Mad Alice’s Bloody Execution Tour – Morning Tour

Mad Alice’s Bloody Execution Tour – Morning Tour offers a lively and engaging peek into York’s darker past, specifically focusing on the crime and punishment of the Georgian era. With a glowing 5.0-star rating from six reviews, this walking tour is praised for its humor, storytelling, and authentic historical insights. It’s a departure from the more standard ghost or ghostly history tours, leaning instead into the gritty, sometimes gruesome details of the city’s justice system and infamous figures.

What I find especially appealing about this tour is how Mad Alice, the guide, manages to blend humor with historical accuracy, making the experience both entertaining and educational. Plus, the small-group setting—limited to 30 participants—means she can truly engage with everyone, making the stories feel personal and lively. I also appreciate that the tour covers varied sites, from the courthouse and prisons to the locations of historic executions, giving a full picture of York’s judicial past.

That said, for those seeking a more contemplative or spooky night-time ghost tour, this daytime experience might feel less atmospheric and more focused on storytelling and historical facts. It’s also worth noting that the tour is quite brisk, lasting about 1 hour 15 minutes, so if you’re a slow walker or want a deeper dive, you might want to consider supplementing it with other experiences.

This tour offers exceptional value—at just $12, it’s a smart choice for history lovers, fans of crime stories, or travelers looking to add a dash of humor to their visit. Whether you’re a local excited to learn new details or a visitor eager to uncover York’s darker side, Mad Alice’s tour promises a memorable, behind-the-scenes look at the city’s past.

Key points / Takeaways

• Engaging guide: Mad Alice is known for her humorous, personable style, making history feel alive and accessible.
• Rich storytelling: The tour is packed with tales of highwaymen, witches, murders, and a drunken hangman, all told with a lively flair.
• Authentic sites: Stops include the historic courthouse, prisons, the site of the rope maker, and the grounds of executions—giving tangible context.
• Affordable price: At only $12, this tour offers great value for a 75-minute journey into York’s darker past.
• Small group size: With a maximum of 30 travelers, there’s plenty of opportunity for questions and interaction.
• Special focus: This daytime tour differs from the evening Bloody Tour, providing a different perspective on York’s history.

Discovering York’s Dark Past with a Twist

The Mad Alice Bloody Execution Tour is a lively walk through York’s grim but fascinating history, focusing on the crimes, executions, and colorful characters of the Georgian period. As I understand from reviews, it’s a tour that doesn’t shy away from the gruesome details but balances it with humor and engaging storytelling. Mad Alice, the guide, has a reputation for making history fun—she takes the time to learn everyone’s name, fostering a friendly vibe that keeps the group attentive and entertained.

Starting at 12 Pavement, in the heart of the city, the tour kicks off at 10 a.m., making it a perfect morning activity before you explore further or enjoy the rest of York. The route is a mix of historical sites and storytelling stops: you’ll visit the site of the old rope maker, the historic courthouse, and the Georgian prisons, where real stories of justice and punishment played out.

One of the standout features, highlighted by numerous reviews, is Mad Alice herself. An award-winning guide, she’s described as “very funny & informative,” someone who takes the time to engage personally with her audience. One reviewer noted that she remembered everyone’s name and chatted with each party during the walk, which adds a warm, personal touch to what could be a dark subject matter.

The stories range from tales of highwaymen and witches to the infamous Drunken Hangman—stories designed to entertain and educate simultaneously. It’s the kind of tour that makes you both chuckle and shudder, as you learn about the varied methods of execution beyond hanging, such as beheading or burning, and what life was like for criminals in the 18th century.

The Historic Sites and Their Stories

The tour’s focus on actual locations makes it more than just a collection of stories. Visiting the courtroom and prisons, you get a sense of the stark realities faced by those accused of crimes. For instance, the site of the execution grounds is tangible, and the stories of those hanged or burned—sometimes witches—are brought vividly to life by Mad Alice’s lively narration. The highlight for many is hearing about notable figures like Dick Turpin, the famous highwayman, whose grave you might learn to find thanks to Alice’s detailed knowledge.

Reviews rave about the informative quality of the tour. One said they learned “so many things we didn’t know,” even as locals. That’s a testament to Alice’s depth of knowledge, which covers both the well-known and the obscure figures of York’s past.

On top of that, the tour’s timing during the daylight hours means it’s more about storytelling than chilling ghost tales, but the stories of murders and executions still pack a punch. It’s ideal for those who prefer to learn about history with a dose of humor rather than a scary atmosphere.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At $12, this tour offers excellent value for money. It’s a short but well-packed 1 hour and 15 minutes—perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or want a quick yet rich cultural experience. The small group size means Mad Alice can interact closely with guests, answer questions, and tailor some of the narrative to the audience.

Meeting at 12 Pavement puts you right in the middle of York, close to many other attractions and public transportation options. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it convenient to continue exploring or grab a coffee afterward.

Since the tour is operated by The Bloody Tour of York, you’ll also find that the professionalism and ease of booking are straightforward, with confirmation sent instantly. Plus, it has a flexible cancellation policy—full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for travelers interested in quirky, lesser-known stories, or those who enjoy a bit of dark humor with their history. It’s a great option for families with older children, as the stories, while sometimes gruesome, are presented with humor and sensitivity. History buffs will appreciate the detailed storytelling, while casual travelers will find it a fun, engaging way to learn about York’s past.

If you’re looking for a spooky, ghostly night-time walk, this daytime tour might not be your best fit. But if you enjoy colorful characters, tales of crime, and a guide who makes you laugh while teaching you something new, it’s a perfect fit.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Addition to York’s Tour Scene

Mad Alice’s Bloody Execution Tour stands out for its blend of humor, authentic storytelling, and interactive style. It offers an entertaining window into York’s past that’s accessible, affordable, and deeply engaging. The stories of highwaymen, witches, and hangmen are told with warmth and wit, making what could be a grim history surprisingly fun.

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who appreciate a mix of history and humor. It’s particularly good for those looking to get a behind-the-scenes look at York’s darker side, without the heavy atmosphere of nighttime ghost walks.

In all, if you’re in York and want a memorable, insightful, and amusing adventure, I highly recommend this tour—just be prepared for some twisted tales and lots of laughs along the way.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and the stories are presented with humor, which might make it suitable for older children or teens. Check with the provider if you’re unsure about younger kids.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, making it a perfect short activity.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 12 Pavement and ends back at the same point, right in the heart of York.

What is the price?
The tour costs around $12, offering excellent value for the amount of storytelling and site visits involved.

What makes this tour different from other York tours?
It focuses specifically on crime, executions, and colorful characters of the Georgian period, with a humorous, lively approach.

Is there a dress code or special requirement?
No specific dress code, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as it involves walking through historic sites.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

What about weather?
Since it’s a daytime walking tour, good weather is preferable. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people usually join the tour?
A maximum of 30 travelers keeps the experience intimate and allows for personal interaction with Mad Alice.

In summary, Mad Alice’s Bloody Execution Tour offers a highly entertaining, authentic look into York’s past with a humorous twist. It’s a smart choice for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone who wants a memorable, lively story session that’s as educational as it is fun.