York’s Snickelways Story Shared Tour

York, GB
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (5 reviews)
Self-guided

Included

  • inclusion
    Other
    Guided Walking Tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Other
    No scheduled restroom breaks

Meeting Point

Outside of the pub, across from the church. We do not call inside the pub. The guide will be wearing tweed.

Meeting point

25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP , United Kingdom

End point

End Point

Tour ends in the yard, next to the Golden Fleece, across the street from the bottom of the Shambles.

Meeting point

12 Pavement, York YO1 9UP , United Kingdom

End point

What to expect

1
Minster Yard

Explore platea populi, the city’s most ancient snickelway, a courtyard of the former Roman headquarters.

Duration 5 minutes
2
Minster Yard

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.

Duration 10 minutes
3
Stonegate

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.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Swinegate

The mediaeval quarter of the city, including Grape Lane, Swinegate, and Little Stonegate.

Duration 5 minutes
5

St Sampson's Square

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.

Duration 10 minutes
6

St. Sampson's Church

Patrick Pool, an ancient alley running behind the church, that contains a secret about the city’s Roman past.

Duration 5 minutes
7

High 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?

Duration 5 minutes
8
Shambles

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.

Duration 10 minutes
9
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

Famously known as York’s shortest street with the longest name. What does it mean?

Duration 5 minutes
10

Pavement

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.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
Provided by York’s Snickelways Story

What our experts say

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    Visit nearby Bettys Tea Room for tea.
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    Explore the Shambles after the tour.
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    Check out local shops along Stonegate.
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    Bring a camera for stunning views!
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

More About this Experience

York’s Snickelways Story Shared Tour invites adventurers to delve deep into the hidden heart of one of England's most enchanting cities. This 1 hour and 30 minutes guided walking tour is your passport to exploring York’s lesser-known paths, known as snickelways, which are steeped in history and mystery. As you wander through these charming alleys, secret snickets, and picturesque courtyards, you’ll be captivated by the tales that echo from York’s rich past. This is not just another tourist journey; it’s an immersive experience that reveals the city from a local’s viewpoint, allowing you to uncover the stories woven into every cobblestone and archway. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll gain insights into the city’s heritage that you won’t find in guidebooks, making your time in York unforgettable. What to expect? This tour offers more than just a stroll through the streets. Participants can anticipate an engaging narrative that breathes life into the historical context of York’s snickelways. You’ll discover fascinating anecdotes about the city’s hidden corners, from the ancient Roman pathways to the medieval lanes that shaped local life. The guide will share captivating stories about the people who lived and worked in these areas, including legends of local pubs and the curious histories of the streets you traverse. Expect to be surprised and delighted at every turn, as you explore locations like the mysterious Mad Alice Lane and the bustling heart of the market district. This journey is designed to spark your curiosity, allowing you to truly connect with York’s unique culture. Who is this for? This tour caters to a diverse audience, making it perfect for anyone with a sense of adventure and curiosity. History buffs will revel in the rich tapestry of stories, while families can enjoy a fun and enlightening outing together. Even those who think they know York might be surprised by the hidden gems revealed on this tour. It’s also an inclusive experience; parents with strollers and travelers requiring wheelchair accessibility will find the tour accommodating. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple seeking romance, or a group of friends wanting to explore, this tour has something for everyone, ensuring a memorable experience for all. Why book this? The unique charm of York’s Snickelways Story Shared Tour lies in its ability to transport you away from the crowded tourist paths and into the intimate spaces that tell the city’s true story. Unlike conventional tours that often skim over the surface, this experience invites participants to engage with the history and culture of York in a way that feels personal and profound. The knowledgeable guides are not just narrators; they’re storytellers who breathe life into the history of the city, making every moment feel like a page from a living book. By booking this tour, you’re choosing to enrich your visit to York with experiences that will stay with you long after the journey ends. Good to know: Before embarking on this adventure, it’s important to note that while this tour is accessible to stroller users and those with mobility needs, participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness due to the nature of walking through uneven cobblestones and narrow paths. There aren’t scheduled restroom breaks, so planning ahead is advisable. The meeting point is conveniently located outside a pub across from a church, where you’ll be greeted by your guide in a distinctive tweed outfit. This small touch adds to the charm and authenticity of the experience, setting the tone for an enjoyable and insightful exploration of York’s secret stories. Reviews from previous participants highlight the tour’s engaging storytelling and the unique insights gained about York’s history. Many have praised the friendly and knowledgeable guides who make everyone feel welcome, often noting that the small group setting fosters a more intimate experience. Travelers have expressed delight at discovering hidden spots they would have missed otherwise, with the tour being described as both fun and educational. Overall, participants leave feeling enriched, having gained a deeper appreciation for York's cultural heritage through its enchanting snickelways.

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