The Pub Crawl through Time

York has an amzing variety of pubs and bars. This tour is a great way to get a feel for their history and for the stories surrounding the wide range of traditional pubs.

The Lamb and Lion

The Lamb and Lion is set in the most glorious of locations, with Bootham Bar standing guard. Yorkshire weather permiting, you may sit in the picturesque beer garden, flanked by the city walls, enjoying the pleasant scenary. Alternatively, the winding passages and sweet little rooms will provide you with all the comfort you could wish for, so discover the delightful hospitality at a pub which had to be rebuilt after a fire destroyed it in the 17th century.



Guy Fawkws Inn

You will know the story of the infamous villain who tried to blow up the king and the Houses of Parliament. Well, now you can enjoy a drink at the place where he was born. The historic heritage of the Inn is preserved inside, with timber fittings, gas lamps and open fires to inspire your imagination.




Ye Olde Starre Inn

This is considered to be the oldest serving public house in York. It may be hidden away down a small alley but nobody could miss the huge, decorative sign which spans across Stonegate. The building itself dates back to the 16th century, with it being registered as a public house in 1644.

So why is this pub hidden down an alley? It was not always, there was originally a coaching yard in front of the building, but this was replaced with shops during the railway revolution. With the building being so old, it is no surprise that there are a few ghostly tales to be told....



Punchbowl

The Punchbowl on Stonegate (not to be mistaken with the Punchbowl on Micklegate) is steeped in history. A building has stood on this spot for nearly 2000 years. The Punchbowl itself became a licensed pub in 1761, making it the fifth oldest pub in York. The most reputable customers of the Punchbowl were that of the Whig party. They were fond drinkers of punch, hence the name of this old watering hole.

The history is not all so sweet however, with two fires taking lives during the last two centuries, although their presence is still felt today, along with that of a murdered prostitute who pays a visit every now and then....



Roman Bath

The Roman Bath in York is a true rarity. You get to taste some great food and drink as well visiting the ecavated Roman baths. The Roman baths were discovered during renovation work to a previous tavern in 1930, however, the pub was only given its current name in 1970 to promote its unique museum.




The Old White Swan

The Old White Swan posses a beautifull and welcoming beer garden, as well as delightful food and drink. Once the meeting place for anti-catholic preachers, this pub is still believed to be the home of their defiant spirits, whom are said to gather around the fire place during the early hours of the morning, deep in discussion. A fireplace which has been known to light itself, having previously been extinguished by staff....




Black Swan

The building of the Black Swan dates from the 15th century when it was built for the merchant William Bowes, a popular man elected as Lord Mayor of York in 1428. Many of the original features still remain, such as the beautiful external gables, the jettied first floor and the open well staircase. The building became a public house in the 16th century. Since then it has provided some rather unconventional hospitality. Prior booking could see you enjoy one of the Black Swan's ghost suppers.



The Golden Fleece

This is probably the most famous pub in York and reputably the most haunted pub in the city, with uneven floors and stair cases which would cause the most sober person to feel drunk. The origins of the Golden Fleece are believed to date back to 1503, which is when the city's records first mention a pub on this site. The name is probably related to the Merchant Adventurers Hall on nearby Fossgate. The members of the Guild were known traders of Fleece and wool, as well as regular drinkers at the Golden Fleece.The number of spirits to be found in the building is thought to be between 7 and 15, with the most sighted being Lady Alice Peckett and a Canadian Airman.....





The Red Lion

The Red Lion on Merchantgate has foundations which date back to the 12th century. This pub will transport you back in time with it's original oak beams, traditional fireplaces and a wealth of books and trinkets adding to the historical atmosphere of the building. There is also a bread oven dating from the 13th century. The building underwent reconstruction in the 16th century, which is when many priest holes were added, with the aim of hiding catholic priests from persecution during the reign of Elizabeth I. The priest hole in the chimney on the first floor is believed to have been used by the notorious Dick Turpin when he was being persued by the law.....