How cool is it that this 14th century medieval street is still in existence and in such great condition? Dating back to 1086, it was a meat market area. In fact, a lot of the buildings still have original hanging hooks. The area has evolved quite a bit since its inception. Now a quaint cobblestone street lined with shops and restaurants in buildings boasting original architecture and architectural elements. Tudor structures once part of the meat packing district are quaint and welcoming. As you can imagine, it's bustling, most especially during the height of tourist season. read more

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This was the shopping cobblestone street in York. I just love local artisans selling their wares. All the merchants were so friendly and kind. We actually were here on the first day and made sure we would come back the next day too! York was a really cool place to visit. I had wished we had one more day. We did alot of walking around town and just admired the beautiful architecture here. I got so many cute things here at the Shambles read more

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Besides the mighty Minster, The Shambles is one of THE reasons to visit York. One of the best preserved streets lined with medieval buildings. About the name: "Shambles" is an obsolete term for an open-air slaughterhouse and meat market. And also rumored as the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter franchise, even though Rowling denied this. Now it's lined with some restaurants, quirky shops and indeed some wizard-themed shops after the HP hype. Our highlight was the Hebden Tea Company with an insane range of teas - for great prices (they do ship as well). Being that popular expect the street to be completely packed. It was on our visit. Some off-season visits (or later in the day) will show a different side for sure. But we only had that one day. But with a little patience some good pics were possible as well. And a visit is well worth your time. The buildings are just really pretty, crooked as they stand. And most of them are listed buildings, so the whole place here is historically really a big deal. read more

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The Shambles in York is, of course, famous for being the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. While I grew up as a Harry Potter fan, I'm not a die-hard, and came here since a day trip to York was on the intinerary for our kidlit writers' group. Now that I've been to the Shambles, I honestly don't feel the need to go again. While it's undeniably quaint with its overhanging timber-framed buildings and narrow cobbled street, I found it to be quite crowded and, dare I say, a bit overrated. It felt more like a tourist bottleneck than a charming historical street, especially with the sheer volume of people trying to navigate its narrow pathways. The magic of its appearance was somewhat diminished by the constant jostling. That said, my overall experience in York was still positive! While The Shambles itself wasn't a highlight for me, I absolutely loved getting a classic touristy photo holding an owl on my arm in York Park. That was a truly memorable and fun experience that captured a bit of the magical essence I was hoping for in York. read more

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Love my experience in York. Shops are cute, market is wonderful and some of the these best meat pies you can get. Can't wait to come back and explore more. read more

The shambles is an area where there is shopping including food, jewelry, clothing, antiques and more. There is an open air market as well as the street with old buildings said to be an inspiration for the alley in Harry Potter films read more

The Shambles - The street said to be inspiration for alley in Harry Potter movies - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

**June 2022: Weekday Afternoon Visit** The Shambles is a very narrow alley with cute mom n' pop shops, but more importantly (or equally as important in some people eyes) it's the inspiration for Harry Potter's Diagon Alley! Naturally, I was interested to see it for myself and the cobble stone pathway and differently shaped shops gave me major Diagon Alley vibes! There's also a Harry Potter Themed Shop called "The Shop That Must Not Be Named" which carries lots of HP merch! read more

It is a must to visit the Shambles while in York, a quirky little shop lined street that used to be butcher shops but are now Harry Potter Diagon alley inspired shops, chocolate shops, tea rooms and quirky little shops with cool little pieces. I suggest visiting Little Saffrons, its small but they have some lovely things like crystals and fairies and unicorns and pretty little things. It is a great atmosphere on the Shambles especially if you happen to be there when the snow machines are on and it looks magical. I also managed to visit the Shambles early when it was practically deserted and it was just me and the pigeons, no shops were open but it was great to wander without having to move through hordes of people. It is like a maze, you never know what is round each corner but its fabulous and I loved it. read more

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The Shambles is a very cute and super old spot in York where it has plenty of small and unique stores to go into. Many for sure are for tourist but overall the feel of walking on this block is amazing. I seriously felt like I was back in time during those Jack the Ripper days. But hey to each their own I would totally say this spot is great for taking photos, buying some chocolates, fudges, drinks or buying overall English souvenirs for your friends. I decided to walk into each and every store front to see what many of them had. They have Harry Potter items and even potions to drink. Overall if you have children this place would be very entertaining for them and a great spot to buy child friendly toys/ gifts for them. It's not very large so it is very very walkable and I felt like many of the stores are quite unique. Don't be afraid to walk into the store and see what they have to offer you might be surprised of what you could find. read more

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Lots of history, but this tourist was looking for cobblestone, narrow winding streets, short building and that unmistakleable, ye old english feeling. and sure enough, the Shambles deliver. It may not be historically accurate, but Hollywood said this was it and so I believe. Its super busy and bustling short street with many touristy things to do. You have your souvenir stores, the tea stores, the random Viking store, the knick knacks and even a few chocolate and candy stores. But the hit seems to be the 2 stores that sell Harry Potter merchandise. After all, this little alley inspired the scene of Diagon Alley. Also... there were quite a few kids with wizard robes walking around too.. So that was pretty cool.. We visited in all hours, even when it was super late around 11ish when it was mostly empty. Never failed to 'transport' me into that ye olde english era. read more

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Definitely must visit when you're in York! Very quaint and historic part of the city! It was fun just to walk along and see the old buildings...they were leaning so much up top that they looked like they were about to fall into each other! Lots of great restaurants and shops too! We were there on a Sunday morning and they even had a little farmers market type thing going on. read more

The Shambles - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

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Just such a cool place to see really old structures/architecture. It truly transports you back in time to what life must have looked like hundreds of years ago with narrow streets and buildings bending toward one another. A must-visit if in York. read more

Although there are some odd touristy shops along it now, The Shambles are still totally steeped in history, and it houses one of my favourite tea rooms. It does transport you back with the well kept buildings and impressive architecture, you do have to see it if you visit York, even if it's just to roll your eyes that you just actually found the "Moaning Lisa" funny. read more

The Shambles is a Medieval street in York. It is a must see for anyone in the area! It looks so cool. (It was the inspiration for Diagon Alley, so if it looks familiar that's why!) During the day time it is a pedestrian only street. I can't imagine anyone but vendors of the street would want to drive down this narrow cobblestone street anyway. It's very cool that you can walk in the middle of an old street. It's like being in a museum, but better. The Shambles used to be a street full of butchers. A couple of the buildings still have the meat hooks out front and the ledge for displaying wares. Now it's mostly things tourists want: tea shop, bakery, chocolate shop, etc. read more

The Shambles of York is a lovely place to visit when visiting York. The street is lined with beautiful architecture, including some buildings dating back to the 14th century; that are timber framed and still standing. History has it that the Shambles used to be filled with butcher shops up and down the street therefore getting it's name, but no longer do the meat markets line the streets. Now the Shambles is home to many little shops, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, pubs, candy stores, and an outdoor market. My favorite part of walking the Shambles is the history and the feeling that I get while walking the streets; not only a feeling of joy, but also one of curiosity and uneasiness. Legend has it that there are many ghosts still in the Shambles left from a rather macabre past filled with plagues and murders. It's rumored that Jack The Ripper even spent a little time in York in the Shambles and may be responsible for several murders back in the darker days. Next time I'm in York I hope to have more time in the Shambles to learn more about the history and visit the dungeon as well. read more

Good god, this is where history walks right up to you, grins and then punches you in the face so you really know it's there in front of you! The history, the architecture, the tight narrow alleys leading off the main road to who knows where. You just soak this whole area up! Every where you look is something new/interesting/bizarre/cute/funny/insert-adjective-here. There's little shops with food, knick knacks or curiosities. It all seems pretty genuine, and not at all touristy (which is the best kind of touristy). I absolutely loved my walk through here, and I came back again later in the day for another crack at it. read more

The Shambles - Start of the street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

The Shambles is a great place to step back in time get a view of old York. There are maintained buildings that are still in use, some of which still have original hooks which were used as meat displays. The street is very narrow, winds this way and thay, and the road is cobblestone. The sidewalks slope toward the road, as the butchers relied on this for the blood run-off. Some buildings jut past their foundations on upper levels, as apparently assessments were done according to the building footprint. These days, it's a popular tourist attraction, so check it out, but maybe in the earlier morning or later at night. The rest of the time, there are tons of humans shopping and taking photos. Speaking of the shopping, they've got just about everything. Food, gifts, boutiques, men's clothing, etc. Do stop in the York Sausage Shop for a savory pie - great, delicious picnic meal. read more

The Shambles - Above the sign are original hooks used by the butchers to display meat - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

What a street, its just like walking into diagon alley from Harry Potter which is strange really as there are not one but two Harry Potter shops on it. The street is very quirky with some wonderful buildings housing an array of shops and cafes. Defo worth a visit if you have time but do bear in mind when it gets busy it gets BUSY, a small street with lots of people. If you don't mind that then why not travel back in time as you walk down this street. read more

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We found The Shambles to be slightly overhyped, maybe it was because there were just so many people it was impossible to look around properly. The modern For Sale signs also made it more difficult to image what it would have been like when it was first built. One a quiet day I imagine its nice to walk down and imagine how life was in those days. The shops were all independents which does add a little bit to the authenticity. read more

The Shambles - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

The Shambles is a must for tourists in York. You most likely with stumble upon it through your travels in York as it is within the town walls on the East side of the river. The Shambles include an outdoor market with various stalls and narrow streets lined with shops full of lollies, fudge, pastries, trinkets, pubs and more. You can get lost in the streets like back in the day. There are quite a bit of tourists, but that is too be expected. However, all the shopkeepers are lovely and welcoming. read more

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The Shambles is composed of a collection of streets with all manner of shops, stalls, and shopping - both food and souvenirs. Lots of history, and fun to get to on a tour, so you can hear some of it. That aside, however, check this out even if you can't, as the shops and stalls are fantastic to explore and check out. read more

Fantastic experience walking through here. I was with a group of teens, and they were so impressed by the atmosphere here- as was I. Everywhere you look there's something cool to take a picture of. You've got to walk through here, if you come to York- it's an unforgettable experience. This place really takes you back in time- and the shops! Very very tempting shops. read more

I absolutely love York and being able to walk around. The Shambles is a great market area with some nice places to grab a bite to eat and or drink. This place is really well maintained and from a movie buff perspective, it lets you know that A Knights Tale was not too far off from a city-scape perspective. I think the only part for me that keeps it from being 5 stars is the influx of highstreet shops. But, they are integrating well. read more

It's really cool that The Shambles are still standing, but also too bad that they're full of stuff you could just as easily buy at an airport gift shop. If you're looking for a unique and authentic British experience, you're better off looking somewhere that isn't an established tourist destination. read more

The Shambles is one of my favorite areas in York, we stayed in an apartment right on the Shambles which made it crazy convenient to do EVERYTHING. Food, shopping, souvenirs you name it, and you can find it in the Shambles. If you're going to York you should check it out. (Also, shout out to The Earl Grey Tearooms- Great food, great staff.) read more

One more place in York that is a 'must see'. Unchanged over the ages with overhanging buildings. Nice to see that it hasn't been spoiled by the cheap touristy type shops. Still has the fudge maker, bookshops etc etc. The smells of those original shops still lingers as you walk by. A nice hour or so, going back in time. read more

The Shambles in York is a narrow street of medieval houses. originally butchers quarters hence the name. (Saxon Fleshammels, which means, the street of the butchers ) It is said you can shake hands across the street from upper windows. Lots of gift shops. Some nice some taccy. jewellery, gorgeous teddies, antiques etc. but the place selling swords and crests etc is pretty good. Also go in the shrine of Margaret Clitherow for an interesting bit of history. She was arrested in 1586 on the charge of harbouring Catholic priests. She was condemned to death by pressing (crushing beneath a heavy weight). I have spent enjoyable times here since childhood but one memory will always stay with me. The morning after the fire in York Minster I stood, at a barrier, at the end looking. There were quite a few people. Weary firemen clearing up and tourists and locals. The acrid smell of smoke hung in the air..not a bird sang..no-one spoke just total silence. read more

The Shambles - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

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The Shambles must be on every tourist's list of places to visit in York. It is a medieval street with buildings which lean in towards each other and also sloping pavements which apparently were designed in order to channel blood and offal from the butcher's shops which originally filled the whole street! Fortunately it is a far pleasanter place to stroll down these days though and the shops are now predominantly touristy shops with the exception of the York Sausage Shop at one end. We visited it twice, once in the afternoon when it was thronging with visitors and once in the evening when we actually had it all to ourselves for a few minutes! It is only a short street and you are through it in the bat of an eye really, however some of the surrounding streets also retain a lot of charm and it's a lovely part of York to visit. A 'must do' if you're visiting York. read more

The Shambles - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - York, NYK

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When I visited York the Shambles was packed out with shoppers and tourists taking photos, it made it hard to appreciate the place. The Shambles is a well preserved medieval street. The street was mentioned in the Domesday Book, so it has existed for over 900 years. The houses project out into the lane in their upper stories, and nearly meet the houses on the other side. The Shambles house shops for tourists including jewelry shops and antiques shops. read more

A lovely part of York to visit for free, unless you buy items from the shops there. I do find York very busy as there are an awful lot of tourists there, especially during the spring and summer months. The Shambles is usually quite busy and hetic, but less so jan/feb time of the year. Its a lovely area to have a wander around and theres som fantastic little shops to have a nosey in. read more

The most famous address in York. Experience what the old city of York would have been like years ago, it realy is like stepping back in time! But you can also step out of the time warp and indulge in some shopping in the many gift shops that line The Shambles! My personal favourite is Mr Sandwich, all sandwiches are a pound!! There is also a really great traditional sweet shop and 2 rather good Italian restaurants. The rest of the street has many different gift shops selling all sorts of gifts to remind you of your visit to York and indeed the UK in general. read more

The Shambles is a lovely narrow street of medieval buildings, lots of little gift shops, and some wonderful architecture. A must see. read more

This street held great memories from my childhood visits to York so I was keen to see if i still found it as intriguing when we visited recently as i had when i was a little girl. I have to say i was a little disappointed, not with the street itself, that still is particularly special but with the shops that reside in the street themselves. It is very touristy even down to shops selling LONDON souvenirsnot one but TWO of them owned by the same people. Having said this it did have a couple of nice shops and it was the actual history of the street we had gone to see as opposed to do any shopping. It just would of been nicer had the shops been a little more in 'keeping' with the history of the street. If you want perfect shots though best time to go would be early morning before the toursists arrive and the light is good, you could get some beautiful photos then i'm sure. read more

A real case of do believe the hype.Incredibly picturesque, charming, almost as if its was built for a film set straight out of a Charles Dickens novel, I would imagine walking here in December/Christmas time would be the ultimate trip back in time. Perfection. read more

Wow! The history, the scenery and the shopping make for a perfect day for locals and tourists! There are countless restaurants and specialty shops, truly something for everyone! The history is incredible! read more

Elbow your way through the tourists to visit one of York's oldest streets. The Shambles was once a street of butchers and the curbs are high to let the blood run. These days the shops are boutiques, tea rooms and other such touristy temptations. Even with the tourists and the kind of shops there, it's still a pretty cool street to look at and the buildings nearly touch at the top. If you're in to your photography, you'll be waiting ages for a good shot as there's just too many people too much of the time. There's a very nice chocolate shop about half way down. read more

one of the nicest shopping, walking and eating district I've ever seen. at least it really appealed to me. beautiful little shops, not the same old tired big chains which now dominate most shopping areas. there were a very few big brand stores. narrow cobblestone streets add to the character. it would be easy to get lost, but in a good way. I am jealous of the people who live here and can stroll through here each day. a very special experience. read more

Absolutely love walking through the shambles! Having come down from Scotland for the long weekend it was nice to walk through something old but absolutely buzzing with amazing quirky shops and people. Really enjoyed window shopping and was a lovely day to be walking around as well. It can however get extremely busy but it's such a nice little place it doesn't bother me :) read more

The Shambles in a street in York which has survived since medievil times. It is a narrow cobbled street with overhanging buildings some of which are so close together on the upper floors over the street that it is said you can shake hands. It was originaly a street of buchers shops and indeed some of the buildings still have hooks hanging from them. Today this medievil street is still traiding although now with souveners instead of meat, good that it still serves, in a way it's oridinal function. The street also houses a srine to St Margaret Clitherow. A butchers wife who alloud her house to be used to hide Chatholic priests and other 'crimes' relatingto religion. She served various prision sentances and eventialy was crushed to death on the Tollboth on the Ouse Bridge in 1586. In fact the building bought by the council is now belived not to have been her home but it is still worth a visit, if nothing else but to see inside one of these remarcable buildings from the past. Well worth a visit but can be realy busy which impacts on the appreaciation of this facinating street. read more

My favourite part of York! I really enjoyed paroozing though The Shambles and stopping to look into tiny stores and coffee shops. I was there on a Saturday, so the streets can get really crowded with other weekend tourists/shoppers, but is still definitely a must see! read more