York audio tour: Romans, Vikings & Medieval history

You control when to linger and when to move on. The app handles the directions.

This self-guided audio tour of York uses the VoiceMap app to lead you through ten stops spanning Roman, Viking and medieval history, including the Shambles and York Minster, with GPS directions and offline playback. Start whenever you want and take 90 minutes or stretch it across the afternoon. You get lifetime access to the tour and can revisit it at home through the virtual option before or after your visit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided audio walking tour of York

• Start at York Minster
• Walk through The Shambles
• Visit Clifford's Tower
• Explore Abbey ruins
• See Merchant Adventurers' Hall
• Pass Bootham Bar
• Visit Treasurer's House
• Walk along Stonegate
• See Barley Hall
• Visit Mansion House
• Explore Holy Trinity Church

The experience

The tour runs on your phone through the VoiceMap app, which you download after booking and unlock with a unique code. Once you're at the starting point, the app uses GPS to guide you turn-by-turn to each stop, playing audio commentary as you arrive. Everything works offline, so you don't need data or a signal as you walk. The app displays the route on its built-in map and tells you where to go next.

You'll walk the Shambles, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, and stand in front of York Minster to hear about the Adam and Eve carving on its Great West Door. The route also takes you past Clifford's Tower, the Merchant Adventurers' Hall, the Treasurer's House with its famous ghost story, Barley Hall, the Mansion House, Holy Trinity Church, and the ruins of the Abbey. The commentary comes from James Easton, a York local who created this bestselling tour and built it around the city's layered history.

You set the pace entirely. The full route takes around 90 minutes if you keep moving, but you can pause at any stop as long as you want, skip ahead, or come back another day: your access doesn't expire. The virtual option means you can preview the tour at home or revisit it after your trip without walking the streets again.

What’s included

• VoiceMap app with lifetime access to the Romans, Vikings and Medieval York tour.
• offline audio commentary, maps and GPS directions.
• virtual tour option you can use at home before or after your visit.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Audio guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours

Is this one for you?At 90 minutes end-to-end, this tour fits a free afternoon without eating into the rest of your day, but the self-guided format means you can also stretch it across several visits or pause and resume whenever you want.

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Top questions

Can I use this tour if I'm visiting York for just an afternoon?

Yes. The tour takes 90 minutes if you walk straight through, so it fits easily into a few free hours. You can also pause at any stop and pick it up later, or skip sections and come back to them on a return visit.

What exactly is the Shambles and why is it on this tour?

The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, with timber-framed buildings that date back centuries. The audio commentary explains its history and how it fits into York's story from Roman times through the Middle Ages.

Do I need to buy tickets to enter the attractions on the route?

The tour passes by and discusses the exteriors and histories of sites like York Minster, Clifford's Tower and the Merchant Adventurers' Hall. Admission fees to enter any of these buildings are not included in the tour and are optional.

What happens if my phone runs out of battery or loses signal during the walk?

The VoiceMap app works completely offline once you've downloaded it. Your phone's GPS will continue to work without a signal, and all the audio, maps and directions are stored on your device, so battery is your only concern. Bring a charger or power bank if you're worried.

Can I do this tour with children or a stroller?

Yes. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. The route follows streets and pavements through the city center, so a stroller will work on most of the walk.