Frequently Asked Questions
When do tours run?
The Wizard Walk runs on selected days and times each week. Tours often fill up early – especially in the holidays – so early booking is always recommended. Private tours are also available at mutually agreed times, to add extra magic to your next event!
Where does the tour start and finish?
The Wizard Walk begins at the bottom of York’s iconic Shambles, by the railings of St Crux Churchyard over the road from The Golden Fleece pub. It finishes back at the top of the The Shambles near King’s Square.
How long does it last?
Around 1 hour 15 minutes with plenty of stops, the ideal length for little legs! This includes time for photos at the end, and can vary slightly depending on the size of the group and how busy the streets are.
What if it rains?
Bring a brolly! Unless in the case of extreme weather, tours run in all weather – and so suitable clothing, footwear and umbrellas are recommended.
What age is the tour suitable for?
The Wizard Walk is a great alternative to the many ghost walks and terror tours in the city. There are no ghost stories, and the tour is suitable for all ages. It is ideal for ages 5-10 in particular, or bigger kids with a silly sense of humour and passion for the wizarding world. Many parents have reviewed the tour, saying how much they enjoyed it along with their children!
Do you take private bookings?
Absolutely! Private tours are available for schools, birthdays, cubs, beavers, rainbows, brownies and more – and a magical, memorable experience is guaranteed. Just get in touch with your requirements (early booking always recommended)
Do we all need a ticket?
Children aged 3+ need their own ticket, under 3s and babies in pushchairs are welcome at no charge. Optional Wizard Wand Kits are also available for £5 each, subject to availability.
What are Wizard Wand Kits?
A wonderfully whimsical souvenir of your visit! A handcrafted wooden wizard wand, instructions for seven tricks to learn at home and a printable certificate for your young witch or wizard. Find out more
Is the tour accessible?
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 it’s cobbles and bumpy roads!) Where possible, your guide will be elevated on a stepladder to ensure visibility for the whole group.
The tour is delivered in English, but regularly welcomes non-English speaking guests as is very visual and features colourful comedy magic and plenty of surprises.
The Wizard of York has experience working with neurodiverse children and adults, and is happy to discuss specific parts of the tour in advance to ensure an enjoyable experience for all. A Social Story can be downloaded here which explains what to expect, with a full text description and photos. This may be especially useful for children who are autistic, or nervous about attending the tour.
A full route breakdown can be found here, with Google Map locations for each stop. Please get in touch with any questions or requirements.
Do you visit any Harry Potter locations?
There are no Harry Potter filming locations in York, the nearest is Goathland…and that’s 40 miles away so not part of the tour! However, York’s many snickleways and alleys look like something lifted from the pages of the magical stories, ideal for wandering with a wizard as your guide.
Potter fans are always welcome, and often arrive in full robes or Hogwarts house colours. No previous knowledge of the Harry Potter books and films is needed though, and there are no spoilers from the series! This is not a Harry Potter tour, but is inspired by the wizarding world and ideal for fans.
What is your Covid Policy?
The Wizard Walk of York adheres to current government guidelines and advice regarding Coronavirus. Use of face masks and personal social distancing is currently optional. If displaying symptoms, your guide will take a lateral flow test and, if positive, will cancel a tour with as much notice as possible and issue a full refund.
Your guide maintains regular handwashing, and any items handed out to guests are regularly cleaned and sanitised.
Please do not attend if you have tested positive for Covid 19 or other infectious illness.
What is your cancellation policy?
All bookings are non-refundable except in the unlikely event that your guide needs to cancel the tour due to illness or unforeseen circumstances.
If you cannot attend, your tickets can usually be moved to another available tour, subject to availability. Contact the Wizard of York to arrange.
