Private Roman Tour of York - Starting at the Roman Column in Minster Yard

Private Roman Tour of York

Explore York's Roman history with a private 1.5 to 2-hour guided walking tour featuring key relics like the Roman Column, Multangular Tower, and city walls for $89.53.

Discover York’s Roman Past with a Private Guided Tour

Private Roman Tour of York - Discover York’s Roman Past with a Private Guided Tour

For those eager to uncover York’s Roman history, this private tour offers an engaging 1.5 to 2-hour walk through the city’s most significant Roman sites. Priced at $89.53 per person, the tour is designed for small, personalized groups, ensuring a focused and flexible experience. The tour departs from Minster Yard and ends at a location of your choosing, with pick-up options available for added convenience. Booking generally occurs 30 days in advance, making it easy to plan ahead.

This experience is ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers who appreciate a guided approach that highlights both well-known monuments and hidden stories. The tour’s private nature allows for tailored pacing, and group discounts make it accessible for families or small parties. With top ratings and full 5-star reviews, this tour stands out as a trusted way to explore York’s Roman heritage efficiently and enjoyably.

Key Points

Private Roman Tour of York - Key Points

  • Private guided walking tour focusing on York’s Roman relics and history
  • Duration of approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours
  • Key sites include Roman Column, Multangular Tower, York Minster, and city walls
  • Flexible meet-up at Minster Yard and ending at a preferred location
  • Cost of $89.53 per person, with group discounts offered
  • Highly-rated with a perfect 5.0/5 based on 13 reviews

Starting at the Roman Column in Minster Yard

Private Roman Tour of York - Starting at the Roman Column in Minster Yard

The tour kicks off at the Roman Column in Minster Yard, a prominent and accessible site that offers a perfect starting point. Here, the guide explains the history of the Principia, a key Roman building. This stop takes about 15 minutes and is free of charge, giving a concise yet insightful introduction.

This initial stop sets the tone for the tour, providing context about Roman military and civic life in York. The guide’s explanations help visitors understand the significance of the relics they will see later, making subsequent visits more meaningful.

Exploring the Multangular Tower and Roman Military Engineering

Private Roman Tour of York - Exploring the Multangular Tower and Roman Military Engineering

A major highlight is the Multangular Tower, where visitors spend about 30 minutes learning about Roman military architecture. The tower showcases the Roman military machine, giving a tangible sense of how Roman forces defended and strategized within York.

This site is particularly notable for its well-preserved structure, allowing visitors to visualize Roman defensive tactics. The guide enriches the experience with stories about Roman legion deployments and fortifications, making history come alive.

Visiting York Minster and Its Roman Foundations

Private Roman Tour of York - Visiting York Minster and Its Roman Foundations

Though admission to York Minster is not included in the tour, it remains a key point of interest. The guide shares fascinating insights into Roman Britain’s legacy that shaped this iconic cathedral. Visitors get about 15 minutes here to appreciate the architecture and hear stories about how the Roman past influences the Minster’s construction and history.

This stop offers a broader perspective on how Roman foundations and artifacts continue to influence modern York. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect ancient history with the present-day cityscape.

Walking the Historic Roman City Walls

Private Roman Tour of York - Walking the Historic Roman City Walls

The city walls are a favorite feature, with about 30 minutes allocated for exploring the Roman remnants of York’s defenses. The tour’s focus on the lost Roman walls reveals how these structures once encircled and protected the city.

Visitors can enjoy walking along the walls, gaining views of York’s streets while imagining Roman soldiers patrolling these battlements. The guide points out the original Roman engineering techniques and shares stories about the walls’ role in York’s defense over centuries.

Flexible Ending at a Personalized Location

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is its flexibility in ending locations. Whether visitors want to conclude at a specific landmark, a cozy café, or their accommodation, the guide arranges the finish accordingly. This personalized approach makes the experience more convenient and tailored to individual schedules.

Because the tour is private, it adapts easily to your preferred pace and interests, allowing more time at favorite sites or a quicker walkthrough if desired.

Logistics: Easy Meeting and Accessibility

The tour begins at the Roman Column in Minster Yard, a convenient spot near public transportation options in York. The service animals are allowed, and the tour is accessible for most travelers. It operates daily from 9:00AM to 6:00PM, giving flexibility for different schedules.

All bookings are confirmed instantly, and cancelations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind when planning your trip.

Expert Guides with Enthusiastic Narration

Private Roman Tour of York - Expert Guides with Enthusiastic Narration

Every review highlights the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, especially noting guides like John for his storytelling and ability to answer questions well. Visitors appreciate guides who provide background explanations, engaging stories, and visual aids, making the history memorable and accessible.

The guides’ personal approach, including answering questions and offering context, is consistently praised, adding depth to the experience beyond just viewing ruins.

Value for Money and Personalization

At $89.53, this tour offers great value, especially considering its private, personalized nature. The inclusion of group discounts makes it more affordable for families or small groups. The duration ensures enough time to explore key Roman sites without feeling rushed, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors.

Many reviews emphasize the value for money and the quality of the guidance, which elevates the experience beyond a typical self-guided walk.

Why Choose This Roman Tour of York?

This private tour is best suited for history buffs, small groups, and those who value personalized attention. The focus on Roman relics and stories offers a detailed glimpse into York’s ancient past that is difficult to replicate independently.

The tour’s flexibility, expert guides, and accessible locations make it a reliable choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, engaging introduction to Roman York.

The Sum Up: A Personalized Journey into Roman York

This private Roman tour combines expert guidance, historical storytelling, and flexible logistics to deliver an enriching experience. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want a focused, intimate exploration of York’s Roman relics, with the comfort of a private guide and tailored pacing.

While it doesn’t include entry to the York Minster, the storytelling and site visits provide a meaningful look into the city’s Roman foundations. For $89.53 per person, this tour offers a well-structured, engaging way to learn about York’s ancient past — ideal for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Ready to Book?

Private Roman Tour of York



5.0

(13)

100% 5-star

“John gave a great tour and answered questions well. We particularly appreciated a context of whys and a range of possible explanations rather than…”

— Jacqueline H, May 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on pacing and interest.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at the Roman Column in Minster Yard and ends at a location of your choosing within York.

Are tickets included for sites like York Minster?
No, admission to York Minster is not included, but the guide offers insights into its Roman roots.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and guides are known for engaging storytelling suited to diverse audiences.

Can the tour be canceled freely?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking approximately 30 days ahead is recommended, as the tour is popular and often fills quickly.