The Other Side of York Walking Tour

Discover York's hidden history on a walking tour of the city. Learn about the people, places, and events that shaped York and hear stories of crimes, disasters, and everyday life.
You've seen the Minster.

You've walked the Shambles.

You've heard the Viking stories.

But what if those aren't the stories that tell you what York was really like?

The Other York is an alternative history of the city, told through the people, places, crimes, disasters, beliefs and everyday lives that usually disappear from the tourist trail.

This is not a ghost tour.

It isn't a traditional sightseeing tour.

And it isn't a collection of gruesome stories designed simply to shock you.

It's an invitation to investigate York.

YORK HAS A SECRET HISTORY

Every street has a story.

Sometimes it is written on a plaque.

Sometimes it survives in an old street name.

Sometimes it appears in a newspaper report.

Sometimes it survives only as a rumour passed from one generation to another.

And sometimes nobody knows what really happened.

Your guide will take you through the evidence and let you decide what you believe.

You'll encounter real people, real events and real places — from the extraordinary to the disturbing.

Expect forgotten scandals.

Unexpected deaths.

Crime and punishment.

Disease and disaster.

Strange beliefs.

Unusual occupations.

Public humiliation.

Social rules that seem extraordinary today.

And stories of people whose lives have almost disappeared from history.

THIS IS YORK FROM THE BOTTOM UP

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.