If any city can claim to be walkable, it’s York. It’s the perfect size to explore on foot, with cobbled streets and snickelways galore. It’s no exaggeration to say that there’s something to see around every corner, from hidden medieval gems to pocket parks to iconic towers and ancient alleyways.

That said, it’s pretty easy to get lost or miss out the special corners of the city, and that’s where the free walking trails come in. Not only does following a trail mean that you’ll get to see the good stuff, but they’re also a great way to keep kids engaged. Whether you’re visiting York for the first time or looking for a new way to explore your own city, these brilliant free walking trails are entertaining for children and might just mean you get to explore without too much complaining…

1. Little Vikings I Spy Trail (Recommended by The Sunday Times)

Designed with help from our own children, our free circular walking trail turns a walk round York into a giant game of I Spy. Along the way there are 22 things to spot, from clocks to flags, dragons, cats and other curiosities that you’d otherwise walk straight past. The route takes in the icons too, including the Shambles and York Minster. Go at your own pace, and make time for ice cream, coffee or lunch along the way. Click here to download a high quality version of the I Spy Trail map from the Little Vikings website or pick up a free printed copy from the Visit York Information Centre.

📍Pick up your map at Visit York
🗓 Available year-round; around 1.5 to 2 hours
ℹ️ little-vikings.co.uk/i-spy-walking-trail-york

2. York Cat Hunt

York is the purrfect destination for cat lovers, with but carved and sculpted cats perched high on rooftops, chimneys and buildings across the city. Legend has it these lucky cats were originally there to keep rats away and bring good fortune to the people below, but they’ve now been turned into a claw-some walking trail. Following the York Cat Hunt is a brilliant way to get kids involved in a walk around the city. Some cats are easy to spot, others are cleverly hidden, and the hunt soon turns into a city-wide treasure trail for the whole family. Pick up a map from the The Cat Gallery on High Petergate.

📍 Across York city centre
🗓 Available year-round
ℹ️ Download the map here

3. Little Vikings Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail

Think you’ve seen York? Think again. Our free family trail sends you off the busiest streets and into the hidden passageways – or snickelways – that give York’s famous for. Along the way, you’ll amble down through ancient alleyways, have a laugh at the daft street names like Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate and Little Peculiar Lane, and take on fun challenges as you go, snorting along Swinegate, counting fruit on Grape Lane and finding corners that even lifelong locals have missed. Free, available all year, and easy to download or collect from the Visit York Information Centre.

📍 Starts in York city centre
🗓 Available year-round, ages 5+, around 1 to 2 hours
ℹ️ little-vikings.co.uk/snickelways-trail-york-kids

4. York Rivers Trail

The York Rivers Trail follows the River Ouse, linking parks, green spaces and stories across the city. Even better, it’s completely free. Children can talk to the river on your phone, spot the sculptural viewing frames at Leeman Park and Tower Gardens, and collect a trail sticker along the way – a fun way to keep them engaged and involved. There’s no booking needed, just start anywhere along the river and go at your own pace.

📍 Follows the River Ouse through York
🗓 Available year-round, best for older children
ℹ️ york.gov.uk/york-rivers-trail

5. Walk York’s City Walls

No trip to York is complete without a walk along the medieval city walls, the longest town walls in England at almost 3.5km, and one of the best free things to do in York with kids. Children love climbing the towers, looking down over the streets and seeing what’s going on below. You don’t need to walk the whole circuit either, just pick a section that suits your family, then head back down for lunch or an ice cream/hot chocolate depending on the season. Some sections don’t have railings, so they’re best for children who can walk sensibly beside an adult. The best section for safety runs from Bootham Bar to Monk Bar as it’s railed all the way around. Sadly the walls walk is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs, and dogs aren’t permitted either. Spring is a particularly pretty time to walk the walls, when the daffodils are out.

📍 Runs around York city centre
🗓 Available year-round when the weather is good (the walls close in bad weather and at night)
ℹ️ little-vikings.co.uk/best-family-walks-york-yorkshire-kids

Which York walking trail should you choose?

• Best for younger children: Little Vikings I Spy Trail
• Best for discovering hidden York: Snickelways & Silly Street Names Trail
• Best treasure hunt: York Cat Hunt
• Best riverside walk: York Rivers Trail
• Best views: York City Walls