York Water Walk and Aquatic History Tour

from

£12

York
York

1-15
people

price for
1 participant

1 hour
30 minutes

• Explore York's Aquatic History on the York Water Walk
• Embark on a 1.5 to 2 Hour Journey Through York's Waterways
• Discover The Most Unique Insights Into York's Water-Driven Past

Why We Love This Unique Experience

Embark on a fascinating journey through history with the York Water Walk, where the city's rich aquatic legacy comes alive. Dive deep into how rivers, lakes, and ancient ice sheets have shaped York over millennia. This engaging experience will reveal intriguing stories, from the connection between rivers and trade to the whimsical tales of local legends. Adventure awaits as surprising turns uncover the city's relationship with water, making each stop a delightful exploration of history.

During the walk, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the River Ouse, taking in stunning sights as stories unfold at each location. Key highlights include the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey, where history intertwines with the tale of Henry VIII, and the charming North Street Gardens, a site of Roman significance. Learn about York's trade routes, the role of fisher-monks in medieval times, and the city’s vibrant past as a tidal port. Each moment offers a chance to glimpse the picturesque scenery while listening to captivating anecdotes, ensuring a truly memorable experience.

The York Water Walk is not only a fantastic outing for locals and visitors alike but also makes for a unique gift. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to share a delightful experience with someone special, this adventure is an unforgettable way to connect with the history and charm of York. Treat someone to an exploration that blends learning, fun, and breathtaking views, making memories that will last a lifetime!

Experience Overview:

York History Walk - River Route

From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years.
With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights.
On the York History Walk: River Route we’ll take a waterside walk through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via St Mary’s Abbey, the River Ouse, and King’s Staith, we’ll tell tales of fights and floods, monks and merchants, before finishing our walk beneath Clifford’s Tower, in the heart of York Castle.
See the sights of the city with York’s Hidden History!

Meeting Point

Yorkshire Museum

Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR, UK

We start the walk outside the Yorkshire Museum in York Museum Gardens.

What's included:

Unique expertise from our PhD-qualified leaders

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours

St. Mary's Abbey

Museum Gardens Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR

See the spectacular ruins of St Mary's Abbey and learn about King Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.

5 minutes

Hamlet Of St Marygate

29 Marygate, York, YO30 7WH

Walking down from Museum Gardens onto Marygate, we'll see how this ancient street connected the River Ouse to the main road north. We'll see the old abbey walls, and Marygate Tower, and discuss how St Mary's Abbey controlled huge areas of medieval Yorkshire.

10 minutes

Ouse Bridge

Bridge Street, York, YO1 9QU

A bridge has crossed the Ouse here for over a thousand years. Learn about its amazing history.

5 minutes

King's Staith

King's Staith, York YO1, UK

See the River Ouse from King's Staith, York's main quay for more than 500 years. Hear stories of York's medieval water lanes, and learn why very few kings ever landed at King's Staith!

10 minutes

Clifford's Tower

Tower Street, , York, YO1 9SA

Finish the walk with a view of the dramatic medieval keep of York Castle, and learn about its remarkable history. Clifford's Tower is well worth a visit after our walk finishes.

10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included