How long does it take to walk the haunted route in York?

The walk typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes time to stop at each of the 6 main locations, such as the Bedern area and St Crux, though you may take longer if you stop for a drink at one of the historic pubs.

Is the York ghost walk suitable for families?

Yes, this route is generally family-friendly as it remains on public streets and focuses on historical legends. However, some of the stories, such as the orphans of Bedern, are quite dark, so parental discretion is advised for very young children.

Can I do this walk during the day?

Absolutely. While the atmosphere is most 'haunted' at night, the historical architecture and landmarks like the Holy Trinity Church are beautiful and easier to photograph in daylight. Most pubs on the route are open from midday.

Where does the haunted York walk start?

The route begins at Ye Olde Starre Inne on Stonegate. It is easily accessible from York Railway Station, which is just a 10-minute walk away through the historic city center.

Are there many hills on this York walking route?

No, York's city center is remarkably flat. The main challenges are the uneven medieval cobblestones and narrow passages, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

Is it worth visiting the Treasurer's House for ghosts?

Yes, it is considered one of the most haunted locations in England. Even if you don't take a basement tour to see the site of the Roman soldier sighting, the building's history and its proximity to the Minster make it a vital stop.

What is the most haunted pub in York?

The Golden Fleece is widely regarded as the most haunted pub in the city. It features at the end of this walk and is famous for sightings of Lady Alice Peckett and several other long-term spectral residents.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the flickering shadows of York, a city often cited as the most haunted in Europe. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the labyrinthine snickelways and ancient timber-framed streets where history and folklore intertwine. As night falls over the medieval walls, the city’s past comes alive, revealing stories of Roman soldiers, tragic orphans, and restless spirits that still linger in the cellars of its oldest pubs. This walking route is designed for those who prefer to uncover secrets independently, moving at a pace that allows the chilling atmosphere of the North to truly sink in. You will begin in the heart of the city at a historic coaching inn, navigating through secluded churchyards and past grand residences that hide dark secrets behind their elegant facades. This self-guided adventure highlights the architectural layers of York, from its Roman foundations to the overhanging gables of the Shambles area. You will encounter the legendary Treasurer’s House, famous for one of the most well-documented ghost sightings in the world, and conclude at a pub so steeped in paranormal activity that it has become a global landmark for enthusiasts of the macabre. Whether you are a history buff or a fan of the supernatural, this neighborhood stroll offers a unique perspective on the city’s heritage. Unlike a traditional walking tour York, this experience allows you to pause for a pint in a haunted snug or linger in a quiet courtyard without the pressure of a group. Prepare to see the city's iconic landmarks in a different light—or rather, a different shadow.

Highlights

Visit Ye Olde Starre Inne, York's oldest licensed pub with a dark Civil War history

Discover the secluded Holy Trinity Church and its tales of the 'Grey Lady'

Hear the tragic legends of the Bedern area and its lost children

Explore the site of the famous Roman soldier sighting at the Treasurer's House

End your journey at the Golden Fleece, famously known as York's most haunted pub

Tour Stops (6)

Ye Olde Starre Inne

Welcome to the oldest licensed pub in York, dating back to at least 1644. To find it, you have to walk down a long, narrow alleyway off Stonegate, marked by a famous sign spanning the street. During the English Civil War, the cellar here was used as a hospital and mortuary for Royalist soldiers. It is said that the screams of the wounded can still be heard echoing from the depths. Look out for the ghost of two black cats; local legend says they were bricked into the wall to protect the building from fire and ill luck. Patrons often report feeling something furry brush against their legs in the bar area.

Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate

Tucked away behind a row of ancient houses, this 14th-century church feels like a pocket of time. It is famous for its unique box pews and its resident ghost, the 'Grey Lady.' She is often seen standing near the altar or looking out of the windows. Many believe she is the spirit of a nun from a nearby convent who was punished for a forbidden romance. The atmosphere here is particularly heavy at twilight. Notice the uneven floors and the lack of modern lighting, which preserves the medieval character of this sacred space, making it a favorite for those seeking the quieter side of York's history.

Goodramgate & Bedern

The area around Bedern was once home to the Vicars Choral of York Minster, but by the 19th century, it had declined into one of the city's worst slums. The most chilling tale here involves a local workhouse master who neglected the children in his care. Legend says that when the children died, he hid their bodies in the walls to continue claiming their food allowance. Locals and visitors alike have reported the sound of phantom children's laughter and the feeling of small, cold hands grabbing at their clothes as they walk through the narrow passage of Bedern. It is a stark reminder of the city's darker social history.

National Trust - Treasurer's House, York

This grand house stands on the site of an old Roman road. In 1953, a young apprentice plumber named Harry Martindale was working in the cellar when he witnessed a column of Roman soldiers marching through the walls. He described them in detail, noting they appeared to be cut off at the knees—it was later discovered that the original Roman road lay fifteen inches below the current cellar floor. This remains one of the most famous and credible ghost sightings in the UK. Even if you don't go inside, the exterior of the house, framed by the Minster, is one of the most atmospheric spots in the city.

St Crux

What remains of St Crux is now a small parish room, but the site was once a large medieval church. It is known for a peculiar phenomenon involving a shadow that detaches itself from the wall and follows passersby. The church was largely demolished in the 1880s, but the spirits of those buried beneath seem to remain. People have reported the smell of funeral incense wafting through the air on windless nights and the sight of a tall man in black who disappears as soon as he is noticed. It is a quiet, often overlooked corner that holds a significant place in York’s ghostly topography.

Golden Fleece York

You have reached one of the most haunted pubs in the world. The Golden Fleece dates back to 1503 and is said to be home to at least fifteen distinct spirits. The most famous is Lady Alice Peckett, the wife of a former Mayor of York, who is often seen wandering the corridors and moving furniture. Other ghosts include a Canadian airman and a grumpy spirit known as 'One-Eyed Jack.' The building itself is famously wonky, with floors that slant at alarming angles. It is the perfect place to end your self-guided walk with a drink, perhaps while keeping a watchful eye on the shadows in the corner of the bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many group options exist, a self-guided walk is often the best way to soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. This route covers iconic spots like the Golden Fleece and the Treasurer's House, allowing you to linger where the stories interest you most without following a crowd.