The Bloody Tour of York Celebrates 13 Years

Some birthdays are celebrated with cake and balloons. Others, it seems, are best marked with a nod to a famous highwayman getting hanged. For The Bloody Tour of York, hitting its 13th anniversary is one of those times. On April 7, 2026, the unique tour celebrated 13 years of showing people the gruesome side of York, a date deliberately chosen because it’s the very same day that the notorious Dick Turpin met his grizzly end back in 1739. It’s a perfectly spooky coincidence for an experience that loves to dig into the city’s darkest corners.

Image: Lady Peckett - Credit Toni Wainwright

Thirteen years of terror (and laughs)

Cast your mind back to 2013. A woman named Alicia Stabler, better known by her stage name Mad Alice, had a brilliantly strange idea. She wanted to tell the stories of York that don’t make it onto the postcards. Forget the lovely tea rooms for a minute and think more about the plague pits, public executions, and all the lingering ghosts. This idea became The Bloody Tour of York, a walking tour that mixes real history with a wicked sense of dark humour. It launched on the anniversary of Dick Turpin’s death, setting the tone from day one.

Alicia Stabler, the founder, reflected on this journey.

“Thirteen years ago I set out to tell the darker side of York’s history in a way that was honest and most importantly - entertaining.”

“Even when I was planning the tour, I knew I had to launch it on the day Dick Turpin was hanged in York. I never imagined that so many people would embrace the gruesome and the downright creepy stories that make this city what it is. The fact that we’re still here, and still laughing, is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

And it’s that blend of gruesome truth and genuine fun that has kept people coming back for more.

More than just a ghost walk

When you think of a historic city tour at night, you probably think of someone jumping out from behind a corner in a cheap mask. The Bloody Tour of York is a bit different. It’s not just about making you jump. It’s about telling the jaw-droppingly true stories of the city’s past. Imagine standing on the same streets where Vikings once roamed, where victims of the plague were carted away, and where criminals faced their final moments. The tour brings these moments to life, making history feel incredibly real and immediate. It’s a proper performance, delivered with a sharp wit that’s as Yorkshire as a good cup of tea. Starting outside the historic St William’s College, the experience has braved all kinds of weather to tell its tales.

This approach has earned it a stellar reputation. While some might see the number 13 as unlucky, for Mad Alice it’s a badge of honour. In an official press release celebrating the milestone, she shared her thoughts. “In 13 years, the tour has grown bigger than I could have ever expected. From expanding the team to creating new experiences and receiving incredible recognition, I’m so grateful to every single person who has supported this wonderfully strange idea. I cannot wait for you to see what else is in store.”

From a strange idea to an award-winning sensation

What started as one woman’s passion project has exploded in popularity. The tour is now so in-demand that it runs more often, and Mad Alice has been joined by another guide, the equally brilliant Lady Peckett. This expansion means more people can hear the grim tales of the city. The success of the Bloody Tour of York hasn't just been noticed by locals; it's gained international acclaim, being named among the best tours in all of Europe.

The growth hasn’t stopped there. The team has branched out into some fantastic new ventures. One of the most exciting is a special collaboration with the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This partnership created “Mad Alice’s Ghost Train,” taking the spooky storytelling from the city streets onto a classic steam train. Imagine chugging through the dark countryside while hearing tales of local legends and hauntings. It’s a genius idea that combines two iconic Yorkshire experiences into one unforgettable event.

Ghoulish growth and a ghoulish gin

The spirit of collaboration has led to some other brilliant creations, including one for the grown-ups. The team partnered with another beloved local institution, York Gin, to create a special spirit. The result? “Mad Alice’s Bloody Orange Gin.” This gin, with its sharp, citrusy kick, was an instant hit. The first batch sold out almost immediately. Luckily, due to massive demand, York Gin has brought it back. Anyone wanting a taste of the tour can pick up a bottle of the Bloody Orange Gin at the York Gin shop on Pavement in York. It's the perfect souvenir for anyone who enjoys their history with a bit of a kick.

Tour Quick Facts

• What: The Bloody Tour of York

• When: Every day except Monday, at 6pm and 8pm.

• Where: Starts outside St William’s College, York.

• Tickets: £15 for adults, £7.50 for children.