Think you know York? Think again! York Unlocked returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, giving families the chance to explore historic buildings and hidden spaces across the city for free. Forgot to book in advance? Don’t panic! Many places are open for drop-in visits, so head out and see what you can discover!
From trying a traditional printing press to climbing inside a medieval tower, here are our favourite free York Unlocked places to visit with kids without prebooking.
What is York Unlocked?
Launched in 2022, York Unlocked is a free, annual event that offers the city’s residents and visitors a chance to be introduced to some of York’s most fascinating buildings and open spaces.
When is York Unlocked taking place this year?
York Unlocked is taking place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026.
Which places are taking part? What can we see?
There are loads of places taking part in this year’s event, and the best thing to do is to check out the full programme on the York Unlocked website. The programme also has details of opening times and booking requirements. Here are some of our favourites that don’t need pre-booking.
Have a go at printing at Thin Ice Press
Tucked into the schoolhouse in St Anthony’s Garden, Thin Ice Press keeps the art of traditional printing alive with typesetting and printing presses. It’s one of our top picks for families because children can see how printed pages are made and have a go on the presses themselves.
📍 Peasholme Green, York
📅 Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
🕙 10am to 4pm
🎟 Free, drop in
Discover Holgate Windmill
Head to Holgate for a closer look at York’s last surviving five-sailed windmill. It’s a brilliant choice for children who like discovering how things work, and a chance to explore a York landmark that’s a little way off the usual city-centre trail.
📍 Windmill Rise, York
📅 Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
🕙 10am to 4pm
🎟 Free, drop in
Go inside Micklegate Bar
Most families have walked beneath Micklegate Bar, but York Unlocked is a chance to discover the space inside. This medieval gateway was the traditional entrance for visiting monarchs, although its history has a gruesome side too: the heads of rebels and traitors were once displayed above it. Today, it’s home to a print studio and gallery.
📍 Micklegate, York
📅 Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
🕙 10am to 4pm
🎟 Free, drop in
Take a look around King’s Manor
Just off Exhibition Square, King’s Manor began as a medieval manor associated with St Mary’s Abbey and later became the headquarters of the Council of the North. Henry VIII visited in 1541. It’s an easy stop to add to a family wander around Museum Gardens and the city centre.
📍 Exhibition Square, York
📅 Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
🕙 10am to 4pm
🎟 Free, drop in
Visit the Hospitium in Museum Gardens
Make the most of a Sunday stroll through Museum Gardens with a visit inside the Hospitium. This 14th-century building may once have housed guests of St Mary’s Abbey or served as a warehouse. See if the children can spot how different its timber-framed upper floor looks from the stonework below.
📍 Museum Gardens, York
📅 Sunday 4 October only
🕙 10am to 4pm
🎟 Free, drop in
Climb Fishergate Postern Tower
A medieval tower with an original stone spiral staircase and a 500-year-old loo? That’s the sort of York history children can get excited about. Fishergate Postern Tower has changed very little since it was built, and there are displays to help bring its story to life.
📍 Piccadilly, York
📅 Saturday 3 & Sunday 4 October 2026
🕙 10am to 4pm
🎟 Free, drop in
Good to know
York Unlocked takes place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026, and entry to participating buildings is free. The places above have drop-in opening hours, so you don’t need to reserve tickets. Other experiences, including the Bettys tours, Bishopthorpe Palace and Terry’s Factory Clock Tower, do require advance booking.
Access and facilities vary between buildings, and many venues don’t have public toilets. Check the York Unlocked buildings page, digital programme and accessibility information before setting off, as details may change.
