York’s Snickelways Story Shared Tour

5.0 (5 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

5 reviews

5.0

Mad Alice Lane — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Coffee Yard — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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!

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At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 20 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: York’s Snickelways Story

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–10 years) · Youth (11–15 years) · Adults (16–64 years) · Seniors (65–105 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Guided Walking Tour

Not included

Not included: No scheduled restroom breaks

Itinerary

Minster Yard

5 min

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

5 min

The mediaeval quarter of the city, including Grape Lane, Swinegate, and Little Stonegate.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Whip-Ma-Whop-Ma-Gate

5 min

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

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

In front of the York Arms pub building, at 26 High Petergate, YO1 7EH.

Found at the corner of High Petergate and Duncombe Place, next to Bennett’s Cafe, across from Dean’s Court Hotel.

Guide will be most likely wearing tweed, unless it’s raining or too hot.