Mad Alice’s
Top Picks in York
There is an amazing array of places to visit, stay and eat whilst in York. Though there are obvious things to do like York Minster, the York Walls, Jorvik Museum and Shambles shops, here is a list of lesser known things from a local like Mad Alice. It was a hard list to narrow down so do ask Mad Alice for any further options!
Bloody Fun…
Bloody Fun
The Bar Convent Living Heritage Centre
Just outside of Micklegate Bar this fascinating museum has a history dating back to the 17th Century and has always been cloaked in secrecy. Now the secrets are being revealed. Learn about the fascinating women who strived to make it a safe place for Catholics at a time when they were persecuted. Highlights include the most beautiful secret chapel complete with a hidden domed roof. It is here that the relic of the hand of Margaret Clitherow is housed and try to find the priest’s hole in the floor. Be sure to also visit the tearoom for a delicious lunch.
Visitors to the tour can enjoy an additional 20% off to the museum when showing their Bloody Tour tickets as Mad Alice once attended the school there!
Bloody Fun
Hole In The Wand
This is the perfect rainy day activity for kids and grown-ups alike! For those that enjoy crazy golfing with a magical twist, this is not for the faint of heart as it is quite a skill but you’ll definitely have fun in the process as your hosts creates a truly magical immersive experience. Featuring 9 holes to play, each with their own magical theme, you’ll be playing for potions gifted at the end so step up to the mark and take your shot!
Can you find Grobblenook, the potion making gargoyle?
Bloody Fun
Museum Gardens
10 acres of beautiful Victorian Botantical gardens, this is where the locals visit to relax and picnic on a sunny day. Steep yourself in history with the ruins of the St. Mary’s Abbey and St. Leonard’s Hospital. Navigate behind the imposing Roman Walls and literally see the different layers of history.
You can also visit the Yorkshire Museum which contains all the Roman and Medieval history of York. So grab and ice-cream and explore…
Bloody Fun
Kinsman Activity Centre
This is the place let to off some steam with axe throwing and archery! Unleash your inner barbarian as you’ll be taught how to handle weapons safely and how to aim on target. Your hosts will give you a mini history lesson about each item and then give you plenty of chances to have a go and believe me, it does get competitive!
A fantastic experience that really connects to medieval York and how the city was defended.
Bloody Shopping…
Bloody Shopping
York Gin
Mad Alice’s second home. The staff here are amazing and will tell you all about the variety of award winning gins they have which they will let you sample.
Each one has a unique history and story so it’s hard to pick a favourite. It’s also housed in the most stunning building known as the Thomas Herbert House just opposite the bottom of the Shambles. Look out for their upcoming events which are always fun and interesting.
Bloody Shopping
York Ghost Merchants
Home to these famous little ghosts, they’ve now become prized collector’s items! The queue on the shambles will tell you how popular they are so be prepared to wait.
Once you’re inside, let your senses guide you as you explore every nook and cranny. Ask about their second shop tucked away in a beautiful garden. They say you don’t choose a ghost, the ghost chooses you….
Bloody Shopping
The Imaginarium
Full of wonderous things to decorate your home, imagination is the name of the game. Laid out like a Victorian Cabinet of Curiosities, it will make you want to redecorate your house!
Check out their sister shop next door, The Yorkshire Soap company, for some fantastic gift ideas…just remember nothing is edible in this shop, no matter how delicious they look!
Bloody Food…
Bloody Food
Pairings Wine Bar
Located on Castlegate this is a cosy and relaxed bar that provides the best wine and Charcuterie boards to be found in York! Your hosts will happily talk you through the menu and believe me, they know their wine! Brilliant for munching as you reminisce about the day’s sightseeing. Ask for a “Mad Alice Special” which is pretty much a bottle of wine for one, with a straw! Try a cheese you may not had before, recommend Delice De Bourgoyne, Slack Ma Gurdle and Yorkshire Blue with honey! (Menu is seasonable so all may not be available.)
If you’ve been on the tour, be sure to listen out for the code phrase that can get you 10% off your final bill! Dogs are welcome in the daytime too!
Bloody Food
Crumbs Cupcakery
Located just next to the meeting point of The Bloody Tour on College Street, this lovely little cake shop run by two local sisters Charlotte and Jennifer has a fantastic array of delicious cupcakes baked daily.
Why not stop off on a sunny afternoon and treat yourself to tea and cake and sit outside taking in the splendour of York Minster. Look out for their daily specials and be sure to bring one for Mad Alice…
Bloody Food
Brew and Brownie
You will probably have to queue and that just shows how popular this place is!
Whether you’re wanting a quick coffee and dirty cake to eat in the Museum Gardens opposite, or wanting to indulge in one of the best breakfasts in York, this place is the trendy food craving vibe! Highly recommend the American style pancakes.
Bloody Food
Rustique Restaurant
One of Mad Alice’s favourite restaurants, this French inspired Bistro has an amazing menu and offers a fantastically priced set menu.
It’s also conveniently located for the end of the tour so it’s the perfect place to wine and dine and regain your nerves after a spine chilling tour!
Bloody Places To Stay…
Bloody Places To Stay
Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel
Located right in the heart of the city just off the Shambles, this place is guaranteed to give you a memorable experience!
With only 5 rooms, each room is individually themed in a gothic style, why not stay in the Sorceryum (as seen in photograph) set up for any practicing witch or up in the Apothecary, where you may encounter the Alchemist himself…
Bloody Places To Stay
Judges Court
Fantastically tucked away on the main shopping street, this recently renovated 18th Century building has all the modern trimmings to make your stay a comfortable, luxurious and memorable experience.
Be warned though, your room may subjected to ghostly activity….
Bloody Places To Stay
No.21 York
Located in a beautiful Victorian Street just a short walk from the Museum Gardens and the River. This is wonderful home from home option.
Simon and Andrea are your warm and lovely hosts who will look after you and provide you with the best breakfast in York!
Bloody Places To Stay
No. 1 Guesthouse
A beautiful Georgian townhouse stunningly renovated with the most spectacular gothic staircase. There is also a restaurant and spa on site so this is the place to treat yourself. Each room is provided with a Vinyl record player, so pop down to the reception and pick your tunes!
Not to be missed is the Pantry to satisfy your midnight cravings. So if you are staying here then coming on a tour, be sure to bring Mad Alice some tasty treats…