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Classic Guided Tour

  • 1st Jan - 31st Dec 2026
  • 10am - 5pm
  • Duration: 1hr – 1hr 15 minutes
  • Adult: £16.50 | Child: £15 | Under 4: Free

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Unwrap the Legacy

We’ll quite literally walk you through the origins of chocolate in York, from ancient rainforests, to the founding families that created the chocolate treats you still know and love today. You’ll taste your way through history with samples and get hands on creating your own chocolate alongside our talented in-house chocolatiers.

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  1. Important information:

    Visiting us between 21st September and 21st October?

    We might look a little different when you arrive, as our ground floor is undergoing some exciting new changes! The good news is, there will be no changes to your booked tour experience. There may be some temporary changes to accessibility and facilities depending on when you’re booked in, so if that affects you please click through to Find out more.

YCS Emily Guide Choc Rain

About this Classic Guided Tour

Prepare to be whisked back in time to discover the origins of chocolate. You’ll start with the ancient crafting of early cocoa, and experience fascinating flavours as you follow our chocolate journey through the ages. Filled with fun facts, thrilling history and the true story behind your favourite modern day chocolate, you’ll never look at a KitKat or Terry’s Chocolate Orange the same way again. Finally you’ll learn from our very own in-house chocolatiers, and get hands-on with your own chocolate making.

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What to Expect

  • York’s Chocolate Story: It’s not just a name! Learn the truth behind York’s celebrated origins as “The Chocolate City” and the founding families of modern chocolate.

  • Ancient Chocolate Origins: Learn the secrets of the mysterious cocoa pod and how chocolate made its way from the ancient rainforests of Central America to your corner shop.

  • Taste Buds Ready? Throughout the tour there will be plenty to taste, but be warned, not all chocolate is as sweet as a Yorkie bar.

  • Make Your Own Chocolate: Watch our chocolatiers do what they do best and join in as you make your own chocolate lolly to take home.

  • Wrap things up in the shop: Now that you know how it’s made, take another look at the incredible chocolate gifts we have on offer in the shop, the perfect gift for yourself or someone else.

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Plan Your Visit

  • Duration: Approximately 60–75 minutes
  • Location: Central York, within easy walking distance of major attractions
  • Booking: Advance booking recommended, especially during peak times
  • Accessibility: Please read about Accessibility to the site here.
  • Arrival: Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your scheduled tour time
  • Dietary Requirements: Please inform us of any allergies or dietary needs before or on arrival
  • Children: Our tour is most suitable for ages 4 and above, however, children under 4 can attend for free with a paying adult. All children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult
  • Please Note: No glass bottles can be taken on the tour

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    Flexi Ticket Upgrade

    Travelling in from afar, or not sure what traffic will be like? Our Flexi Ticket gives you the freedom to reschedule your Classic Guided Tour easily.

    • Book a specific tour time, but change it free of charge if needed, up to four hours before you visit.

    • Reschedule to any available date and time within the next 12 months. Just click here to change your booking.

    • Ready to upgrade? Just add the Flexi Ticket as an extra when you checkout with your Classic Guided Tour ticket.

    *All Terms and conditions are available here.

    Please note: Changes are subject to availability and Flexi Tickets cannot be used for special events or shop products. A Flexi Ticket upgrade is also required for under children under four years of age.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Classic Guided Tour includes a fully guided experience exploring chocolate history, interactive exhibits, live chocolatier demonstrations, chocolate tastings, and the chance to create your own chocolate lolly to take home.

The experience typically lasts between 1 hour - 1 hour 15 minutes, making it a perfect short activity during your visit to York.

Yes, the tour is designed for all ages. Children under 4 can attend for free, and the experience is especially recommended for ages 4 and above. All children up to 15 years old must be accompanied by a paying adult.

While walk-ins may be available, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your preferred time slot, especially during busy periods and holidays.

Tours run daily with time slots available between 10am and 5pm, giving you flexibility to plan your visit. Opening times may be extended during school holidays.

Yes, you can upgrade to a Flexi Ticket upon check-out, which allows you to reschedule your visit up to 4 hours before your booked time.

Yes! Guests can enjoy a variety of chocolate samples throughout the experience, including classic York favourites and freshly made creations.

Absolutely. You’ll create and decorate your own chocolate lolly, which you can package and take home as a souvenir.

Yes, but it’s important to inform your tour guide of any dietary requirements upon arrival (or ideally in advance by emailing [email protected]).

Yes, the Guided Tour is fully accessible. For bookings that include a paying disabled visitor, one free Carer ticket can be provided, either online or at our admissions desk. Carers will need to provide proof of entitlement upon arrival. You can find more detailed information about accessibility here.

Yes, the attraction is located in York city centre, making it easy to access. Please note that there is no on-site parking; however, several nearby car parks are within walking distance. You can find out more about how to find us here.

Looking for something different?

  1. Tour & Truffle Rolling

    YCS Truffle Rolling Child

    Top off your classic guided tour with hands-on truffle making!

    Adult £21.25 Was £27

    Child £19.50 Was £25

    • Includes a Classic Guided Tour
    • Enjoy an additional 15 mins of hands-on chocolate making
    • Roll four decadent ganache-filled truffles
    • Personalise and package your creations to take home
    • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

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