York is a city that loves a good drink, but it’s not just about the beers and ales—it’s about the stories, the architecture, and even a bit of chocolate. With centuries of history wrapped into its pubs and a vibrant local scene, York offers some memorable ways to raise a glass. We particularly like tours that combine history with fun, like the Historical Pub Walking Tour in York, which reveals a colorful side of the city’s social life. Or if you’re a chocoholic, the Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works provides a sweet hands-on experience. These tours give you a deeper sense of York’s character beyond just a quick pint.
For those interested in a more traditional pub crawl, the Guided Historic Pub Tour offers tales of Roman soldiers and highwaymen—perfect for history lovers who want a drink and a story. Whether you prefer to learn about York’s past over a pint or craft your own chocolate bar, these options cover a variety of interests and budgets. Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of our top picks.
Quick Overview
This list features three standout drinking-related experiences in York, each offering something unique:
– The Historical Pub Walking Tour combines architecture, stories, and a taste of the city’s pub history. Learn more
– The Chocolate Bar Making Workshop is perfect for sweet tooths wanting a hands-on activity with a tasty reward. Discover more
– The Guided Historic Pub Tour blends storytelling and pub visiting for a more traditional pub crawl with a historical twist. Find out more
1. Historical Pub Walking Tour in York
This tour is a fantastic way to explore York’s social history through its pubs. Over about two to two-and-a-half hours, your guide takes you through the city center, visiting some of the oldest pubs in town. As you walk, you’ll learn about stories involving riots, plagues, religious influences, and bizarre entertainments that shaped the city’s lively pub scene. All the pubs visited are architecturally listed, adding a layer of cultural appreciation to the experience.
The tour is not just about drinking; it’s a history lesson in a relaxed setting. An optional refreshment stop allows you to sample a local brew or a classic pub snack, adding to the social vibe. The guide is an experienced volunteer, often praised for her engaging storytelling. The tour also supports a local charity, Age UK York, so you can enjoy your drink knowing it benefits a good cause.
Reviews highlight how enjoyable the walk is, with one noting, “a great walk around of York looking at the oldest pubs,” and appreciating how the tour mixes education with a chance to chat over a drink. For those seeking a lighthearted way to learn about York’s past while enjoying its current pub scene, this tour hits the mark.
Bottom Line: This tour offers affordable, informative fun and a chance to see some of York’s most historic pubs while supporting a community cause.
2. Chocolate Bar Making Workshop – York Cocoa Works
If your idea of a good time involves chocolate, this workshop might be your favorite activity in York. For about 75 minutes, you’ll learn professional techniques like how to temper chocolate—an essential skill for chocolate making—while experimenting with various flavor combinations. The instructor guides you step-by-step, making it accessible whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned chocoholic.
This workshop is unique because it combines learning with tasting. You get to create your own custom chocolate bar, choosing from different toppings and flavors, and then you get to take your masterpiece home. Participants rave about the personalized experience and the fact that no baking skills are needed—just a willingness to have fun and get a bit messy.
The reviews emphasize the friendly atmosphere and the educational aspect, with one guest noting, “I learned so much about chocolate in a small group,” and another appreciating that they could try different types of chocolate. The cost is reasonable considering you leave with a custom souvenir, making it a sweet value for a memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for chocolate lovers and families with older children, this workshop offers a fun, hands-on way to learn about and enjoy chocolate.
3. Guided Historic Pub Tour (York)
For a more traditional pub crawl that also tells captivating stories, this tour is a top pick. It lasts around two and a half hours and takes you through medieval alleyways, visiting up to seven historic pubs. Your guide shares tales of Roman soldiers, saints, highwaymen like Dick Turpin, and local legends as you walk just over three-quarters of a mile.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on storytelling combined with pub visits, making the experience both educational and social. You won’t need to do any research or plan your own route—your guide handles all the logistics. The tour is suitable for those interested in York’s layered history and the stories behind its most iconic pubs.
Participants note that the tour offers a mix of entertaining tales and a chance to try local ales. One reviewer mentions, “Our guide Mike was extremely knowledgeable,” highlighting how engaging and informative the experience is. It’s a good option for travelers wanting to combine a walk with a drink and learn about York’s past.
Bottom Line: This pub tour appeals to history enthusiasts who want a relaxed, story-rich experience with a pint in hand, avoiding the hassle of planning your own pub crawl.
How to Choose
When deciding which drinking tour in York suits you best, consider your interest level—whether you prefer a history-focused walk, a crafting activity, or classic pub storytelling. Budget is also a factor: the Historical Pub Walking Tour offers great value at around $8, while the chocolate workshop is a bit more at $27.60 but includes a tangible souvenir.
Think about your time availability—the pub tours last around two to two-and-a-half hours, perfect for an afternoon or early evening. The chocolate workshop is shorter, ideal for a quick, fun activity. If you’re traveling with kids or want a hands-on experience, the chocolate making is a clear winner. For a more immersive social experience, the traditional pub crawl with storytelling is hard to beat.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak tourist seasons, and check for any special events or holidays that might impact availability.
Final Thoughts
York offers an array of engaging ways to enjoy a drink while soaking in the history and flavor of the city. If you want a deep dive into the city’s pub history with a friendly guide, the Historical Pub Walking Tour is a top choice. For a sweet break with hands-on crafting, the Chocolate Bar Making Workshop is both fun and delicious. And for those who love storytelling and traditional pub ambiance, the Guided Historic Pub Tour offers a relaxed way to explore York’s oldest drinking establishments.
No matter your preference, these tours are a fantastic way to experience York’s social fabric, history, and local flavors. Be sure to book early and pick the experience that best matches your interests and schedule for a truly memorable visit.