The Minster Quarter has revealed its plans for a trail to promote the businesses and highlights of the area of York surrounding the Minster.

The private partnership of businesses, which have come together to promote the area, designed the tour to show off the hidden gems of the quarter, as well as increase footfall for the area’s 300-odd businesses.

The trail of the Minster Quarter will be promoted by leaflet at Visit York’s tourist information centre, civic amenities, such as the library and will also be posted out to visiting coach tours.
More than 50 businesses have been involved in the initiative, alongside City of York Council, York Minster and York St John University.

David Brooks, chairman of the Minster Quarter committee and general manager of the Dean Court Hotel, said: “The whole point is to make people aware of the quarter, which is rich in heritage, architecture and history and has so many pleasant shops to visit and linger in.

“It’s the little hidden spaces of the quarter that people will suddenly discover and will encourage people, whether they live 100 miles or 100 yards away, not to think of York as just the core city centre.”

The 40-minute walking trail leaflet highlights York’s Roman and industrial history, giving information on famous monuments, as well as lesser known attractions, such as Peter’s Prison – York Minster’s very own jail, used until 1837.

Restaurants and shops are also marked on the trail, which is illustrated on the organisation’s newly launched website.

The Minster Quarter tonight revealed its plans for a trail to promote the businesses and highlights of the historic area of York.

The private partnership of businesses from the area surrounding York Minster has designed the tour to show off the hidden gems of the quarter, as well as increase footfall for the area’s 300 odd businesses.

The trail of the Minster Quarter will be promoted by leaflet at Visit York’s tourist information centre, civic amenities, such as the library and will also be posted out to visiting coach tours.

More than 50 businesses have been involved in the initiative, alongside City of York Council, York Minster and York St John University.

David Brooks, chairman of the Minster Quarter committee and general manager of the Dean Court Hotel, said: “The whole point is to make people aware of the quarter, which is rich in heritage, architecture and history and has so many pleasant shops to visit and linger in. It’s the little hidden spaces of the quarter that people will suddenly discover and will encourage people, whether they live 100 miles or 100 yards away, not to think of York as just the core city centre.”

The 40-minute walking trail leaflet highlights York’s Roman and industrial history, giving information on famous monuments, as well as lesser known attractions, such as Peter’s Prison.

Restaurants and shops are also marked on the trail, which is also illustrated on the organisation’s newly launched website.

A voluntary organisation that promotes one of York’s most heritage-rich areas is considering ways to highlight the unrecognised history lying within its streets.

The Minster Quarter, which promotes the heritage, history and architecture in the streets near York Minster, such as High Petergate and Stonegate, has commissioned a feasibility study into how it might be able to make the most of Lord Mayor’s Walk.

For example, the study looks at how it could highlight the fact that it is home to one of the oldest Roman roads, which used to lead to the Roman Legion, which was located underneath part of the Minster.

The committee is reviewing the study with the Minster and York St John University to see how it can enhance the area.

The quarter is also trying to get the Minster Quarter recognised officially in the city with signage and having it highlighted on all maps of the city as a destination.

The organisation is holding an informal networking meeting on Wednesday, September 1, at 5.30pm, in Plunketts, in High Petergate, to communicate its achievements and future plans.

David Brooks, chairman of the committee and general manager of the Dean Court Hotel, said they hoped to address perceptions that the quarter was just a retailer’s forum and attract new members.