Illustration of a guide with a lantern and a small ghost on a cobblestone street with pumpkins and ghosts at dusk (Ghosts in the Gardens)

Ghosts in the Gardens

Visitors explore historic ruins, streets, and green spaces across York to find translucent wire-mesh sculptures depicting figures from the city's past. The ghostly figures range from Roman soldiers and Saxon monks to highwaymen, Victorian tradespeople, and local wildlife. The trail encourages self-guided exploration of popular landmarks and lesser-known corners throughout the city.

Map It Details Official site

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Plan Your Visit

When

Tickets

The Ghosts in the Gardens trail is free to enjoy.

Ages

All ages (main event), 15+ (evening tour)

Neighborhood

York City Centre

Going?

Location

York, North Yorkshire Get Directions

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (1/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (4/5)

Best For

City explorers and history-minded families

Vibe

Eerie, historic, atmospheric

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

High

Tips & Advice

  • Pick up a physical trail map from the Visitor Information Centre on Back Swinegate or download one online.
  • Check individual venue opening times in advance, as some garden and courtyard locations close in the late afternoon while others remain accessible at all times.
  • Tag @the_york_bid on social media or email your trail photos to info@theyorkbid.com for a chance to win a £50 York Gift Card.

Special Events & Promotions

  • This season features 25 new ghosts and two new gardens.
  • Ghosts After Dark returns with 70 sculptures, storytellers, smoke and sound; tickets are required.

Links & Contact

Run by York BID

Halloween Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the sculptures made of?

The figures are crafted from translucent wire mesh by York-based creative team Unconventional Design.

What kinds of ghostly figures can be seen?

Sculptures represent many eras of York's history, including Roman soldiers, Vikings, medieval archers, Georgian stonemasons, Victorian workers, and animals like bears and falcons.

How can visitors enter the photo competition?

Entrants aged 18 and older can submit photos by tagging @the_york_bid on social media or emailing info@theyorkbid.com for a chance to win a £50 York Gift Card.

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Contributors & Updates

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