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The Shambles York | Everything you need to know

Everything you need to know about The Shambles York

As one of the city’s most iconic streets, The Shambles is usually the first thing that comes to mind when people think about York. Steeped in medieval history and splendour, The Shambles York is one of the most visited attractions in the city and known as one of the best preserved shopping streets across the whole of Europe. It’s a must see when visiting York. Think cobbled pavements, old fashioned overhanging buildings, and a higgledy-piggledy street full of charm and character.

The street is also well known for being the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter series. In this guide, we go over everything you need to know about The Shambles in York, including its history, market, top food and drink recommendations and shopping inspiration, as well as what you can find in the surrounding area.

York is a city you can never get tired of and The Shambles adds to the magical feel of the city. Everything from York’s alluring little gift shops to its high-quality restaurants makes the city feel truly special, such as the stunning Pearly Cow restaurant which serves only the best local produce. If you need a place to stay, York also has plenty of lush hotels such as No.1 by Guesthouse and Middletons Hotel known for its deluxe restaurant and bar.

The Shambles York — *Image: Shambles, York by @yorkshirepostcards via Instagram*

Things to do

There truly is something for everyone at The Shambles, regardless of your age or interests. Whether you’re a Harry Potter super-fan, a true foodie or just appreciate old architecture and historic Tudor buildings, you will love wandering up and down this curious street. There’s even a market that sells everything you could ever imagine, complete with its own food court filled with innumerable street food delights.

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The Shambles Market in York — *Image: Shambles Market by @shamblesmarketyork via Instagram*

The History of The Shambles York

The Shambles in York has a rich history, dating back to York’s Domesday entry of 1086. Many of the buildings that you can still see on the street date back from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Once known as Great Flesh Shambles, the street was mainly occupied by butchers from the 1700s, who proudly displayed their meat hanging off beams and hooks outside of their shops. If you look closely the next time you visit, some of these hooks are still visible today on shop fronts.

Street food sandwiches from independent trader — *Image: Sandwiches from @shambleskitchen via Instagram*

Food at The Shambles

Famous for its show-stopping sandwiches, the Shambles Kitchen is a must-visit eatery that sits right in the thick of the action. Famous for its sparkler-loaded Guy Fawkes barbacoa butties, all meats here are lovingly smoked for hours on site.

If tea and cake are more your thing, make sure to try a traditional cream or afternoon tea at Earl Grey Tea Rooms. Another Shambles favourite is Ye Old Shambles Tavern, known for its speciality ales and a vast stock of Yorkshire-made spirits. For a second grab-and-go option, consider a freshly baked pie from the Shambles Sausage & Pie Company.

If street food is what you’re looking for, then head over to The Shambles Market to sample different cuisines from a range of vendors such as North African street food at Los Moros or mouthwatering Asian trader Thai Season. There’s a dedicated crumble stall, a mouthwatering burrito stand, a freshly-made crepe station and even a bagel stand in the food court serving all kinds of sandwiches and sweet and savoury bagels.

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Potions Cauldron exterior shot with staff — *Image: The Potions Cauldron via Facebook*

Shopping

The Shambles in York is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a special gift you won’t find anywhere else. For fans of the weird and wonderful, the Harry Potter-themed ‘The Shop That Must Not Be Named’ is packed full of memorabilia from the series, with goodies ranging from wands to branded homeware and full-length Hogwarts robes.

The Potion Cauldron is another magical gift shop full of weird and wonderful drink concoctions such as their Spellbound Butterscotch Beer. Close by, you can also pick up your own ghost to take home from York’s famous ghost merchant or visit a gift shop where it’s Christmas every day. Walk along The Shambles to see its full range of gift shops.

You can also find many traditional sweet shops on The Shambles. From chocolatiers to fudge shops, anyone with a sweet tooth will find something to love on this street. It’s the perfect excuse to step back in time and visit a traditional sweet shop still serving old-school hard-boiled favourites out of glass jars.

York Minster Cathedral exterior — *Image: York Minster by @yorkminsterofficial via Instagram*

Attractions nearby

Once you’ve explored The Shambles, why not explore the rest of what York has to offer? Just a few minutes walk away lies York Minster, one of the grandest cathedrals in the world. With origins dating back to the 7th Century, the Minster is often classed as one of the city’s must-see attractions.

Explore inside the minster and climb the central tower to enjoy unrivalled panoramic views of the city. Also round the corner is York’s Chocolate Story, a museum dedicated to uncovering the story of chocolate. Unwrap the secrets of some of York’s favourite brands from Rowntree’s to Terry’s.

If you fancy adding a bit more history to your trip, consider walking around York’s city walls. Surrounding the whole city, these walls have been in place for over 700 years and gradually repaired and restored over time. Or, if you time your visit with one of York’s famous race days, why not visit York Racecourse which is known as one of the grandest racecourses in Europe?

The Grand York Rise Restaurant Beef Fine Dining — *Image: The Rise Restaurant at The Grand, York*

There are also many cosy pubs and mouthwatering restaurants to visit nearby The Shambles York. Some of the best pubs in York include spots like The Fat Badger or grade II listed spot, The Golden Slipper. For restaurants, some of the best restaurants in York include The Rise Restaurant situated within the 5-star Grand Hotel or places such as Roots known for their extravagant tasting menus.

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