Autumn’s here and there’s something spooktacular going on in York: the return of Ghosts in the Gardens! The York BID is once again bringing some horribly good wire mesh sculptures to some of York’s most stunning green spaces and this year it’s bigger than ever (and, as always, it’s FREE!).
From Friday 19th September 2025, York will once again be filled with ghostly goings-on as 58 eerie sculptures appear in gardens, ruins and green spaces across the city. Among them are 10 brand-new ghosts, created especially for this year’s trail!
Now a much-loved highlight of York’s cultural calendar, Ghosts in the Gardens is a chance to discover the city in a new light (or shadow!). You’ll stumble across translucent wire-mesh figures, from monks and soldiers to new characters like a haunting plague mask figure, a rider on a penny-farthing bicycle and a shackled female prisoner.
The sculptures, crafted by local creative team Unconventional Design, are beautifully spooky without being too scary, making it a fun autumn activity for all ages. It’s a brilliant way to explore the city and find hidden corners you might never have visited before.
A brand-new evening experience
This year, there’s something new for older teens and grown-ups too. From 5th to 9th November 2025, York BID is introducing Ghosts: The Untold History, an intimate evening event for ages 15+ that promises spine-tingling tales in a truly atmospheric setting. Small groups will be taken on a journey through one of York’s hidden gems to uncover the darker stories of the city’s Snickelways and shadows.
- – Runs nightly from 6.30pm
- – Tickets just £5 (+ booking fee)
- – Expect ghostly stories you won’t have heard before!
Good to know
- – Ghosts in the Gardens runs from Friday 19th September 2025
- – The trail is free and family-friendly
- – Sculptures can be found in York’s gardens, ruins and green spaces – Keep an eye out for the full list.
- – Ghosts: The Untold History evening event runs 5th–9th November 2025 (ages 15+, tickets £5)
Whether you’re visiting York or lucky enough to live here, Ghosts in the Gardens is a magical way to see the city differently – don’t forget your camera! It’s just one of many great things going during October half term in York, and you can find our pick of the best here. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news on what’s going on around York over the next few weeks. Oh, and if you haven’t subscribed to our weekly newsletter yet, what’s keeping you? It’s the best way to get inspiration and ideas straight to your inbox each week.
