The Wizard Walk - A Magical Walking Tour Around Historical York
Visit Website
Email us
The Shambles, York, Yorkshire, YO1 8BL
MONTHS OPEN
DAYS OPEN
AGE GROUPS SERVED
Listed under: Curriculum Subject / Activity Type | Medieval School Tours | School Expeditions | Historical Heritage Tours | School Tour Operators | Walking Tours | Storytelling | Outdoor Education | City Tours | Educational Tours | History | English | Enrichment Learning
What we offer on a school trip
Spellbinding magic, comedy and a dash of history on York’s only walking tour specifically created for children!
“We were told by many this was the ‘best day ever’…and the staff enjoyed it even more!" A. Ager, Assistant Head, St Patrick’s Primary, Corby
“The school trip of a lifetime! The children will be talking about this for years - no school trip will ever top it!” – Jess G, Bugthorpe Primary School, York
Make your visit to York all the more magical with an unforgettable Wizard Walk your pupils will be talking about for a long time to come. Fire their imaginations with this enchanting wander around York’s winding streets and alleys…
The Wizard of York has a magical myriad of awards up his sleeve including Best Tour two years running, Best Walking Tour, and 3rd Best Family Experience in the World. Schools can book with confidence, to experience the most magical ticket in town.
This unforgettable tour is guaranteed to amaze and amuse. Many pupils have commented to say that this was the highlight of their trip to York, and the teachers usually enjoy it just as much!
Find out more at www.wizardwalkofyork.com
What makes us a great choice for education
The Wizard Walk of York makes a great alternative to the many ghost walks in York, with the emphasis on fun over frights. No spooky ghosts and no scary stories…which means no nightmares for your pupils back at the accommodation.
The tour is designed to be fully interactive, with participation encouraged from the group as a whole, and several pupils chosen to help the Wizard. The guide is more than happy to answer questions, and pose for photos at the end of the tour in full wizard regalia
Optional Wizard Wand Kits are also available to preorder. A handcrafted wooden wizard wand to use on the tour, and instructions for seven tricks to practice later. A magical gift at a pocket-money price!
The Wizard of York is trained in Drama, Applied Theatre and Education and has extensive experience both as an educator and entertainer. He also works as a trained Giggle Doctor for a charity in hospitals, and so knows how to engage and inspire children of all ages and abilities.
Accreditation and Awards
Winner Best Tour of York 2023 and 2024 – Little Vikings for Kids Awards
Winner Best Walking Tour Operator – Yorkshire Choice Awards
Silver Winner Best Small Attraction – YorkMix Awards
3rd Place Best Family Experience in the World – TripAdvisor Best of the Best Awards
Traveler’s Choice Award – TripAdvisor
Highly Commended Experience of the Year – VisitYork
What is typically included on our school trips
Starting from York’s iconic Shambles, we’ll wand-er the streets in search of magical creatures, with plenty of magic along the way…
Whilst this isn’t strictly a historical tour, we’ll visit historical sites of interest including Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate, Kings Square, Mad Alice Lane, York Minster, St William’s College and Bedern.
Literacy links are possible with stories from the wizarding world such as Harry Potter. The tour is an ideal starting point to explore fantasy writing, and your pupils will be brimming with ideas and enthusiasm after an hour with their Wizard guide!
Group Sizes Catered For
Up to around 40 per group, with an ideal group size of 30.
Multiple groups can be accommodated in the same day, or across several days. Many schools choose to rotate this tour in groups, alongside other activities across the city throughout the day.
Materials, Resources & Information Provided
A Social Story is available to help any autistic or otherwise neurodiverse children know what to expect in advance of the tour. This document – created with advice of autism charities – features clear images and descriptions, and highlights any surprising moments on the walk.
Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions
Photography and filming is welcome, as long as a video of the whole tour is not shared publicly online (in order to keep it a surprise!) Your Wizard guide isn’t camera shy, and will also allow time for photos with the group at the end of the tour
Education Officer Information
Send an owl (or email, it’s less messy) to The Wizard of York on info@wizardwalkofyork.com
Pricing Information
Prices vary depending on group size, and up to 8 teachers go free with each booking.
Contact The Wizard of York with your requirements on info@wizardwalkofyork.com
Opening Hours & Information
Tours can be accommodated at almost any time and date, subject to availability. Early booking is always recommended, as dates fill fast.
Testimonials
The Wizard Walk of York has countless five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, Viator and Facebook. Here are two testimonials from recent school groups…
“We were told by many this was the ‘best day ever’…and the staff enjoyed it even more! The best booking we could’ve made, and an amazing experience for them all!” – A. Ager, Assistant Head, St Patrick’s Primary School, Corby
“I can honestly say that in over 20 years of teaching, this was the best school trip I have ever been on. All the children (and adults) were engaged and captivated throughout the entire tour. The Wizard is funny which entertained the adults too!” – C. Duffy, North Duffield Primary School
“The school trip of a lifetime! The children will be talking about this for years to come, no school trip will ever top it! I cannot thank you enough, we were all simply blown away by every second of it and it will be something none of us will forget. Thank you again for a magical experience.” – Jess G. Bugthorpe Primary School, York
Other Information
The Wizard of York can provide a Risk Assessment, and has full Public Liability Insurance. A full breakdown of the route will be provided, to help teachers rejoin the tour if they need to take a pupil out of the group, such as to the toilet.
Wheelchair users are always welcome, and the route has been carefully planned to ensure it is as accessible as possible. The tour doesn’t include any steps or platforms, but we do cross some uneven ground (York is known for cobbles and bumpy roads!) Where possible, your guide will be elevated on a stepladder to ensure visibility for the whole group.
