Scratch and sniff for scents of York

Available for free, visitors are invited to follow their nose by opening up pages laden with smells evocative of some of York’s finest sights and the city’s fascinating history.

Included among the bouquet of aromas are scents of coal, steam and oil from the golden age of York’s railways, the smells of horses galloping to the finish line at York Racecourse, the fresh fragrance of wild heather growing on the North York Moors and the paranormal pong of sulphur associated with one of the city’s smelliest ghosts.

Among sweeter smells are notes of chocolate to represent York’s chocolate-making heritage, an afternoon tea of cream cakes and scones and a fresh blast of the city’s abundant daffodils.

To create the novel ‘Smell York’ tourist aid, a team of olfactory experts analysed, recreated and infused complementary aromas into 12 iconic images of the historic city.

Kate McMullen, head of Visit York, said: “Countless scientific studies prove that the human sense of smell is one of the key facets in forming strong memories. We commissioned this scented guidebook to give potential newcomers to York a fun flavour of the many lasting memories that a trip to our historic city could provide. Indeed, whether you’ve got a soft spot for the scents of the supernatural or a craving for the nostril-nourishing aromas of the world’s greatest countryside, York has something for every nasal persuasion. Hopefully the book will encourage more people from across Britain and round the world to come and sample the delights York has to offer.”

Copies from a limited first-run of the guidebook are available from the Visit York Visitor Centre, Museum Street, York and can be requested for free on a first come, first served basis by contacting [email protected]