York’s Shambles Market is getting a spooky makeover this Halloween, with an exclusive night market and a family-friendly ghost trail.
Organised by Make It York as part of Haunted York half-term celebrations, Shambles Market will become a destination for spooky family fun and atmospheric evening entertainment, combining a self-guided ghost hunt with an exclusive Halloween-themed night market.
Haunted York Ghost Hunt at Shambles Market
York is as haunted as ever, and an intervention is needed! From Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, visitors can take part in a self-guided Ghost Hunt at Shambles Market.
Ghosts will be hiding among the market stalls throughout Halloween half-term, challenging visitors to find them all as they explore the market.
Make sure not to miss any ghosts by picking up a checklist of all the ghosts to find from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 28 Back Swinegate, open every day.
After completing the hunt, head to Shambles Food Court to enjoy street food and take a break for a much-deserved rest and recover from the ghost-hunting adventures.
Haunted York Night Market at Shambles Market
On Wednesday 28 October, from 7.30pm to 10pm, Shambles Market will open after dark for an exclusive Night Market.
The Halloween-themed evening will showcase handcrafted goods from local traders and Yorkshire businesses, alongside street food and warm drinks.
Visitors can shop, eat and soak up the atmospheric surroundings of York after dark, with the market taking on a suitably spooky Halloween feel.
The event offers an opportunity to support local independent traders while enjoying a different side of one of York’s best-known markets.
Key Details
Haunted York Ghost Hunt at Shambles Market
What: Self-guided Halloween ghost hunt around the market stalls
Where: Shambles Market, York
When: 24 October – 1 November 2026
Do I need anything? Pick up a checklist from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 28 Back Swinegate
Perfect for: Families looking for a Halloween activity during half-term
After the hunt: Browse local stalls and visit Shambles Food Court for street food
Enjoy festive experiences across York every day of the week this Christmas.
Christmas in York is a magical time of year, with seasonal events, shopping, food and drink taking place throughout the festive season.
York Christmas Market returns from 12 November to 21 December, opening Wednesday to Monday and closed for a weekly rest day on Tuesdays.
While the market is closed on Tuesdays, York’s wider festive offer continues, with plenty of opportunities to shop, explore, eat, drink and enjoy seasonal experiences.
From wandering the city’s historic streets and famous snickelways to browsing independent shops, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a festive day in York everyday.
With independent shops and Shambles Market open seven days a week, and plenty of cosy places to stop for coffee or a bite to eat, York is the perfect setting for a festive day of Christmas shopping. Discover Christmas shopping in York.
Warm up with a hot chocolate, enjoy lunch in a cosy café or pub, book a festive afternoon tea or stay into the evening for dinner and drinks. York’s food and drink scene offers everything from seasonal menus and traditional favourites to independent restaurants, cafés and bakeries, while Shambles Food Court serves a variety of street food and festive treats. Find places to eat and drink in York.
Christmas is also a great time to discover York’s attractions. Explore museums and galleries, uncover stories from the city’s past, enjoy family experiences or simply take time to explore the city’s historic streets. The Visit York Pass offers admission to more than 35 attractions, helping to make the most of your time in the city and beyond. Explore things to do in York.
York’s Christmas calendar is packed with seasonal events and experiences for all ages, from Christmas shows, pantomimes and concerts to family activities and opportunities to meet Santa. Explore Christmas events in York.
For those looking to make the most of their visit, an overnight stay offers more time to explore at a relaxed pace. Choose from city-centre hotels, characterful guest houses and self-catering accommodation across York and the surrounding area. Find accommodation in York.
Whether visiting for Christmas shopping, a family day out, festive food and drink, a seasonal event or a few nights away, explore Christmas in York: visityork.org/christmas
Christmas at York Castle Museum, 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027: York Castle Museum transforms for the festive season, inviting visitors to journey through Christmases past with traditional decorations, festive atmosphere and historic streets brought to life.
York’s Santa Cruise Experience, 21 November to 31 December 2026: City Cruises York brings Christmas to the River Ouse with a festive family cruise featuring Santa, his elves and a North Pole grotto on board.
Christmas On The Water!, 21 November to 31 December 2026: Also from City Cruises York, this seasonal sightseeing experience offers a different perspective on the city from the River Ouse.
Santa’s Christmas Tour, Christmas Family Masterclass, Adults Christmas Masterclass and Tour & Christmas Truffle Rolling, 28 November to 23 December 2026: York’s Chocolate Story hosts a range of hands-on festive experiences, giving visitors the chance to make seasonal chocolate creations, meet Santa and discover more about York’s chocolate heritage.
Christmas Tree Festival, 28 November 2026 to 5 January 2027: York Minster’s popular festival fills the Nave, Chapter House and Lady Chapel with around 100 individually decorated Christmas trees.
Christmas Carol Concerts, 3 to 4 December 2026: The Choir of York Minster performs traditional Christmas music and festive readings in the spectacular surroundings of York Minster.
The Nutcracker, 5 December 2026: York Minster brings Tchaikovsky’s festive favourite to life in the Nave with music, storytelling and puppetry for all the family.
The Further Adventures of Peter Pan: The Return of Captain Hook, 5 December 2026 to 3 January 2027: Grand Opera House York welcomes a family pantomime packed with comedy, music, flying scenes and festive fun.
A Winter Union, 12 December 2026: The National Centre for Early Music welcomes five leading folk musicians for a seasonal concert celebrating winter music and festive traditions.
Grimethorpe Colliery Band Christmas Concert, 12 December 2026: York Minster hosts the internationally renowned brass band for an evening of festive favourites.
Sankta Lucia: Festival of Light, 14 December 2026: York Minster presents an atmospheric candlelit procession and carol service inspired by the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration.
Fairytale at York Minster: Christmas Hits by Candlelight, 16 December 2026: Alistair Griffin and the Ebor Quartet perform well-known festive favourites in the candlelit surroundings of York Minster.
Awake Arise, 18 December 2026: The National Centre for Early Music hosts five acclaimed English folk artists for an evening exploring winter traditions through contemporary and traditional seasonal music.
Chapter House Choir: Carols by Candlelight, 19 December 2026: York Minster welcomes the Chapter House Choir and Youth Choir for an atmospheric evening of festive music.
Nine Lessons and Carols, 23 and 24 December 2026: York Minster’s traditional Christmas services combine readings, music from the Choir of York Minster and well-loved carols.
Festive Afternoon Tea, 13 November 2026 to 1 January 2027: Middletons Hotel serves a seasonal afternoon tea featuring festive sandwiches, savouries and sweet treats.
Ghostly sightings and strange encounters call for an intervention in York
Ghostly goings-on, spooky streets and a serious need for recovery as York gets even more atmospheric this autumn.
York has always been haunted. But this Halloween, things are getting a little out of hand.
Ghostly sightings, strange encounters and stories that refuse to stay buried are making York’s historic streets feel more atmospheric than ever – and it may be time for an intervention.
For anyone brave enough to venture into Haunted York, there are plenty of ways to get your fix of the supernatural.
Explore atmospheric attractions and discover the stories that have earned York its reputation as one of the UK’s most haunted cities.
Uncover centuries of dark history with intriguing storytelling and live theatre with The York Dungeon’s new chilling experience, as you step into the shadowy world of Mother Shipton, the infamous prophetess of Knaresborough.
Barley Hall is looking for trainee ghost hunters to help track down the troublesome ghosts roaming from more than 2,000 years of York’s history.
Keep your eyes peeled for some unexpected visitors at the National Railway Museum. As you explore the incredible collection of iconic locomotives, make sure to search for tiny, hand-crafted ghosts, created with York Ghost Merchants, hiding throughout Station Hall.
While York has plenty to offer during the day, things get particularly interesting after dark when the city takes on a life of its own. There’s only one thing left to do – face the ghosts and choose from a host of spine-tingling ghost walks through the city’s historic streets.
Feeling a little too haunted? Recovery is close at hand.
Warm up with an autumn treat as you escape into cosy pubs or choose from the array of food and drink options, including Shambles Food Court for some of the best street food.
For a little retail therapy, browse some of the city’s independent shops, including the atmospheric Shambles Market, where you’ll find everything from ghostly gifts to tempting treats. Plus, meet some friendly figures as they make an appearance for the Shambles Market Ghost Trail from 24 October to 1 November.
From spooky encounters and dark history to great food and shopping, there’s plenty to keep even the bravest entertained.
Use York Park & Ride from First Bus to get into the city and make the most of your day exploring. It’s an easy, convenient way to get around, so you can spend more time enjoying everything York has to offer car free.
With so much to see and do, attempting to experience Haunted York in a single day could be frightening in itself. The answer? Stay the night. Take your time, explore at your own pace and continue your recovery over breakfast the next morning.
York is haunted. Consider this your warning.
Feeling brave? Discover Haunted York and plan your autumn adventure atvisityork.org/haunted
York Christmas Market returns from Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026, bringing festive shopping, seasonal food and Christmas atmosphere to the heart of the city.
York Christmas Market brings together the city’s renowned festive shopping, seasonal entertainment and independent traders in its historic surroundings.
Organised by Make It York, the Christmas Market is open six days a week, from 10:30am to 7pm, Wednesday to Monday, and closed on Tuesdays for a weekly rest day.
While York Christmas Market is closed on Tuesdays for a rest day, the city remains open and welcoming for your festive days out.
The festive season in York is always one of the most popular and atmospheric times of year in the city. With so much to do, you can explore York’s shops and historic streets, visit an attraction, stop for lunch or enjoy festive events taking place across the city.
The historic Shambles Market and Shambles Food Court remains open every day, 9am to 5pm, as usual in the heart of York’s city centre. A hub for independent traders where you can find something different every day, offering a delightful variety of choice.
Sarah Loftus, Managing Director of Make It York, said:“Our aim is to ensure the city delivers a world-class Christmas experience that balances the needs of visitors, residents and businesses.
“We would love for everyone to keep York and the Christmas Market firmly on their itineraries. There’s so much to do and see in the city throughout the week, your time in the city can be easily packed with the city’s world-class attractions, events, and food and drink options.”
Councillor Pete Kilbane, Executive Member for the Economy said: “During the festive season York is the most Christmassy place in the UK, with people coming together to celebrate and explore our amazing city and its wonderful hospitality and retail businesses.
“This year, to ensure easier access to the city centre for everyone, we are trialling a Christmas Market rest day one day a week on Tuesdays.
“With so much to explore and enjoy seven days a week across the whole of York we are looking forward, with our partners, to what promises to be another fantastic festive period.”
York Christmas Market 2026 Key Information
Dates: Thursday 12 November to Monday 21 December 2026
Opening days: Wednesday to Monday
Opening hours: 10:30am to 7pm (except Monday 21 December 10:30am to 5pm)
Tuesdays: York Christmas Market is closed for a weekly rest day
Wider city: York’s shops, attractions, cafés, restaurants and events remain open throughout the week
Visitor advice: Check York Christmas Market opening times and travel information before visiting.
The rest day is a trial following a decision of the City of York Council’s Executive on Tuesday 12 May. It means that on Tuesdays throughout the market, the stalls will be closed and the Goodramgate, King’s Square, Colliergate loop for Blue Badge holders will be in operation. For the other days when the market is open, in line with recommended anti-terrorism measures, arrangements will be similar to last year with restrictions on vehicles within the footstreet area.
About Make It York – Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings, nationally and internationally, as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy.
About Visit York – Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre.
Yorkshire Day will take centre stage in York with a specially curated Yorkshire Day Market, running from 30 July to 2 August.
Organised by Make It York, the artisan market will showcase the very best of the county, bringing together talented independent traders and producers from across Yorkshire.
Browse e a wide range of handcrafted goods, locally made products and delicious Yorkshire food and drink, making it the perfect opportunity to support local businesses and discover unique gifts and treats.
Whether you’re a proud Yorkshire local or visiting the city, Yorkshire Day is a chance to experience the county’s rich heritage, creativity and renowned hospitality in the heart of York.
Visit York is teaming up with attractions and experiences in York and beyond to give away some fantastic prizes for 14 days in the lead up to Yorkshire Day and the Yorkshire Day Market on Parliament Street. With different prize bundles up for grabs every day, you’ll have the chance to win unforgettable days out at some of York’s top attractions, adventure parks and more.
Be sure to follow @visityork on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date and be the first to discover each day’s giveaway.
Yorkshire Day History
Yorkshire Day was first celebrated on 1 August 1975 by the Yorkshire Ridings Society. It became an official civic celebration in 1985, when York hosted the first Official Yorkshire Day Civic Celebration, cementing the city’s place at the heart of this annual celebration of Yorkshire’s history, culture and traditions.
More summer activities to enjoy in York
In addition to celebrating our country’s rich heritage, the vibrant atmosphere continues right in the city centre, at Parliament Street, with family-friendly summer activities, with something for everyone.
Yorkshire Day Market – From 30 July to 2 August.
Seaside Fun Zone – A pop-up sandpit, classic fairground rides and themed selfie spots. From 30 July to 2 August.
Seagull Trail – A self-guided trail taking you around the hidden corners in Shambles Market. From 25 July to 2 August.
Makers Market – A special evening market showcasing Yorkshire-made products. Only on 29 July from 7.30pm to 10pm.
Shambles Marketand Food Court – Will be open as usual every day, from 9am to 5pm.
THOR’S –Soak in the atmosphere with a programme of events while enjoying a selection of delicious food and drink. Until 6 September.
The Watchers of York – The new, free sculpture trail inspired by York Minster’s carved stone figures. Running until 31 August.
Seaside-themed activities, Yorkshire celebrations and live performances will bring extra energy to the city centre this summer.
You can experience a packed programme of summer events in York, as the city comes alive with family entertainment, locally produced food and drink, live performances and outdoor experiences across the city centre and Shambles Market.
From 30 July to 2 August, Parliament Street will transform into a vibrant seaside-inspired destination, bringing coastal charm to the heart of York with four days of free and family-friendly activities.
The Seaside Fun Zone will feature a pop-up sandpit, classic fairground rides and themed selfie spots, creating a lively atmosphere for families during the summer holidays. Younger visitors will also have the opportunity to climb aboard a real farm tractor and take part in craft activities.
The celebrations continue throughout the city, with visitors encouraged to discover hidden corners of the historic Shambles Market through the self-guided Seagull Trail. Trail leaflets will be available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, as well as a special sticker upon completion.
The friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with top tips for enjoying your summer in York, as well as finding locally made gifts and souvenirs, as well as attraction and travel tickets, guides and maps.
You can also grab a Visit York Pass, offering exclusive access to over 35 attractions and extra offers, saving you time and money.
Shambles Market will be open as usual every day, 9am-5pm, offering a delightful variety of choices of independent shopping from exquisite gifts and stylish accessories to fresh flowers and artisan crafts from local traders.
Nestled within the market, the Shambles Food Court is the place to be for the best street food delights catering to a wide range of global tastes. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot to relax at the picnic bench area.
Don’t miss a special evening market showcasing Yorkshire-made products. Taking place on 29 July from 7.30pm to 10pm, the Makers Market will transform Shambles Market into a vibrant, welcoming destination, offering a family-friendly twilight shopping experience in the heart of the city.
Yorkshire Day will also take centre stage with a specially curated artisan Yorkshire Day Market, from 30 July to 2 August, showcasing handcrafted goods, locally made products and food from some of the region’s finest independent producers.
The brand-new The Tempest Play Area, brought to you by York BID, is a dynamic, family-friendly immersive lava-themed play experience packed with interactive fun. It features themed obstacle challenges and balance-based equipment including wobble boards and clatter bridges. The play area invites children to climb, balance, jump and explore their way through the course. A variety of engaging games and activities are designed to keep children active, entertained and fully immersed, encouraging movement, problem-solving and playful exploration throughout. With interactive activities and lava-themed challenges throughout, families can test their agility, problem-solving and adventure skills in an exciting city-centre play experience.
Adding to the summer atmosphere, THOR’S returns to Parliament Street, until 6 September, with a refreshed look, new food and drink offerings and a programme of community-focused events throughout the season. The popular venue will also return to The Milner York gardens, until 5 September, with a new line-up of outdoor summer events.
Not to be missed is the brand-new, free art trail, The Watchers of York, inspired by York Minster’s carved stone figures. Running until 31 August, pick up the trail map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre and explore the city in search of these unique new sculptures.
The city centre’s summer activities complement Visit York’s wider seasonal offer, with things to do from sunrise to sunset – including world-class attractions, riverside walks, alfresco dining, independent shopping and outdoor experiences across the city.
With so much to see and do, head to visityork.org/summer for a full list of events and to plan your summer days, in addition to picking up the new summer guide.
About Make It York – Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings, nationally and internationally, as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy.
About Visit York– Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre.
York’s new sculpture trail has launched today, bringing 12 striking sculptures to the city streets in a celebration of heritage, creativity and community.
Produced by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster, The Watchers of York is inspired by the carved grotesques high above York Minster.
The Watchers are protective characters connected to different parts of York’s story. Each has its own personality and purpose, reflected in the location it calls home. Some watch over the rivers, others guard green spaces and gateways, while several keep an eye on the city’s historic streets.
Each sculpture is individually designed and painted by a diverse mix of established artists, charities and art students. Each inspired by a different facet of the city’s rich history, character and cultural identity to bring the character to life.
The trail launched today, 29 June, and will run until 31 August 2026, inviting residents and visitors to discover York through the eyes of its newest guardians.
Meet the Watchers, their guardianship, discover the artists and creators behind the sculptures, and follow the latest trail updates at: visityork.org/watchers-trail
Follow and share your photos and experiences online by tagging @VisitYork
About Make It York – Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings, nationally and internationally, as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy.
About Visit York – Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre.
About York Minster – York Minster was built for the glory of God and this is reflected in every aspect of this ancient building, from the exquisite, handcrafted stone through to the unrivalled collection of medieval stained glass. York Minster remains a thriving church and everyone is invited to join the daily services, including choral Evensong sung Tuesday to Sunday during term time by the Choir of York Minster, visit to pray or light a candle or simply spend time absorbing the atmosphere of the cathedral.
Shambles Market will host a special evening Makers Market, bringing together around 30 local craft and artisan traders showcasing the very best of local and Yorkshire-made products.
The event will complement the market’s existing Shambles Food Court traders, creating a vibrant and welcoming, family-friendly evening destination in the heart of the city on 29 Julyfrom 7:30pm to 10pm.
Organised by Make It York, the twilight event supports York’s Purple Flag status by promoting a safe, diverse and attractive evening economy.
Historic Shambles Market
For over 60 years, the award-winning Shambles Market has been offering a delightful variety of choice from local traders.
Open seven days a week, there’s always something different to discover every day – from exquisite quality gifts and fresh flowers to artisan crafts and stylish accessories. Moreover, the vibrant Shambles Food Court is not to missed, the place where you can savour a delectable array of street food delights and relax in the picnic seating area.
Young Traders Market
Alongside the Makers Market, aspiring entrepreneurs will compete in the National Market Traders Federation’s (NMTF) Young Traders Market competition.
Up to 12 young traders aged between 16 and 30 will take part, competing for the opportunity to progress to the 2026 regional final. The competition forms part of the NMTF Young Traders Market programme, a national initiative designed to encourage and discover the next generation of market traders and business owners.
The Young Traders Market provides an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to test new business ideas, gain valuable trading experience and engage directly with customers in a real market environment.
The NMTF, founded in 1899, is the UK’s only national trade association representing market and street traders, events retailers and mobile caterers.
Applications open
Make It York are accepting applications for traders to be part of the markets, which can be made online via Make It York by 30 June.
Plan your visit
Come along, support local businesses, discover unique Yorkshire products and meet the emerging entrepreneurs shaping the future of Britain’s markets.
About Make It York – Make It York’s purpose is to develop and promote the city and its surroundings, nationally and internationally, as a vibrant and attractive place to live, visit, study, work and do business. Its mission is to grow the economic prosperity and wider wellbeing of York and its citizens. In practice, this means delivering a range of projects and programmes based around our corporate strategic priorities. These are, city positioning and profile-raising, ensuring an exciting city centre, and delivering the city’s ground-breaking cultural strategy.
About Visit York– Visit York is a part of Make It York and is the leisure tourism brand. Under the brand Visit York, Make It York’s aim is to market York as a must-see world-class destination to the leisure and business visitor and ensure investment to develop the quality of tourism in York. Activity covers all aspects of tourism marketing and PR, including market intelligence, as well as providing business support through the membership programme. Visit York operate the Visit York Pass, York’s city-sightseeing card, and run the Visitor Information Centre.
Inspired by the carved grotesques high above us on York Minster, The Watchers of York are protective characters connected to different parts of the city’s story. Some watch over hidden corners, some over green spaces and waterways, while others keep an eye on the movement of people through York’s historic streets.
The arrival of the original stone guardian, named ‘The Watcher of York’, marks an important milestone for the inaugural city-wide sculpture trail launching in two weeks, from 29 June.
Each Watcher has its own personality and guardianship, reflected by the place where it stands. ‘The Watcher of York’ keeps close to York Minster. Some say the first Watcher has always been here, quietly watching from the shadow of York Minster. Carved from stone, it knows every story whispered beneath the Minster windows. While other guardians roam York’s streets and spaces, ‘The Watcher of York’ remains close to its ancient home, keeping watch over the city that inspired them all.
Together, the 12 sculptures will form an intimate trail across York, inviting residents and visitors to discover the city from a new perspective.
Inspired by York Minster’s medieval stone carvings
Launching from 29 June and running to 31 August 2026, The Watchers of York trail is being developed by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster.
The sculptures take inspiration directly from the remarkable carved grotesques of York Minster. Using detailed digital renders of historic stone figures, designers have developed four-foot-tall sculptures that feel both authentic and alive.
One of the original sources for the Watcher character is a medieval carving of a wyvern located on the South Quire of York Minster, dating from around 1400.
Rather than attempting a complete reconstruction of how the wyvern may once have appeared, the sculpture design carefully interprets what survives today, drawing on the visible stonework while respecting its historic origins.
This approach reflects the conservation philosophy used by York Minster’s stonemasonry team, where original carvings are repaired and consolidated wherever possible rather than replaced entirely. The original wyvern grotesque was recently cleaned and stabilised to help ensure its survival for another century and beyond.
The Watchers sculptures follow the same principle, bringing these ancient guardians back into view through respectful interpretation rather than reconstruction, allowing York’s medieval stone characters to watch over the city once again in a new form.
Rooted in heritage and brought to life through creativity, each sculpture is painted by a diverse mix of established artists, charities, community groups and art students. The result will be a distinctive and intimate public art experience celebrating York’s history, culture and creativity.
Meet the Watchers, their guardianship, discover the artists and creators behind the sculptures, and follow the latest trail updates at: visityork.org/watchers-trail
Discover world-class attractions, beautiful gardens, scenic walking trails, mouth-watering street food and relaxed alfresco dining throughout the day.
With so much to see and do, why not unwind in the evening and continue your adventure the next day? York offers a wide range of accommodation, from boutique hotels and luxury spa retreats to self-catering stays, providing the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. Whatever your style or budget, you’ll find the ideal base for your visit. And if you’re travelling with a four-legged friend, there’s also a great selection of dog-friendly accommodation across the city.
Step into summer and York’s gardens and hidden corners
The summer days in York are made for getting outdoors, enjoying the fresh air and exploring the city’s beautiful gardens and green spaces, perfect for leisurely walks or relaxed picnics in the sun.
One of the best ways to experience York is on foot. Wander through the city’s famous snickelways or along the historic City Walls, and you’ll uncover hidden gems, scenic views and charming corners that reveal York at its most atmospheric.
Don’t miss the brand-new, free art trail, The Watchers of York, inspired by York Minster’s carved stone figures, the grotesques. Individually designed, these new sculptures have been re-imagined with a contemporary twist to bring the historic forms to life throughout the city centre. Pick up the trail map from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre from 29 June to 31 August.
Outdoor dining and market treats
There are a variety of incredible cafes, restaurants and beer gardens with outdoor seating.
Shambles Market is open throughout the year where you can find something different every day from 9am to 5pm, offering a delightful variety of choices. It’s the ultimate destination for a diverse range of independent shopping from exquisite gifts and stylish accessories to fresh flowers and artisan crafts from local traders.
Nestled within the market, the Shambles Food Court is a culinary haven and the destination for gastronomic delights, catering to a wide range of global tastes. Plus, it’s a dog-friendly spot so you can grab you and your pooch a treat and relax at picnic bench area.
In addition, celebrate our great region with the curated artisan Yorkshire Day Market, from 30 July to 2 August, and find unique, handcrafted goods and delicious bites from Yorkshire’s finest producers.
York’s favourite pop-up bar, THOR’S, is back this summer at Parliament Street. With all things new, including a new look, food and drinks menu and community events. They’ll also be returning to The Milner York gardens with an unmissable line up of events.
City centre family friendly activities
There are plenty of things to see and do for your little ones over the summer holidays right in the heart of the city centre. From 30 July to 2 August, dive into a vibrant celebration with seaside-inspired fun that bring a splash of coastal charm to Parliament Street.
The Seaside Fun Zone will be full of activities with a pop-up sandpit and classic fairground rides, uncover hidden corners in Shambles Market with the self-guided Seagull Trail. Head to the Visit York Visitor Information Centre to pick up your trail leaflet. Little ones can also climb aboard a real farm tractor, alongside hands-on craft activities.
Take a tour on the river
Discover York from a different perspective with City Cruises York, offering a range of experiences along the River Ouse. The popular York City Cruise, led by knowledgeable local skippers, takes passengers through the city’s rich history, from its Roman origins to its famous chocolate heritage, with panoramic views from open-top decks and enclosed saloons. Visitors can also upgrade to the Fish and Chips Cruise, featuring freshly prepared meals from award-winning Mr Chippy delivered directly to the boat.
As the evenings grow longer, guests can relax on the water with a choice of evening sailings. The lively Alive After Five cruise combines live commentary with a sociable atmosphere and discounted onboard drinks, while the Evening Escape and Strawberries and Cream cruises offer a quieter experience complete with a complimentary boarding drink. For those seeking independence, Self-Drive Boat Hire allows families and groups of up to five people to captain their own adventure on the River Ouse, with no previous boating experience required.
Enjoy a thrilling mix of laughs, scares and storytelling
Step back through 2,000 years of York’s darkest history at The York Dungeon, where live actors, immersive sets and special effects bring the city’s murky past to life. Encounter Vikings, notorious figures including Guy Fawkes and Isabella Billington, and terrifying tales of plague, torture and highwaymen including the return of the infamous Dick Turpin.
For those brave enough to visit after dark, York Dungeon Lates offers an adults-only experience on Saturday evenings. Featuring extra scares, twists and turns, cheekier humour and surprises that only come out at night, the experience combines theatrical storytelling with edge-of-your-seat surprises for a darker and more intense night at the Dungeon.
All aboard for a journey through railway history
Discover world-famous locomotives, groundbreaking engineering and inspiring railway stories at National Railway Museum. In the newly reopened Station Hall, you can experience the atmosphere of York’s former goods station, explore magnificent royal carriages and uncover the stories of the people and journeys that shaped the railways. The museum is also home to iconic exhibits including Mallard, the world’s fastest steam locomotive, alongside immersive experiences such as the Flying Scotsman VR Experience.
With free entry and interactive attractions for all ages, the museum offers a memorable day out for the whole family. Young visitors can get hands-on in Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery, packed with experiments and activities exploring the science behind the railways. Visitors can also travel to the museum in style aboard the Road Train from the city centre (complimentary for Visit York Pass holders).
Theatre under the evening sky
Shambles Market becomes the venue for York Mystery Plays as it hosts memorable performances depicting medieval times.
The return of the York Mystery Plays sees two twilight performances staged at the market’s unique setting on 30 June and 1 July. These atmospheric productions bring medieval storytelling to life in the very setting where history unfolded, offering audiences a unique open-air theatre experience.
Performed by local communities, the York Mystery Plays are a theatrical spectacle. Across the evening at Shambles Market, five plays unfold with each one introduced by a Storyteller inviting you to experience the stories and discover your own response within them. Performances also take place on 28 June and 5 July with the programme including a two-week fringe of events.
Ease of travelling in and out of the city
Travelling in and out of the city couldn’t be simpler with frequent services from First Bus heading straight into the heart of the city.
If you do drive, using the York Park & Ride service is the best way to travel by car. With six convenient sites located around the city, you can relax on board zero-emission buses and let someone else do the driving into the heart of York. It’s quicker and easier than driving into the city centre. What’s more, three children aged 16 or under can travel free when accompanied with an adult ticket from just £4!
Discover history, gardens and adventure at Castle Howard
Set within the Howardian Hills National Landscape just outside York, and easily accessible by bus from the city centre, Castle Howard is one of Britain’s most celebrated historic houses and gardens. Home to the Howard family for more than 300 years, the magnificent estate is regarded as one of the finest examples of English Baroque architecture. You can explore the grand interiors at your own pace while discovering the rich history and striking design of the house.
Beyond the house, you can enjoy almost 1,000 acres of Grade I listed parkland and gardens, featuring lakes, fountains, statues and woodland walks with sweeping countryside views. Families can make the most of the Skelf Island Adventure Playground, while shops, cafés, the farm shop and garden centre provide plenty of opportunities to relax and browse throughout the day.
Shop, dine and save
Home to more than 100 designer and premium brands, York Designer Outlet offers savings of up to 60% off recommended retail prices across a wide range of fashion, lifestyle and homeware stores.
It is also a great destination for a family day out, with a dedicated children’s play area and a full programme of activities and events running throughout the summer holidays. Visitors can also enjoy the Food Quarter, offering a variety of dining options to suit all tastes.
Just minutes from York city centre, the outlet is easily accessible via a regular Park and Ride service running daily, alongside free parking and EV charging points for added convenience.
Unlock more of York with the city’s official sightseeing pass
Grab a Visit York Pass for convenient access to more than 35 attractions, along with exclusive offers designed to save you both time and money during your visit. Enjoy free entry to leading sites in York and the surrounding area, with the flexibility to build your own itinerary at your own pace.
The more attractions you visit, the greater the savings compared with purchasing individual tickets. Fully digital and easy to use, the pass is stored on your phone for instant access on the go. You’ll also unlock a range of discounts and offers on dining, shopping and experiences to help make the most of your stay.
You can buy your Pass online or in person from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre. It’s also the place the friendly and knowledgeable team can help you with top tips for enjoying your summer in York. The shop is full of locally made gifts and souvenirs, as well as attraction and travel tickets, guides and maps, in addition, you can pick up the new summer guide.
With so much to see and do, head to visityork.org/summerfor must-see attractions, things to do and a full list of events not to be missed.
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