If you’re thinking about exploring York’s darker, more mysterious side, the Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History tour might just be what you’re after. It’s a guided stroll through the streets and alleys of this historic city, focused on telling stories that are a little creepy, sometimes gruesome, but always fascinating. From the reviews and descriptions, it’s clear this experience is popular, racking up a perfect 5.0/5 from over 1,300 reviews—that’s pretty impressive.
What we love about this tour is how personal and engaging the guides seem to be. Many reviewers mention knowledgeable guides who know how to tell a good story and keep the group entertained, whether it’s through suspense, humor, or vivid descriptions. Plus, at just about $17.84 per person, it’s definitely affordable for a memorable, fun evening out.
One thing to consider is that it’s not recommended for children under 8 or the easily nervous, which is worth keeping in mind if you’re traveling with young kids. Also, the tour lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, so it’s a fairly short but dense experience—perfect if you want a quick but memorable slice of York’s spooky history.
This tour seems ideal for first-time visitors wanting a lively introduction to the city’s ghostly tales, or anyone interested in getting some local legends and dark history served with a side of entertainment. If you appreciate stories told by passionate guides and don’t mind a bit of chill, this is likely to be right up your alley.
- Key Points
- What is the Shadows of York Ghost Walk?
- The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear
- What Do Travelers Say?
- The Pros: Why You Might Love It
- The Cons: Things to Keep in Mind
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.
- FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Shadows of York Ghost Walk
- More Historical Tours in York
- More Walking Tours in York
- More Tour Reviews in York
Key Points
- Highly rated experience with a 5.0/5 score based on 1,310 reviews
- Affordable price at roughly $17.84 per person
- Guided tour with personalized attention from knowledgeable guides
- Perfect for first timers wanting an engaging overview of York
- Not suited for children under 8 or those easily frightened
- Duration of about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable evening activity
What is the Shadows of York Ghost Walk?
The Shadows of York is a guided, outdoor walk that takes you through the medieval streets and snickelways—a delightful term for those narrow alleys. It’s a chance to see York after dark, with a focus on sharing stories of its haunted past, tragic events, and local legends. The tour is designed not just to entertain but also to give you a different perspective on the city’s history—one that’s a little darker and more mysterious.
What makes it stand out is how it combines entertainment with education. Many reviews highlight how guides sprinkle in historical facts along with tales of ghosts, tragedies, and folklore. The goal isn’t to scare you silly, but to give a lively, atmospheric experience that feels both fun and slightly spine-chilling.
The tour is run by Shadows of York, known for their passion and storytelling ability. It’s a mobile-ticket experience, which means no fuss with tickets or pickups—just show up and enjoy.
Planning more time in York? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear
The tour begins at 23 High Petergate, a central spot that’s easy to find and close to public transport, making logistics straightforward. It mainly focuses on walking outdoors around part of the Minster, one of York’s most iconic landmarks, setting a dramatic scene for the stories to come.
The first official stop is the Shambles, a 15th-century street once used as a meat market, now lined with Harry Potter shops and other quirky boutiques. It’s a great place to soak in medieval charm and, according to reviews, an atmospheric setting for ghost stories. This stop is brief—about five minutes—and free, but it’s an ideal spot to photograph the cobbled street and imagine the past.
Beyond the Shambles, the group explores various locations around York, each with its own spooky or tragic tale. The stories are told with flair—pausing at just the right moments to build suspense, then delivering punchlines or humor that keep the mood lively. Some reviewers mention the guides’ theatrical style, which adds to the experience, though a few found it less scary and more panto-like.
The tour concludes back near the Shambles, giving a good sense of orientation for wandering around the city afterward.
What Do Travelers Say?
The reviews paint a very positive picture. Most praise the guides—knowledgeable, humorous, and engaging. For instance, one reviewer raved, “Our guide Mackenzie was very knowledgeable and insightful,” and another said, “Luke was excellent—clear, loud, and funny.” These comments suggest that the guides are passionate storytellers who know how to keep a group captivated.
Many travelers find the tour well worth the price. At $17.84, it’s considered good value, especially given the amount of storytelling and the chance to see parts of York you might miss on your own. Several reviews mention how it’s a fun way to get a feel for the city’s layout and history, making it especially suitable for first-time visitors.
A few critics, however, note that the tone of the stories can vary. Some mention that the “panto” style delivery reduces the scariness, and a couple found the stories weren’t quite as spooky as expected. One review even called it “a bit theatrical,” which might be a pro or con depending on your taste.
Weather is a factor too—many reviews remind travelers to wrap up warm and wear good footwear because York’s cobblestone streets and chilly evenings can make the experience less comfortable if unprepared.
The Pros: Why You Might Love It
- Entertaining guides who blend humor with storytelling, making the walk lively
- Interesting mix of stories: ghost tales, tragic history, folklore
- Great way to familiarize yourself with York’s layout and key spots
- Affordable price for a memorable experience
- Good for first-time visitors wanting an immersive intro to the city
- Atmospheric setting with historic streets at night
The Cons: Things to Keep in Mind
- Not ideal for children under 8 or those easily scared
- Some stories or delivery styles might feel theatrical rather than truly spooky
- Weather can impact comfort; dress warmly and wear sturdy shoes
- Group sizes up to 36, so it might be busy during peak times
- The tour is purely outdoor and walking-based, no indoor stops
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re a curious traveler interested in a blend of history and ghost stories, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially good if you want an easy, social way to see York at night without getting lost. It’s perfect for those who enjoy storytelling and atmospheric walks, but maybe less suited if you’re looking for a genuinely scary experience or want a deeply spooky ghost hunt.
This experience also works well as an introduction to York for first-timers or those short on time. If you’re traveling with kids over 8 who enjoy legends and stories, they might find it fun; just keep the weather in mind.
Final Thoughts
The Shadows of York ghost walk offers a fun, engaging, and reasonably priced way to experience the city’s darker side. Thanks to guides who are passionate storytellers, you’ll get a lively tour filled with intriguing tales that bring York’s history to life—though perhaps with a theatrical twist that some might see as less spooky and more playful.
If you’re after a lighthearted, atmospheric stroll through one of England’s most historic cities, this tour could be just what you need. It’s ideal for those who enjoy stories, history, and a bit of eerie fun, especially if you’re visiting York for the first time and want to get your bearings.
Shadows of York: Ghost Walk and Horrible History.
“Wrap up warm :), as it can get cold and wear good footwear due to the cobbled places around York, but a very good experience”
FAQ: Your Quick Guide to Shadows of York Ghost Walk
Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 or the easily nervous, as some stories are spooky or dark.
How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity for most evenings.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 23 High Petergate and usually finishes near the Shambles, making it easy to explore more afterward.
Is the tour outdoors?
Yes, this is an outdoor walking tour, so dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 13 days in advance to secure your spot, especially in peak seasons.
What is the price?
The tour costs about $17.84 per person, which many reviews say offers good value considering the storytelling and local insights.
Are there any indoor stops?
No, all storytelling takes place outdoors while walking through the streets and alleys.
Is there wheelchair access?
No wheelchairs are provided, and outdoor cobbled streets may limit accessibility.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or snow, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
If you’re craving a fun, atmospheric, and somewhat spooky evening in York, the Shadows of York ghost walk is definitely worth considering. Just remember to dress warm, enjoy the stories, and keep an open mind—who knows what ghosts or legends you might encounter?
