One of the best preserved medieval lanes in the world, the Shambles is the picturesque heart of York city centre. Pick up a souvenir in the shops or simply wander the lanes and take in the charming scenery. The higgledy-piggledy overhanging timber-framed buildings of The Shambles date back as far as the fourteenth century. Once known as The Great Flesh Shambles, a number of the hooks that butchers used to hang out their meat are still visible on the buildings. As well as being packed with history, The Shambles are a great shopping destination with a mixture of gift shops and galleries, book shops and bakeries, plus plenty of places to eat.
The Shambles
The Shambles
The Shambles
Essential information
If you’re visiting York at Christmas, head to The Shambles for a bit of festive shopping in a unique setting.
Eating and drinking
With a number of great eateries up and down The Shambles you’re bound to find somewhere that tickles your taste buds. Head to the Little Shambles Tea Room for afternoon tea, The Shambles Tavern for a quick drink or L’antica Locanda for a classic Italian meal.
Getting to The Shambles
Located in the centre of York’s compact city centre between the River Ouse and Foss, The Shambles is easy to find.
By car
Just around the corner from the The Shambles, Q-Park Shambles is the closest car park if you’re driving to York.
By bus
With plenty of bus routes passing through York city centre and a stop right next to The Shambles, you’ll be taking in the medieval shopping sights before you know it.
By train
If you’re arriving by train, it’s a 15-minute walk through picture postcard York city to get to The Shambles.