Medieval York stands out as one of England’s best cities for drinking tours, with experiences ranging from traditional pub crawls to unique beverage adventures. The city’s compact historic center makes it perfect for walking between venues.
Two standout tours deserve special mention. The Historic Pub Walk connects five of York’s oldest taverns, including 13th-century gems, with entertaining tales of the city’s drinking history. For something different, the York Cocoa Works tour offers hands-on chocolate making paired with specialty drinks.
I especially love the evening River Ouse cruise – a floating pub experience that combines sightseeing with local ales while gliding past floodlit medieval buildings. The intimate group size and knowledgeable guides make these tours particularly worthwhile.
Let’s explore York’s most memorable drinking tours.
Key Points
- The Guided Historic Pub Tour offers a 2.5-hour walking exploration of York’s historic pubs with an expert guide and included alcoholic beverages.
- The River Ouse Floodlit Evening Cruise provides a unique 1-hour floating music venue experience with scenic views of York’s historic sights.
- The Historical Pub Walking Tour features a journey through York’s oldest pubs with an informative guide, designed for accessibility.
- The Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl is a 1.5-hour experience that offers sampling of local ales and insights into York’s drinking culture.
- The Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works provides a hands-on chocolate crafting experience, allowing participants to create a 200g bar.
Chocolate Bar Making Workshop – York Cocoa Works
The Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works offers participants a hands-on experience in crafting their own chocolate bars from scratch.
Located in the heart of York, the workshop allows up to 16 travelers per session to learn chocolate tempering and experiment with flavors. Each participant leaves with a 160g custom-designed bar.
Reviews highlight the educational and enjoyable aspects, though some criticize the class size and instructor attitude.
While most find the workshop family-friendly and a unique experience, a few felt the educational content and final product quality could be improved.
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York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
Located in the heart of York, the Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works offers visitors a hands-on experience in crafting their own personalized chocolate bars.
The 1-hour workshop, priced at £25 per person, allows participants to create a 200g chocolate bar using white, milk, or dark chocolate. Attendees can experiment with various flavors and toppings to customize their creations.
The workshop includes all necessary ingredients and materials, and participants receive a 10% discount at the Chocolate Shop and Café afterward.
With an overall rating of 4.7/5 based on 218 reviews, the workshop is praised for its engaging facilitators and generous chocolate portions, making it a must-try activity for chocolate enthusiasts visiting York.
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Guided Historic Pub Tour (York)
For those captivated by York’s rich history, the Guided Historic Pub Tour offers a unique opportunity to uncover the city’s past through its lively watering holes.
This 2.5-hour walking tour takes groups of up to 12 travelers on a journey through York’s historic pubs, where they’ll learn about Roman soldiers, local saints, and the notorious highwayman Dick Turpin.
With an expert guide leading the way, participants can enjoy alcoholic beverages while seeing the charm of these age-old establishments, even if some are now part of larger chains.
The tour, priced from $28.12 per person, has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from travelers.
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York: Listen to Live Music Acts an a Boat Bar
Amidst the quaint riverside ambiance of York, a unique floating music venue captivates visitors. The “River Ouse Floodlit Evening Cruise” allows guests to soak in the city’s historic sights while enjoying live musical performances on a boat bar.
With a 3.9 rating from 522 reviews, this 1-hour cruise offers a memorable experience, combining the beauty of York’s waterways with the energy of live entertainment. Priced at £17.09 per person, discounted from £20.11, the cruise provides an affordable and enchanting way to appreciate York’s vibrant music scene and scenic river.
Whether seeking a romantic evening or a lively night out, this floating music experience delivers a truly distinctive take on the city’s nightlife.
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Historical Pub Walking Tour in York
Enjoy York’s rich pub heritage with the Historical Pub Walking Tour. This highly-rated, 100% recommended experience takes you on a journey through the city’s oldest pubs, led by an informative guide.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per tour, you’ll enjoy an intimate and accessible exploration, even for those with mobility needs. Sip on included alcoholic beverages as you learn about the history behind these iconic watering holes.
The tour proceeds support a local charity, making it a socially conscious choice. Reviewers praise the enjoyable experience and knowledgeable guide, promising an insightful glimpse into York’s vibrant pub culture.
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York: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events
York’s special event scene comes alive with the Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl, an exhilarating experience that takes visitors on a journey through the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Guided by a knowledgeable bar maid, the 1.5-hour tour visits several historic pubs, offering guests a chance to sample local ales and learn about the city’s drinking culture.
With a rating of 4.9 out of 5 and priced at $15.08, this tour is a must-do for anyone looking to enjoy York’s lively bar scene during special events.
Visitors can expect to visit hidden gems, hear captivating stories, and enjoy a lively atmosphere that perfectly complements the city’s rich history.
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Sum Up
York offers a variety of drinking tours that cater to different interests. Visitors can indulge in a chocolate bar making workshop, explore the city’s historic pubs on a guided tour, enjoy live music on a boat bar, or join a pub crawl led by a bar maid. These tours provide a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to discover York’s rich drinking culture.