Haunted and Enchanted York

York is Europe’s most haunted and the most magical city, where history and charm intertwine, creating a truly enchanted atmosphere. Fascinated by witches and wizards, thanks to its Harry Potter links and ancient folklore.

York is a city with a dark past, its history is rife with tales of guts, gore, torture and ghosts. The International Ghost Research Foundation once even declared York as the most haunted city in Europe due to its bloodstained history and reports of over 500 hauntings within the ancient city walls.

Numerous haunted pubs hold tales of restless spirits (of the ghostly kind!) and you’ll be amazed at the number of places where ghostly sightings have been reported, and the history of what lurks beneath many of York’s historic buildings.

Tours and top attractions

From record-breaking ghosts to gory ghosts, step into The York Dungeon, a thrilling attraction with an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages and scenes. See, hear, smell and feel York’s stories come to life as characters transport you through the city’s murky past.

A great way to learn more about the city's spooktacular past is by taking a walking tour with a magical mage or a ghastly guide, experts on York’s supernatural secrets and haunted heritage. Brace yourself for thrilling journeys telling of eerie apparitions!

As one of Europe’s most haunted cities, we have several award-winning tours including; The Bloody Tour of York following Mad Alice down snickleways and side streets recounting the gruesome and grisly past of the city; and Wizard Walk of York a fun-filled for all the family with spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of York's history.

Take an evening haunted tour with The Original Ghost Walk of York exploring the history and mystery, the folklore and legends that smoulder beneath our ancient streets; or The Deathly Dark Tours for a peculiar and curious ghost walk exploring the city’s ghastly past; or Experience Yorkshire’s wicked history with a York Witches & History Walking Tour taking you on a spellbindingly unique walking tour, led by a bewitching guide!

For puzzle enthusiasts, embark on the Ghost Quest, an interactive game-based, self-guided tour that navigates you through the streets to crack riddles and discover hidden secrets. Immerse yourself in the mind-bending challenge of a walking puzzle game, and the sweet reward awaits as you triumph at the end!

Brace yourself for a thrilling journey with The Ghost Bus Tours, a theatrical sightseeing tour around the darker side of Europe’s most haunted city, in a classic 1960s Routemaster bus. Enjoy a hilarious comedy horror show while you see the sights.

Don't miss

Head to the spooky Shambles, believed to be the inspiration behind Harry Potter’s Diagonal Alley, and buy magical artefacts and witch’s wands from The Shop That Must Not Be Named, plus drink magical potions at The Potions Cauldron. Just a little walk away, try the world’s most magical mini golf experience at Hole in the Wand.

Keep an eye out for

There are several annual haunted themed events and festivals taking place in York, so when you’re planning your trip towards the end of the year, look into the Haunted York Festival each October full of everything you need to know about having the most haunted time in York. Don't miss, Hallowscream/Hallowtween (from October) for terrifyingly entertaining nights of fear and fun; and the horror and fantasy film festival Dead Northern Horror Film Festival (from September).