York: Deathly Dark Walking Tour & Dark Comedy Stories

Summary

York’s snickleways echo with grim tales and laughter after dark

You’ll follow twisting alleys with a local guide who knows all the city’s wicked secrets (and jokes). Expect laughter mixed with chills as you hear dark tales near Clifford’s Tower, wander Stonegate after dusk, and maybe pick up some Yorkshire slang along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to laugh so much at stories about plague pits and vengeful ghosts, but that’s how our Deathly Dark Tour of York started — right in the middle of Stonegate, with our guide grinning like he knew something we didn’t. The group was a funny mix: families with kids peeking from behind scarves, a couple who kept whispering “is this real?” every time someone jumped at a shadow. The air smelled like wet stone (classic Yorkshire drizzle), and the Minster bells chimed somewhere behind us as we shuffled into the first snickleway. That word alone made me smile — snickleway. Our guide said it about ten times in his best “spooky” voice. I tried to copy him; failed miserably.

We wound through alleys I’d never have found on my own, past windows flickering with TV light and old shop signs that looked like they hadn’t changed since the Vikings were stomping around Coppergate. At Bedern, he paused under a crooked lamp and whispered a story about an angry spirit who hates latecomers (I checked my watch). The humor was always there, even when things got properly eerie — like when he pointed at Clifford’s Tower and just let the silence hang for a second before launching into some grisly history. I caught myself glancing over my shoulder more than once, half-expecting to see… well, something.

The best bit? It never felt like a scare attraction or one of those over-the-top ghost tours. It was more like hanging out with someone who loves York’s weirdness as much as its beauty. He called out to locals by name now and then (“Oi, Dave! You still owe me a pint!”) which made it feel less staged, somehow warmer even when talking about cold-blooded deeds. By the end, standing by Clifford’s Tower as the wind picked up, I realized I’d learned more about York’s history in two hours than any museum visit — and yeah, I still think about that awkward silence before the last story.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dark history walking tour of York

• Hear tales in the Snickleways
• Explore spooky buildings on Stonegate
• Visit York Minster and ghost stories
• Walk dark back streets of Bedern
• Discover ghost stories on Coppergate
• See the warped old street
• End at Clifford's Tower steps

Top questions

Is the Deathly Dark Tour of York suitable for children?

The tour is family-friendly but some stories may be frightening; children must stay with their parent or guardian at all times.

Does this York walking tour include Clifford's Tower?

The tour ends by the steps of Clifford's Tower (subject to availability), where key stories are shared.

How large are the groups on this dark comedy tour?

Group sizes range from 20-50 people depending on season; private and small group tours are available on request.

Is the Deathly Dark Tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and routes are wheelchair accessible; prams and strollers are welcome too.

Are dogs allowed on this York walking tour?

Yes, dogs are welcome to join the tour along with service animals.

Will there be scary jump scares or actors?

No, this is not a scare attraction; it’s focused on storytelling with dark comedy rather than jump scares.

Does this tour cover York Minster?

The route passes by York Minster; unofficial ghost stories may be shared there during the walk.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided walking tour through York’s historic streets and alleys led by a local storyteller. Dogs are welcome, routes are wheelchair accessible, and you can bring prams or strollers if needed — just show up ready for laughs mixed with chills.