Known as the UK’s most haunted city, York has its fair share of spooky shenanigans – and the ghost walks to match.
The cobbled streets of York are steeped in years of history, some of it ghoulishly gruesome.
And there are some brilliantly spine-tingling ghost walks and tours to tell you all about it.
Now some of these aren’t strictly ghost walks, but they do explore the scarier moments from York’s history or explore the magic on our doorstep. There will be something for everyone!
Whether you like chilling characters, terrifying tales or simply a unique experience – York has got it all.
Are we missing your favourite spooky tour? Let us know by leaving a comment below or drop us a line at [email protected].
Ghost Keeper Tour of York
Follow the Ghost Keeper through the dimly-lit streets of old York in this unusual walking tour. In his Victorian garb, the Ghost Keeper will share tales of scandal and death in his signature entertaining style.
- Meet by JORVIK Viking Centre
- Tours are running on request
- 7:30pm
- from £5
- 07947 325239
- Website
- Booking essential
Dorian Deathly’s Deathly Dark Ghost Tour Walk of York
Dorian Deathly will take you on a walking tour to uncover some of York’s darkest moments from the last 2,000 years. With tales of murder, executions, plagues – and things that go bump in the night!
- The tour starts from Grape Lane
- Tuesday – Sunday
- 6pm (Saturday), 8pm
- from £5
- 07851 032041
- Website
- Booking essential
The Ghost Trail of York
Travel back in time and across centuries in this terrifying ghost walk filled with tantalising tales… do you dare to join?
- Meet by York Minster (West Doors)
- Every night
- 7:30pm
- from £3
- 07786 176798 or 01904 633276
- Website
- Turn up or book ahead to reserve your place
The Bloody Tour of York
Join Mad Alice down the snickleways of York in this gruesome – and family-friendly – tour of York. Learn about some of the city’s most bloody historical icons such as Guy Fawkes, Dick Turpin and Margaret Clitherow.
- Meet by St. William’s College
- Tuesday – Sunday
- 6pm, 8pm
- from £6
- 07584 855443
- Website
- Booking essential
The Original Ghost Walk of York
This ghost walk is believed to be the first exclusive ghost walk in the world! Face your fears and join this walk for a night of history and mystery – which promises to set your imagination spinning.
- Tour starts at The King’s Arms pub
- Every night
- 8pm
- from £5
- 01759 373090 or 07825 61812
- Website
- Turn up
The Ghost Bus Tours
A different way to see the sights of the city! Learn all about the haunted history of some of York’s most famous attractions in this unique tour – you may be surprised.
- Bus departs at Stop RE outside York Train Station
- Tuesday – Sunday
- Various times
- from £12
- 08445 678666
- Website
- Booking essential
The Ghost Hunt of York
Visit York’s most haunted locations in this walking ghost tour! Hear some of York’s classic ghost stories – when a tour starts with the ringing of a death bell, you know you’re in for something spooky…
- Tour starts at Shambles
- Every night
- 7:30pm
- from £6.66
- 01904 608700
- Website
- Booking essential
Shadows of York
A tour of York’s grim history and ghostly past! Experience York’s spookier side with frightening tales from your tour guide, award-winning actress Mackenzie.
- Tour starts outside St Michael le Belfrey
- Every night except Tuesdays
- 6:30pm, 8:15pm
- from £6
- 07967 460567
- Website
- Booking essential
Dark Tales of York
Walk in the footsteps of history in this private ghost tour of York. Discover the haunted corners of the city – if you’re brave enough…
- Meet at the Roman Baths Pub
- Various dates
- Adjustable start time
- £40 per group (up to 20)
- 07530 378176
- Website
- Booking essential
Paranormal Research York
Ghost hunts in York! Join the team of experienced paranormal investigators as they explore some of the most haunted places in York. Guest participation is greatly encouraged. Private ghost hunts also available.
- Various locations
- Various dates
- from 9pm
- from £30 for a 4 hour ghost hunt
- 07534 402620
- Website
- Booking essential
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Dark Chronicles of York
Discover the myths and legends of York’s mysterious and murky past in this 90-minute walking tour. See ancient defences, guilds and ginnels, and delve into the darker side of this beautiful yet cruel city where murder, disease and betrayal abound.
- Depart outside Drakes Fish and Chip Shop, Kings Square
- Every night
- 6:45pm
- £10
- Website
- Booking essential
Death in a Chocolate Box
Inspired by true crime stories from the Victorian era and through the lives of ordinary people whose tales are woven into the rich fabric of an ancient city’s social history – Death in a Chocolate Box offers walking tours through the streets of York.
- Various locations
- Multiple dates
- 7-9pm
- £12
- 07485 216628
- Website
- Booking essential
Little Peasants City Walking Tour
Discover the toe-curling tales of the city as two of our favourite Dungeon residents are being released onto the streets of the city to take little peasants and their families on a journey to discover York’s haunted history.
- Various locations
- 25-30 Oct, 5 & 6 Nov – last dates for 2022
- 11:30am, 1pm, 3pm, 4:30pm
- from £7.95
- Website
- Booking essential
If you’re looking for something more magical…
The Wizard Walk of York
Join award-winning entertainer and magician The Magic Hatter for family fun featuring spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of York’s history! Help The Wizard of York find magical creatures on this walking tour.
- Begins at the bottom of The Shambles by St Crux Churchyard
- Fridays and Saturdays
- 6pm (Fri), 4pm (Sat)
- £9. Private bookings also available
- Website
- Booking essential
York Witches and History Walking Tour with Potion Making
Explore old York and hear fascinating historical tales, with a focus on those relating to Witchcraft, the spooky, and the strange. A walking tour with a potion making experience included — walking tour only option also available.
- Meet at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York YO1 8BL
- Thursday – Sunday
- Various times
- from £4
- Website
- Booking essential