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

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.

ALL TOURS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED

BOOK HERE

Tour Update

COVID-19:
Please note that in line with Government guidelines a maximum of 10 guests will be allowed with each tour guide.

Your guide will request that you conduct safe-distancing during the tour and face coverings will be required in certain locations.

We reserve the right to cancel the tour should circumstances, in the judgement of the guide 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.

Download a full copy of our Guidelines and Policy for dealing with Covid-19 Safety

Advance Bookings Only

Tour Start Point

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

ALL TOURS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED BOOK HERE

Meet your guide by the William Etty statue, look out for our Tour Times ‘A’ Board starting point which is near the entrance to Kings Manor.. View Map Contact Us

Our tours are free; there is no need to offer a tip; but should you wish to give a donation you can make this directly into the Associations bank account:

Account Name: York Association of Voluntary Guides

Sort Code: 05-09-94 | Account no: 25551991

Please reference either name of your Guide or date & time of tour. Thank you in advance…

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

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?

During Covid-19 restrictions tours must 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

Excellent tour given by Helen. Good pace, packed with history and very relaxed. Thanks!

— FS, 26th January 2022

It was by far the best walking tour I’ve been a part of. Nick was our guide and he was incredibly enthusiastic, knowledgeable and prepared. It’s definitely a must when coming to York.

— Silvina, 15th January 2022

I would just like to say what an excellent tour was offered by yourselves . I booked 2 tickets for my sister & 1 14.1.22 , 1.15pm-3.15pm . We would like to express our thanks to your guide Ian . He was so knowledgeable & really engaging with the group . We had an amazing time & feel we know far more about York then we ever did . Thank you again to Ian for a memorable time .

— Jackie Goldthorpe, 14th January 2022