Winner Best Tour 2023 and 2024. Spellbinding magic, comedy and dash of history on York’s only tour specifically designed for children

“We were told by many this was the ‘best day ever’…and the staff enjoyed it even more! An amazing experience!” – A. Ager, Assistant Head, St Patrick’s Primary School, Corby

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What We Offer Visiting Schools:

Make your visit to York all the more magical with an exclusive Wizard Walk that 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 in search of magical creatures.

Expect spellbinding magic and more jokes than you can shake a wand at! Speaking of which, optional Wizard Wand Kits are also available to preorder. A handcrafted wooden wizard wand to wave on the tour, plus instructions for seven tricks to practice later. A magical gift at a pocket-money price.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:

Unlike the many ghost walks in the city, this tour features no spooky ghosts and no scary stories…so no nightmares back at the accommodation! The Wizard Walk focuses on fun over frights, and is guaranteed to amaze and amuse.

The tour is designed to be fully interactive, with participation encouraged from the group as a whole plus several pupils chosen to come out and help. The guide is more than happy to answer questions, and pose for photos at the end of the tour…in full wizard regalia!

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.

Subjects and Topics Covered:

Whilst not strictly an educational tour, 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!

Pupils will be able to explore the geography of this fascinating city. Along the way you’ll also visit sites of historical interest including the iconic Shambles, Mad Alice Lane, York Minster and St William’s College.

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.

Risk Assessment:

A full Risk Assessment can be provided, and The Wizard of York has full Public Liability Insurance.

Pricing Information:

Tours start at £175, rates vary depending on group size. Up to 6 teachers go free with each booking.

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:

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 Wizard of York has experience working with neurodiverse children, 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 at https://www.wizardwalkofyork.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Social-Story-Wizard-Walk-of-York.pdf

This explains what to expect, with a full text description and photos. It may be especially useful for children who are autistic, or nervous about attending the tour. Due to potential spoilers however, it isn’t recommended for showing to all pupils in advance of the experience.

A full route breakdown can also be provided, as well as details of nearby toilets at each stop.

Opening Hours:

School tours can be arranged at any time or day, subject to availability. Just send an owl to info@wizardwalkofyork.com to book your Wizard Walk. A magical time guaranteed!