Most Haunted Pubs in York – We have some really old pubs in York that have a few resident ghosts. You might come across Jack, the singing highwayman, Matthew the small boy pickpocket, Georgie Porgie or One Eyed Jack, the 16th century red coat.
Whether you see the ghosts or not these pubs are always worth a visit!
Also have a look at our post on Ghost Walks in York.
York’s Creepy Crawl – Guided Tour of Haunted Pubs
Click here to book tickets for York’s Creepy Crawl.
How do you know which are the best pubs to visit in York? What is special about their histories? Our guides will take you on a tour of the most fascinating and haunted pubs in York, sharing stories full of jaunty highwaymen, Roman legionaries, feline phantoms and grumpy old men. There’s not another tour like it!
Read more about York’s Creepy Crawl.
The Golden Fleece
16 Pavement, York YO1 9UP
The Golden Fleece is very central and located opposite the bottom of the Shambles. It’s one of York’s earliest recorded coaching inns dating back to 1503.
The Golden Fleece proudly claims to be the ‘Most Haunted’ pub in York. “A ghost named One Eyed Jack, wearing a 16th Century red coat and carrying a pistol, has been seen in the bottom bar.” The Golden Fleece is a quirky, narrow building that looks squeezed in – but goes back a long way.
The Cock and Bottle
61 Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS
The Cock and Bottle is ‘”said to be the home to the ghost of George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham, who was rumoured to have been made famous by the Georgie Porgie nursery rhyme, the pub has a very interesting history and features on ghost walks throughout the city centre.” The ghost of George Villiers reported hides in the ladies’ toilet and is a ghostly peeping Tom!
The Snickleway Inn
47 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LS
The Snickleway Inn is a very old, historic pub, this has been called many names since it was known as the House of Tudor. During the siege of York in 1644 it was used as the Royalist magazine. Reputed to be the most haunted pub in York, especially in the cellar where a malevolent spirit causes havoc at times.
The Black Swan
23 Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PR
The Black Swan pub was originally an early 15th century merchant’s mansion and is the place where various ghostly sightings have occurred. “There is a ghost of the gentleman in a bowler hat who appears to be impatiently waiting for someone at the bar – eventually his apparition slowly fades away.
Another ghost can be seen sitting staring into the fire in the bar. It is the ghost of a particularly beautiful young woman thought to be a jilted bride. It is said that should a man stare into her face he will die in ecstasy.
There are several other ghosts who appear regularly. A small boy, known affectionately to the staff as Matthew, is frequently seen in the bar and passageway. He is dressed in Victorian style clothes and is reportedly a pickpocket, which might explain the disappearance of various items kept behind the bar.
A rumoured highwayman, who we know as Jack, appears regularly in the kitchen, dressed in riding boots and a long black cloak. Interestingly, the kitchen was built over the original stable yard. He can also be heard singing along to Irish folk songs in the corner of the bar late at night.”
Guy Fawkes Inn – Medieval Inn
25 High Petergate, York, YO1 7HP
The Guy Fawkes Inn has an amazing location right next to York Minster with some serious incredible views. Although not necessarily haunted, the inn does have dubious connections.
“Guido Fawkes was born on this very spot in 1570 in the shadow of York Minster and was baptised in St. Michael Le Belfrey, just across the street. Centuries have passed, but this historical building is so well preserved you could be forgiven for thinking it happened just yesterday.
Did you know that as a former property owned by Guy Fawkes and his family we are prohibited from celebrating Bonfire night? Yes, all buildings formerly owned by the man himself can not celebrate this annual date in the diary, including his former school St Peters.”
Find up-to-date prices and availability for Guy Fawkes Inn here.
Guided Historic Pub Tour of York
Book tickets for Guided Historic Pub Tour of York.
“A guided pub crawl through York’s medieval snickelways, following in the footsteps of Roman soldiers and Papist plotters, Royalists and Roundheads, Whigs, Wool Traders, and Dick Turpin to boot.
Walking just three-quarters of a mile and stopping at up to 7 of York’s most historic pubs you will hear tales of execution and murder, local saints and Irish giants. And if you like spirits, there are plenty, and not just the bottled variety. Join us and drink in York’s fascinating history!”
Read more about Guided Historic Pub Tour in York.
