Available languages
30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into the shadows of York’s past on this immersive indoor experience at Villains Rum of York, just off Stonegate. Led by a live villain guide, this small-group tour explores the true dark history behind the infamous characters who inspired our rums - from plotters and poisoners to kings and cutthroats.
Learn about York’s most notorious villains through entertaining storytelling, brought to life with humour and historical detail. Along the way, sample a selection of our handcrafted, locally inspired rums - each linked to the tale you're hearing. Also available with gin if preffered or alcohol free options.
Perfect for history lovers, rum enthusiasts, and curious minds, this experience takes place entirely inside our immersive rum shop and villainous hideaway. Whether it’s raining or shining outside, the shadows await within.
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We do not have a disabled toilet sorry
Dogs are welcome
Children are tolerated no more that 1 per 2 adults
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Guided by live villains discover the true dark history of York’s most infamous characters
You will be given 5 x 15ml shots of our core rums with option of a mixer and 1 sample of our seasonal rum on arrival, we can swap the rum out for gin should you wish
Villains Rum Of York
Join us as we deep dive into the dark and often humorous history of York’s most notorious villains, from Guy Fawkes to Viking kings. Led by our live villain guide, you'll explore the real stories behind our flavoured rums while enjoying tastings throughout the experience. Perfect for lovers of history, dark tales, and rum. This is an indoo experience located within the Villains Rum of York shop on Little Stonegate. There is no walking involved, and the tour takes place in a single room - making it ideal for all weather conditions. The event is standing, but seating is available on request for those who need it. The shop is wheelchair accessible, and we are happy to accommodate accessibility needs - just let us know in advance. Must be 18+ to sample the rums you may be asked for ID as we do challenge 25 policy, If you appear to be intoxicated on arrival you may be refused entry with no refund For larger groups please get intouch directly as we can do private bookings
92 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
christinewA4967JH,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great experience, tasting samples of rum, various delicious flavours. Entertaining and amusing storytelling by Vilania (York Villian Society initiator!) Really enjoyed the experience and the rum.
Sarah C,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wonderful quirky experience that had us relaxed and laughing. The group was small and perfect with an excellent story teller
jasoncN3665XC,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Did the history and tasting tour today. It was brilliant. Our excellent guide Viciousness was funny and gave the York History with an excellent performance making it a real bonus. The rum was all very good with the honey one being our favourite. If you are in York and want a great activity this is it. Thank you all.
cdent87,
Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We went for a rum tour & tasting and felt that it was a really enjoyable experience. Violet really brought the villains to life with their story telling and engagement, you get to try several rums whilst you're there too and nothing seems to be too much for them. I would definitely recommend it if you're a rum fan (if you're a gin fan, maybe try elsewhere!)
trevorsM6832KG,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had the best time! We were hosted by Sarah, who was outstanding! Entertaining, witty, friendly and sharp! Nothing was too much trouble, and she really knows how to entertain a crowd. Well done and thank you for a great experience :-)
359jemmam,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Had an absolutely brilliant time such a fun tasting. Really pleased I booked for my partners birthday and we were able to get some great tiki mugs to member the occasion. Looking forward to drinking our new rum in them 🥰
R5563XDpetert,
Nov 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Such a fun experience I mean Villainess experience recommended to anyone, Great tasting rum the best I have had the pleasure of sampling and trust me I have drunk alot, with a bit of history frown in not the boring stuff.

richardrF2643PQ,
Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing! For a small fee of £25 you can enjoy Vita dragging you through a timeline of unpleasant people before press ganging you to commit to a lifetime of villainy while giving you 5 .... or was it 6?!?! fantastic rums that were quite possibly some of the best I've tasted. An interesting experience of around half an hour in a cosy and cool setting. Strongly recommend visiting before the Authorities catch up with her!!

SteveS5639,
Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This was way better than I expected, Vita the "tour guide" really made it a fun and entertaining experience. We also got to taste half a dozen different shots of flavoured Rum. I would definitely recommend a visit.
231corinnek,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Fun and engaging way to pass some time, taste good rum, have a few laughs and learn about some of the villains in the York area. We stumbled across the tour because we wandered into the shop, so we weren't sure what to expect, but it was a really fun way to pass some time and the woman leading the session was so good, funny, informative and really engaging. The stories are great, and the rum even better
Operated by Villains Rum Of York