York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour

York’s haunted past comes alive on the "Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour." Led by a charismatic guide, this 75-minute journey explores the city’s notorious witchcraft history. Participants uncover chilling tales of infamous witches, visit iconic sites, and gain educational insights. With an impressive rating, this tour promises an engaging experience for history enthusiasts. Discover York’s hidden gems and the fascinating stories that lurk within its walls.

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Key Points

A 75-minute walking tour exploring York’s historic past, with a focus on the city’s notorious witchcraft history and notable figures like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman.
Tour covers iconic locations like the Shambles and York Minster, where witches were paraded before execution, providing insight into the city’s dark witch-hunting legacy.
Guided by a characterful host in period costume, enhancing the storytelling experience and bringing York’s chilling tales of witchcraft to life.
Offers an educational and entertaining experience, with positive customer feedback praising the guides’ knowledge and the tour’s value for money.
Flexibility in booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free planning process.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour offers a captivating 75-minute exploration of York’s historic past, with a focus on the city’s witchcraft and supernatural elements.

Starting at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, the tour winds through the iconic Shambles, York Minster, and Stonegate, uncovering true tales of notorious Yorkshire witches.

Led by a characterful guide in costume, the experience promises vibrant storytelling and insights into the fates of figures like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman.

Priced from €20.24, the tour is suitable for most, though not recommended for those with mobility concerns.

Visitors can expect an engaging blend of history and spooky legend.

Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in York

Booking Information

For those interested in booking the York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour, the process offers flexibility and convenience.

Travelers can take advantage of:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The option to reserve now and pay later, securing their spot without immediate payment.
The ability to check availability for different starting times, ensuring they can find a time that works best.

This booking information provides visitors with the freedom to plan their tour around their schedule and the assurance of a hassle-free experience.

Tour Experience

Visitors to the York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour are guided by a characterful host dressed in period costume, who shares true historical tales of Yorkshire witches.

Guests discover the secrets of St Crux Church, York Minster, and Petergate as they explore the city’s iconic streets and hidden buildings.

The tour engages participants with stories of notable figures like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman, inviting them to question the fates of these alleged witches.

Through vibrant storytelling, the professional guide brings the city’s dark past to life, offering an educational and entertaining experience for all.

What to Expect

Guests can expect a professional character guide who brings vibrant storytelling to the experience.

The outdoor walking tour requires appropriate attire for the weather, and comfortable shoes are recommended. While not suitable for those with mobility impairments, the tour includes:

Exploring iconic streets and discovering hidden buildings in York’s old town.
Engaging with tales of notable figures like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman, and questioning their fates.
Uncovering secrets of landmarks such as St Crux Church, York Minster, and Petergate.

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Customer Feedback

According to over 650 reviews, the York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour has earned an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides who bring the tour’s historic tales to life through vibrant storytelling.

Knowledgeable, engaging guides bring the tour’s historic tales to life through vibrant storytelling, according to reviewers.

Travelers highlight the excellent value for money, with many noting the blend of history and entertainment as a key strength.

The tour’s educational content about York’s witch trials and other notable figures like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman also receive positive feedback.

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Exploring York’s Witching History

As the tour guide leads visitors down the winding streets of York’s old town, they uncover the city’s storied history of witchcraft and the infamous witch trials that once gripped the region.

The tour explores:

The chilling tales of notorious "witches" like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman, whose alleged crimes captivated the public’s imagination.
The haunting Shambles, where supposed witches were once paraded before being condemned to death.
The hidden secrets of St Crux Church and York Minster, where the lines between superstition and spirituality blurred.

Through these captivating stories, the tour offers a glimpse into York’s dark past and the enduring legacy of its witch-hunting history.

Notable Figures and Their Fates

While the tour explores the chilling tales of notorious "witches" like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman, it delves into the captivating stories behind these figures and questions the fates that befell them.

Mad Alice, a local eccentric, was accused of witchcraft and imprisoned, though the evidence was dubious.

Mary Bateman, known as the "Yorkshire Witch," was convicted of murder and executed for her crimes.

These stories spark thought-provoking discussions about the persecution of women, the role of superstition, and the complexities of the historical witch trials that haunt York’s past.

Discovering Hidden Gems of the Old Town

What hidden gems await visitors as they explore the historic old town of York on this enchanting tour? The tour takes guests through iconic streets, revealing concealed wonders:

Discover the secrets of St Crux Church, a medieval marvel with intricate Gothic architecture.
Uncover the hidden stories of Petergate, a charming cobblestone thoroughfare lined with quaint shops and historic buildings.
Explore the ancient mysteries of York Minster, the city’s towering cathedral, and learn about its fascinating history.

These hidden gems offer a captivating glimpse into York’s rich past, bringing the city’s witches and history to life.

The Sum Up

The "York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour" offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s dark past. Combining historical insights and chilling tales, the tour provides an engaging experience for those eager to uncover York’s haunted legacy. With rave reviews and a charismatic guide, this 75-minute exploration of the Shambles and York Minster is a must for history enthusiasts seeking to enjoy the city’s spellbinding witchcraft history.

You can check availability for your dates here: