Ogleforth is one of York’s most unspoilt streets and history breathes from every house and mews along its hundred or so yards.

Ogleforth, York: unchanged in decades, perhaps centuries

Many of the properties on Ogleforth belonged, or still belong, to York Minster and are used as lodgings for various staff. Some date from the 17th century, including The Dutch House, on the left as you walk down from Goodramgate, a grade II listed property dating from about 1650 which is currently being restored as luxury apartments and a boutique hotel.

The Dutch House also played the title role in Barbara Whitehead’s 1997 novel Death at the Dutch House. And how little Ogleforth has changed over the years is demonstrated by its use in the TV show Heartbeat (series 17 episode 1, Heartbeat fans) as the setting for a 1960s car chase with little or no alteration needed to the present building facades.

With such a media profile, it’s surprising that Ogleforth is never, ever busy, making it a very pleasant addition to any stroll around the city of York.

Continue your York tour
At the north-west end: turn west into Chapter House Street towards the Minster and the Treasurer’s House
At the south-east end: turn into Goodramgate, either west towards King’s Square or east towards Monk Bar and the City Walls