The Shop That Must Not Be Named

The Shop That Must Not Be Named

The Shop That Must Not Be Named
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Seeking supplies for the new term at Hogwarts? Looking for a special magical artefact or wand? Or just a browsing Muggle? Whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it at The Shop That Must Not Be Named. Situated on York's Shambles – the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films – we are the original and premier shop specialising in officially licensed Harry Potter merchandise. Since opening in May 2017 we’ve delighted visitors from all over the world with our magical wares and friendly wizarding staff, who know everything you could ever want to know about the Boy Who Lived and his world. Park your broom at 30-31 Shambles.
Duration: < 1 hour
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  • Thedon152
    28 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly magical
    Called in just to look being a Harry Potter fan and got caught up in the magic. A truly magical shop that didn’t disappoint to the point I visited twice during our stay and purchased both times. A must visit for any Potter fan.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 October 2023
  • Jason Fair
    Merida, Mexico1,068 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Best shop in town!
    What an absolute gem of a shop on the Shambles. I wanted to go to York for this shop alone. It did not disappoint. We bought some reusable House coffee mugs and enjoyed the decor and items available. Luckily they ship! Such a wonderfully themed place. A must visit when in York.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 20 March 2024
  • Sandra H
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely great!
    It was really worth the wait. We were there early morning so the cue outside was very short. Lots of great stuff to see & buy. We spend almost 1 hour in the shop and I am not sure that we could have spend another our in it. If you are a true fan, this shop is a must see!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 April 2024
  • Charlotte
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical ;)
    Absolutely lovvvve this shop! Well shops! As there is 2 opposite each other down Shambles! Any Harry Potter fan is going to go in there and find a little treasure somewhere. Well worth the visit if you are a Harry Potter fanatic like us!
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 9 April 2024
  • Tella The Truth
    Southport, United Kingdom8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This gem of a shop located in York's 'Shambles' is a must for Potter fans.
    This gem of a shop located in York's 'Shambles' is a must for Potter fans. There are lots of quirky items amongst the merchandise and lots of staff monitoring people and controlling the queues. The items are good but very expensive so it's worth saving up before you visit. I visited with my daughter - we bought a lot of items, some to put away for birthday & xmas; some to enjoy now. After such a mammoth spend, a free carrier bag or two would have been a nice gesture. Annie was very friendly and knowledgable about the products. This shop accepts cash and has good opening hours. There is also a smaller sister shop opposite this one.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 28 June 2024
  • Corey K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing customer service!!
    Amazing atmosphere made even better by the staff. The postcard with the shop drawing is incredible! Amanda was an absolute pleasure to talk to and really knowledgeable about the shop and area. She had plenty of recommendations on food in the area.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 20 August 2024
  • Erika G
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A very realistic experience of the Wizarding World!
    The shop is fantastic! And the staff is truly helpful and nice. One person in particular stood out, Ryan who entertained us while in the queue with a Harry Potter Trivia quiz. He was so good and professional, whilst entertaining, that we felt like we were inside one of the HP books! The experience was really immersive and real. A very special visit. Thanks Ryan!
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 23 August 2024
  • BMcC004
    Madison, Wisconsin283 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gotta love it
    We went early before they opened to get some pictures with fewer people of the shop and the street. Shop is nice. A bit packed, lots of cool stuff. I did not buy anything because did not want to carry on plane home. However, did order several things after I returned. Worth a visit for any HP fans.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 September 2024
  • Stephanie T
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place!
    Definitely recommend to any Harry Potter fans! Staff are brilliant, waiting times were shorter than I expected considering it was the summer holidays. I purchased something that was damaged and a replacement was posted out to me free of charge straight away! Just brilliant, can't wait to visit again!
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 20 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles321 reviews
Excellent
251
Very good
47
Average
9
Poor
5
Terrible
9

NBe
Lincolnshire, UK6 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
With two self-confessed Potterheads we were always going to visit The Shop That Must Not Be Named; even so, it met, exceeded and surpassed their excited expectations. We were clearly lucky with our timing and spent less than 5-mins waiting to be let in, but even that was part of the experience as the 'Door Keeper' chatted with us with genuine interest and enthusiasm. (I'm really sorry to have not noted her name.) Perfectly located on The Shambles, inside was like stepping into Olivander's with everything the full-on HP fan could wish for.
Written 19 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jess D
Northwich, UK5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2021 • Couples
It was well worth the queue to get in, it enabled us to look around the shop without it being too busy. Sorge, the gentleman who was helping customers pick wands, was so knowledgeable and chatty, and really enhanced the experience. We would definitely recommend a visit to this shop during a trip to York.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Phoebelomax
Nelson, UK29 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Family
Been twice in one week! It’s amazing, everything you could ever hope for.

Massive shout out to Matt G, who absolutely made the visit. Whilst queuing we were quizzed on Harry Potter and chatted with Matt, who is an asset to the business.
Written 5 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ZummyMummy
London, UK8 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Couples
My boyfriend ordered some gifts for my birthday from here. They went the extra mile to ensure the things he ordered were correct and showed up on time. All the wrapping, boxing and even the invoices were all beautiful and fit with the theme of the Wizarding World very well.
Its always all those small extra touches that can make something stand out and impress and this shop sure did impress.
Excited to come and check this store out after lockdown!
Written 8 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ana G
Sydney, Australia416 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2019
This store is absolutely full of all sorts of wonderful Harry Potter things.

They are reasonably priced, even better than the Harry Potter shop across the way.

I regret not buying more things because the prices really are reasonable. I assumed because it was a small town their prices would be higher than London, where they have more foot traffic. But I was wrong.
Many of the items were more expensive in London and at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Making Of and this store actually had some really great things that weren't even available in London.
Written 1 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Callum S
Manchester, UK11 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Couples
Amazing stuff inside and the employees (Max) really knows his stuff, like Newts wand and the teeth marks along it.

Could've spent so much money and was tempted to buy the sword of Griffindor.

You won't regret going here.
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Charlie Walsh
19 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Couples
Extremely long wait time on a crowded street, wouldn’t mind if inside wasn’t crowded too but it was like herding cattle. Also had to queue once inside to get to the other side of the shop. The staff were great, very welcoming and chatty. Would recommend visiting for any Harry Potter fan, just not on weekends.
Written 5 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lauren O
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
Walking down the shambles and stumbled across this gem of a shop walked in and knowing I’m a massive Harry Potter fan was pretty overwhelmed with the selection of wands, books, collectibles etc. Got speaking to a woman called penny who works there which was fab as we got chatting about the books and she basically watched me fan girl even after the shop was technically closed.
Would highly recommend coming here the staff are wonderful and you’ll be super happy with what they have to offer if you’re a massive Harry Potter nerd like myself.

Tah for the experience muggles🧙‍♀️
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

haamoc
22 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
Luckily there was only a small queue to get in. ( It can get very busy at times). Way overpriced and if you walk up the street a bit there are some shops selling Harry Potter stuff at a slightly lower price. Definitely a tourist trap and if you want to waste your money on in some cases expensive tat (£30 for a plastic wand anyone?) then go ahead.
I would suggest you see the shop and then buy elsewhere or online.
Written 7 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Simon Fairhurst
Wigan, UK44 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022 • Family
Being big Potterheads (Harry Potter fans) this shop is a DEFINITE stop-by in every York visit we have.

There’s just something magical about walking down the shambles street and into this shop, it really feels like you’re in the wizard wing world walking down Diagon Alley and into Olivanders to buy your first wand.

We spend far too much money every time we come being collectors, but highly recommend this place if you’re into Harry Potter!
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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THE SHOP THAT MUST NOT BE NAMED (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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