghost-infested, a title that was once bestowed upon it by The International Ghost Research Foundation as the most haunted city in all of Europe.
Established by the Romans in 71 AD, York boasts a rich 2,000-year history marked by violence, brutality, witches, and highwaymen. It’s often claimed that there are more than 500 ghostly locations within its ancient walls, primarily attributed to Viking raids, the Norman Conquest, and internal conflicts.
If you’re drawn towards the mysterious and eerie, consider signing up for a ghostly adventure through York! We’ve handpicked some top-notch experiences, such as guided walking tours and bus rides, that showcase the city’s most haunting tales.
As a self-proclaimed connoisseur of chills and thrills, I’d highly recommend you check out some unforgettable experiences that will send shivers down your spine. From delving into the haunted nooks and crannies of Edinburgh on their top-notch ghost tours, to surviving a zombie apocalypse in the UK, or solving an intriguing murder mystery, these exhilarating adventures are not for the faint-hearted!
Jump to:
- What is a ghost walk?
- How long is a ghost tour in York?
- Best ghost tours in York at a glance
- Best York ghost walking tours to try in 2024
- Best York ghost bus tours to try in 2024
What is a ghost walk?
Experiencing a ghost walk firsthand is an exhilarating way for me, fellow enthusiasts of the supernatural, to delve into a city’s shadowy past while uncovering its most haunting landmarks. The format usually begins with us gathering at a designated starting point, where we then embark on a journey led by an accomplished guide who specializes in ghostly tales.
How long is a ghost tour in York?
To discover some of the best experiences around the UK, keep an eye on our “Going Out” section and don’t forget to sign up for our complimentary newsletter.
Best ghost tours in York at a glance:
- Devilishly Gruesome Ghost Hunt of York, from £10.50
- Shadows of York, from £12
- The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York, from £12
- The Bloody Tour of York, from £13.50
- The Ghost Bus Tours, from £14
- The York Dungeon, from £23 £19 (save £4 or 17%)
- Ghost Bus Tour of York, from £20
- York Witches & History Walking Tour for Two, £25
- York Witches and History Family Walking Tour for Two Adults and Two Children, £55
- Private Ghost Tour of York, from £65
Best York ghost walking tours to try in 2024
The York Dungeon
In any guide we’d put together on the scariest activities in York, it would be hard not to include The York Dungeon, wouldn’t it? At The York Dungeon, you’ll traverse through 10 chilling live-action shows, featuring characters like Isabella Billington, a witch from York with an infamous reputation, and Guy Fawkes among others. They will regale you with tales of the city’s ominous 2,000 year history.
The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York
In the historic English city of York, there’s a wealth of past events ranging from the Black Death to Viking invasions, and it has seen its fair share of grim occurrences such as murders and brutal acts. However, this particular ghost tour offers an amusing twist – it’s guided by a jester with a dark sense of humor, making it suitable for all ages. On The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York, you’ll explore places like the York Minster, the Shambles, and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma Gate (its authentic name).
It’s worth mentioning, too, that this walking tour is the 2023 winner of a YorkMix Award.
Take a look at the best London walking tours for more sight-seeing inspiration.
Shadows of York
As a film reviewer, I’d say: “When meandering through the charming cobblestone streets of Nottingham or York, you may come across these narrow passages that are fondly referred to as ‘jitties’, ‘twitchels’, ‘snickelways’, or alleys. In the hauntingly beautiful city of York, these snickelways form a hidden network waiting to be explored on the In Shadows of York ghost tour. This guided adventure will lead you down lesser-known streets and into the depths of York’s dark past. Don’t worry about getting lost as your guide will ensure you stay on track! Throughout the walk, feel free to ask questions and uncover secrets hidden from ordinary visitors. This eerie exploration promises an experience beyond the ordinary during your trip to this enchanting north-eastern city.
Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York
Like all medieval cities, York has a bloody past, and you can learn all about it in Mad Alice’s The Bloody Tour of York ghost walk. In this immersive guided tour of York, you’ll hear alternative stories of witches, murderers and queens, centred around top tourist attractions such as the Shambles, York Minster, the Jorvik Viking Centre, and more.
York Witches & History Walking Tour for Two
If you enjoy tales of things that stir at night, don’t miss out on this enchanting witchcraft tour through the hauntingly beautiful city of York, recognized as one of the United Kingdom’s most ghost-ridden towns. This captivating 60-minute walking expedition delves deeply into the world of witchcraft, sharing chilling anecdotes about the spectral Witches of Yorkshire as you stroll through the ancient streets of York’s Medieval Old Town.
If you’re interested in magical stage productions like “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”, don’t miss out on our top picks for West End performances.
York Witches and History Family Walking Tour for Two Adults and Two Children
One of the fantastic things about ghost tours is that it offers an alternative experience of the city you’re visiting or living in. This particular tour is a 60-minute walking tour which includes historical tales with a focus on witchcraft, the spooky and the strange — just as you’d expect! The tour is led by an eccentric witch guide who will take you on a trip down the dimly lit streets and spooky snickets of York’s Medieval Old Town.
Take a look at our The Cauldron review for more supernatural experiences.
Devilishly Gruesome Ghost Hunt of York
Exploring ghost walks are fantastic methods to traverse unfamiliar areas within a city and discover tales that aren’t often highlighted in regular walking tours or history books. The Devilishly Gruesome Ghost Hunt of York offers a journey through York’s renowned landmarks and hidden gems, revealing the secrets of the city guided by an expert tour leader.
Private Ghost Tour of York
Should your visit to York be brief, consider enhancing your stay with a unique Private Ghost Tour experience. Notably, this tour offers flexibility, allowing you to select both the starting point and time that best suits your schedule.
With the Private Ghost Tour of York, you can customise your experience, and learn about things that are of special interest to you. You can choose to visit locations of haunted spots with a notorious reputation, such as the Castle and Battlements.
Here’s a simple guide on obtaining affordable tickets for both Thorpe Park and Alton Towers throughout the entire year, not just during Halloween.
Best York ghost bus tours to try in 2024
Ghost Bus Tour of York
If you’re eager to explore the haunting sights of York and be captivated by chilling narratives without relying on foot travel, consider embarking on a ghost bus tour instead! Opt for either a mid-afternoon or nighttime departure aboard a classic bus, and take in spine-tingling locations like York Minster, Clifford’s Tower, and the burial place of Dick Turpin (the notorious highwayman and killer). Throughout your journey, you’ll be regaled with captivating accounts from an engaging tour guide.
The Ghost Bus Tours
Get ready, ghost enthusiasts! Climb aboard this chilling tour on a vintage 1960s Routemaster bus, where you’ll find yourself seated in anticipation. This thrilling 75-minute ride is guided by a spooky conductor and live actors who will reveal some of York’s most haunting tales straight from the city’s shadowy past.
- You can also buy the Ghost Bus Tour tickets from £14 at Booking.com
Check out the best London experience gifts and best UK family days out for exciting ways to see cities.
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2024-09-18 14:07