York: Wizard Walk Family Tour & Magic in The Shambles

Summary

Wander york’s shambles with wizard guides and real magic for kids

You’ll join a real wizard guide through York’s Shambles and winding lanes, chasing magical creatures and laughing at live tricks along the way. Kids get swept into stories outside sweet shops and under gargoyles near York Minster. Expect silly moments and clever magic — you might even catch yourself believing for a while.

What’s the experience like?

We were already giggling before we even found the sign at St Crux Church — my youngest spotted a flash of green cloak (Viridian, as it turned out) waving us over. The Shambles was buzzing, that mix of fudge-sweet air and old stone. Our guide didn’t waste time; he whipped out a wand, asked if anyone could say “abracadabra” backwards (I tried, failed), and suddenly there was a rubber rat in his hat. Kids lost it. I mean, I did too. You know how sometimes you’re just swept up by someone’s energy? That was this.

I’d read about this being the best family tour in York — something about awards — but honestly, I just wanted something less spooky than the usual ghost walks. We wandered up the narrow street past shops selling chocolate frogs and oddball hats. Viridian pointed out York’s shortest street (the name’s longer than the street itself — he made us all try to say it three times fast). At Mad Alice Lane, he started talking about phoenixes and somehow made a feather float right in front of my daughter’s nose. She still talks about that bit.

Outside York Sweet Shop, the air smelled like sugar and rain on cobblestones. There wasn’t time to buy sweets (my kids tried), but we got a quick story about why York is so obsessed with chocolate. Then we ducked under gargoyles near York Minster — those faces really are weird when you look up close — and our wizard guide spun a tale about plague rats doing magic tricks (I didn’t expect to laugh at rat jokes but here we are). There was even a moment with a mouse made from a handkerchief that actually seemed to twitch its nose.

The last stretch through Bedern felt quieter, almost secretive — maybe because everyone was looking for owls or just caught up in the next surprise. I think what stuck with me most wasn’t any one trick or joke, but how every kid (and more than one parent) ended up believing just a little bit in magic for an hour or so. We left grinning at nothing in particular, still half-expecting to spot an owl on some rooftop as we walked back towards The Shambles.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Magical family walk through York

• Meet at The Shambles by St Crux Church
• Visit York's shortest street with longest name
• Walk along The Shambles, spot wizard shops
• Stop at Mad Alice Lane to find phoenix
• Pause outside York Sweet Shop, learn history
• Walk near York Minster, spot plague rat
• Discover carpenter Robert 'Mousey' Thompson's mouse
• Explore Bedern backstreets, search for owl

Top questions

Is the Wizard Walk of York suitable for young children?

Yes, it's designed especially for families with kids ages 5-10 but welcomes all ages.

Where does the Wizard Walk of York start?

The tour begins at the bottom of The Shambles by St Crux Church railings.

Are there live magic tricks during the tour?

Yes, your wizard guide performs interactive magic throughout the walk.

Does the tour visit York Minster?

You’ll walk in the shadows of York Minster and hear stories there but don’t go inside.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is fully wheelchair accessible and suitable for strollers too.

Do you need Harry Potter knowledge to enjoy this?

No knowledge required; it’s fun for fans but not based on any franchise directly.

Are snacks or sweets included?

No snacks are provided but you’ll stop outside sweet shops along the route.

How long does the Wizard Walk last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but expect around an hour exploring central York streets.

What’s included

Your experience includes live magic performances from your costumed wizard guide as you explore The Shambles, Mad Alice Lane, sweet shop stops, stories beneath York Minster’s gargoyles, plus plenty of laughs and surprises along winding city lanes—no need to worry about accessibility or age limits; everyone can join in on this spellbinding family adventure.