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Street
The Shambles
Narrow medieval street of overhanging timber-framed buildings, once lined with butchers' shops.
A mini guide to
The Shambles and Stonegate
The Shambles, Stonegate and the narrow lanes of the old city centre
Photos
1 / 7Welcome to the area
The Shambles, Stonegate and the narrow lanes of the old city centre
The old city centre between the Minster and the River Ouse is a knot of narrow streets: the Shambles, Stonegate, Pavement and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate. The passages that link them are often called snickelways, a word coined for York's alleys and ginnels.
Mansion House, the Guildhall and several medieval churches stand among the shops, while Barley Hall and York's Chocolate Story are tucked off the main streets. Cafés, pubs and restaurants fill almost every lane, so this is the easiest area in which to eat.
Highlights
Start here
If you only have a few hours, these are good places to begin.
Market
Shambles Market
Market with food and other stalls just behind the Shambles.
Street
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
Short street with a famously long name, running between Pavement and Colliergate.
Street
Pavement
Historic street in the old city centre, close to All Saints Church and Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate.
Church
All Saints, Pavement
Medieval parish church on Pavement, known for its octagonal lantern tower.
Street
Stonegate
Pedestrian street of shops and old buildings leading from St Helen's Square towards the Minster.
Find your way
On the map
The map shows The Shambles and Stonegate and the streets around it. The Getting there page lists nearby stops and stations.
Insider tips
Before you go
1
Go early for the Shambles
The Shambles is narrow and feels crowded when busy. Early morning or late in the day usually leaves more space.
2
Follow the snickelways
Side passages such as Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate link the main streets. Wandering off the main routes shows more of the old street plan.
3
Look up
Many buildings on the Shambles and Stonegate lean out over the street, so the upper floors are worth a look.
4
Check attraction pages
Barley Hall and York's Chocolate Story are small attractions with their own opening arrangements. Check their websites before you plan a visit.
Tips from the Britlens editors
Explore this guide
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Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- The Shambles and Stonegate (area photo): Paul Buckingham, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- The Shambles: Vincej at en.wikipedia, Public domain, source
- Shambles Market: DS Pugh, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate: Kaly99, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Pavement: habiloid, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- All Saints, Pavement: Malcolmxl5, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Stonegate: Doug Olson, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Mansion House: Malcolmxl5, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Guildhall: Kaly99, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Martin le Grand: J.Hannan-Briggs, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- St Helen's, Stonegate: Chabe01, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Barley Hall: jhartshorn (James Hartshorn), CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- York's Chocolate Story: Malcolmxl5, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Coney Street: Keith Laverack, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Castle, Fossgate and Walmgate: Steven Fruitsmaak, Public domain, source
- Micklegate and Bishopthorpe Road: Tim Green, CC BY 2.0, source
- Station and Museum Gardens: Tim Green from Bradford, CC BY 2.0, source
- Minster Quarter: Chris Gorringe, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
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