York’s drinking scene combines fascinating history with modern experiences. This northern English city’s best tours include hands-on chocolate making at York Cocoa Works, where visitors craft their own bars while learning about local chocolate traditions. I especially love the River Ouse boat bar tours – sipping local ales while floating past medieval buildings is pure magic.
The standout experience is the Historic Pub Walking Tour, connecting centuries-old taverns with entertaining tales of the city’s drinking past. For something different, try the pub-themed treasure hunt – it’s a clever way to discover hidden gems while solving clues.
Our carefully selected top tours showcase the most worthwhile drinking experiences in York:
Key Points
- The Chocolate Bar Making Workshop in York offers a unique hands-on experience in creating personalized chocolate bars with single-origin chocolates.
- The Live Music Boat Tours along the River Ouse provide a relaxing and entertaining way to enjoy York’s sights and sounds with live musical performances.
- The Historical Pub Walking Tour in York immerses visitors in the city’s pub culture by visiting the oldest pubs and supporting a local charity.
- The Puzzle Treasure Hunt in York combines fun and learning as participants uncover clues and solve riddles to discover the city’s pub scene.
- The Guided Historic Pub Tour in York explores the history and culture of iconic pubs while allowing participants to sample alcoholic beverages.
Chocolate Bar Making Workshop – York Cocoa Works
The Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works provides a unique opportunity for visitors to design and create their own chocolate bars using single-origin chocolates.
Located in the heart of York, the workshop receives excellent reviews, with 92% of travelers recommending the experience. Priced at £32.40 per person, the workshop accommodates a maximum of 16 participants and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Participants can expect a fun and engaging experience, led by knowledgeable instructors. They’ll enjoy a hands-on approach, a chocolate tasting, and take home a 160g chocolate bar they’ve made themselves.
However, some have noted issues with overcrowding and lack of educational depth, suggesting room for improvement.
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York: Listen to Live Music Acts an a Boat Bar
Along the picturesque River Ouse in York, visitors can enjoy live music performances aboard a distinctive boat bar.
The 1-hour River Ouse Floodlit Evening Cruise allows guests to soak in the city’s sights while listening to lively tunes. Reviewers rate this experience 3.9 out of 5 stars, with 515 opinions. Tickets start at €19.33 per person.
For a shorter option, the 45-minute River Ouse City Cruise provides a relaxing journey along the river, with 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 2,000 reviews and €16.92 per person.
These musical boat tours offer a unique way to experience York’s riverside charm and vibrant entertainment.
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Historical Pub Walking Tour in York
Those seeking an immersive journey through York’s storied pub culture can embark on the Historical Pub Walking Tour. Rated 5.0 out of 30 reviews, this 30-review tour is recommended by 100% of travelers.
The tour takes visitors to the oldest pubs in York, including a stop at the Red Lion or Black Swan. With a maximum of 8 travelers, the moderately-paced tour is wheelchair accessible and allows for alcoholic beverages.
Guests can expect an informative and enjoyable experience, with proceeds supporting a local charity. The tour starts at the Goodramgate Corner Bike Rack and ends at the Red Lion, offering a convenient and memorable way to explore York’s rich pub heritage.
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York: Fun Puzzle Treasure Hunt to a Pub!
Visitors seeking a fun and interactive way to explore York’s pubs can embark on a puzzle treasure hunt that leads to a local hotel.
The experience, lasting 1.5 hours, allows participants to uncover clues and solve riddles as they navigate through the city’s historic streets.
Along the way, they’ll learn about York’s rich history and culture.
The tour is highly rated, with a 4.8-star review from 86 customers.
Priced at £16.57 per person, this unique activity offers an engaging and memorable way to discover York’s pub scene.
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Guided Historic Pub Tour (York)
The Guided Historic Pub Tour in York, England, offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant pub culture.
The 2.5-hour tour, which has a 100% traveler recommendation, takes visitors to some of York’s most iconic pubs while providing entertaining historical insights.
With a maximum of 12 travelers per tour and priced at $24.95 per person, the experience allows for an intimate and interactive exploration of the city’s narrow streets and local landmarks.
Travelers can expect a mix of authentic old pubs and modern establishments, as well as the chance to sample alcoholic beverages.
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York: Chocolate Bar Making Workshop at York Cocoa Works
Situated in the heart of York, The York Cocoa Works offers a captivating Chocolate Bar Making Workshop.
During this hour-long session, participants learn about cocoa origins and the chocolate-making process. They then create their own 200g chocolate bar, experimenting with flavors and toppings to design a personalized chocolate masterpiece.
The workshop is priced from $31.86 per person and is likely to sell out, so it’s best to check availability. Attendees receive a 10% discount at the Chocolate Shop and Café, and they can take their beautifully wrapped creations home.
With a 4.7/5 overall rating based on 214 reviews, this hands-on experience is a must-do for chocolate lovers visiting York.
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York: Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events
For those seeking a more lively and immersive experience in York’s vibrant pub scene, the Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl offers a special event perfect for groups and celebrations.
Led by enthusiastic local bar staff, this 1.5-hour tour takes participants to some of York’s most iconic drinking establishments. Guests can expect to enjoy behind-the-scenes access, exclusive tastings, and insider knowledge about the city’s rich pub culture and history.
Priced at €15.67 per person, this tour provides an entertaining and memorable way to explore York’s thriving nightlife.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to discover the best pubs in town, the Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl is a must-try activity.
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Recap
York offers a variety of drinking tours to suit different interests. From chocolate-making workshops to historic pub crawls, visitors can explore the city’s vibrant drinking culture. Whether you’re interested in live music, puzzles, or guided tours, there’s something for all. These experiences provide a unique and memorable way to discover York’s pubs, bars, and local specialties.