York's Chocolate Story
York's Chocolate Story is an indoor guided attraction on King's Square, at the top of the Shambles, telling the story of chocolate and the families who made York a chocolate city. Tours include tastings, live chocolatier demonstrations and the chance to decorate your own chocolate lolly, so it suits families and rainy days.
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On the tour
Guides take you through around 4,000 years of chocolate history, from ancient rainforests to the York founding families behind famous sweets. Along the way there are tastings and demonstrations by chocolatiers, and you decorate a chocolate lolly to take home. Truffle rolling is available as an add-on. You can also make your own chocolate creation to take away.
Something for adults too
Alongside family events and kids' activities, the attraction runs adults-only experiences such as gin and rum tasting tours. There is a shop and café, so you can stock up on chocolate before you leave. Gift vouchers are sold online, and signing up for updates gives priority access when tickets for special events are released. Family events run through the year, so check the calendar before you go.
Getting there
King's Square is about 15 minutes' walk from York station: follow signs for the Minster, then down Petergate and Low Petergate. There is no parking on site, and much of the centre is pedestrianised during the day, so use city car parks or Park and Ride. Shambles Market is under 100 metres away for lunch afterwards. Valhalla York and Trio Café & Bar are also close.
Highlights
- Guided tour with tastings
- Live chocolatier demonstrations
- Decorate your own chocolate lolly
- Adults-only gin and rum tastings
- Fully indoor, any weather
Good to know
- Buy tickets online in advance.
- No on-site parking; use Park and Ride or city car parks.
- Blue Badge holders can park on Goodramgate or Colliergate yellow lines for up to three hours.
Frequently asked questions
Nearby
Sources: yorkschocolatestory.com · yorkschocolatestory.com