York’s Snickelways Story Shared Tour

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!

1. 1

   Minster Yard

   5 min

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

2. 2

   Minster Yard

   10 min

   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.

3. 3

   Stonegate

   10 min

   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.

4. 4

   Swinegate

   5 min

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

5. 5

   St Sampson's Square

   10 min

   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.

6. 6

   St. Sampson's Church

   5 min

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

7. 7

   High Petergate

   5 min

   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?

8. 8

   Shambles

   10 min

   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.

9. 9

   Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

   5 min

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

10. 10

    Pavement

    10 min

    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.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.