Private York Minster Guided Walking Tour

My husband and I met Dave Haw at the Guy Fawkes Tavern, as arranged, and had a private tour of York Minster inside and then continued with a group as Dave shared about the architecture, statues, and garden outside. Dave has a strong Yorkshire accent, being from West Riding, and I have a Southern accent (Roll Tide), but it didn't take but a moment for the three of us to get on. Dave asked us about our interests, ramifications of my physical challenges, and gently gauged our historical knowledge of York (slight). He was ever mindful of my limitations, our sense of humor, and our knowledge gaps. Dave knows almost everyone in the Minster. He got us each binoculars from somewhere and unearthed a notebook as well that showed us outlines and closeups of the floor plan and stained glass images. The stained glass is extraordinary. Incredibly detailed and vibrant, even though it needs cleaning and restoration. There is a Minster tour devoted exclusively to the stained glass. I imagine it's fascinating. We saw tombs along and below the nave, the gorgeous Chapter Room, the stonemason area plus various stages of stonework reconstruction, and Gerald the Cathedral Cat hunting birds. Altogether, we toured the Minster and its area for 3.5 hours--isnt that rather surprising? Who would think so many points of interest could keep us so easily engaged, everywhere and for so long? Dave was so knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and kind our afternoon flew by--in spite of our aching feet! I think a person could spend a semester just studying the Minster/Cathedral. Dave has obviously spent years doing so.

We met Dave by happenstance while in York, and, due to a cancellation, he had a last-minute opening for a tour. A walking tour hadn’t been on our schedule for the day, as we only had the one afternoon/evening-but I am SO glad that things worked out as they did! Dave has so much knowledge, and some great stories to tell. We left knowing so many interesting tidbits we would have missed out on had we not toured with him. Dave is so kind and friendly, and I hope to do another tour with him if we make it back to York in the future! You can’t beat a small private tour of York, and you certainly can’t do better than Dave to lead you on it.

Dave is a brilliant, entertaining and very knowledgeable guide. Fantastically 2 hour walk but he could have easily done 8 hours.

Amazing! Totally exceeded expectations. Dave’ presentation is faultless and his local knowledge seems infinite. His Yorkshire sense of humour makes for a most engaging experience. I saw a completely different side of York. Thanks Dave!

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable regarding York Minster cathedral. He discussed little known items regarding the stained glass, history and architecture of the cathedral.

Had a great experience with Dave. Even though I've been to the Minster many times, we learned so many interesting facts about the place. Additionally, Dave was quite comical

Dave is knowledgeable and personable. He introduced us to a few others in the Minster that had authority over the Organ and Choir, a stone mason, a docent. He knows a ton of history. Interesting character - you will enjoy a lively tour.

We had a wonderful tour of York Minster with Dave, he is an engaging and hilarious guide who possesses a wealth of knowledge about the cathedral and city of York. He went above and beyond to ensure that we had an enjoyable experience. If we return to York, we will definitely be signing up to his tour of York city, I wish we'd stayed an extra day so that we could have attended.

Dave was engaging enthusiastic energetic and a wonderful guy. lovely tour lovely people lovely ambience revolving historical sites around York. Love from Viet Nam

Dave our tour guide brought the history of YorkMinister to life, with historical facts , stories and discussions throughout the tour . My friend and I were the only ones on walk around the inside of the Minister , which made the experience extra special . A big thank-you to Dave , he was a joy to listen to and we asked many questions which he answered .

We learned so much about the rich history behind this magnificent cathedral on our private tour of York Minster. Dave was a great guide and shared many fascinating pieces of history from the many eras that shaped the cathedral. He took us on a tour that included the stories behind many of the notable stained glass windows and other notable architectural design elements of the building. It was a great experience.

Tip top tour with Dave. A fountain of knowledge with wonderful anecdotes. Loads of historical information delivered with ease and lots of humour.All in all a great experience. Thank you Dave.

Although we have visited York Minster many times Dave told us fascinating and humorous tales which brought it to life. We would recommend this tour. Thank you from The Hartlepool Monkeys.

Dave was a wonderful guide who tailored the tour to fit my needs. He has a wonderful grasp of York Minister and the city. I highly recommend Dave for your next tour

I can thoroughly recommend this private tour of York Minster. David is a fountain of knowledge and has a real passion for the history of the Minster. He imparts his knowledge in a down to earth and easy to follow manner. We had a great time and the 2-hours passed very quickly. We will definitely return for another visit.

I couldn’t recommend Dave enough! I booked this tour after a family member attended one of Dave’s tours in 2023 and emphatically told me I must do it if I’m a history-buff. Dave has a rich and extensive knowledge of York, which he passionately conveys. After our official tour had concluded, he was generous enough to continue on and show me around more of York. This is a must-do in York if you enjoy history and I would definitely suggest putting a few hours aside to make the most of it!

Very informative I enjoyed all our tour guide had to say! Lots of interesting facts i just love the York Minster we would take the tour again!

Had a very good tour gude today, caled Dave Haw. A very enjoyable time spent in York Minster made the stories behind the stained glass windows amusing . He even offered his knowlwgde & time of other York attractions after the tour. I met a lovely woman called Carol on the tour who joined me & Dave for a city wall tour!! Well worth it. Thank you Dave!

Dave was a wealth of knowledge! I brought my 9yo with me which i knew would be a challenge and ‘boring’ since it was just us two. Dave did a tremendous job of catering to my son and trying to cover things that would capture his interest which was wonderful! I would absolutely tour with him again and do a different one to lean more about Yorks history.

Dave our guide was a real character and was very enthusiastic and detailed in his presentation. The tour would suit those who are interested in learning the people who have of influenced the history of York Minster.

I’m from the US and visited York for the first time in July with my family. My brother found dave through the Guy Fawkes Inn. I can say with confidence that Dave is one of the most knowledgeable people about York’s history. The depth and breadth of information he shares makes it clear that sharing about York and the Yorkminster is more than a job, but a love for his hometown. Dave is kind and adaptable to what he covers with you based on your interests during the tour. I recommend him to illuminate your stay in York!

Dave has a wealth of knowledge on the city and its history. He tells interesting stories you'd never hear from anyone else. The city came alive as we walked the streets together. He is friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed our time with him.

Fun, informative and friendly tour, saw some places you wouldn't go on your own. A very pleasant afternoon, with an expert guide

Dave Haw was fantastic. He was the perfect blend of enthusiasm, knowledge, and solicitude! Thanks to Leona and Dave for a marvelous tour!

York is an incredibly historic city and Dave appears to know every bit of its history. A really enjoyable and quirky tour.

We were not officially part of a tour group but got talking to Dave as he escorted an American group around York. He was taking them to the Blue Boar next (where Dick Turpin's body was taken after his execution) & invited us to come along ! Dave was very friendly & knowledgeable, all delivered with a broad Yorkshire accent ! We would happily do a full tour with him on a future visit to the city.

We were so fortunate to meet up with Dave for a tour! He was delightful and filled with fascinating little stories! He appreciated the two of us because we were very interested in the history of York Minster.

We can't begin to explain how good this tour was. Dave's knowledge of The Minster and York in general is unmatched. There wasn't a single question that my wife or I asked that Dave didn't have an answer for (including York City questions). He spent more time with us then he was supposed to, but you can tell this tour is his passion. It is not a job for him. I would suggest anyone considering a tour of The Minster or York, to schedule through Dave. You will not regret it.

We accidentally gate crashed Dave's guided tour of York Minster. Best thing we could have done. He had such detailed knowledge of the history of the Minster with stories that made the tour so much fun. We regretted we had to leave early as we really enjoyed it.

We were incredibly lucky to be the only two people booked on the walking tour with Dave. From the very first moment he engaged us with his knowledge of York, sprinkled with a little bit of humour. We learnt a lot about York and saw things that without the tour we would simply have missed. Nothing was too much for Dave, and as we were the only two he took a couple of detours to match the tour to our interests introducing us to locals as our paths crossed. The tour was so enlightening that we decided to change our plans for the next couple of days, and followed an itinerary that Dave recommended to us instead. If you do only one thing when visiting York, make it a tour with Dave, I am sure you won't regret it. Thank you Dave

Dave is an amazing tour guide. Very knowledgeable. Kept the whole tour engaging and fun. We didn't have a lot of time in York and this tour was perfect.

Dave knows his history well and goes out of his way to give you the best tour of York while keeping your interests in mind. His knowledge is unmatchable. Thank you, Dave.

Dave gave a very informative and in depth tour of York Minster, clearly very knowledgeable and it was interesting to hear facts about the architecture, stained glass, and human history of the Minster. Thanks Dave!

Well what can I say , we had a fabulous tour with Dave. Dave is so passionate about York & the amount of knowledge he has & shares is remarkable. Dave went above & beyond to make sure we had a great time. Thank you Dave & good luck.

Provided binoculars to see the magnificent stained glass in detail. Very knowledgeable &. approachable guide, with lots of interesting & sometimes funny stories from the awesome & lengthy history of the York Minster.

An excellent tour with a very knowledgeable guide, who not only knew the history of York, but many of the present day inhabitants! Dave was very attentive and was happy to follow our requests. I would highly recomend him.

Loved the tour with Dave he is very informative and there's so much to learn of his vast fountain of knowledge regarding the history of york he a must fir all history buffs and anyone who wants more than just a simple quick tour

Wife and I booked to join a group walking tour with Dave. Unfortunately my wife wasnt feeling well on the morning of our tour so i went on my own. As it turned out I was the only one who showed up on that blustery cold day. Didnt phase Dave at all that it would just be the two of us. Dave, you are one very knowledgeable and enthusiastic historical York tour guide. What i especialy enjoyed was Dave showing me less known about things in York that i other wise would have missed. Photos attached. Couldnt ask for a more pleasant chap. Thank you Dave for a very memorable tour of York.

David was very knowledgeable and friendly and would recommend the tour. He took time to let us ask questions and answered them all

We did a 3 hour walking tour with Dave. He is a mine of information about York and English history. We met people on the tour, stonemasons, gardeners, Minster police, bird demonstrators, who you would never get to meet otherwise. Dave will show you details that you would never see. He is a friendly knowledgeable guide who loves what he does. Highly recommend.

Dave is a great tourguide which we would like to recommend! It was non of those speed-prescripted tours but more of a quality walk through York, full of authentic insights provided by our local tourguide always checking on us and spontaneously adapting the walk to our interests.

Dave's tour was really interesting. He has a deep knowledge of York's history and enjoys sharing that with his clients. I'd recommend Dave's tour if you're planning to visit York.

Met Dave at our hotel, The Guy Fawkes Inn at York and from start to finish Dave provided an exciting, humoured very informative historical tour of York's Catherdral and surrounding areas. Highly recommended. Dave is very friendly and can answer any question we asked on York's history.

Unfortunately due to travel commitments we were unable to take part in the full tour, however we met Dave in our hotel and chatted over breakfast for an hour. Sadly we had to leave but were very disappointed not to be able to attend as Dave told us fascinating and funny facts about York over our poached eggs! Undoubtedly the tour would have been amazing as he was so knowledgeable and engaging.

We met him at breakfast in the Guy Fawkes inn where he had already arranged to meet another two couples to do the minster tour. We were quite happy to tag along. Very informative and entertaining, he even showed us round the south side of the city after the minster. Thoroughly enjoyable!

David has a wealth of information and knowledge. What he doesn’t know about York Minster isn’t worth knowing. A thoroughly lovely chap too. Would recommend 100%

Guide although of pleasant disposition had an extremely poor delivery. Also, I booked for two hours, guide had no more to say after one hour & offered to take us on tour of city, but as we already had a tour in the morning we politely refused. I feel as if I have been short changed & not at all happy about it. Most disappointed. I am local to York & have had other tours by very erudite individuals with a broad dept of knowledge & was expecting something similar but this tour fell well short.

We stayed at the guy fawks inn and wanted to know more about the history of the building. He was very informative and helped make our stay memorable. Thanks Dave

Dave is a terrific tour guide who brought the Minster to life for us in a whole new way. We were blown away by his knowledge and enthusiasm, and his passion for history is contagious. He walked us through the Minster and talked us through everything in a story-teller fashion, always being ready and able to answer questions. Would thoroughly recommend.