Confidential Secrets of a Tour Guide -Hidden Secrets of York – A Tour Guide’s Challenge | Things to Do in York
York Hidden Secrets - Tour Guide Challenge
York’s Hidden Details: A Tour Guide’s Challenge
York is famous for its cobbled streets, the mighty Minster, and of course the Shambles. But here’s the thing — while most visitors rush to the big sights, they often miss the quirky hidden details that make this city truly unforgettable.
As a local York tour guide, I love showing guests the little treasures tucked away in plain sight. They’re the kind of secrets that make you stop, smile, and feel like you’ve just uncovered history’s Easter eggs.
So here’s my challenge to you: on your next visit to York, see how many of these 10 hidden gems you can spot.
1. York’s Secret Cat Statues
High on walls and rooftops all around the city, dozens of cat statues perch, pounce, and prowl. Some are elegant, others mischievous — and most people never notice them. Start with Goodramgate and see how many feline guardians you can track down. You can even pick up a cat trail leaflet, or enjoy a cuppa at the Cat Cafe.
2. The Devil of Stonegate
Look up on Stonegate and you’ll find a cheeky stone devil grinning down. Printers once blamed mistakes on their “printer’s devil” — so naturally York gave him a permanent spot on the street.
3. Bricked-Up Windows: A Window Tax Hack in York
Have you ever noticed the odd window that’s been filled in with brick? That’s York’s answer to the Window Tax of the 1700s — when more windows meant more tax. A clever medieval hack to save money! Pure day light robbery!
4. A Roman Column at York Minster
Thousands of visitors walk past it every day without a second glance: a genuine Roman column standing proudly near the Minster. It’s a reminder that York has been a city of power since the Roman Empire. The Column was once part of the Principia, the Basilica of a Roman Fort.
5. The Shambles’ Butcher Hooks
The Shambles is famous for its crooked buildings but look closer — under the beams you’ll see iron hooks once used to hang cuts of meat. Suddenly, those narrow streets feel a little… smellier. Real history...No Harry Potty connection at all!
6. The Snickelways of York
York has its own secret network of twisting alleys called “snickelways.” With names like Mad Alice Lane, Lady Pecketts Yard, they sound straight out of a fantasy novel. Perfect for explorers who love hidden corners.
7. The Cat Hole in the City Walls
Yes, York even built in a shortcut for cats. Near Monk Bar, you’ll spot a small hole in the wall made so felines could come and go freely. Proof that York has always been a cat-lover’s city! Myth or not? You decide.
8. Medieval Shop Signs
Long before street numbers, shops used pictures to show what they sold — scissors for tailors, keys for locksmiths. Look carefully around Stonegate and you’ll still find these medieval shop signs hanging above the streets giving a clue to past businesses.
9. Fire Plaques
Insurance companies have tried it all but in the early days they ran their own fire service long before Fireman sam! Look out for the plaques the company issued on a building in Gillygate. Without this if it a fire began I am sorry to say it was left to burn down! (allegedly).
10. Lantern Towers
Three churches in York have unusual towers above the bell tower. With he cry surrounded by a Forest these were used a beacons to guide you into York.
