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.