Why choose this York tour ?
Take the plunge on the York Water Walk as we dive into York’s amazing aquatic history. We’ll explore how water – from rivers and lakes to distant seas and ancient ice sheets – has shaped the city over thousands of years. We’ll find out how to bridge a river with a river, meet the teetotaller who learnt that beer could be better than water, and even do a bit of unicorn-hunting. On the York Water Walk, you’ll be sure to make a splash!
Make the most of your York adventure
What makes York Water Walk a unique experience ?
In the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey, we’ll learn why Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries didn’t work quite so well in York.
We’ll leave Museum Gardens and walk down Marygate to the River Ouse. At Marygate Landing we’ll learn of the river’s importance to mediaeval trade, and how fisher-monks caused trouble to the city. We’ll also ask how an Ice Age deer ended up at the bottom of a swimming pool…!
In the shadow of Lendal Tower we’ll admire Lendal Bridge, and learn about ferrymen, river-chains, and the water engineer who got immortalized in a Kaiser Chiefs song.
After crossing Lendal Bridge, we’ll descend into North Street Gardens to see where (and why) the Romans crossed the River Ouse. We’ll also learn why beer was better than water, play the ever-popular guessing game of “Ouse Who?” and listen out for the sound of the Viking recorder.
How can you cross a river with a river? And what’s the best bar in York? On the York Water Walk you’ll learn the answers to both these questions!
After crossing the Ouse Bridge, we’ll meander along the waterfront at King’s Staith, discussing floods, docks, and why the Kings of England probably didn’t take their boat to King’s Staith.
Traffic on the River Ouse is relatively quiet these days, but at Skeldergate Bridge we can imagine York in its heyday as a tidal port, and discuss why this area was so important to William the Conqueror.
You can’t offer a York Water Walk without talking about floods, and Tower Gardens is the perfect place to do it, especially with the motte and bailey of Clifford’s Tower to admire too.
Leaving the River Ouse behind, we’ll turn our attention to York’s second river, the Foss. Crossing Castle Mills Bridge we’ll stop at Fishergate Postern and learn about waterfalls and ditches, King’s fishponds, and why not to stand beneath a garderobe.
From Fishergate Postern we’ll move round to St Denys Church to hear about fishmongers, hydrophobia, and subsidence, before moving on to our final stop by the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Piccadilly.
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- York Water Walk
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York Water Walk Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- Unique expertise from our PhD-qualified leaders
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by York’s Hidden History Walks.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/London.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 5 Stars based on 5 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
