York Walking Tour: Guy Fawkes, Shambles & Clifford’s Tower

Summary

Walk York’s winding lanes from Guy Fawkes to the Shambles with stories at every turn

You’ll follow winding streets from Guy Fawkes Inn through York Minster yard and Museum Gardens, hearing stories from a local guide who knows everyone by name. Expect laughter with falconers in the gardens, quiet moments at The Shambles, and honest tales at Clifford’s Tower—plus time for your own questions along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell of old wood and ale as we squeezed into the Guy Fawkes Inn. Our guide—Andy, I think—pointed out the spot where Guy himself was supposedly born. It’s funny, the place felt both ordinary and heavy with old secrets. Outside, bells from St Michael le Belfrey drifted over the street. I tried to imagine plotting anything in such a small upstairs room (not that I’d be much good at it; my nerves barely survived ordering tea in Yorkshire).

We wandered out towards York Minster, dodging a cyclist and a couple of chatty schoolkids. Andy knew everyone—he gave a nod to a stonemason working on some carvings by the yard. He told us about repairs that take decades; apparently, they still use tools not so different from medieval times. The air smelled faintly of wet stone and grass because it had rained earlier (classic York). There was something comforting about it—like you could almost feel the centuries stacked up beneath your feet.

I wasn’t expecting to laugh so much at stories in the Museum Gardens—especially about falconers and their birds (one of them eyed my sandwich like he knew my weaknesses). The ruins of St Mary’s Abbey looked dramatic against the sky, even though some pigeons had claimed the best seats. We ducked through narrow lanes to reach The Shambles. If you’ve ever seen crooked timber houses leaning over cobbles, this is that but more so. Andy told us a story about Margaret Clitherow that stuck with me; I still think about her courage sometimes when I walk past quiet old churches now.

Clifford’s Tower was our last stop—a bit windblown up there, honestly—and Andy didn’t sugarcoat its darker history. Standing on those stones looking out over York, it felt like you could see echoes of every story he’d told us, all tangled together. We said goodbye near the market as rain started again (of course), but somehow it didn’t matter—I’d finally seen York in a way that made sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore York's historic landmarks

• Start inside The Guy Fawkes Inn
• Learn about the Gunpowder Plot
• Visit York Minster yard
• Discover Minster's medieval history
• Explore Museum Gardens
• Meet falconers and birds of prey
• See St Mary's Abbey ruins
• Walk through The Shambles and market
• Hear tales of The Shambles
• Visit All Saints Pavement church
• Learn about Saint Margaret Clitherow
• Explore Clifford's Tower history

Top questions

Where does the York walking tour start?

The tour begins inside The Guy Fawkes Inn on High Petergate, opposite St Michael le Belfrey's church.

Is this walking tour in York wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for prams or strollers.

What are some highlights of this York walking tour?

You’ll visit places like York Minster yard, Museum Gardens, St Mary’s Abbey, The Shambles market, All Saints Pavement church, and Clifford’s Tower.

Are entry fees included in this day trip?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Can I bring my service animal on this tour?

Service animals are allowed on this walking tour in York.

How long does this shared walking tour last?

The exact duration can vary depending on group interests and pace; tours are personalized within available time.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to The Guy Fawkes Inn meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes as you explore with a local guide who personalizes each walk through York’s historic sites—from Guy Fawkes Inn to Clifford’s Tower—with flexibility for your interests and time.