Welcome to the ancient, cobbled streets of York, reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in the world.
Each night, York transforms into a stage for phantoms, their eerie narratives etched deep into its venerable stones. And you’re invited to meet them…
For visitors drawn to the darker side of history, joining ghost walks in York is not to be missed.
These are not for the faint-hearted. You will embark on a journey through lantern-lit snickelways and medieval squares. And who knows, you might just encounter a spook or two along the way!
This guide shares the best ghost walks in York so you can plan for your next visit. York awaits you, dare you discover its ghostly secrets?
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Best Ghost Walks in York
Considered one of the most haunted cities in the UK, if not the world, the medieval city of York provides the perfect backdrop for a ghost walk.
These haunting experiences are one of the most popular things to do in York at night. They are the best way to discover the haunted places in York, while learning about the history of the city.
Before we delve into the ghost walks on offer in York, here is a quick introduction to ghost walks and what to expect if you haven’t experienced one before.
What is a Ghost Walk?
A ghost walk is a guided tour that delves into the haunted history of a location. They tie together the threads of the past and supernatural tales into a chilling narrative.
Guided by expert storytellers, visitors are led through historic sites and hidden gems, all the while hearing tales of spectres and hauntings.
What to Expect on a Ghost Walk in York
When you join a ghost walk in York, you’re not just walking through the streets; you’re stepping back in time and into the shoes of the city’s ancient inhabitants.
The lit lanterns cast long shadows, and the cobbled streets echo with eerie tales. Be prepared for plenty of colourful characters, jump scares, a lot of history, and a unique experience that will leave you with goosebumps.
It is a fantastic way to learn about the intriguing history of York, all through the time-old tradition of telling ghost stories.
Why Choose York for a Ghost Walk?
York, with its history dating back to Roman times and its well-preserved medieval architecture, is often considered one of the most haunted cities in the world.
Its ancient walls have seen countless events, from bloody battles to infamous executions, leaving behind plenty of ghostly tales.
The narrow winding streets, eerily quiet at night, are the perfect setting for the ghost stories that have become part of the city’s folklore. This, paired with the expertise of the local guides, makes York the perfect place to experience a ghost walk.
What are the best Ghost Walks in York?
So, if you’re ready to delve into York’s dark and spooky past, here are the best ghost walks in York for your next visit.
Dark Chronicles of York
For those with a taste for the morbid and mysterious, the Dark Chronicles of York is an unforgettable encounter with the city’s chilling past.
Exceptionally rated for its vivid storytelling and atmospheric settings, this tour stands as one of the best spooky walking tours in York.
As you traverse the city’s narrow, cobbled streets, your expert guide will take you on a spine-tingling journey through two millennia of dark tales and eerie legends.
Your adventure starts at the foot of the ancient York Minster. From there, you’ll explore the city’s labyrinth of shadowy snickelways, while listening to tales of their spectral inhabitants.
Expect to hear about York’s abandoned plague child and the grim fate of the city’s criminals. With every step, you’ll be transported into York’s gruesome past, uncovering the secrets that lie hidden in the city’s darkest corners.
The Dark Chronicles of York doesn’t just recount ghost stories, it brings them to life. This isn’t just a tour – it’s an experience that will leave you with goosebumps long after the night has ended.
Start location: The Golden Lion, Church Street, YO1 8BG.
When is the tour: 6:45pm nightly
How long does the Dark Chronicles of York tour last?
The Dark Chronicles of York tour lasts around 90 minutes.
How much is the Dark Chronicles of York tour?
Tickets for the Dark Chronicles of York tour cost £10/adult, £6.50/youth, and £5/child
Dark Tales of York Private Ghost Tour
Experience an exclusive encounter with York’s ghostly past on the Dark Tales of York Private Ghost Tour.
This unique journey, tailored solely for your group, avoids the usual crowds and allows a more intimate and personal experience.
As you explore the old streets and narrow alleyways, tales of ghosts, executions, and murders come alive, narrated by your guide.
This tour’s private nature gives you the flexibility to choose a date and time that best fits your itinerary, ensuring you don’t miss out on this adventure.
If you are staying in the city centre, your guide can accommodate hotel pick-ups and offer customisation of the tour route for your convenience.
Are you brave enough to uncover York’s dark secrets undisturbed on this private ghost tour?
Start location: Roman Baths Pub in St Sampsons Square
When is the tour: As this is a private tour, you can arrange your preferred date and start time with your guide.
How long does Dark Tales of York tour last?
The Dark Tales of York tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.
How much is the Dark Tales of York tour?
Tickets for the Dark Tales of York tour cost £48/group (up to 15 people)
Waking the Dead of Walmgate
Among the most chilling and intriguing ghost walks in York is Waking the Dead of Walmgate brought to you by The Polite Tourist.
This tour is a thrilling dive into the tragedies that lie forgotten in the pages of York’s Victorian past.
As an outstandingly unique and meticulously researched offering, it stands out as one of the best spooky walking tours in the city, providing a haunting experience for those brave enough to explore it.
Every Wednesday evening, the enigmatic Lady Brigante, a spiritual sleuth and professional storyteller, guides curious guests through York’s historic streets, imparting tales of ordinary folk whose lives were marked by heartache and desperation.
From the selfish chemist to the grief-stricken brother, their stories, once lost to history, are now brought back to life.
This tour is not for the faint-hearted or those who shy away from the harsh realities of the past. It promises a combination of true crime stories, Victorian history, and spectral narratives, resulting in an experience that is as informative as it is spine-chilling.
The tour offers a chance to delve deep into the city’s darkened corners, uncovering the spectral whispers of York’s gruesome past. So, for those seeking a unique, immersive, and haunting adventure, Waking the Dead of Walmgate is a must-add to your York itinerary.
Start location: At the gates of St George’s Churchyard, York YO1 9PT
When is the tour: 7pm every Wednesday evening
How long does the Waking the Dead of Walmgate tour last?
The Waking the Dead of Walmgate tour runs for 7pm-9pm.
How much is the Waking the Dead of Walmgate tour?
Tickets for the Waking the Dead of Walmgate tour cost £15/person.
The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York
If you’re seeking a spine-tingling, hilariously horrific journey into York’s murky past, then the Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York is ideal.
This tour consistently ranks among the most popular ghost walks in York, and for good reason. It uniquely blends comedy and horror, providing a grotesquely entertaining jaunt through the city’s spectral history.
On this tour, you’re not just part of a ghost walk, but the star of a hauntingly humorous performance.
Each tour is led by a seasoned guide whose dark sense of humor adds a deliciously sinister twist to the tales of plague, Vikings, butchery, and murder.
The mingling of humor and horror provides a unique, family-friendly experience.
You’ll walk the ancient cobbles of famous sites like York Minster, the Shambles, and the amusingly named Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.
At each spot, your guide will regale you with ghastly tales and vile crimes of bygone days, bringing the city’s macabre history to life.
Expect the unexpected, and be prepared for both laughter and chills as you immerse yourself in the eerie side of delightful York.
Start location: Quacks Printers, 7 Grape Lane, York, YO1 7HU
When is the tour: Nightly at 6pm, 8pm, and 9pm
How long does the Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York last?
The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York lasts approximately 90 minutes.
How much is the Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York?
Tickets for the Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of York cost £14/adult, £8/child, free for children under six years old.
Ghost Keeper Tour of York
Meet outside the Jorvik Viking centre for what will promise to be an hour and fifteen minutes of first-class entertainment for adults and children alike!
Embrace the eerie with the Ghost Keeper Tour of York, widely renowned as one of the most compelling ghost walks in this historic city.
This tour invites the brave to walk the city’s shadowy alleyways, exploring tales of scandal, death, and the supernatural. The Ghost Keeper, an experienced storyteller, will guide you through the narrow passages and dark streets that have been walked for centuries.
This tour promises more than just ghostly tales; it offers a captivating journey into York’s rich and often chilling history. This is not merely a walk but a performance, delivering an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.
The Ghost Keeper Tour’s reputation as one of the best is well-earned; it offers a blend of history, horror, and intrigue that captivates visitors.
Whether you’re seeking an unconventional family outing or a unique way to explore York’s past, the Ghost Keeper Tour of York delivers.
Start location: Jorvik Centre, Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NY
When is the tour: Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30pm
How long does the Ghost Keeper Tour of York last?
The Ghost Keeper Tour of York lasts approximately 75 minutes.
How much is the Ghost Keeper Tour of York?
Tickets for the Ghost Keeper Tour of York cost £10/adult, £5/child.
The Bloody Tour of York
The Bloody Tour of York, led by the charismatic Mad Alice, is an immersive storytelling experience that combines history, tragedy, and horror.
This tour is recognised as one of the best ghost walks in York due to its unique blend of spine-chilling tales and authentic historical narratives.
Mad Alice will guide you through centuries-old snickelways, past haunted landmarks, and into the bloody past of this ancient city.
Expect to discover the haunting stories of notorious figures like Guy Fawkes, who plotted to blow up the houses of Parliament, and notorious highwayman Dick Turpin, hanged in York in 1739. Learn about Margaret Clitherow, a martyr who lived amongst the blood-soaked lanes of the Shambles in the 1580s.
The tour delves into the darker facets of York’s history, from the Roman era and the Viking invasion to the harrowing times of the Plague, with detailed accounts of torture and execution.
This award-winning 90-minute tour is not only informative, but it’s also family-friendly, making it a suitable adventure for gruesome little ones.
As you navigate through York’s most terrifying tales, even the spiked severed heads may seem to whisper secrets. Brace yourself for an unforgettable journey into the spectral shadows of one of the UK’s most haunted cities.
Start location: St. William’s College, College Street, YO1 7JF
When is the tour:
- January – 6pm (Saturdays only)
- February/March – 6pm nightly
- April to October – 6pm and 8pm nightly
- November/ December- 6pm nightly
How long does The Bloody Tour of York last?
The Bloody Tour of York lasts approximately 90 minutes.
How much is The Bloody Tour of York?
Tickets for The Bloody Tour of York cost £15/adult, £7/child, not suitable for children under four years old.
Shadows of York Ghost Walk
Shadows of York is one of the most captivating ghost walks in York. It offers visitors a chilling excursion into the city’s sinister past.
Known for its enthralling storytelling and expert guides, this walk consistently tops the list for those seeking a spine-tingling adventure.
On the Shadows of York Ghost Walk, you’ll be transported back in time through the city’s medieval streets and narrow Snickelways.
Your guide will be a master storyteller, expertly weaving tales of tragedy, treachery, and ghostly sightings.
From chilling tales of the plague to stories of heinous crimes committed within the city walls, the Shadows of York Ghost Walk is so much more than just a tour—it’s an immersive journey into York’s tragic past that will leave you wanting more.
As a part of this tour, you will also gain a unique perspective of the city. The ghostly tales are wrapped in historical context, making you see the familiar sites of York in a completely new light.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned York explorer, this tour offers an unforgettable experience, blending the thrill of ghostly tales with fascinating history.
Start location: St Michael Le Belfrey church, 23 High Petergate, York YO1 7HS
When is the tour:
- Every Wednesday to Saturday 6.30pm
- October Halloween half term: every night at 6.30pm and 8.15pm
- Closed: 23rd Dec – 27th Dec.
- Open: New Years Eve and New Years Day at 6.30pm
How long does the Shadows of York Ghost Walk last?
The Shadows of York Ghost Walk lasts approximately 80 minutes.
How much is the Shadows of York Ghost Walk?
The Shadows of York Ghost Walk costs £13/adult, £7.50/child.
York Ghost Bus Tour
For those who prefer to explore the dark corners of York’s history from the comfort of a seat, York Ghost Bus Tour offers the perfect alternative to a traditional walking tour.
This unique experience envelops its guests in the eerie atmosphere of York’s past, cleverly blending the sinister with the comedic. All onboard a classically decked-out 1960s Routemaster bus.
The York Ghost Bus Tour takes its passengers on a 75-minute theatrical journey through the city’s most infamous sites, such as Clifford’s Tower, York Minster, and the grave of the notorious highwayman, Dick Turpin.
As you navigate the city’s historic streets, your conductor, an expert in York’s macabre history, regales you with a mix of hair-raising tales and witticisms, ensuring you are entertained throughout your ride.
But what sets the York Ghost Bus Tour apart is its immersive approach to storytelling. The bus itself is a stage, with onboard actors bringing ghastly tales to life, transforming a sightseeing tour into a spine-chilling spectacle.
This ghostly tour is also a great way to see York’s landmarks illuminated under the cloak of darkness, presenting a uniquely haunting perspective of the city.
Suitable for those who are looking for something a bit different, the York Ghost Bus Tour is a comfortable, enjoyable, and unique way to dig into York’s gruesome history.
It’s no wonder it stands as one of the best ghost tours in York, providing an unforgettable experience that sends shivers down your spine while keeping you in stitches with its dark humour.
Read a full review of York Ghost Bus Tour here.
Start location: Departs from Bus Stop (RE) by York Station on Station Road by the Royal York Hotel.
When is the tour: Every night of the week. Times vary depending on the season, check the website for details.
How long does the York Ghost Bus Tour last?
York Ghost Bus Tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.
How much is The Bloody Tour of York?
York Ghost Bus Tour costs £20/adult, £15.50/child.
Frequently asked questions about ghost walks in York
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about ghost walks in York. If you have other questions that I haven’t answered, feel free to ask them in the comments.
What Ghost Tours in York are good for avoiding crowds?
A private ghost tour of York is the ideal choice for those looking to avoid the crowds. The personalised experience ensures you get the full attention of your guide.
With the freedom to tailor the tour to your interests and to explore at your own pace, a private ghost tour creates an intimate and engaging atmosphere that only adds to the suspense and intrigue.
Planning your trip to York
Here are some additional tools to help you plan your trip to York for your ghost walk.
Hotels in York
If you are looking for a place to stay after your York ghost walk, then there are plenty of options available to you.
York is home to many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and hostels, and there is something for everyone.
Some of my favourite hotels in York include:
- The Grand – This 5-star luxury hotel and spa offers a relaxing stay in a beautiful Grade II listed building. Ideal for an indulgent escape.
- Middletons – This is the ideal hotel if you are looking for a quiet retreat. It is located close to the city centre, just a short walk away along the city walls past Clifford’s Tower.
- Judge’s Court – If you’re looking for a sophisticated escape with just a touch of history, Judge’s Court is for you. This modern take on a historic Georgian building is splendidly done.
- Hotel Indigo – This hotel is the heart of York and is renowned for its beautiful boutique rooms and comfortable beds! It’s the ideal spot for a good night’s sleep after a day exploring!
If you still haven’t found the perfect hotel for your stay in York, check out the map below to find the most convenient option for you.
York City Pass
York City Pass is your key to exploring over 30 top attractions in the city. Whether you’re visiting for 1, 2, or 3 days, this pass offers incredible value and convenience.
With your York City Pass you have the freedom to tailor your sightseeing experience to your preferences. Among the many attractions included, you can delve into the fascinating world of the Jorvik Viking Centre, uncover the city’s dark history at the York Dungeon, marvel at the grandeur of York Minster, step back in time at Barley Hall, and so much more.
But that’s not all! The York City Pass also grants you access to the City Sightseeing Bus and the renowned York City Cruises.
Plus, the York City Pass also includes discounts on activities such as ghost walks, cycling tours, food, escape rooms and more!
Other spooky things to do in York
If you can’t get enough of spooky history, here are more spine-tingling things to do in York for a frightfully fun visit!
York Dungeon
Prepare for a hair-raising historical journey at York Dungeon, a must-see attraction for those intrigued by the city’s spine-chilling past.
Nestled in the heart of York, this immersive experience takes you back to the city’s darkest days, where history meets horror.
Established almost 40 years ago, York Dungeon has captured the imagination of its visitors by depicting the sinister history of York through a series of live shows featuring actors, special effects, and 360° theatrical sets.
The Dungeon delves into 2000 years of York’s gruesome history, covering eras from the Vikings to the Victorians, and introducing notorious characters such as Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin.
As you descend into the depths of the Dungeon, you’ll journey through plague-ridden streets, come face to face with the torturer, and even witness a Viking invasion!
York Dungeon guarantees a thrilling and entertaining experience that is sure to send shivers down your spine. It’s a top-rated destination not just for the screams, but for the historical insight it provides into York’s macabre past.
Address: York Dungeon, 12 Clifford Street, York, YO1 9RD
Hallowscream at York Maze
Every October York Maze transforms into the home of the terrifying annual Hallowscream event.
This spooky affair is not for the faint-hearted, featuring a series of horrifying haunted houses with live actors to create a frighteningly immersive experience.
Visitors daring to enter, can expect to navigate through a multitude of eerie environments, each designed to dial-up the fear factor.
From decrepit, creaking barns filled with unspeakable horrors to eerie, shadow-filled cornfields where nightmares lurk in every corner – Hallowscream is a festival of fright.
If you’re looking for a chilling experience during your visit to York, Hallowscream offers the ideal mix of suspense and horror.
With its spine-tingling atmosphere and jump scares, it’s a must-visit for any thrill-seeker looking for an authentic, heart-stopping Halloween experience in one of the UK’s most haunted cities.
Address: York Maze, York, YO19 5LT
York Ghost Merchants
For those looking to take a piece of York’s spectral history home, a visit to the York Ghost Merchants is an absolute must.
Nestled in the heart of The Shambles, York’s most famous medieval street, this unique shop offers a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir; your very own ghost.
Each ghost is expertly crafted by hand, packed in its own presentation box, and comes with its distinctive haunting story inspired by the city’s rich ghost lore.
The shop was established as a nod to the city’s reputation as the most haunted in England. It has quickly become a popular stop for lovers of the supernatural, often attracting long queues.
So, be prepared to wait a little for your chance to enter this quirky, enchanting store. But rest assured, the experience of selecting your own spectral companion is worth the wait!
Address: The York Ghost Merchants, 6 Shambles, York, YO1 7LZ
York Ghost Week
If you’re truly looking to submerge yourself in the spectral atmosphere of York, plan your visit during the York Ghost Week.
This annual week-long event, usually set in late October, is a celebration of the city’s rich and hair-raising ghostly lore. The city comes alive with a series of spooky events and activities.
One of the highlights of York Ghost Week is the Little Ghost Hunt organised by York Ghost Merchants. This event combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with the allure of the supernatural. Participants are set on a thrilling journey, weaving through the city’s historic streets in search of their coveted handmade ghosts. It’s an experience that offers a fun and interactive way to explore York’s haunted history.
York Ghost Week is a great event for those seeking a spooky adventure, and the perfect way to both enjoy the city and engage with its past. It is a must-attend event for anyone visiting York in October.
Other Walking Tours in York
If you want to explore York on foot but you’re not looking for a scare, here are some alternative walking tours of York I recommend.
The Wizard Walk of York
Join The Wizard of York on a quest to find magical creatures as you wand-er the Snickelways of York. A wonderfully whimsical tour that wizard fans will go Potty for!
Ideal for children aged five to ten, or bigger kids with a silly sense of humour and passion for the wizarding world!
A truly magical alternative to the many ghost walks in the city – no spooky ghosts, no scary stories…The Wizard Walk focuses on fun over frights!
Walks run on selected evenings, starting from the bottom of The Shambles. Pre-booking required.
York Witches and History Walking Tour
Embark on a thrilling journey back in time with the York Witches and History Walking Tour.
Lead by a compelling witch guide, this tour delves into the dark corners of York’s history and the mysteries that shroud the iconic Shambles. As you navigate through the ancient streets of York Minster, Petergate, and Stonegate, you’ll uncover tales of witchcraft and eerie events that once took place right under your feet.
Listen to the chilling chronicles of Yorkshire’s witches and tread carefully on Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York’s shortest street. Marvel at the remnants of St Crux Church, once York’s largest medieval parish church, and traverse York’s longest snickelway, embracing the city’s rich past.
For those looking for an extra dose of magic, a potion-making experience at the Potions Cauldron can be added, immersing you in a world of enchantments and mystical brews.
Are you brave enough to join a York ghost walk?
And there you have it, an enchanting array of ghost walks in York that will guide you through the dark corners and eerie alleys of one of the UK’s most haunted cities, York.
Have you had a spectral encounter on one of these tours? Or perhaps you’ve braved the Little Ghost Hunt during York Ghost Week? Whatever your experience, I’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below sharing your favourite York ghost tour. I can’t wait to hear your spine-chilling stories!
And if you want more York inspiration ahead of your visit, download your free York Quick Start Planning Guide for a list of the top 10 attractions in York, plus a guide to where to stay, when to visit and more!
Plus, you’ll get four bonus travel planning printables you can use when it comes to planning and packing for any trip!
Until our next adventure,
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Hello, I’m Hannah! I’m a writer and photographer who loves experiencing the wonders of Yorkshire. My guides will help you escape from your daily routine by showing you that you don’t have to go far to find an adventure.
York is such a beautiful city and this is a fun way to see it!
Isn’t York stunning? 😍 A ghost tour is a great chance to see it from a unique perspective! It is especially atmospheric on winter evenings!
Your guide to ghost walks in York is spooktacular! The last time I went to York, I did ‘The Bloody Tour of York’ with Mad Alice (highly recommended). Your recommendations for more ghost walks are perfect for my next visit. Thanks for the eerie inspiration!
Ah The Bloody Tour of York is such a popular one! I’m so pleased you enjoyed it! I love trying them all out because I learn something new on each of them! I hope you have the opportunity to try out another one soon! Thanks for reading 😊
York has a lot of history so a ghost walk will help you discover so many ‘characters’ that once lived in this wonderful city. I can’t wait to get back there to go on one of these tours.
Isn’t York the perfect setting for a ghost walk? 👻 It is one of my favourite ways to explore the city and learn about the history of the area! Each one is unique and I learn something new! I hope you have an opportunity to visit York soon to try one out!
Woah! Spooky but great post! I never knew those tours are available. Thanks a lot for posting!
Ghost walks are very popular in York so there are plenty to choose from! I find them a really fun and unique way to learn a little bit about this history of the city. I hope you have an opportunity to try one!
Personally not a big fan of ghost works on a trip but these experiences in York sound very interesting and unique! I’ll have to share this with my friends who are interested in experiences like this. Thanks for all your recommendations!
I know ghost walks aren’t for everyone, but its great that you might have some friends who are interested! I love the York ghost walks because they talk about the history of the city, just with a spooky twist. It is a fun way to learn more about the area for people who enjoy a ghost story!
I didn’t know York had so much medieval architecture. Thanks for sharing this great list!
Yes! York is such a beautiful city and the architecute is incredible. Seeing The Shambles is a must for any visit to York! Thanks for reading!
Sounds far more dignified to take a ghost walk in a place like York, so full of rich history 🙂
York is such a fascinating place to explore! I love that the ghost walks include so much of the history of the city, right through the centuries. They are fun and spooky but educational too – it’s a great combo!