We’ve got some excellent eerie news for you if you’re looking for something fun – and free – to do in York during October half term: the Little York Ghost Hunt is back for 2025! It’s part of York Ghost Week, which runs from Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025. The city will be filled with ghostly goings-on for all ages, from spooky trails to ghost hunts, storytelling and candlelit adventures. Here are our highlights.
York Ghost Week 2025
The Little York Ghost Hunt
Join the search each evening at dusk for the Little York Ghosts that have been hidden on the streets around York Minster. This is a seek-and-keep hunt: find one and you can take it home. There are over a hundred to find each evening, including some rare and unusual ones. Maps will be available from The York Ghost Merchants from mid-October, so you know where to look. We’ve embarked on the hunt several times, and really enjoy it despite never finding a ghost! It’s fun to see the city after dark, especially if we use it as an excuse for a family dinner out.
- When? Monday 27th to Thursday 30th October 2025, 6–8pm
- Where? The streets around York Minster
DIG: An Archaeological Adventure Presents: The Haunted Hall
This October half term, families are invited to Barley Hall for an evening of spine-tingling storytelling as part of York Ghost Week. Gather around the flickering campfire inside one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings and uncover the eerie legends of Barley Hall and beyond. With immersive storytelling, haunted folklore and ghostly tales of the city, it’s a family-friendly event perfect for curious minds and brave hearts. Not suitable for children under 5.
- When? Monday 27th to Friday 31st October 2025 – sessions at 5pm, 6pm & 7pm
- Where? Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
- Tickets: Adults £10; Children (5–16) £8
- Book tickets here
Candlelit Mouse Hunt – Free!
- When? Monday 27th October, 6pm to 8.30pm
- Where? Holy Trinity Church, York
- A magical, atmospheric evening spotting the famous church mice by candlelight. Free entry, no booking required.
Guild Coin Ghost Trail – Free!
Explore York’s city walls and hunt for five brass Guild Coin plaques. Collect the rubbings, then exchange them for a limited-edition Guild Coin Ghost (£37). The trail itself is free. It’s a brilliant way to explore York together.
- When? Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
- Where? Across the city
Seed Ghost Search – Free!
Tiny 15mm Seed Ghosts will be hidden all over York, by day and night. There are only 360 in total, and if you spot one, it’s yours to keep!
- When? Saturday 25th October to Sunday 2nd November 2025
- Where? Within the Ghost Week map area
Children’s Ghost Story Workshop
- When? Saturday 25th October, 1.30 to 4pm
- Where? The Thin Ice Press
- Budding writers aged 8 to 16 can join a special workshop to create their own spooky tales (ticketed, limited places).
The Little York Ghost Hunt is one of a few FREE activities running in and around York this October half term – take a look at our October half term guide for the best things going on around the city.
