Ghost Trail of York

This tour uses theatrical performance and interactive elements to bring York's ghost stories to life. The costumed character Mad Alice guides visitors through the city's most haunted locations while incorporating props, special effects, and audience participation. The approach balances historical storytelling with entertainment, making it engaging for families with teenage children while avoiding overtly frightening content suitable for younger attendees. Best for Families with teenagers and those wanting theatrical entertainment. This is a easy activity lasting 90 minutes. Group size: 2-40. You meet at The Shambles at 7:30pm. Key highlights: Costumed character performance throughout the tour, Interactive elements and props enhance storytelling, Suitable for families with teenagers.

Price: £10

Duration: 90 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: 2-40

Minimum age: 5+

Best for: Families with teenagers and those wanting theatrical entertainment

Best time: Spring and autumn evenings; summer attracts school holidays crowds

Meeting point: The Shambles at 7:30pm

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

7:30pm Meet Mad Alice at The Shambles - Group assembles and Mad Alice provides background on the costumed character and evening's theme.

First 25 minutes Interactive introduction and first ghost story - Mad Alice performs theatrical storytelling with props and audience participation to establish the evening's tone.

25-60 minutes in Walking tour with multiple stops and stories - Visit various haunted locations around The Shambles and Historic City Centre with dramatic re-enactments and special effects at key sites.

60-85 minutes in Interactive challenges and group participation - Visitors engage in activities like trying to communicate with spirits or solving historical mysteries related to ghost stories.

Final 5 minutes Return to The Shambles and closure - Tour concludes with final story and opportunity for photos with Mad Alice.

The whole experience takes 90 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at The Shambles at 7:30pm.

• Costumed character performance throughout the tour
• Interactive elements and props enhance storytelling
• Suitable for families with teenagers
• Theatrical special effects at haunted locations
• Engaging audience participation activities
• Accessibility: Easy difficulty with moderate walking on even ground. Stairs avoided. Suitable for families. Not wheelchair accessible due to narrow Shambles streets and cobblestones.

What is included: 90-minute guided tour with costumed guide, Interactive storytelling and performance, Access to haunted locations in The Shambles area.

Not included: Food, drinks, or refreshments, Professional photographs (except personal photos), Entry to private buildings or restricted areas. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Weather-appropriate clothing, Camera for photos with Mad Alice at tour end. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn evenings; summer attracts school holidays crowds.

Tip: More family-friendly than other ghost tours

Tip: Book online for guaranteed spot

Accessibility: Easy difficulty with moderate walking on even ground. Stairs avoided. Suitable for families. Not wheelchair accessible due to narrow Shambles streets and cobblestones..

Operator: Mad Alice

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• The Shambles (0 min walk)
• Jorvik Viking Centre (2 min walk)
• York Minster (7 min walk)

This activity is run by Mad Alice.

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour; non-refundable within 24 hours.

Accessibility: Easy difficulty with moderate walking on even ground. Stairs avoided. Suitable for families. Not wheelchair accessible due to narrow Shambles streets and cobblestones..

Best time to go: Spring and autumn evenings; summer attracts school holidays crowds.

Is the Mad Alice ghost tour suitable for young children?

The tour works well for children aged 5 and up who enjoy mild theatrical scares and stories. Mad Alice avoids graphically frightening content, focusing instead on interactive fun and performance. Very young children might find some elements unsettling, so consider your child's comfort with spooky stories.

How do I book the Ghost Trail of York online?

Online booking is available through the Mad Alice website or major tourism booking platforms. Advance booking guarantees your spot, which is recommended during summer and weekends when groups fill quickly. Online-booked visitors should arrive 10 minutes early for check-in.

What is the dress code for the Mad Alice ghost tour?

There is no strict dress code. Wear comfortable walking clothes and shoes suitable for cobbled streets. Some visitors wear Halloween costumes or dark clothing to match the theme, but this is entirely optional. Weather-appropriate clothing is more important than thematic dress.