The Original Viking Walk: Guided Tour of York
Description
Walk the streets of the real Jorvik. In 866 AD, the Great Heathen Army captured York, transforming an Anglo-Saxon settlement into a thriving, international Viking capital. On this deeply researched walking tour, we navigate the historic alleys to uncover the incredible 200-year legacy of Norse rule. Forget the horned helmets and Hollywood tropes. Your expert guide will bring the authentic Viking Age to life, sharing the stories of fierce kings, master craftsmen, global traders, and everyday families who built a commercial empire in the north of England. If you want a genuine, gripping, and fact-checked exploration of York's Viking heritage, this is your journey.
Tour Options
Itinerary
At our final stop 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. Well, it is the Original Viking Walk after all.
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.
Hear about the adventures of Egill Skallagrimsson, his foe Eric Bloodaxe, and Eric's wife, the witch, Gunnhild! We also get our first glimpse of York Minster.
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.
Hear about how the Vikings transformed the small Anglo-Saxon town into a thriving hub of international trade thus become the second largest city in England.
We start our tale of Vikings here, and learn exactly what started and ended the 200-year rule of the Vikings. Hear about Ragnar Lothbrok, Ivar the Boneless, and William the Conqueror's Norman Conquest.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(127)
What an interesting tour! Neil brought Viking and Roman history to life, and with such passion! His knowledge of this history and the way he connected various people and events really allowed me to understand it more deeply. He was patient and so eager to answer questions. I like the way he went out of his way to tailor the tour to my interests. Overall, probably the most enriching tour I’ve ever taken.
Neil’s Viking walking tour in York and really enjoyed it. It ended up being just the two of us, and Neil adapted the tour into a more relaxed, personalised experience, which made it feel special. He’s very knowledgeable, engaging, and easy to follow, with a great sense of humour. We learned not just about the Vikings, but also the wider history of York, with some fascinating hidden spots we would never have found ourselves. Overall, a brilliant and memorable tour — we’d definitely recommend it and would happily book again.
Such a splendid walk. Not only is Neil knowledgable but he makes the history accessible and enjoyable. Open and willing to take questions, even from someone as annoying and questioning as me! I cannot express enough how good this is, if you’re looking for a walk around York choose this one.
I went to York with not much plans and this was one of the best things i did there! I did this tour last year and I promised to make this review. (Sorry!!) This is the first time I write a review and I am doing becaouse I guarantee you this tour it was worth it. Neil was a great storyteller and he makes you feel really into history. It was an honestly interesting and good time. Great viking tour! :) I recommended 100%. Fue estupendo y muy divertido. Una actividad realmente bonita y divertida. Si te gusta la historia esto es algo que deberías probar!
I went to York with not much plans and this was one of the best things i did there! I did this tour last year and I promised to make this review. (Sorry!!) This is the first time I write a review and I am doing becaouse I guarantee you this tour it was worth it. Nail was a great storyteller and he makes you feel really into history. It was an honestly interesting and good time. Great viking tour! :) I recommended 100%. Fue estupendo y muy divertido. Una actividad realmente bonita y divertida. Si te gusta la historia esto es algo que deberías probar!
Having an interest in viking history this tour really appealed to me. The guide, Sigwulf, showed us around various interesting sites in York and linked them to the city's viking past with entertaining stories injected with humour. I learned far more than I was expecting. If you're interested in history, especially the viking age, and you're looking for a guided walk around York, then you should look into the original viking walk.
I've been living in York for some years now and it really has layers and layers of stories. Neil really knows how to get into character and transport his audience to the times of Jorvik. He's a great storyteller and a great guy.
Neil was brilliant. His knowledge of the city is second to none and the experience of walking through the city with this striding Viking is highly recommended! Thanks, Neil, for making our trip to York so memorable. And for retaining the beard for your final tour of the year! Emma
Great tour, highly recommended! Our tour guide, Neil, was totally fabulous and welcomed our questions along the tour. Having watched 'The Vikings' TV series we were eager to learn more about the history. We couldn't have chosen a better tour. Neil was super knowledgeable, enthusiastic, passionate and funny too, which was so welcome on a cold November evening in York. Join the tour, you won't be disappointed!
I did the viking tour with Neil and I enjoyed it so much. Even though I am a huge fan of all things Viking, he told me about so many stories I didn’t know and he was quite funny too! Learning about York’s viking past with him was one of my favourite experiences in this lovely city. I can’t recommend him enough! :)
