Exploring cultures and communities – the slow way

hidden europe 20

by hidden europe

What were once back streets of iniquity in the English city of York are now important elements in the cityscape - little lanes and alleys that, for those in the know, provide valuable short cuts.

article summary —

Snickelways are the most intimate of places. Some are inviting little alleys while others are smelly and forbidding spaces. The city of York in northern England is a honeycomb of secret snickelways.

Most visitors to York stick to the main thoroughfares that link the Minster with the city walls, York's two rivers and the principal shopping areas. These are roads with wonderfully evocative names that tell the history of northern England's most engaging city: Swinegate, Low Petergate, The Stonebow and Whip-ma-whopma-gate.

But those with a little local knowledge forsake these principal streets for a different York: a city of hidden alleys and back lanes.


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About the authors

hidden europe

and manage hidden europe, a Berlin-based editorial bureau that supplies text and images to media across Europe. Together they edit hidden europe magazine. Nicky and Susanne are dedicated slow travellers. They delight in discovering the exotic in the everyday.

This article was published in hidden europe 20.