The snickelways
The alleys, ginnels and passages that thread the medieval centre, free to explore with a map.
York's snickelways are the narrow cut-throughs between streets, some barely a shoulder wide, with names like Mad Alice Lane and Nether Hornpot Lane. A self-guided walk through them takes an hour and reveals a city the main streets hide. Free, and a good rainy-day game with children; the walls give some shelter.
When it works
Outdoors: pick a dry day. Best morning, afternoon, evening.
Good for kids, going solo and a first visit.
On these lists
- Things to do in York when the sun is out
- Free things to do in York
- Things to do in York with kids
- Things to do in York tonight
- Things to do in York this weekend
- Plan an afternoon in York around it
Opening hours and prices change; the official site has the current ones. See everything in York ranked for right now.