They’re back! Seventy ghosts to take over York streets this autumn
Ghosts in the Gardens is returning to York and this time; the ghosts are bringing even more friends with them.
From Saturday 19th September to Sunday 1st November 2026, 70 ghostly sculptures will appear in gardens, on balconies, along the city walls and in some of the most unexpected corners of York city centre.
Now in its sixth year, Ghosts in the Gardens has grown into a much-loved part of York’s cultural calendar and this year’s trail will be the biggest yet.
Ten brand-new ghosts will join some familiar faces from York’s past. Each sculpture offers a snapshot of history, bringing one of York’s fascinating people, creatures or stories back to life. Previous characters have ranged from the bear once kept in the Museum Gardens menagerie to a Georgian stonemason inspired by Mary Anne Fisher at Holy Trinity Church.
Some much-loved ghosts will return to their old haunts, while others will be found somewhere completely new – giving even the most experienced ghost hunters plenty of reasons to explore the free trail this autumn.
Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, said: “We know better than to try to keep York’s ghosts away and this year, more of them than ever will use the city as their playground!
“With 70 ghosts appearing in 32 different locations, this will be our biggest trail yet. The trail is completely free, so you can make a day of hunting down all 70 or simply keep your eyes peeled as you wander through the city. Just don’t forget to look up! Some of our ghosts have a habit of appearing in unusual places.”
Made by local creatives Unconventional Design, the ethereal sculptures will appear at locations including Museum Gardens, Clifford’s Tower, Barley Hall, York Castle Museum, the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and York Railway Station.
Since the trail first began, it has attracted thousands of visitors and encouraged people to see York differently – discovering gardens, ruins and hidden corners they may never have explored before.
Free to enjoy throughout the autumn, there’s plenty of time to seek out more of the Ghosts in the Gardens sculptures and uncover the stories behind them.
More details about this year’s new ghosts, their stories and where they will be hiding will be revealed soon. And when darkness falls, the ghosts have something else planned…
From 4-8 November 2026, all 70 ghosts will gather in York Museum Gardens for Ghosts After Dark – five atmospheric nights of live storytelling, light, smoke and sound.
With new spaces to explore, a brand-new night market and a few surprises waiting in the shadows, this year’s ticketed experience is not to be missed.
Ghosts After Dark is delivered in partnership by York BID and York Museums Trust. Tickets are available now at www.theyorkbid.com/ghosts-after-dark/
Happy ghost hunting!