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Offered languages
- English
Walk the streets of the real Jorvik.
In 866 AD, the Great Heathen Army captured York, transforming an Anglo-Saxon settlement into a thriving, international Viking capital. On this deeply researched walking tour, we navigate the historic alleys to uncover the incredible 200-year legacy of Norse rule.
Forget the horned helmets and Hollywood tropes. Your expert guide will bring the authentic Viking Age to life, sharing the stories of fierce kings, master craftsmen, global traders, and everyday families who built a commercial empire in the north of England.
If you want a genuine, gripping, and fact-checked exploration of York's Viking heritage, this is your journey.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Meet by the Roman Column by the Minster.
Tour finishes at Clifford's Tower.
Itinerary
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1York Minster
At our final stop we get up and close to the world famous York Minster, where we will hear about the early Anglo-Saxon origins of the cathedral, and also a surprising link to the Vikings. Well, it is the Original Viking Walk after all.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included -
2York City Walls
An optional but popular route that traces the footsteps of ancient guards on the medieval city walls.* The city walls are built on top of the old Roman fortress, which the Vikings would have reused. Provides stunning views of the north side of the Minster. *The city walls are occasionally closed due to time, bad weather, or maintenance. Original York Walks and its various tours bear no responsibility for access to the city walls, and are always just as disappointed as you when they are inaccessible.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Hear about the adventures of Egill Skallagrimsson, his foe Eric Bloodaxe, and Eric's wife, the witch, Gunnhild! We also get our first glimpse of York Minster.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Welcome to the enchanting mediaeval street known as the Shambles. The oldest and best preserved of all the original Shambles in England.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
Hear about one of Neil's favourite hidden gems that was ultimately a clever Anglo-Scandinavian marketing ploy, and, provided the church is open (depends on the time and day), see a 1000 year old Viking grave cover.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Hear about how the Vikings transformed the small Anglo-Saxon town into a thriving hub of international trade thus become the second largest city in England.
Admission ticket free -
6Clifford's Tower
We start our tale of Vikings here, and learn exactly what started and ended the 200-year rule of the Vikings. Hear about Ragnar Lothbrok, Ivar the Boneless, and William the Conqueror's Norman Conquest.
15 minutes • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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