York Ghost Merchants: Access Review.

Our favourite shop in York, but its popularity has meant long queues which isn't something we can manage nowadays. Even with the rollator to sit on, the crowds mean that that it becomes challenging. We queued for nearly 2 hours on our first visit!

However, we discovered that since 2023 they have offered accessible appointments, so decided to try it out!

🎟️ Booking.

Accessible appointments are booked for free using an easy to use online booking system. Appointments are available on the hour and allow one customer with a NIMBUS card or Pass plus one other adult and any children under 16 to enter. There is even a box for any additional info to allow the staff to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

ℹ️ Access info.

The website has a whole page dedicated to accessibility with a comprehensive FAQ section and contact info for any other queries. It is probably the most thorough page we've seen for how to book an accessible appointment/ticket with details about the shop itself.

🩼 Mobility.

The York Ghost Merchants is located on The Shambles, a narrow, cobbled 14th century street that is very popular with tourists. The 1st video shows the walk from King's Square to the shop. The queue on the right hand side is for the Ghost Merchants.

The door to the shop is narrow with a small (approx. 5cm) step that's wheelchair accessible. For those unable to secure access appointments, stools can be provided. The shop is on a single level with wooden floors and is obstacle free as the ghosts are on the side walls only.

🎧 Sensory.

The lighting is soft inside. There is light background music playing in the shop, any other noise is from the Old fashioned till and customers. The staff appeared to limit the number of non-access customers inside with no more than around 5 other customers while we were there.

⚠️ It is worth making a note that The Shambles is a narrow street with buildings that overhang the street. It is widely considered the most crowded and busy street in York. Therefore it may be challenging for those with sensory needs.

🚽 Toilets.

There are no facilities at the shop however, there are accessible and changing places toilets are available on nearby Silver Street (less than 100m away. A RADAR key is required to access these.

☕️ Food and drink.

The Shambles street food market is metres away with seating. Alternatively there are a large array of places to buy food and drink along The Shambles as well as in and around York.

🪑 Rest Opportunities.

None readily available, however, they are able to provide chairs for queuing customers, so this may be something they are able to provide instore for those struggling.

🦻 Hearing.

No hearing loop available.

📖 Visual Guides.

None available at the time of visiting.

🐕‍🦺 Assistance Dogs.

Assistance dogs are welcome in the York Ghost Merchants.

Our verdict.

The York Ghost Merchants are committed to making the shop as accessible as possible. The staff are friendly and helpful, the booking system works wonderfully and the actual appointments are great. We will definitely be back time and time again to add to our collection of York ghosts and would definitely recommend this, although be warned, collecting ghosts becomes a little addictive.

💀💀💀💀💀