Highwayman Tours

You're walking through York's medieval streets when you stumble upon Highwayman Tours - a proper slice of local legend packaged into guided walks that explore the city's dodgier past. These aren't dusty museum talks; they're actual routes through the old town, with guides who know their stuff about the rogues and thieves who once worked these very cobbles.

The tours focus on York's highwayman history and the criminal underbelly that thrived here centuries ago. You'll get real stories rather than sanitised heritage nonsense - tales of hold-ups, escapes, and the darker side of medieval life. It's the kind of thing that keeps kids genuinely engaged, especially teenagers who aren't bored stiff by yet another church visit.

The walking pace is manageable, though it does involve York's notorious hills, so wear decent shoes. Tours typically run throughout the year, though availability peaks in summer. Check ahead for times and whether booking is needed - these things fill up fast, particularly during school holidays.

If you're staying at Fox Hill Holiday Park six miles out, this makes an excellent half-day excursion into York itself. Pair it with the city's proper museums or a pint at one of the riverside pubs afterwards. It works well as a break from standard park activities, and honestly, it's more interesting than another lap of the playground. The guides know York's backstreets better than any map ever could.