York: Villainous History & Rum Tasting Indoor Experience

York's Darkest Characters, Told Over Rum in One Room

You step into a single room off Stonegate, stay dry and warm, and listen to a live guide reveal the true dark history of York's villains while you taste six rums or gins linked to each story. No walking, no weather delays, and the whole thing takes place indoors. Book ahead if you need seating or have accessibility needs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore York villains and rum tasting

• Arrive at Villains Rum of York shop
• Join live villain guide introduction
• Hear dark history of York villains
• Sample handcrafted, locally inspired rums
• Learn stories behind each rum flavor
• Enjoy indoor immersive experience

The experience

Most history tours drag you through rain and cobblestones for hours. This one keeps you dry, seated, and drinking. Villains Rum of York sits just off Stonegate, and the entire experience happens indoors in a single room: no walking, no weather excuses, no pretending to care about a plaque on a wall. A live villain guide leads you through the real stories behind York's most notorious figures: Guy Fawkes, Viking kings, plotters, poisoners, the lot. Each character gets a rum linked to their tale, so you're tasting your way through five centuries of trouble while someone who knows the dark bits tells them with actual humour.

The tasting itself is straightforward. You get five 15ml shots of the core rums on arrival, plus one seasonal sample: six tastes total, each one tied to a villain's story. If rum isn't your thing, swap it for gin or go alcohol-free. The guide doesn't skip the history either way. The room is standing-room mostly, though seating is available if you ask ahead. It's the kind of experience that works whether you're a history nerd, a rum enthusiast, or just someone who wanted to do something that doesn't involve walking around York in February.

The shop itself is wheelchair accessible, and the team will sort accessibility needs if you mention them when you book. Dogs are welcome, and children can come along, though they cap it at one child per two adults, which keeps the room from turning into chaos while someone's trying to talk about poisoners. You do need to be 18+ to taste the rums, and they do check ID (challenge 25 policy), so don't show up expecting to wing it.

What’s included

• Your experience includes a live villain guide leading the entire tour, five 15ml shots of core rums with mixer options, and one seasonal rum sample on arrival.
• You can swap rums for gin or choose alcohol-free alternatives.
• The tour takes place indoors in a single room with no walking required, and seating is available on request.

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDepartures at 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Villains Rum Of York

Is this one for you?Book this if you want York's dark history without the walking, weather delays, or logistics of arranging transport between outdoor sites: the single-room format and fixed storytelling pace mean you get the full tale in one sitting, rain or shine.

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Top questions

Can I do this if I don't drink alcohol?

Yes. You can swap rums for gin, or choose alcohol-free options entirely: the guide delivers the history either way.

Is there walking involved?

No. The entire tour takes place in one room inside the Villains Rum shop. There's no walking required.

What if I need to sit down?

The experience is standing-room, but seating is available on request. Let them know when you book.

Is the shop wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. They don't have a disabled toilet on-site, but they're happy to accommodate other accessibility needs. Contact them in advance.

Can children come?

Children can attend, but the group is capped at one child per two adults. They must be supervised by an adult.

Do I need to be 21 to taste the rums?

You must be 18+. They operate a challenge 25 policy and will ask for ID.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, dogs are welcome.

Is there a private option for larger groups?

Yes. Contact them directly to arrange a private booking for your group size.

Where exactly is the shop located?

Villains Rum of York is on Little Stonegate, just off Stonegate in York city centre. Public transport is nearby.