WELCOME BACK!

AVG Tours recommenced on 17th May.
To ensure the safety of our guests and our guides, tours will be limited to 10 guests per guide.

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York’s Original & Most Popular

Free Walking Tour

Safety Update Guided Tour Route

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

York’s Original & Most Popular

Free Walking Tour

Safety Update Guided Tour Route

Welcome

The Association of Voluntary Guides to the City of York (AVG) offer daily free 2-hour walking tours to visitors from all over the world.

We have been offering complimentary guided tours around York since 1951. Our team of 80+ local expert guides take great pleasure in showcasing our beautiful city and we look forward to welcoming you on one of our regular daily tours.

The service is intended for individuals, couples and families and tickets are limited to 6 people per booking. Organised tour groups should book with our desk officers via email at avg1951@hotmail.com.

PRE-BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED

BOOK HERE

Tours begin at 10.30 am and 13.15 pm every day except Christmas Day. Our tours are free; there is no need to offer a tip.

Tour Update

Tour numbers are limited to 30 per tour and there are two guides on duty for each tour. Your tour guides will advise you on the day as to which guide you will be touring with.

Pre-booking is recommended. We reserve the right to cancel the tour should circumstances, in the judgement of the guides on duty, be such that it is not safe to undertake it.

We also reserve the right to refuse any individual who cannot or will not observe the safety precautions.

Advance Booking Recommended

Tour Start Point

All our tours depart from outside York City Art Gallery in Exhibition Square.

PRE-BOOKING IS RECOMMENDED – BOOK HERE

Meet your guide between the William Etty statue, and Kings Manor Entrance Gates in front of the Art Gallery, look out for our Tour Times ‘A’ Board starting point which is near the entrance to Kings Manor.

View Map

Our standard tours are absolutely FREE and, unlike some other advertised tours, there’s really no need for a tip at the end!

Our standard tours are intended for individuals, couples and small family groups only. Organised tour groups should not just turn up, but please book ahead using our group booking option on our ‘Contact Us’ page. Click this text to head to that page.

Like to become an AVG Guide? Click here to head to our application page.

A few of our Tour Highlights

600,000+ Visitors

have experienced our tours

70 Years

of touring the City of York

100+ Nationalities

have participated in our tours

80+ Trained Guides

leading our tours 364 days a year

Some of our most Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book?

Tour numbers are limited per guide and you can turn up on the day but we recommend that tours be booked in advance at this link Book Online. Once you have your ticket please turn up at the meeting point at Exhibition Square at least 5 minutes before the designated start time.

Book Here

Where does the tour start?

All tours depart from outside York City Art Gallery in Exhibition Square.

Simply meet your guide by our ‘tour times’ board next to the William Etty statue and the fountains outside the Art Gallery.

Don’t forget your face mask.

Where does the tour end?

The final part of the tour takes us to York’s oldest street, the Shambles. (During Covid-19 restrictions the end point will vary depending on circumstances on the day, your guide will advise).

How much does a standard tour cost?

The tours are FREE and entirely without charge, the volunteer’s reward is showing the beauty of the City to as many people as possible.

Some of our most recent feedback

I came from Argentina and the guide was fantastic. Mike gave me and the people that participated in the tour a lot of information about the history of the city.
Mike was very clear and kind.
Thank you

— Oscar Gordo, 10th August 2022

Excellent, excellent, excellent!! I liked it so much! I took the tour with Mike, who explained everything so well, plenty of details on the history of the city, the conquerors, the kings, battles and so much more. I defenitely recommend the tour and specially Mike.
Thanks!!

— Gabriela Kostic, 10th August 2022

Fantastic tour, very informative.
Cristina, a lady from Argentina, was an amazing guide! She is passionate about the Medieval period and she explained the history of York in a very engaging and interesting way. I learned a lot!
Also, the tour is absolutely FREE just as advertised.

— Emily, 7th AUgust 2022