York’s historic old town is the backdrop for a captivating walking tour that delves into the city’s bewitching past. Led by a costumed witch, visitors embark on a 70-minute journey through haunted locations, uncovering true tales of suspected Yorkshire witches and their run-ins with the supernatural. From the iconic York Minster to the famed Shambles Market, the tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into York’s spellbinding history. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this immersive experience promises to transport guests back in time, leaving them eager to uncover more of the city’s unsettling past.
Key Points
- This 70-minute walking tour explores York’s historic old town and reveals the true stories and history of suspected Yorkshire witches.
- The tour is guided by a character dressed as a witch who shares haunting tales and focuses on the city’s rich and unsettling witch-related history.
- Participants can discover hauntings, a little red devil, and a hidden building as they travel back in time and uncover a different side of York.
- The tour visits iconic landmarks like York Minster, Petergate, Stonegate, and Shambles Market, providing an immersive and captivating experience.
- The tour delves into the dark history and chilling tales surrounding notorious suspected Yorkshire witches like Mad Alice, John Wrightson, Mary Bateman, and Margaret Clitheroe.
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Tour Details
The walking tour typically lasts around 70 minutes as participants explore York’s historic old town, guided by a character dressed as a witch who shares true stories and history of suspected Yorkshire witches.
Along the way, visitors will encounter Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, York Minster, Petergate, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and the famous Shambles Market.
The tour highlights a different side of York, delving into the city’s haunting past and uncovering tales of infamous witches like Mad Alice, John Wrightson, Mary Bateman, and Margaret Clitheroe.
Participants can also expect to discover hauntings, a little red devil, and a hidden building during this captivating journey through time.
Highlights
Embarking on this walking tour allows visitors to travel back in time and uncover a different side of York, one steeped in haunting tales and infamous witchcraft.
Along the way, the guide, dressed as a witch, shares true stories and history about suspected Yorkshire witches like Mad Alice, John Wrightson, Mary Bateman, and Margaret Clitheroe.
Participants can discover the hauntings, a little red devil, and a hidden building that reveal the city’s dark and mysterious past.
From Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate to Shambles Market, this immersive experience promises to captivate and educate, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for York’s rich and sometimes unsettling history.
Logistics
The walking tour meeting point is at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, while the tour concludes at 9 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ. Since it’s an outdoor walking experience, visitors should dress appropriately for the weather. Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments.
| Booking Options | Price |
|---|---|
| Per Person | From $18.17 |
| Payment | Reserve now, pay later |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours in advance |
This informative and engaging walking tour allows visitors to explore York’s captivating history, uncovering the true stories and hauntings associated with notorious Yorkshire witches. With a knowledgeable and entertaining guide leading the way, attendees can expect a one-of-a-kind experience that will transport them back in time.
Booking Options
Visitors can book the Old Town Walking Tour with prices starting from $18.17 per person.
Travelers have the option to reserve their spot now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour offers excellent value, with positive reviews highlighting the knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
Participants will explore York’s historic old town, guided by a character dressed as a witch, and uncover the true stories and history of suspected Yorkshire witches.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique adventure, this walking tour is an excellent way to discover a different side of York.
Customer Reviews
Overwhelmingly positive reviews attest to the tour’s engaging and informative nature, with participants praising the knowledgeable and entertaining guide who brings York’s witch-related history to life.
The tour has garnered an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating based on 449 reviews.
Customers highlight several standout aspects:
- The guide’s ability to skillfully weave together true stories and historical facts in a captivating manner
- The excellent value for money, providing a rich and immersive experience
- The tour’s unique perspective, allowing visitors to uncover a different side of York’s past
With its blend of education and entertainment, the walking tour offers an unforgettable glimpse into York’s spellbinding history.
Exploring York’s Old Town
Nestled within the historic city of York, the old town beckons visitors to embark on an enchanting walking tour that unveils the city’s captivating witch-related history.
Led by a guide in period costume, the 70-minute tour winds through the charming streets and landmarks that have borne witness to the stories of infamous Yorkshire witches.
Guests will explore the iconic York Minster, wander along the cobbled Petergate and Stonegate, and visit the quaint Shambles Market.
Along the way, they’ll uncover true tales of suspected witches like Mad Alice and Mary Bateman, while also discovering haunted buildings and a hidden devil.
This immersive experience offers a unique glimpse into York’s haunting past.
Suspected Yorkshire Witches
The tour explores the stories of several infamous suspected Yorkshire witches, including the notorious Mad Alice, the cunning John Wrightson, the crafty Mary Bateman, and the martyred Margaret Clitheroe.
Guests will learn about the dark history and chilling tales surrounding these suspected witches:
- Mad Alice, a mentally ill woman accused of witchcraft in the 17th century
- John Wrightson, a cunning country healer who was tried as a witch in 1660
- Mary Bateman, the ‘Yorkshire Witch’ who poisoned and defrauded her victims in the early 1800s
- Margaret Clitheroe, a Catholic martyr who was pressed to death for refusing to enter a plea in 1586
Through these captivating stories, the tour unveils a different, darker side of York’s past.
Meeting Point and Finish
The walking tour kicks off at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, a peculiar York street name that sets the whimsical tone for the adventure.
Participants wrap up the 70-minute experience at 9 Shambles, York YO1 7LZ, having explored the city’s haunting past along the way.
The meeting point at Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate is an appropriate start, as the tour guide, dressed as a witch, leads guests through the historic old town.
From there, they’ll cover the true stories and history of suspected Yorkshire witches, visiting key sites like York Minster, Petergate, Stonegate, Barley Hall, and Shambles Market.
Despite the outdoor nature of the tour, it’s not suitable for those with mobility issues, as it involves a fair amount of walking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The walking tour is not suitable for animals, as it takes place outdoors and covers historical sites that may not be accessible or safe for pets. Guests are advised to leave their furry companions at home.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is not recommended for children. It covers mature themes about witches and historical stories that may be unsuitable or uninteresting for young audiences. The guide and content are geared towards adult participants.
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, as it’s an outdoor walking experience. However, guests should be mindful not to disrupt the guide or fellow participants. Check with the tour operator for any specific guidelines.
What Happens in Case of Bad Weather?
The tour is an outdoor walking activity, so it will proceed rain or shine. If the weather is poor, the guide will provide ponchos or umbrellas to ensure guests stay dry and comfortable throughout the experience.
Can I Customize the Tour for My Group?
You can customize the tour for your group, but it requires contacting the tour operator in advance. They may be able to accommodate special requests, such as modifying the itinerary or arranging a private tour, subject to availability and additional fees.
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Recap
The ‘York: Witches and History Old Town Walking Tour’ offers an unforgettable journey through York’s spellbinding past.
From haunting tales of suspected Yorkshire witches to hidden buildings and a little red devil, this captivating 70-minute tour immerses visitors in the city’s rich and unsettling history.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews, it’s an unmissable experience for those seeking to uncover the secrets of York’s historic old town.
