Planning a trip to York, the first things to spring to mind are to visit the standard hot spots, York Minster, The Shambles, and of course, walk the walls. Whilst these are all great, and if you do head to these spots, you’re sure to have a fantastic day. It’s still York, one of Britain’s greatest cities. But sometimes it’s nice to break from the norm, and for that, we have the answer.
If you want something a little more weird and wonderful, then we may have the answer for you in this guide. We’ll explore eight unusual things to do in York, from exploring its unique snickelways to a potions class from a real wizard to seeing the world’s largest fossilised poo. So, let’s get right to it with one thing York is most famous for: chocolate.
If you are looking to do something weird and wonderful, then this guide is for you. We will explore seven unusual things to do in Whitby, from fossil hunting to escape rooms to the Whitby Goth Weekend. So, let’s dive in and start with one of the biggest events on the calendar.
1. Visit the York Chocolate Story
If you’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, then learning all about York’s chocolatey past, including the pioneering triangle of Rowntree’s (now Nestlé), Terry’s, and Cravens. Its history dates back to the 18th century, and this fantastic tour takes on a journey from the very beginning to the current day. You’ll get to try what the very first chocolate bars tasted like, as well as getting to try all your favourites, as you are taken through an interactive experience celebrating all things chocolate and York’s strong connection to it throughout history.
So, what can you expect from York’s Chocolate Story? A truly memorable experience that uses or your senses. You can literally taste the past as well as being taken there through a stunning recreation of an old-fashioned front, unwrapping the history of chocolate through their guided tours. Get hands-on chocolate making as well as trying various samples. They do a variety of tours, including their extra chocolate-making activity, where you’ll dip and decorate truffles. You can also taste premium gins paired with delectable chocolates and discover their rich, fascinating history. And even become an expert with their chocolatier-led masterclass, where you can master the art of tempering, moulding, and designing delectable chocolate treats.
Fancy tasting your way through a chocolatey history? The York Chocolate Story do daily guided tours as well as seasonal experiences such as Halloween & Christmas.
2. Explore its snickleways
Continuing on with our list of the unusual things to do in York are the cobbled city’s historic city snickleways. But what are they? They are historic alleways and passageways in the city of York that are too small for vehicles. Coined by Mark W. Jones in 1983, it’s a combination of northern English dialect words “snicket” and “ginnel” with “alleyway”.
A great way to see the city, snickleways are dotted all across York city centre, with a minimum of 48 to 50 to be found. Take in all the hot spots that all the other visitors of York are taking in, but do it by venturing through these tiny passageways that feel like stepping back in time. Each one is unique and tells its own story via its name, the architecture and its location within the city. There are stories to be told via each one, so not only will you see the city, you’ll also learn of its history.
3. Check out the world’s largest fossilised poo
Found under the York branch of Lloyds and might be the largest example of fossilised human faeces ever found and housed in the world-famous ‘must-see’ visitor attraction in the heart of York city centre. There you can journey through reconstructed Viking-age streets, witnessing life as it was in 10th-century York. Now the intelligent part is out, back to the huge turd. It measures 20cm long by 5cm wide and was discovered by archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust whilst excavating the Viking settlement of Jorvik (York).
You may think that you’ve had a few large ones in your time, but none can compare to this massive stool. And, if this isn’t one of the most unusual things to do in York, I don’t know what is. According to the analysis of the stool, whoever produced this mammoth shite lived on a diet of meat and bread, and there was also a presence of hundreds of parasite eggs, which suggests they had intestinal worms – poor guy.
Dr Andrew Jones made the news with his appraisal of the item for insurance purposes: “This is the most exciting piece of excrement I’ve ever seen… In its own way, it’s as irreplaceable as the Crown Jewels”. It’s said to be the most valuable poo on record and is estimated to be worth around $39,000 USD (£27,482.52 GDP) and is fully covered by insurance.
If you want to learn more about the largest fossilised poo, you can find out more via our in-depth article: Yorkshire Is Home To The Largest And Most Expensive Fossilised Poo In The World.
4. Enjoy a cheesy afternoon tea at York’s Speakcheesey
We love an alternative afternoon tea, and this gooey, oozy offering is one that’s been on our bucket list for too long. Who wouldn’t want to have a cheesy afternoon tea? As well as a glorious assortment of cheeses, your board also comes with a selection of the tastiest cured meats around — think salty, savoury, melt-in-the-mouth goodness perfectly paired with creamy, tangy cheeses. It’s the ultimate indulgence, perfect for sharing and is available now at Love Cheese on Gillygate, with Fossgate soon to follow.
Cheese, wine, and good vibes — what more could you want? Whether you’re popping in for a cosy catch-up or treating yourself just because, there’s always something delicious waiting for you at Love Cheese. Another one of the more unusual things to do in York, compared to your standard Betty’s afternoon tea experience.
If you love an alternative afternoon tea, check out this Sunday roast afternoon tea at Mama Doreen’s in York and Harrogate. The Sunday Roast Afternoon Tea In Yorkshire With Yorkshire Puddings & Pie
5. Visit York’s most haunted pubs
A huge pull for York is its old historic buildings, in part because they are stunning, but also a lot of them have ghost stories attached to them, such as things moving in the night, Roman guards walking through pubs and so on. With York famed for ghost walks and pubs, it’s no surprise they go hand in hand with plenty of scary tales to be learnt in each. Ghosts in York are a popular reason why visitors head to the historic spot.
If you liked being spooked, one of the best and unusual things to do in York is surely to visit its pubs and seek out these stories of all the ghastly pasts that hide in them.
- The Golden Fleece – York’s most famous haunted pub is The Golden Fleece, reputed to be home to over 15 York ghosts, including Lady Anne Peckett, One-Eyed Jack, and a Canadian airman from World War II.
- Black Swan Inn – This spot is known for its ghost suppers and a gentleman in a bowler hat, and is also a stunning old pub, ghosts or not.
6. Take a ride on the York Ghost Bus tour
Sticking with the ghost theme, if you’re looking for alternative things to do in York. The York Ghost Bus is a unique experience like no other, the city’s number one sightseeing tour with a spooky twist. This unique experience takes you on a journey through York’s haunted history, visiting top attractions such as Clifford’s Tower, Treasurer’s House, York Minster, and Dick Turpin’s Grave. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local, you’re bound to discover eerie secrets and fascinating tales about the city’s most famous landmarks.
Departing daily from Bus Stop RE on Station Road, just outside York Station and The Milner York Hotel, the tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (depending on traffic). Operated on a first-come, first-served basis with no seat reservations, it’s best to arrive at least fifteen minutes early to secure a good spot. Join the UK’s only comedy-horror theatre experience on wheels — and prepare for laughs, scares, and a night you’ll never forget.
7. Go to wizard school and take part in a potions class
Found at the mystical 9¾ on York’s most famous street, The Shambles (which is also rumoured to be the inspiration behind Diagon Alley!), The Potions Cauldron has introduced York’s newest and smallest attraction, offering fans the perfect opportunity to practise their potion-making skills.
Taking place in a top-secret chamber at the bustling apothecary, guests can disappear behind the door (which most definitely reminds us of the Room of Requirement!), before learning the secrets of potion-making from The Potions Cauldron’s very own potion masters.
There, guests will be able to try their hand at creating their very own potions – with “poisonous” (read: alcoholic!) cocktails available for the grown-ups to try. A disclaimer, though, there’s no guaranteeing any Liquid Luck!
Ready for Some Unusual Things to Do in York?
We hope our guide has given you some great insights into the weird, wonderful, and unusual things to do in York. Whether you get spooked on a ghost walk, find yourself in a potions class, or enjoy a cheesy afternoon tea, we’re sure you’ll take home some incredible memories from this historic city.
What to discover more about what is happening in Yorkshire? Then discover our travel section for more insightful guides.
Read More: This Viking Themed Pub In York Is A Must-Visit
Feature Image Credit: Unsplash
