Shambles, Shambles, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7LZ

In the 90’s The Shambles used to be an Argos, a couple of betting shops and a chippy but York’s Mayors brothers best friends goldfishes mate met a bloke at the pub that sold him the Harry Potter Diagon Alley film set at a knock down price.

There was also quite a lot of left over wands, potions and T Shirts, hence the Mayer also set up some Harry Potter inspired shops.

Ok, thats not strictly true, in fact none of its true except for the couple of Harry Potter inspired shops and the potion shops built on the locals belief / slight porky that it was the inspiration behind Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.

Also my story is more fun than saying that The Shambles is one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe, with overhanging timber-framed buildings dating back as far as the fourteenth century and mentioned in the doomsday book.

Anyway its really old and has lots of lovely cafes, bakers, clothing and magic shops and a fab place you can buy pretty much any tea under the sun.

Local Knowledge

Once you have had a wonder around its shops make sure you visit the food market behind it. It’s a great place for a family lunch where you can get everything from a crepe to Indian snacks and hot dogs - something for everyone to eat in the communal dining area
Go early or late to get a good photo and to beat the queue for the shops - avoid on the weekend during the day when its absolutely packed
Look out for hidden alleyways and snickelways (narrow passageways) that branch off from the street - they are always worth a look

www.shamblesyork.com