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Offered languages
- English
The City of York walls are the most unique and complete in the country. They have also seen their fair share of blood with heads spiked on Micklegate bar, a medieval Jewish massacre and cannon fire from the Civil War in 1644.
Join award winning Mad Alice on a gruesome walk on the walls as she highlights some of the tragedies that have taken place on and around the ancient stones.
This 2 hour tour will visit 3 of the 4 gateways as visitors have the option to complete the 2.5 mile circuit with the guidebook given by Mad Alice at the end or wander back to city centre if the truth has become too much to bear.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet By the pedestrian archway of Micklegate Bar, the grand entrance to the city.
Close to The Black Swan pub. 5 minutes walk away from Shambles and 3 minutes walk to the next stretch of city Walls.
Itinerary
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1
The ""Great Gate" inside the ancient city of York. This is the gateway where Kings and Queens have passed through and where many have lost their heads.... this is where we climb the steps to walk the walls in a clockwise direction.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
These 10 acres of beautiful botanical gardens hide the history of nearly 2000 years. See parts of the Roman fortress wall, the medieval hospital, the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey and learn about the treasures of the Yorkshire Museum.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Soak in the history of King's Manor where Henry VIII stayed with his 5th Wife and learn about who saved the city walls from total destruction during the 19th Century.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The oldest of the 4 gateways that stands on Roman entrance into Eboracum. It still contains it portcullis. Again we ascend the walls to take in the views and history of York Minster. Hear about the fires that nearly destroyed the Minster and catch a glimpse of the most haunted building in the city.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
The tallest of the four structures, it certainly has its quirks, can you spot the "murder holes"? We continue on this stretch of walls towards our final destination and learn about the Roman fortress and the thriving Jewish community that once lived here until a great tragedy struck. At the end of the tour visitors will be given a map of the city walls, complete with highlighted info and what to look out for. From here they can continue and complete the walls circuit, or find solace in the nearby haunted pub called The Black Swan, or venture back to the city centre toward civilisation.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour involves stairs. Please note that dogs and pushchairs are not permitted on the City Walls.
- In extreme weather conditions, the walls may be closed and locked as per the City of York Council's protocol. The tour will be cancelled and refunded. You will be notified on the day.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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