There’s something spooky going on in York this autumn as Ghosts in the Gardens returns for 2026, and it’s bigger than ever.
From Saturday 19 September to Sunday 1 November 2026, 70 ghostly wire-mesh sculptures will appear in gardens, ruins and historic locations across York. The trail is completely free, making it a brilliant way to explore the city with the kids without spending a penny.
Created by York-based Unconventional Design, the translucent figures are inspired by characters, creatures and stories from York’s past. There are soldiers, Vikings, monks, animals and plenty of other eerie residents to find, including 25 new ghosts for 2026.
Look out for a plague doctor on Library Lawn, a medieval archer at Clifford’s Tower, a penny-farthing rider in St Anthony’s Gardens and a Roman soldier in York Museum Gardens. There’s even a tribute to much-loved Long Boi at Holy Trinity Church on Goodramgate!
The ghosts can be found in more than 30 locations across the city, including York Museum Gardens, Barley Hall, Treasurer’s House, the Shambles, Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and York Railway Station. Opening hours vary at some locations, but plenty of the sculptures can be seen from public spaces at any time.
You can pick up a trail map from York’s Visitor Information Centre on Back Swinegate or download one from the York BID website. It’s one of our absolute favourite autumn things to do in York, so we’d wholeheartedly recommend adding it to your plans.
📅 Ghosts in the Gardens: 19 September to 1 November 2026
📍 More than 30 locations across York
🎟️ Free
🗺️ Pick one up from York Visitor Information Centre, 21 Parliament Street, York YO1 8SG, or download it online
🌐 Find the trail map and full list of locations
Ghosts After Dark returns for 2026
The daytime trail is free, but families can also book tickets for Ghosts After Dark, taking place from 4 to 8 November 2026.
This atmospheric evening event will bring all 70 sculptures together across York Museum Gardens, King’s Manor Courtyard and Library Lawn, with lighting, smoke, sound and live storytelling. New for 2026, visitors can explore King’s Manor Courtyard and Library Lawn after dark, browse a night market and experience an interactive artwork by Lou Chapelle. There’s also an immersive witch encounter called The Cell, which may include jump scares.
Ghosts After Dark is designed to be fun and atmospheric rather than frightening, although some stories and experiences may not suit very young children so you can always choose to avoid them.
📅 4 to 8 November 2026, 5.30pm to 9.30pm
📍 York Museum Gardens, Museum Street, York YO1 7FR
🎟️ Adults £10, children £2
🌐 Find out more and book Ghosts After Dark
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 TikTok 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.
