York's Chocolate Story
Guided chocolate history tour in York's King's Square, following the Tuke, Rowntree, Terry and Craven families, with samples and a live chocolatier demonstration.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
York's Chocolate Story is a guided visitor attraction in King's Square, at the top of the Shambles in York. It explains how York became known as the chocolate capital of Britain and follows about 4,000 years of chocolate history, from the cocoa bean in Central America around 1200 BC to its journey across Europe and arrival in York.
The tour focuses on the confectionery families who shaped the city's industry: the Tuke, Rowntree, Terry and Craven families. They helped bring chocolate to ordinary households and left a lasting mark on York.
A guide leads each group through the story, and the visit includes samples, a live demonstration by a chocolatier and the chance to make a chocolate treat to take away. The attraction also runs masterclasses, truffle-making sessions, adults' tasting tours and seasonal family events, and offers school workshops linked to history, science and design and technology. A chocolate shop and café on the ground floor sell handmade chocolates, hot chocolate and chocolate fondue.
Highlights
- Guided tour through 4,000 years of chocolate history
- The Tuke, Rowntree, Terry and Craven confectionery families of York
- Live demonstration by an expert chocolatier
- Chocolate samples and a treat made to take home
- Truffle rolling and chocolate masterclasses
- Shop and café selling handmade chocolate
Permanent exhibition
- Guided Chocolate History Tour – Guided walk through 4,000 years of chocolate history and the confectionery families of York, ending with a chocolatier demonstration and a treat to make.
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £21 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £19free up to age 3 · Child ticket for ages 4 to 15 accompanied by an adult. During the refurbishment period until 21 October 2026 the child ticket is £15. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · One free carer ticket per booking that includes a paying disabled visitor; proof such as a Carers Card or a benefit award letter is needed. |
| Families | £70Two adults and two children. £55 until 21 October 2026. |
| Tour and Truffle Rolling (adult) | £27About 1 hour 30 minutes; child ticket £19.50. |
| VIP Chocolate Masterclass (adult) | £70About 2 hours. |
| Chocolate and Gin Tour or Chocolate and Rum Tour (ages 18+) | £40About 1 hour 30 minutes. |
Prices are for the Classic Guided Tour (adult £21; until 21 October 2026 the adult ticket is £16.50). Children under 4 are free when accompanied by an adult. York residents receive 30% off door admission on Sundays with proof of residence. Card payment only on site.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
All rooms used for the guided tour can be reached by lift, and there is an accessible toilet in the retail area. Workshops and events in the Skipper Suite are reached by stairs only. Up to two wheelchairs are allowed per floor and tour, so visitors who need wheelchair access should contact the reservations team before booking. Chairs are available in each room. Registered guide, hearing and medical assistance dogs are allowed if arranged in advance. A printed script is available for visitors with hearing difficulties, and translated scripts for visitors whose first language is not English. There are no flashing lights apart from one optional flash photo opportunity.
Kids & families
Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £70 · Two adults and two children. £55 until 21 October 2026. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Kids’ birthday parties
The tour is recommended for ages 4 and over and includes decorating a lolly and watching a chocolatier at work. Family masterclasses and seasonal events (Halloween, Christmas) are held, and kids parties can be booked. Prams and pushchairs may not be allowed on the tour at busy times.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
York railway station · 15-min walk
Buses stop in the city centre within walking distance; routes are listed on the iTravel York and First Bus websites. A Park and Ride service is also available. The attraction is about a 15-minute walk from York railway station via the Minster, Petergate and Low Petergate.
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
No allocated parking. The nearest car park is on Bootham Row, which is free with no time limit; Blue Badge holders may park on the yellow lines on Goodramgate or Colliergate for up to 3 hours.
The entrance is in King's Square at the top of the Shambles. Car access is restricted in the pedestrianised city centre: Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm, Saturday 10:30am to 4:30pm and Sunday 12pm to 4pm.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
Chocolate shop and café on the ground floor with handmade chocolates, hot chocolate and chocolate fondue to take away. Toilets are in the retail area.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Corporate events
Private hire covers chocolate masterclasses for celebrations, team-building and hen parties, plus kids parties. No venue capacity is published.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 75 min |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Entry is by guided tour only. The classic tour lasts about 1 hour 15 minutes. The tour can cater for nut, soy, gluten and dairy allergies and vegan diets, though traces cannot be excluded. School visits suit Key Stages 1 to 4 and can include workshops. |
Museums nearby
York Roman Bath Museum
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure
Barley Hall
Jorvik Viking Centre
Merchant Adventurers' Hall
Mansion House, York
All 23 museums in York All museums in Yorkshire and the Humber
