Meet The Night Watchers of York: City streets become home to a new band of guardians

Free, family-friendly sculpture trail returns to York in the new year.
A new band of guardians is set to take up residence across York this winter, as The Night Watchers of York returns for its second instalment from 30 January to 28 March 2027.
Organised by Make It York, the nine sculptures are inspired by the centuries-old stone carvings and grotesques of York Minster.
The free, family-friendly sculpture trail invites everyone to explore the city and discover the stories of a new collection of Night Watchers as they take up their posts across York.
Each Night Watcher has its own character, story to discover and place in the city, creating a fresh collection of characters to encounter throughout the trail.
Follow the trail during the day but don’t miss them after dark to discover a new side to these curious new guardians.
See a new side to the Night Watchers at nightfall
As daylight fades, York provides a very different backdrop for the Night Watchers – making an early evening expedition another way to explore the trail.
While the Night Watchers can be enjoyed throughout the day, visitors can experience the trail in a different way when daylight draws in.
The sculptures are outdoors and some Night Watchers feature light-reflective details or elements that become more noticeable in lower light, meaning visitors may discover something new depending on when they visit.
From nocturnal wildlife and folklore to light, colour and the hidden details that emerge after nightfall, each Night Watcher brings a different side of the night to life.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said: “We’re pleased to see the trail return, creating a free and accessible experience that gives everyone even more reasons to explore York.
We aim to bring engaging new ways to support York’s visitor economy during the winter months, encouraging visitors to discover the city’s heritage, attractions, food scene and shopping streets all over again.”
Plan your visit – key details:
- The Night Watchers of York
- Date: 30 January – 28 March 2027
- What to expect: Free, family-friendly sculpture trail across York city centre
- What do I need? Trail maps will be available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre (28 Back Swinegate) from 25 January 2027
- More to follow: Keep up to date at the official hub page: visityork.org/watchers-trail and socials @visityork
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR
Visit York Visitor Information Centre, 28 Back Swinegate, YO1 8AD. Open: Monday – Saturday 9:00 – 17:00. Sunday 10:00 – 16:00. https://visityork.org/business-directory/visit-york-information-centre-gift-shop
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