While Shambles and Stonegate get all the fame in the York quaint streets stakes, Fossgate is less glamorous, attracts fewer visitors and is often overlooked, yet well worth a little exploration.

There's a fair selection of small shops for individualists, such as shops devoted to serious doll's house needs, fountain pens, Long Tall Sally's with fashions for women of stature, Give the dog a bone for unusual gifts and antiquarian bookshops.

Other reasons to go down Fossgate when in that part of town: The Hairy Fig, and good places to eat such as Oshibi next to the River Foss, or onwards to tiny Italian local legend El Paradiso del Cibo, and the Polish Barbakan Restaurant restaurant on Walmgate.

And if you do persevere up Walmgate towards Walmgate Bar, you will find the theme of interesting, quirky, individual shops continues, now with the added attraction of Brew York.

And next to The Hairy Fig is the narrow entrance to the unique medieval Merchant Adventurers' Hall behind.

Practical Info

LOCATION Castle Area

Fossgate