Original York Walks: Private Viking, Roman & History Experience

We start our tour outside the wonderful York Minster, where you will get a quick potted history of York's eras before moving.
Here we visit an original Roman column from the principia and learn about the nearby forum and basilica.

We get up and close to the world famous York Minster, where we will hear about the early Anglo-Saxon origins of the cathedral, and also a surprising link to the Vikings. You will also hear all about the great windows.

An optional but popular route that traces the footsteps of ancient guards on the medieval city walls.* The city walls are built on top of the old Roman fortress, which the Vikings would have reused. Provides stunning views of the north side of the Minster.

*The city walls are occasionally closed due to time, bad weather, or maintenance. Original York Walks and its various tours bear no responsibility for access to the city walls, and are always just as disappointed as you when they are inaccessible.

A stroll around the exquisite Museum Gardens to take in the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, the Hospitium, the arboreal garden, and soak up the wonderful atmosphere in front of the Yorkshire Museum.

The Multangular Tower, the largest remaining piece of Roman architecture remaining from the ancient city of Eboracum, before taking in a portion of the Museum Garden, passing the Yorkshire Museum, and making our way to the late Roman "Anglian Tower".

A brief stop as we pass the Lord Mayor of York's residence.

A brief stop by Barley Hall; a beautifully restored medieval townhouse for a wealthy silversmith.

Welcome to the enchanting mediaeval street known as the Shambles. The oldest and best preserved of all the original Shambles in England.

Hear about one of Neil's favourite hidden gems that was ultimately a clever Anglo-Scandinavian marketing ploy, and, provided the church is open (depends on the time and day), see a 1000 year old Viking grave cover.

We end our tour with tales of Vikings and Normans, and learn exactly what started and ended the 200-year rule of the Vikings. Hear about Ragnar Lothbrok, Ivar the Boneless, William the Conqueror's Norman Conquest and more.