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Offered languages
- English
Get off the beaten path of the tourist trails and come join us for an exciting exploration of the fascinating story behind York’s unique snickelways. Discover the history of the city as told by its ancient alleys, secret snickets, charming courtyards, and long-lost lanes. This walking tour will take you on a journey through the paths of the city known only to locals, giving you a unique perspective on York’s rich heritage. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to uncover the stories that lie around - and in - every corner in York!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Outside of the pub, across from the church. We do not call inside the pub. The guide will be wearing tweed.
Tour ends in the yard, next to the Golden Fleece, across the street from the bottom of the Shambles.
Itinerary
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1
Explore platea populi, the city’s most ancient snickelway, a courtyard of the former Roman headquarters.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
We’ll walk through Minster Gates to discover how the principal entrance to the precinct established the Minster as an urban centre for culture and learning.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Stonegate
Tucked away off the main road, we’ll find York’s oldest continuously licensed pub. Discover how the pub ended up at the end of a hidden alleyway, and what the landlord did to attract customers.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
The mediaeval quarter of the city, including Grape Lane, Swinegate, and Little Stonegate.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
If the heart of a city is its market, then surely the snickelways are its veins. We’ll hear stories about surviving as well as long lost passageways that led to the market.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Patrick Pool, an ancient alley running behind the church, that contains a secret about the city’s Roman past.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7High Petergate
Home to Mad Alice Lane, York’s most mysterious alley. Who was Alice? Why was she ‘mad’? And why is the lane named after her?
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8Shambles
Amble down the cobblestones and marvel at the timber-framed buildings adorning the best preserved medieval street in all of Europe, if not the world. We’ll uncover clues about its butchering past, as well as its neighbouring alleyways.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate
Famously known as York’s shortest street with the longest name. What does it mean?
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
Lady Peckett’s Yard. Behold the beauty of this picturesque courtyard. We’ll find out what makes this stunning passageway as historic as it is scenic.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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