Shambles Tours

Shambles which includes street scenes and heritage architecture
Shambles which includes street scenes and heritage architecture
Shambles showing heritage architecture, street scenes and a small town or village
Shambles showing heritage architecture and street scenes
Shambles featuring a small town or village and street scenes


This picturesque cobblestone street has a fascinating medieval history and crooked buildings that appear to almost fall into one another.

The Shambles is a medieval street in York’s center with a topsy-turvy layout full of shops and restaurants. Stroll down the quaint cobblestone road that runs through the narrow street to see the lopsided 15th-century buildings jutting out overhead. Many visitors compare the jumbled arrangement of the street to Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter saga. In 2010, the Google Street Team voted it the most picturesque street in Britain.

Imagine the bustling days of medieval Britain as you wander down this historic street. Take a tour of the area to learn about the buildings’ former uses. Join the spooky ghost-hunting tour that departs nightly from the Shambles’ southern end.

The Shambles’ name comes from the Saxon word “fleshhammels”, which is drawn from the street’s original use as a butcher’s district. Note the cobblestone strip and patterned tiles that run down the center of the pedestrianized road. Butchers used this channel to wash away their waste.

See the shrine to St. Margaret Clitherow , located halfway down the street. Clitherow was a Catholic woman who was sentenced to death for sheltering priests.

After visiting many of the city’s historic attractions, rest your feet at a quaint café. Sip traditional British tea as you look out the window at the charming Shambles. There are galleries, restaurants and gift shops dotted throughout the narrow street.

Visit the York Shambles Penny Press, which squashes penny coins and creates a design of your choice. Press your coin with a York or Shambles logo and take it home as a reminder of your trip to this historic city.

The Shambles is situated just to the east of the River Ouse in the center of York. It is between St. Mary’s Abbey and Clifford’s Tower. Walk east for around 15 minutes from York Railway Station to arrive at the famous street.

Plan a trip to see Shambles

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Leeds Centre by Charles Hope
The Carpenters Arms
Middlehead Cottages at Cropton Forest

Browse tours and tickets to explore Shambles

Tours & day trips

See all 67 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 23 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 6 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities

Holiday & seasonal tours

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Shambles

The Milner York

The Milner York

4 out of 5
Station Road, York, England
The Milner York
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly

3 out of 5
46-50 Piccadilly, York, England
Hampton by Hilton York Piccadilly
Radisson Hotel York

Radisson Hotel York

4 out of 5
North Street, York, England
Radisson Hotel York
The Grand, York

The Grand, York

5 out of 5
Station Rise, York, England
The Grand, York
Hilton York

Hilton York

4 out of 5
1 Tower Street, York, England
Hilton York
DoubleTree by Hilton York

DoubleTree by Hilton York

4 out of 5
St Maurices Road, York, England
DoubleTree by Hilton York
Malmaison York

Malmaison York

4 out of 5
2 ROUGIER STREET, York, England
Malmaison York
Hotel Indigo York by IHG

Hotel Indigo York by IHG

4 out of 5
88-96 Walmgate, York, England
Hotel Indigo York by IHG
Dean Court Hotel

Dean Court Hotel

3.5 out of 5
Duncombe Place North Yorkshire, York, England
Dean Court Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Shambles

When visiting Shambles in York, be sure to explore the vibrant Shambles Market, where you can find unique local goods and delicious food. Stroll along the charming shopping street filled with quaint shops and boutiques. Don't miss the opportunity to book guided tours to learn about the area's rich history. For a comfortable stay, consider nearby hotels that offer easy access to these attractions, ensuring a memorable experience in this picturesque locale.

Food and drinks

Indulge your sweet tooth at York's Chocolate Story, a delightful spot only 0.1 miles from Shambles. For a taste of local brews, visit Black Sheep Brewery or Theakston's Brewery, both about 8 miles away, offering romantic vibes and entertainment.

Shopping

In Shambles, you'll find Newgate Market right at your doorstep, perfect for local gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, McArthur Glen Designer Outlet, just 3 miles away, offers designer deals, while Crossgates Shopping Centre, located 18 miles away, features a variety of shops and entertainment options.

Recreation

Bootham Crescent Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for catching a local game. Heworth Golf Club provides a scenic golf experience amidst beautiful landscapes, while Bishopthorpe Tennis Club boasts luxurious facilities for an upscale tennis outing, ensuring a refreshing and engaging wellness retreat.

Adventure

At Tockwith Motor Sports Centre, thrill-seekers can enjoy high-speed motor racing, located 9 miles from Shambles. Experience the excitement of karting at York Motorsports Village, just 2 miles away. For a family-friendly adventure, explore the fun-filled York Maze, situated 3 miles from Shambles.

Nightlife

In Shambles, York, the nightlife buzzes with charm. The York Theatre Royal offers romantic performances just 0.3 miles away, while the Selby Superbowl, 13 miles away, promises fun-filled arcade adventures. For cinematic experiences, the Junction Theatre, 20 miles out, provides a perfect family-friendly atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Shambles

If you're visiting Shambles in York, England, you'll find a wealth of historic attractions to explore. Key points of interest include the stunning York Minster, the charming historic Shambles, and the imposing York Castle. These locations cater to culture lovers and families alike, offering a delightful outdoor experience while immersing yourself in the rich history of York. Don’t miss the chance to discover the unique landmarks that make this area so special.

  • York Minster: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, York Minster is one of the largest cathedrals in Northern Europe. Marvel at its intricate stained glass windows and impressive stone carvings while soaking in the rich history and culture that permeates this sacred space.
  • York City Walls: Walk along the well-preserved medieval walls that encircle the city, offering breathtaking views of York. This historic landmark is perfect for leisurely strolls, where you can immerse yourself in the city’s heritage and enjoy a unique perspective of its charming streets.
  • Jorvik Viking Centre: Step back in time at the Jorvik Viking Centre, where you can experience life as a Viking in York. Through interactive exhibits and immersive displays, you’ll learn about Viking history and culture in a fun and engaging way.

Best time to go to Shambles

Visitor numbers around Shambles is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Shambles is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January38.3°F (3.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
July61.0°F (16.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Shambles

To save money during your visit to Shambles, take advantage of free attractions like York Minster and the York City Walls. Plan your trip during the off-peak months of January or October to November for lower accommodation prices. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check Expedia's last-minute deals for discounts. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for better rates. Consider joining Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive deals and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Shambles are January and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Shambles is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Take advantage of Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll uncover a selection of sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Shambles with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.