How long does it take to walk the York literary route?

The total walking time is approximately 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to stop and admire the landmarks like York Minster and the Museum Gardens. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles (2.4 km) through the city centre.

Is the York literary walk family-friendly?

Yes, it is very family-friendly as it visits the Museum Gardens and the York Explore Library. Children often enjoy the open spaces of the gardens and the quirky shops along Stonegate. The route is mostly flat, making it easy for strollers.

Where can I find independent bookshops in York?

The Little Apple Bookshop on High Petergate is a highlight of this walk. York also features many other independent sellers near the Shambles and Stonegate. This route highlights the city's long history of independent publishing and bookselling.

What are the highlights of a literary walk in York?

Key highlights include the birthplace of poet W.H. Auden and the historic 'Sign of the Bible' on Stonegate. You will also see the York Minster Library, which is the largest cathedral library in the country. The ruins in Museum Gardens also offer a glimpse into medieval drama.

Can you see W.H. Auden's house in York?

Yes, you can see the exterior of his birthplace at 54 Bootham. A commemorative plaque marks the house where the famous poet was born in 1907. It is located just a short walk from the city's ancient walls.

Is a guided tour York necessary to see literary sites?

No, a self-guided audio walk is a great alternative that allows you to explore at your own pace. You can spend more time in the libraries or bookshops without being tied to a group schedule. This route provides all the historical context you need.

Are there public toilets along the York literary route?

Yes, public facilities are available in the Museum Gardens and inside the York Explore Library. There are also many cafes and pubs along Stonegate and Petergate where you can take a break. It is recommended to carry a water bottle, especially in summer.

When is the best time to do the York literary walk?

The best time to start is in the morning around 10:00 AM when the libraries and shops begin to open. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends, offering a more peaceful experience. The gardens are particularly beautiful in the spring and autumn.

Is the York literary route accessible for wheelchairs?

Most of the route is accessible, though Stonegate has historic cobblestones that can be bumpy. The Museum Gardens and York Explore Library have step-free access options. It is an easy-flat walk overall, suitable for most mobility levels.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 40 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

York is a city where every stone seems to whisper a story. From the ancient Roman walls to the winding medieval lanes, this city has served as a muse for writers and scholars for over a millennium. This self-guided walk invites you to explore York's literary legacy, moving through tranquil gardens, historic libraries, and the very streets where the printing industry once thrived. On this neighborhood stroll, you will discover how the written word has shaped the city’s identity. The journey begins in the Museum Gardens, home to the remains of St Mary’s Abbey and the site of the medieval York Mystery Plays, which brought dramatic storytelling to the masses. From there, the route leads to the York Explore Library, a Victorian treasure housing centuries of local history. As you move into the heart of the city, you will encounter the independent spirit of York’s bookshops, such as The Little Apple Bookshop on High Petergate. A central highlight of this walking route is Stonegate, famously known as the 'Street of the Printers.' Here, you can find the historic 'Sign of the Bible' and learn about the artisans who established York as a major hub for publishing in the 17th and 18th centuries. The walk also offers a chance to see the York Minster Library, tucked away in the Old Palace, where ancient religious manuscripts are still preserved. Finally, the route concludes at the birthplace of W.H. Auden, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century. This walking tour York provides is designed for independent exploration, allowing you to set your own pace and linger in the places that inspire you most. Whether you are browsing the shelves of a secondhand bookstore or admiring the Gothic architecture of the Minster, this audio walk provides a deep dive into the stories that make York unique. This self-guided adventure is perfect for those who want to see the city centre through the eyes of its most famous residents, discovering hidden gems and iconic landmarks along the way.

Highlights

The ruins of St Mary's Abbey in Museum Gardens
Historic archives at York Explore Library
The 'Sign of the Bible' on Stonegate
Independent charm of The Little Apple Bookshop
The Old Palace housing York Minster Library
The birthplace of poet W.H. Auden

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Museum Gardens

Welcome to the Museum Gardens, a ten-acre botanical oasis that serves as the perfect starting point for our exploration of York's literary past. While the gardens are famous for the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey and the Roman Multangular Tower, they are also a cornerstone of York’s performance history. Since the 14th century, these grounds and the streets nearby have hosted the York Mystery Plays. These plays, written by anonymous authors, brought biblical stories to life for the public, often performed on wagons that moved through the city. The scripts represent some of the earliest forms of English drama and are still performed periodically today. As you walk through the gardens, imagine the voices of medieval actors echoing against these ancient limestone walls. This site reminds us that literature in York didn't just live on the page; it was a vibrant, community-driven spectacle.

2

York Explore Library and Archive

The York Explore Library and Archive is more than just a place to borrow books; it is the guardian of the city's collective memory. The building itself is a beautiful example of late Victorian architecture, constructed to provide a grand space for public learning. Inside, the archives contain documents dating back over 800 years, offering a window into the lives of York’s residents through the ages. From hand-written city records to ancient maps, the library serves as a bridge between the past and the present. It represents the democratization of knowledge in York, ensuring that the city's literary and historical treasures are accessible to everyone. Take a moment to appreciate the quiet dignity of this space, which continues to inspire students and researchers today as they uncover the forgotten stories of the North.

3

The Little Apple Bookshop

Situated on High Petergate, this independent bookshop is a testament to York's modern literary culture. While York is famous for its history, its contemporary love for the written word is best experienced in spaces like this. Named after a phrase from 'The Wind in the Willows,' the shop captures the whimsical and scholarly spirit of the city. As you explore the route, the path along Petergate serves as a thoroughfare for scholars, leading directly toward the Minster. Independent bookshops here provide a curated experience that reflects the unique tastes of the local community. It is an ideal place to find a local author's work or a classic novel to enjoy in a nearby quiet corner. The shop’s presence on one of York's oldest streets ensures that the tradition of bookselling remains a vital part of the city's character.

4

Stonegate

Stonegate is perhaps the most atmospheric street in York, and for centuries, it was the beating heart of the city's intellectual life. The 'Sign of the Bible,' a gilded woodcarving dating back to the 18th century, still marks the site of an ancient bookshop. This street was known as the 'Street of the Printers.' In the 1680s, the first York newspaper was printed here, and the street was lined with workshops where the scent of fresh ink and parchment was constant. Even the famous novelist Laurence Sterne had his work published on this very street. As you walk along the historic cobbles, notice the narrow alleys, known as 'snickelways,' branching off. These paths were once used by printers' devils—young apprentices—carrying proofs between workshops. Stonegate remains a testament to the era when York was the undisputed capital of printing in the North.

5

York Minster Library

Located within the tranquil Dean's Park, the York Minster Library is housed in the 'Old Palace,' a building that once served as the residence of the Archbishops of York. This is the largest cathedral library in the country, containing a staggering collection of over 120,000 volumes. Some of its most precious items include 15th-century manuscripts and early printed books that survived the Reformation. The library’s atmosphere is one of profound scholarly peace, standing in the shadow of the great cathedral. It highlights the deeply religious roots of York’s literary legacy, where for centuries, monks and scholars painstakingly copied texts by hand. Even if you don't go inside, the building stands as a monument to the enduring power of the written word in religious and civic life, preserving knowledge for future generations.

6

54 Bootham

Our walk concludes at 54 Bootham, a handsome Georgian townhouse with a very special connection to 20th-century literature. It was here, in 1907, that W.H. Auden was born. Although his family moved to Birmingham when he was still a toddler, Auden remained deeply connected to his Northern roots, often returning to York throughout his life. Auden went on to become one of the most influential poets of the modern era, known for his technical mastery and his exploration of political, social, and psychological themes. Standing here at his birthplace, the architectural elegance of the building reflects the historical weight that might have seeped into the consciousness of a young poet. It’s a quiet, unassuming spot that marks the beginning of a literary journey that would eventually span the globe, proving that York’s stories continue to reach far beyond its ancient walls.

Frequently Asked Questions

This self-guided literary walk is ideal for those who love stories. It covers historic libraries, the birthplace of W.H. Auden, and the famous printing history of Stonegate. The route takes about 90 to 120 minutes to complete at a leisurely pace.