The Shambles
York, United Kingdom
A narrow medieval street of overhanging timber-framed houses in the heart of York, a short walk from the Minster. Come early in the morning, as it becomes very crowded by midday, and park at the edge of the old city.
The Shambles in York is a street about 120 m long between Newgate and Pavement. Its timber-framed houses with overhanging upper storeys date partly from around 1350 to 1475. The name comes from an Old English word for a bench or stall. The Domesday Book of 1086 already mentions butchers' stalls near the church of St Crux, and in 1885 there were 31 butchers' shops here. Meat hooks can still be seen outside some of the buildings. There is also a shrine to St Margaret Clitherow on the street. J. K. Rowling has denied the often-claimed link to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley.
Come early in the morning, as the narrow street fills up quickly. Allow about half an hour and combine the visit with the nearby Minster. Park on the edge of the old town.
- Nearest town
- York, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 53.9590, -1.0810
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Acomb Grange Caravan SiteMotorhome stopover4 km from The ShamblesTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- Cherry Tree Cottage Caravan siteMotorhome stopover5 km from The Shambles · 6 pitchesCaravansMotorhomes
- Ashfield Touring Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover7 km from The Shambles · 40 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityWi-Fi
- Home FarmCampsite9 km from The Shambles · 30 pitchesTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Old Gatehouse Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover9 km from The ShamblesCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- White Rose ClubMotorhome stopover12 km from The ShamblesCaravansMotorhomesShowers
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is The Shambles?
The Shambles is in York, United Kingdom, at GPS 53.9590, -1.0810. It is about 66 km from Whitby.
Can you camp near The Shambles?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Rowntree Park Caravan Club, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 103 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near The Shambles?
Places worth a stop nearby: Fountains Abbey (37 km), Robin Hood's Bay (64 km), Aysgarth Falls (71 km) and Malham Cove (71 km).
When is the best time to visit The Shambles?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)