Walking tours and trails to embark on this Summer in York

• Brand new interactive sporty sculpture trail as part of Visit York’s Summer of Sport activity. Download the map here
• Family Friendly ‘I Spy’ Trail in collaboration between Visit York and Little Vikings. Download the map here
• York Archaeological Trust summer walking tours exploring the history of the city and York City Walls
• York Dungeon City Walking Tours unveiling the toe-curling secret tales of the city

• A journey for Knights, Princesses and... Dragons with A Very Magical Adventure
• Stories of York’s artists, misfits and ordinary folk uncovered in the new Death in a Chocolate Box walking tours.
• History of York's beer and pub heritage uncovered with the Guided Historic Pub Walks
• More walking trails, ghost walks and tours available on the Visit York #LoveWalking Hub here

Residents and visitors to York this summer are invited to explore the historic streets of the city by embarking on one or more new, interactive and educational urban walking tours and trails.

As part of Visit York’s Summer of Sport campaign, a brand-new sporty sculpture trail was developed, with interactive sculptures installed across the city until 5th September - offering fun photo opportunities for all to get involved in. Children can become Formula 1 racers by posing with a Race Car installation at College Green sponsored by the York BID, present as Olympic Games winners on Winners Podium at Parliament Street sponsored by First Bus York, or pretend to be a coach with a Giant Whistle in Tower Gardens sponsored by York City Knights FC. A set of Heavy Weights presents a fun photo opportunity at Middletons Hotel sponsored by Emperors Gym, and all can test their speed on the Racetrack at St Helen’s Square. For those venturing a bit further out – a Rowing Oars installation is displayed at and sponsored by St Peters School. The map of the trail is available online and printed copies are also free to pick up from the Visitor Information Centre at 1 Museum Street.

Launched earlier this year, a family-friendly ‘I Spy’ Trail was created by Little Vikings in partnership with Visit York and offers a perfect way for families to explore York, with 22 weird, wonderful, iconic and interesting things to spot along the circular route. From highlighting the York Minster gargoyles, to walking down streets with the quirkiest names, the ‘I Spy’ Trail was designed with little explorers in mind to encourage them to discover York’s hidden secrets and spot things they would otherwise never have noticed. Trail maps are available online and free to pick up from the Visitor Information Centre.

Especially for summer and running until 5th September, visitors and residents are invited to participate in the Summer Walking tours by York Archaeological Trust - perfect for history lovers or walking enthusiasts looking to discover more about the city. Learn more about the temples and bathhouses of Roman York or follow a processional route for religious festivals with the Medieval walking tour. Visitors can discover the results of a recent Tower Two investigation on the Archaeological walking tour or imagine how the Micklegate area of York would have looked in the time of Richard III for the final guided tour. Each tour includes admission to Micklegate bar where several exciting finds will be on display. More information about the tours and booking here: https://yat.digitickets.co.uk/category/33820

For those looking to get spooked this summer – York Dungeon’s toe-curling Summer Walking Tours are a must! Two of the public’s favourite Dungeon residents – Black Jester and Smedley – are ready to lead visitors on a journey to discover York’s darkest history with hidden secrets uncovered along the way. Stories of Roma exploit, tales of infamous rogues such as Dik Turpin and Guy Fawkes, horrors of Viking invasions – all presented on the backdrop of York’s iconic historic sites for the bravest of hearts. Find out more and book online: https://www.thedungeons.com/york/tickets-passes/ways-to-visit/city-walking-tour/

A new addition to the city’s walking tour offer – a magical tour for the whole family this summer in York – A Very Magical Adventure runs until 3rd September. This tour will take kids on a live theatrical quest to help King Arthur save his kingdom. The enchanting quest has heroes and heroines explore the city for clues, solving mysteries, discovering secrets of the greatest wizard ever known and learning spells. Knights, Dragons and Princesses is an immersive interactive experience suitable for all the family. The experience offers originally written scripts which showcase the history and magic of York.

A Very Magical Adventure also supports local charity - ‘Franks Fund’ set up in memory of a local 14 year old boy who sadly died from a form of bone cancer. A minimum £2 from each ticket sale will go directly to ‘Frank’s Fund’ to help raise vital funds for life saving research into Ewing sarcoma. Find out more and book online: https://www.averymagicaladventure.co.uk/

For those interested in “waking the dead of York” - Death in A Chocolate Box walking tours are the perfect new addition to the city. Visitors are invited to wander through the snickelways and secret passages of York in a quest to wake the dead... and their stories! Designed for those of a curious and hardy temperament – the tour guide Lady Brigante is there to share the tales of the illustrious, the miscreants, artists, misfits and those ordinary folk of York who have all been lost to history – until now. Inspired by true crime stories from the Victorian era, the tours are meticulously researched and innovative and offer an informative and unique walk with an experienced storyteller. Find out more and book online: https://politetourist.com/

A walking tour with a tipple might be a perfect choice for a more mature audience – York Guided Historic Pub Walks run throughout the summer and invite residents and visitors to discover the history of York's beer and pub heritage. Each walk covers the history of approximately 15 pubs as well as the centuries of events, people (and spirits) associated with them. The walk is guided by an experienced volunteer city guide, who will take you on a journey through time and taste. Find out more and book online: https://yorkpubwalks.wordpress.com/

York is perfect city to explore on foot and in addition to above mentioned walking tours and trails, visitors can also embark on one of the city’s iconic Ghost Walks, follow the Chocolate Trail to discover the history of Terry and Rowntree families and uncover all the iconic selfie point by following the Selfie Trail. More walks and trails are available on Visit York’s #LoveWalking Hub.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Make It York

Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings – nationally and internationally - as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. The company’s remit covers leisure and business tourism, city centre management, festivals and events, business support and inward investment.

Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York.

For further information please contact:

Amy Goodman – Consumer Communications Manager
Email: amy.goodman@makeityork.com

Ana Ignatova – Communications Executiv