Please sign in to post.

York - Evensong service at York minster and free walking tour

I have been seeing posts recommending going to the Evensong service at York minster and free walking tour. Is the walking tour right after the service? Do I need to sign up for either of these? Also should I still do a ghost walking tour if I am doing the free walking tour or are they pretty similar?

Posted by
1217 posts

Just did these in June. The walking tour is at 3 different times during the day. If you go on the evening walking tour, 6:15, you do not want to do it the same evening as the evensong, which is mostly at 5:15. Use your guidebook and it will give you all the times that are available depending on what time of year and the day you go. I wouldn't imagine the ghost tour is the same as the walking tour. I would recommend the walking tour over the ghost tour. If you really want a ghost tour, do it in London, one of the most haunted cities on earth. London Walks. Have a great time!!

Posted by
69 posts

Would you do the free walking tour or pay for a ghost tour? We will not be going to London on this trip. We have 2 days in York then we are moving to Durham, Edinbourgh, and Glasgow.

Posted by
69 posts

Sorry I see that you say to do the Free tour. Would you recommend it even over a ghost tour even if I'm not going to London?

Posted by
6431 posts

Are you referring to a walking tour of city streets, or the guided tour of the Minster? We found the Minster tour very worthwhile, and also the evensong service. They happened at different times on the same day, as I recall. We didn't need to sign up for either in advance, but being early for evensong gets you into the beautiful choir stalls and helps you hear the choir better.

Other posters have recommended a city walking tour but I don't know why its schedule would be coordinated with evensong at the Minster.

Posted by
69 posts

Is the guided tour of Minster free? I just kept seeing posts saying make sure you do the free walking tour so I'm not sure which one they were referring too.

Posted by
8377 posts

The free walking tour does not include the Minster. That was a separate tour and was not free.

Posted by
669 posts

The free walking tour we did was provided by volunteers (ours worked for the city and volunteered as a guide) and provided fabulous historical information. I think it would be far superior to a ghost tour, but then I am not into the specter world.

Posted by
687 posts

many years ago, we took the ghost walk - so much fun!!! and the guide incorporated a lot of history in it. My son was 10 and loved it. It also made for a nice way to pass an evening.
We also went to Evensong. It was lovely. I asked ahead how long it would be so we could plan. There were some who left during the service, but that is a pet peeve of mine. The service is held in a section of the cathedral just for that - you can tour or walk around in a different area. Anyway, esp if you are from the Anglican or catholic traditions, it was special