'Tourists are turning our city into a Harry Potter theme park': Residents say their iconic medieval streets are being ruined by 'tacky' merchandise shops

Published: 00:45, 21 April 2026 | Updated: 00:46, 21 April 2026 Locals have hit out at 'tacky' Harry Potter merchandise shops turning their iconic medieval city into a 'Disneyfied theme park'. Residents living near The Shambles in York say the 'historic gem' is now more akin to a replica of Diagon Alley, the fictional shopping district in JK Rowling's Hogwarts franchise. The real-life street is widely believed to have been the inspiration behind the fictional district in the films - though Rowling previously stated she has never visited it. Now, residents in York claim the city is becoming 'Disneyfied' as tourists flock to visit the 'York Disney theme experience'. One local, Gabrielle de Yorvick, said the street had been turned into a 'Diagon Alley replica'. In the Harry Potter books, Diagon Alley is a Dickensian cobbled street full of shops for wizards and students. Ms Yorvick said: 'As a child, it was a pleasure to walk along The Shambles, almost like walking through a page from a history book, fascinating for residents and visitors alike. 'People would stand and look up to admire the jettied architecture with its heavy oak beams and mullioned windows. Residents in York claim the city is becoming 'Disneyfied' as tourists flock to visit the 'York Disney theme experience In one video uploaded to social media, the caption reads: 'The perfect city for any wizards to visit' Residents living near The Shambles (pictured) in York say the 'historic gem' is now more akin to a replica of Diagon Alley, the fictional shopping district in J.K. Rowling's Hogwarts franchise View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram 'The shops were interesting, clean, cared for and welcoming. 'These days it is a place I avoid like the plague.' In her letter to the York Press, she went on to claim The Shambles was 'dying' and 'those who should be protecting it are allowing it to happen'. She added: 'The interesting artisan shops are gone and the current shops are filled with "Harry Potter" merchandise or cheap, tacky souvenirs. 'Someone seems determined to turn the place into a replica of Diagon Alley even though J K Rowling herself, has refuted the idea that she based it on The Shambles. 'Please, don't turn this lovely city into a theme park.' Another resident, Joanna Scott, agreed - saying she believed the 'historic' street needed to be 'protected from undignified commercialisation.' She added: 'If you're not a Harry Potter fan - and I've nothing against boy wizards - it's such a shame that a real street with a real, fascinating history has not been more protected. Kelly Blair of the Kings Inn (pictured) called Shambles 'incredible' and 'iconic' Paul Dawson Coins on The Shambles in York is pictured. In the Harry Potter books, Diagon Alley is a Dickensian cobbled street full of shops for wizards and students 'What will fill the beautiful shops when the Harry hype dies down? 'I hope for proper shops; I wouldn't bet my wizardly hat on it, though.' Fellow York local Derek Reed said he believed The Shambles has been 'Disneyfied'. He said: 'It's striking how the character of this historic gem has changed over the years. 'Obviously way back in days of yore it was characterised by butchery and animal products which must have been offal for residents though I expect they were used to it. 'Now it's wizards and witches, ghosts, cats, potions and the factor that made Shambles famous, Harry Potter. 'Indeed, some would even co-opt the term "Disneyfied" to capture the ambience of the street today. 'Fifty years ago, it was different with a much greater emphasis on artisan craftsmen and traders. A sign beside one Harry Potter store reads: 'Park your broom'. Despite the views of some locals, many traders of The Shambles have rallied around its attractions 'Compare and contrast with today's street scene. 'I suppose it's what's called progress.' Another resident, D M Deamer, agreed, adding: 'I concur with Derek Reed's take on how central York is becoming like a Disney land with tourists flocking to visit the "York Disney theme experience".' But despite the views of some locals, many traders of The Shambles rallied around its attractions. Kelly Blair of the Kings Inn called it 'incredible' and 'iconic'. She said: 'Having travelled all over the world, it's one of the most amazing streets.' 'Every shop down here is full and thriving. 'Maybe Yorkies don't want to be buying Harry Potter but what's better than to have this amazing street? Mike Gaskell of the Little Saffron souvenir shop, also chairman of Shambles Traders' Association, said: 'I think trading in the Shambles is fantastic' At The Shambles Tavern, Chantelle McCarthur (pictured), said she likes trading in Shambles and agreed Harry Potter 'brings all the tourists' 'There's a reason tens of thousands come to this street. I think it's the best street in York. Kids love it, families love it. It brings people to York.' Mike Gaskell of the Little Saffron souvenir shop, also chairman of Shambles Traders' Association, said: 'I think trading in the Shambles is fantastic. It's a happy place. It's a place where people are happy working here. People are trying to get a unit here. Everybody liaises with each other.' And whilst Harry Potter was never filmed there, 'it does bring people in,' he added. At The Shambles Tavern, Chantelle McCarthur, said she likes trading in Shambles and agreed Harry Potter 'brings all the tourists'. However, she said the tour guides and some queues outside some venues can block the street. April Robin, who works at The Cheesecake Guy, agreed Shambles is dominated by Harry Potter, but added: 'It is good for business. We get a lot of tourists because they think its Diagon Alley.' But not all traders held the same view, with one who declined to be named saying he was not benefiting from the numbers the influx of tourists. 'Nowadays it was all Harry Potter,' he said. 'It's not really for us. It's just for kids. But what can you say.' Sean at the Hedben Tea Shop added: 'It's bad for business because visitors are just blinded by this look. 'They walk about and they don't even see us. You get loads of people standing in doorways taking pictures. The congestion they cause is horrendous. 'York used to be about history, Vikings, Romans, now it's wizards, which isn't true. 'It's madness - it's become Harry Potter world.' No comments have so far been submitted. 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