YORK CITY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Eccentric Guides, Secret Snickelways and a Handmade Chocolate Taster — York Unpeeled
A character-led walking tour that stitches together York’s famous landmarks, concealed courtyards and a locally made chocolate tasting for a short, revealing city experience.
Eccentric Guides, Secret Snickelways and a Handmade Chocolate Taster — York Unpeeled.
Set out on a compact, character-led walking tour through York’s layered streets, where an eccentric guide threads together revelations about famous landmarks, obscure courtyards and notorious local characters, finishing with a handmade chocolate taster from York’s Chocolate Story.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Hidden gems and infamous stories
The guide pulls back the curtain on York’s lesser-known treasures—concealed courtyards, secluded snickelways, unusual statues—and recounts the unexpected histories of figures such as Guy Fawkes and Dick Turpin.
Familiar sights with surprising secrets
You’ll pass familiar stops—Bettys, Bootham Bar and York Minster among them—but the tour makes their stories new by revealing hidden details and local lore that are often overlooked.
A local chocolate taster included
The walk culminates in a tasting at York’s Chocolate Story: a handmade chocolate delight prepared on site, provided as part of the experience.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
This brisk 75-minute walking tour feels like an intimate scavenger hunt led by a theatrical local: you amble through streets and snickelways, pause at gates and courtyards while the guide teases out hidden details and scandalous anecdotes, and end with a small, satisfying chocolate sample that anchors the city’s culinary heritage.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who gets the most from this short, characterful walk—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The tour runs whatever the weather, so dress accordingly for walking in changing conditions.
Plan for a concise outing of approximately 75 minutes.
The tour departs from the Forgotten Graveyard opposite Cooplands on Davygate (YO1 8RJ).
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The walking tour lasts approximately 75 minutes.
Where do we meet?
Meet at the Forgotten Graveyard (opposite Cooplands) on Davygate, York YO1 8RJ.
Is chocolate included?
Yes — the tour includes a handmade chocolate taster from York’s Chocolate Story provided on-site.
What should I wear if the weather changes?
The tour runs whatever the weather; dress accordingly for walking in variable conditions.
Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
The tour may not be suitable for those with impaired mobility.
Can I take photos on the tour?
Photography is encouraged, but guests are asked to be respectful of others and to tag @historicalgemstour to be featured.