Free tour Guide to York
Academic Excellence: Free Tour Guide to York - England's Medieval Marvel
Welcome to your free tour guide to York!
This guide takes you through winding medieval streets enclosed by ancient city walls, past the awe-inspiring York Minster with its magnificent stained glass windows, and into charming snickelways where centuries of history whisper from every cobblestone. Discover a city where Roman, Viking, and Victorian heritage blend seamlessly in one of Britain’s most historically rich destinations.
At Wingman, we’re your local friend, showing you where to enjoy the most authentic Yorkshire puddings in the Shambles Market and the hidden viewpoints with the best panoramas of the Minster’s Gothic towers.
We’ll walk with you from the iconic Clifford’s Tower to the tranquil Museum Gardens, sharing stories about York’s complex history and its evolution from Roman fortress to Viking capital to today’s vibrant cultural center. Join us as we show you the real York!
FROM ROMAN WALLS TO VIKING TREASURES
York's Secret Sunset Spot
For the most breathtaking sunset in York, head to Clifford's Tower where golden light bathes the ancient stonework while offering panoramic views across the medieval city. Alternatively, stroll along the City Walls near Micklegate Bar to watch the sun sink behind York Minster, painting its Gothic spires in dramatic silhouette.
Top 2 wingman tours in York
The spookiest city in Europe
Hello and welcome to York, declared the most haunted city in Europe by the International Ghost Research Foundation! In this tour, we’ll explore some hotspots of spectral activity and learn more about the most famous ghosts that have contributed to York’s prominent ranking in this eerie field. Meet the Grey Lady, The Dandy, Mad Alice, and a whole legion of Roman soldiers. Find out how the ghosts of York have become sought-after collectibles, and wind down in one of York’s oldest historic pubs that boasts its own ghosts!
York through time
Welcome to York, a city where history is alive in every street and stone. On this tour, you’ll step back through centuries, exploring everything from the ruins of ancient defences to elegant Georgian craftsmanship.Â
You’ll uncover the echoes of Viking settlers, wander down medieval alleyways that seem frozen in time, and stand in awe of one of Europe’s most breathtaking cathedrals. Your tour ends in a pub that’s a piece of history itself!
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hidden gems of York
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Treasurer's House Hidden Victorian Street
Beneath the grandeur of the Treasurer’s House lies a perfectly preserved Victorian street, discovered accidentally in 1953 by plumber Harry Martindale. While the house itself is a National Trust property, few visitors venture into its basement to explore this underground time capsule. The street, complete with original cobblestones and doorways, offers a glimpse into Roman and Victorian York that most tourists never see. Archaeological evidence suggests this was once part of a major Roman thoroughfare leading to the fortress.
Local Guide Tip: Book the ‘Hidden History’ tour on weekday mornings around 11 AM – the smaller groups mean you can access the narrow passage where Harry famously encountered the Roman legion ghosts, and the morning light through the Victorian gratings creates an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photos.
Coordinates: 54.0080° N, 1.0824° W
Barley Hall's Medieval Herb Garden
Concealed behind an unassuming doorway off Coffee Yard, this meticulously reconstructed medieval herb garden belongs to the restored 14th-century Barley Hall. While tourists flock to the main hall, this intimate green space offers a peaceful retreat showcasing plants used for medieval medicine, cooking, and textile dying. The garden follows authentic medieval design principles, complete with raised beds and wattle fencing, providing insight into daily life in medieval York. Each plant carries a label explaining its historical uses, from treating the Black Death to brewing ale.
Local Guide Tip: Visit between 2-3 PM on Thursdays when the resident herbalist tends to the garden and is happy to share fascinating stories about medieval plant lore – they’ll often give visitors samples of traditional herb tea not available in the gift shop.
Coordinates: 54.0086° N, 1.0853° W
The Hidden Chapel of All Saints' North Street
While York’s grand Minster draws crowds, this lesser-known church houses some of Europe’s finest medieval stained glass, including the unique “Pricke of Conscience” window depicting the fifteen signs of doom. Dating from the 14th century, the church contains a secret chamber accessible via a narrow staircase, believed to have been used by priests during the Reformation. The acoustic properties of this space are remarkable, and it’s said that whispers at one end can be heard clearly at the other.
Local Guide Tip: Time your visit for 4 PM on clear days when the setting sun illuminates the west window, creating a spectacular light show through the medieval glass. The church keeper often opens the hidden chamber upon request if you show genuine interest in the history.
Coordinates: 54.0547° N, 1.0871° W
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York top sights with insider tips
York Minster Insider Tip: Book the ‘Hidden Minster’ tour at 2PM on Thursdays to access the medieval library and secret passages normally closed to the public.
The Shambles Insider Tip: Visit before 9AM to photograph the famous medieval street completely empty, and pop into the Shambles Market’s ‘Locally Sourced’ corner where vendors often offer free samples of Yorkshire specialties.
City Walls Insider Tip: Start your wall walk at Monk Bar at sunset and head clockwise to Bootham Bar for the best golden-hour views of the Minster without running into tour groups.
Jorvik Viking Centre Insider Tip: Book the first slot (10AM) and request the ‘archaeologist’s commentary’ at the ticket desk for fascinating details not included in the standard tour.
York Castle Museum Insider Tip: The often-overlooked Victorian backstreets exhibit on the top floor houses the museum’s best interactive displays and is usually empty after 3PM.
Clifford’s Tower Insider Tip: Visit during the monthly full moon evening openings for spectacular city views and special historical reenactments rarely advertised to tourists.
National Railway Museum Insider Tip: The workshop viewing gallery between 2-3PM offers the chance to see real restoration work in progress, with retired engineers often happy to chat.
York’s Chocolate Story Insider Tip: Book the last tour of the day (usually 4PM) when they give away excess chocolate samples from their chocolate-making demonstrations.
St. Mary’s Abbey Ruins Insider Tip: The lesser-known north side of the ruins provides the perfect frame for Minster photos, especially during morning mist.
York Dungeon Insider Tip: Wednesday afternoons are quietest, and asking for the ‘local’s discount’ often gets you a surprise upgrade to VIP access.
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