One of York’s many charming features is its collection of small, winding streets! These are called snickelways (sometimes spelled snickleways), and the city is absolutely full of them. If you visit, exploring them is one thing you must do in York! The word snickelway was coined by Mark W. Jones, a local author who wrote a book on snickelways. The word snickelway is a mixture of the words snicket (a passageway between walls or fences), ginnel (a narrow passageway between buildings), and alleyway (a narrow street or lane). Generally, snickelways are small enough that you can’t fit a car through them—you can only travel through them on foot.

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

One of my goals on the blog is to share content about York from a local’s perspective. There are so many hidden gems in York, and these are just some of them. So after exploring most of the snickelways in the city (I think it’d be impossible to see them all!), I’ve picked out the best to share with you. Best of all, discovering the snickelways is one of the top free things to do in York. These are the best snickelways in York!

Lady Peckett’s Yard

Possibly the most pretty snickelway in the city, Lady Peckett’s Yard is located off of Pavement, near the Pizza Hut. On one side is a beautiful Tudor-style building. While it’s a dead end (there’s no exit, only the entrance), it should be your first stop on a Snickelway tour. It was named after the wife of a former Lord Mayor of York.

Hole in the Wall (Precentor’s Court)

This snickelway is one of my absolute favorites in the city. The entrance, off High Petergate by the aptly named “Hole in the Wall” pub, brings you into Precentor’s Court. This courtyard has some beautiful buildings and one of the most stunning views of York Minster you can find in the city.

Chapter House Street

I’m not sure if this one technically counts as a snickelway, as it’s big enough for cars to drive on it. But as this is my blog post, I can do what I want! I discovered this little back street only a few weeks ago. Past the Treasurer’s House, you’ll find one of the best little-known views of York Minster.

Horn Pot Lane

This snickelway’s entrance is off of Low Petergate, not far from Poundland. The narrow street leads to the beautiful Holy Trinity Goodramgate church, one of York’s hidden gems. The garden is a tranquil, quiet refuge from the bustling streets outside. Note that Horn Pot Lane is only accessible when Holy Trinity Goodramgate is open—which is on select days of the week.

Coffee Yard

This snickelway is most likely one of my favorites in the city—and it’s certainly my favorite to photograph! You’ll find the entrance by Grape Lane and Swinegate. Duck down to walk through the passageway to Stonegate. As you go through, you’ll walk past the medieval house/museum, Barley Hall—you can even see into the great hall! This is the longest snickelway in York.

Three Cranes Lane

Originating next to the Three Cranes pub at St. Sampson’s Square, follow the snickelway through to Low Petergate. While it’s good to use as a shortcut, it’s mainly used for dumpsters and as a back area for the pubs on the other side!

Nether Hornpot Lane

This snickelway also starts in St. Sampson’s Square, and is surrounded by brick buildings as it curves around to Back Swinegate. There is conveniently an ice cream shop located immediately in front of you on Back Swinegate!

Finkle Street

Formerly called Mucky Peg Lane, this is a busy snickelway as it cuts parallel to Nether Hornpot Lane up to Back Swinegate. It starts in St. Sampson’s Square, just to the left of the Roman Baths pub.

Maud Alice Lane (Lund’s Court)

Located off Low Petergate, tucked around busy shops, Maud Alice Lane was named after a woman who was hanged in 1823 for poisoning her husband. It’s also called Lund’s Court.

Pope’s Head Alley

Pope’s Head Alley is the narrowest snickelway in York! The passageway is only 2 feet 7 inches wide—so make sure to suck in as you go! The entrance is on High Ousegate, located between Ryman’s and Lakeland. You’ll eventually pass the café Bruks and pop out on Market Street.

Peter Lane

Running parallel to Pope’s Head Alley, Peter Lane connects Market Street and High Ousegate as well. Its entrance islocated on the other side of the Lakeland shop on High Ousegate, between Lakeland and Byron.

Merchant Adventurer’s Hall

While not technically a snickelway, the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall off Fossgate (or Piccadilly) is certainly one of York’s hidden gems. The façade on Fossgate has a small passageway, which opens up into the medieval guildhall and gardens.

Franklin’s Yard

One of York’s lesser known snickelways is Franklin’s Yard. Located off Fossgate (almost directly across from the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall), the snickelway will bring you to a small courtyard. There’s a music shop, a Korean restaurant, and an upholstery business and art gallery.

The Shambles

To end off the list, I have to include York’s most famous snickelway: the Shambles! One of the oldest shopping streets in Europe, the Shambles was mentioned in the Domesday Book back in 1086. The street retains its medieval authenticity with its overhanging buildings (to avoid paying higher rent) and cobblestones. Although it’s mainly tourist shops today, there is something magical about the street. It’s said to be J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter! There are several Harry Potter shops on the Shambles as well. This is one of York’s main attractions, but if you come early (8:00-9:00am), you might just have it to yourself!

York is just two hours away from London by train, making it an easy daytrip or long weekend away. I always use Trainline to find the best deals for train tickets. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Planning on staying overnight in York? I’d recommend the following places:

• Budget: Safestay York or the Fort Boutique Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Indigo or Galtres Lodge
• Luxury: The Grand

You can book hostels in York here, and check out hotels in York here!

I hope this post helps you discover some of the best snickelways in York. They’re part of what make this city so special!

Have you ever been to York?! What are your favorite snickelways in the city?

Check out my other posts on York:

18 Hidden Gems to See in York

20 Things to Do in York That Are Absolutely Free

The Best Bars and Pubs in York, England

The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in York, England

The Best Restaurants in York, England

The Best Walks in and Around York, England

Where to Take the Best Photos of York Minster in York

Quintessential Yorkshire: The Best 4 Daytrips From York

Interested in a FREE 10-page York Mini Guide? Included in this York Mini Guide are: The top experiences and things to do in the city Where to eat & drink (cafes, restaurants, pubs) The best daytrips outside the city An itinerary for how to spend 3 days in York Click here to get your free copy!

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