York has always been one of my favourite cities in the UK, there’s just something about it that keeps drawing me back. The medieval streets, the stunning architecture, and of course, its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in the world. Walking through York, you can almost feel the history beneath your feet, and with every winding alleyway and cobbled lane, there seems to be another ghost story waiting to be told.
Last year, I explored some of these tales in my post Haunted York, which only deepened my fascination with the city’s darker side. But I wanted to go further, to hear from the people who live and breathe York’s haunted history every night. That’s when I reached out to Mackenzie, the creator of Shadows of York, a ghost walk that’s been running for over a decade.
Alongside her brilliant guides, Dan and Josh, Mackenzie has created a tour that’s more than just a collection of spooky tales. Shadows of York blends storytelling, historical research, and atmosphere into an experience that’s both chilling and deeply fascinating. I was genuinely excited to chat with Mackenzie over email, and she kindly answered my questions about the tour, York’s haunted past, and what makes Shadows of York such a unique experience.
Q&A with Shadows of York
Could you introduce yourselves and tell us the story of how Shadows of York began?
So my name is Mackenzie and I am the creator and owner of Shadows of York. A historical ghost walk. I have two guides who work for me called Dan and Josh. Shadows of York is currently in its 10th year.
So in 2012 there was an advert for a ghost walk guide in York and so I got the job and worked occasionally with the company for three years. I decided that it was something I could do myself and created Shadows of York.
What inspired you to create your own ghost walks?
Basically, I enjoy the paranormal and love history and thought I could combine the two to create something fresh and at the time, different to other tours in York. Ghost stories with history to back them up and give a different side to the common stories.
How did your journey in York’s haunted history start?
By working for the previous tour called Ghost Walk Experience. That company doesn’t exist anymore.
What sets Shadows of York apart from other tours in the city?
Extensive research. Delivering dark sides of history without holding back, affordable and also we offer smaller group sizes unlike most of our competitors.
Do you focus on certain stories, locations, or a particular style of storytelling that makes your walks unique?
Myself and my guides tell the stories in our own way so that we are natural in our delivery and not sound scripted. We know enough stories about the city which gives us diversity and we are able to go to other locations if our usual route encounters a disruption. However we will always tell some of the classics as there is often someone in attendance who knows those stories and expects to hear them.
How do you personally see York — both as one of the most haunted cities in the world, and as one of the most beautiful historic places in England?
I think York is a beautiful city visually. It has maintained much of its history more than many other cities and it is also in the main a safe city to walk around and enjoy what it has to offer. With regards to being the most haunted. While I believe it is haunted I am not sure how you can measure that. It is meant to be the ‘City of a Thousand Ghosts’ yet I most certainly don’t know a thousand of them and I know a lot. Ha ha! There are many towns, villages, cities etc across the globe with a haunted past. The claim of being the most haunted could be because it was one of the first, if not there first city to actually have a ghost walk.
Stories & Legends of York
Could you share one or two of your favorite ghost stories or legends from York?
My personal favourites are the Workhouse story (even though it’s just a story, thankfully!) and my own personal story of seeing a shadow figure on tour. Basically, years ago while conducting the tour, a random shadow figure appeared in the graveyard and floated past me which the audience witnessed. Years later a medium came on the tour, having never been before and she claimed that she had encountered a spirit who wished to apologise for frightening myself and a group many years ago! As for the Workhouse, it was believed that an evil master called George Pimm kept deceased children in his cupboard and or under the floorboards in the Workhouse so he didn’t have to pay for their funerals and eventually he went mad for he could hear the dead children whispering, laughing and screaming. Hauntings him. His madness led him to kill the remaining children in the Workhouse and the children have haunted a street known as Bedern ever since!
Are there any lesser-known tales that guests might not hear anywhere else?
Lots of them. We do tell some. But I won’t reveal. You will have to join us to find out ha ha!
What do your guests usually find most surprising about York’s haunted history?
How horrible, cold and cruel we truly were.
Guest Experience
For someone joining Shadows of York for the first time, what can they expect from the walk?
The walk lasts approximately 90 minutes and is a combination of ghost stories and horrible history. The stories told are mostly the real stories about what has happened in our city and the shadows left behind.
What atmosphere do you try to create for your guests?
We keep it casual in our approach but suck you in with classic storytelling with some humour thrown in.
Is it more storytelling, more historical, or a mix of both?
Both.
Do you have any memorable or funny stories involving guests on your tours?
Quite a few. But I think my favourite is when cats used to appear on tour. One was sat on a wall while I was telling the story about Harry Martindale and his experience of seeing Roman soldiers in the Treasurers House. A random. A couple was walking past and the lady was listening in. Then the cat suddenly meowed very loudly, almost like a screech and the lady leapt across the road out of fright.
Who are your tours best suited for — families, paranormal enthusiasts, history buffs?
All of the above but not recommended for young children or anyone expecting a jump scare actor experience.
Getting Involved & Visiting York
If someone reading this interview wanted to experience Shadows of York, what’s the best way for them to book a tour?
Please visit Here
Do you recommend booking in advance, especially around busy times like Halloween?
I absolutely do recommend it. We limit our numbers for each tour. Especially during weekends, school holidays and Halloween.
Beyond your tours, what are some must-see spots in York that you’d recommend to visitors who want to soak up the city’s atmosphere?
Honestly it depends on what you like. There is so much to see and do in York it’s like Disneyland. But I’d recommend places like Castle Museum, Cliffords Tower, Jorvik viking centre, York Chocolate Story, National Railway Museum, Barley Hall and Shambles.
Do you collaborate with local businesses, pubs, or historic sites in York that readers should also check out while they’re there?
We haven’t got any collaboration except that we are currently building a relationship with the Coven of Curiosities. It’s a new witches shop which we are hoping to do shows with in their back room. One is happening on 26th October 2025. Only 16 tickets available due to the space. Contact Coven of Curiosities for more information.
Looking to the Future
What are your hopes for Shadows of York moving forward?
That we continue to be successful and entertain and educate our guests.
Are there new routes, special events, or seasonal tours in the works?
Not currently.
If you could tell the world just one thing about Shadows of York, what would it be?
If you want the real stories and history come see us.
Wrapping Things Up
York will always hold a special place in my heart, it’s beautiful, historic, and yes, wonderfully haunted. Shadows of York captures everything I love about the city: its stories, its atmosphere, and that feeling that the past is never too far away.
What Mackenzie, Dan, and Josh have created isn’t just a ghost walk; it’s an experience that pulls you into the darker corners of York’s history while keeping the storytelling natural and engaging. Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply curious about the shadows that linger in York, this is a tour that shouldn’t be missed.
A huge thank you to Mackenzie for sharing her time and insights with me, and to Dan and Josh for helping bring these incredible stories to life. I can’t wait to join Shadows of York myself, and if you’re visiting York, I highly recommend adding it to your list. It’s the perfect way to see one of the UK’s most magical cities from a whole new perspective.
