Ghost In The Garden Event 23rd September – 12th November 

If you’re searching for a thrilling family activity this Half Term, the Ghost in the Garden event in York is a must-see.  

This spooky exhibit features 39 impressive 3D sculptures made entirely of gauge wire mesh, each with a unique and eerie appearance.  

Our favourite was hidden within the walls of the York Art Gallery gardens, with a painting artist sculpture that is sure to impress. Be sure to keep an eye on the time, however, as certain sculptures are only available for viewing during specific hours.  

Ghost in the Garden event takes place from September 23rd to November 12th, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit. 

Is Ghost In The Garden Event Returning In 2024?

Absolutely, according to York BIB the Event will run from 21st September to Early November is 45 new sculptures to find.

I recommend planning your trip in advance as this is one of the most popular events York holds and many of the venues and particular visiting hours.

We will be one of the first to be visiting the event so make sure to follow our socials to keep updated.

Discovering York – Facebook, Tiktok

39 Sculptures Ghost in the Garden Event 

Here is a list of all the ghosts you need to find in York.

Each ghost has its own unique meaning and significance to the city of York: 

• Viking Man and Woman  
• Archbishop 
• Bride  
• Two Monks Cat (x2)  
• Squirrel  
• Highwayman and Horse  
• Peacock  
• Groom  
• Victorian woman  
• Falcon Stewart man Gardener  
• Knight  
• Artist 
• Nurse  
• Merchant  
• Fisherman
• Edwardian Man  
• Roman Centurion  
• Teacher  
• Tudor Boy  
• Shakespearean Ghost  
• Ghost Week Phantom Butcher  
• Archer 
• Judge  
• Bear  
• Miller 
• Fox 
• Goose  
• Heron 
• Musician  
• Astronomer 
• Chimney sweep  

@discovering.york All Ghosts in the Museum Gardens. Join us on the Ghost in the Garden Walk. Part 1. Have you Spotted them all yet? #thingstodoinyork #thingstodoinyorkwithkids #york #yorkmuseum #yorkghosts #yorkghost #yorkghosthunt #yorkghostwalk ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune

York BID has once again teamed up with a local design agency, Unconventional Design, to create one of the biggest Halloween attractions in the UK.

This annual event has seen a steady increase in the number of sculptures and exhibits year after year. 

Ghost in the Garden Venues 

Ghost in the Garden event comprises several venues, each with its own location, opening hours, nearest parking options, and public transport access.

Here is each venue individually:

Museum Gardens

Museum Gardens, which was established in 1830, is a sanctuary for a variety of plants and animals and serves as the home to the Yorkshire Museum and St. Mary’s Abbey.

• Location: Museum Gardens is located Museum St, York YO1 7FR, United Kingdom. 

• Opening Times: Open Daily from 9am – 6pm. 

• Closest Parking: Marygate Car Park, which is just a 5-minute walk away from the gardens. Other nearby car parks include Bootham Row Car Park and Monk Bar Car Park. 

• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is Museum Gardens, which is served by several local bus routes. Also, York Station, which is a 20-minute walk away from the gardens. 

Artists’ Garden 

Located within the original abbey walls behind the York Art Gallery, the Artists Gardens offer a serene escape.

York Art Gallery is renowned for its exceptional art collection and exhibitions, making it a must-visit destination in the UK.

• Location: York Art Gallery is located Exhibition Square, York YO1 7EW, United Kingdom. 

• Opening Times: Open Daily from 10am to 5pm. 

• Closest Parking: Bootham Row Car Park, which is just a 5-minute walk away from the gallery. Other nearby car parks include Marygate Car Park and Monk Bar Car Park. 

• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is Exhibition Square, which is served by several local bus routes. York Station is also a 20-minute walk away from the gallery. 

Edible Wood 

Accessed through a gate located behind the Abbey ruins in Museum Gardens, Edible Garden is a must see which was opened in 2015.

The garden boasts a diverse collection of edible plants and shrubs from all over the world.

• Location: Edible Woodland is located in the St. Nicks Nature Reserve in York. Rawdon Ave, York YO10 3ST, United Kingdom. 

• Opening Times: Open Daily from 9am – 4:30pm. 

• Closest Parking: Visitors can park at the nearby Bishopthorpe Road car park or the Nunnery Lane car park. 

• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Bishopthorpe Road only a 5 min walk away. York Station is also a 25-minute walk away from the reserve. 

Middleton Hotel York 

Middletons is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of the historic city of York, offering a serene atmosphere for a city break, weekend getaway, or family outing.

It boasts both comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens, providing guests with the perfect combination of relaxation and luxury.

• Location: Middletons Hotel York is located, in Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Closest Parking: With it’s own private car park you don’t need to worry. There are also several public car parks located nearby, including the NCP car park on Tanner Row and the Q-Park car park on Kent Street. 
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Skeldergate, 5 min walk from the hotel. York Station, which is a 15-minute walk away from the hotel just over the Lendal Bridge. 

Merchant Adventurers’ Hall 

Merchant Adventurers Hall is a one-of-a-kind building situated in the heart of historic York and is one of my favorite place as it was featured in many films and TV series.

Stunning architecture within the Great Hall, Undercroft, and Chapel is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.

• Location: Merchant Adventurers’ Hall is located, Fossgate, York YO1 9XD, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm). 
• Closest Parking: Foss Bank car park, which is just a 10-minute walk away from the hall and is the best priced. 
• Public Transport: With several public bus route near by the closest bus stop is on Fossgate. York Station, which is a 30-minute walk away from the hall. 

Treasurer’s House 

Nestled behind York Minster, Treasurer’s House is a local favorite that is more than meets the eye. Purchased by Frank Green in 1897, this show house is a must-see attraction when visiting York.

• Location: Treasurer’s House is located, Minster Yard, York YO1 7JL, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 11am to 4pm (last admission at 3:30pm). 
• Closest Parking: Bootham Row car park, which is just a 5-minute walk away from the house. Other nearby car parks include Marygate car park and Monk Bar car park. 
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Exhibition Square. York Station is available with located near the Treasure house.

Library Square 

York’s premier public library and the City Archive are housed in a stunning listed building designed by the renowned York architect Walter Brierley.

Visitors can relax in the spacious and family-friendly cafe, which serves delicious coffee, hot drinks, locally made cakes and treats, snacks, and light meals.( You have to try the BLT 😉 )

• Location: Library Square is located, Square, York YO1 7DS, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 
• Closest Parking: Castle car park, which is located at the rear of Clifford Tower. Other nearby car parks include Monk Bar car park and Piccadilly car park which are only 5 min walks from the castle.
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Museum Street, located close to the Clifford’s Tower. York Station, which is a 25-minute walk away from the square. 
• Disabled Access: Yes, Library Square is fully accessible for disabled visitors. 

Barley Hall 

Barley Hall, a magnificent medieval townhouse that was once the residence of the Priors of Nostell and Mayor of York, is currently undergoing roof repairs and is not accessible to visitors.

However, the famous ghost of Barley Hall is still visible and adds to the allure of this historic landmark.

• Location: Barley Hall is located, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm). 
• Closest Parking: Q-Park car park on Kent Street, which is located across the road from the hall. 
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Stonebow. York Station, which is on the other side of the city center is about 30-minute walk away from the hall. 
• Disabled Access: Yes, Barley Hall is fully accessible for disabled visitors, with a lift to all floors and accessible toilets. 

Clifford’s Tower 

Clifford’s Tower was constructed by William the Conqueror to quell the rebellious north. Over the centuries, it served as a royal mint, a medieval stronghold, and a Civil War garrison.

The tower’s new roof deck offers unparalleled views of York’s historic skyline, which includes the city’s medieval buildings and famous Minster.

• Location: Clifford’s Tower is located, Tower St, York YO1 9SA, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open daily from 10am to 4pm (last admission at 3:30pm). 
• Closest Parking: Castle car park, Which is located at the rear of Clifford’s tower with disabled parking available.
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Tower Street, near the front entrance of Clifford’s Tower. 
• Disabled Access: Clifford’s Tower is partially accessible for disabled visitors, with a lift to the first floor and accessible toilets. However, due to the historic nature of the building, there are some areas that are not accessible. 

Jorvik DIG 

Jorvik DIG is an interactive visitor attraction with an archaeology theme, created by the same team behind the JORVIK Viking Centre.

At Jorvik DIG, visitors can become trainee “diggers” and uncover fascinating artifacts from 2000 years of York’s history.

This immersive experience is perfect for the whole family and offers a unique opportunity to engage with York’s rich heritag

• Location: Jorvik DIG York is located, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York YO1 8NN, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open daily from 10am to 5pm. 
• Closest Parking: Castle car park, which is just a 5-minute walk away from DIG York and located at the rear of Clifford’s Tower.
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Stonebow, near Barley Hall and is a 5 min walk.
• Disabled Access: Yes, DIG York is fully accessible for disabled visitors, with a lift to all floors and accessible toilets. 

Castle Museum Mill 

Relax in our peaceful riverside area where you can explore the bank of the River Foss, find out more about life in a Victorian watermill and admire the ruins of the walls of York Castle.

• Location: The Castle Museum is located Tower St, York YO1 9RY, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open daily from 10am to 4pm (last admission at 3pm). 
• Closest Parking: Castle car park, 5 mins walk to Castle museum mill located on the river. Other nearby car parks include Monk Bar car park and Piccadilly car park. 
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Tower Street, near the front of Clifford’s Tower
• Disabled Access: Yes, the Castle Museum is fully accessible for disabled visitors, with lifts to all floors and accessible toilets. 

The Judge’s Lodging 

The Judges Lodging is a breathtaking 5-star hotel with stunning rooms and beautiful grounds.

Looking for somewhere to eat? Judge’s Lodging restaurant is a must-visit, and we highly recommend trying the pasta, which is made fresh in-house.

• Location: The Judge’s Lodging is located Lendal, York YO1 8AQ, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open daily from 9am – 11pm. 
• Closest Parking: Marygate car park, which is best for overnight stays. Other nearby car parks include Bootham Row car park and Monk Bar car park. 
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Lendal Bridge. located near the Mueseum Gardens. York Station is also only a 15-minute walk away from the lodging. 
• Disabled Access: The Judge’s Lodging is partially accessible for disabled visitors, with a lift to the first floor and accessible toilets. However, due to the historic nature of the building, there are some areas that are not accessible. 

The Shambles 

The Shambles is an iconic landmark in York and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval shopping streets in Europe.

Its cobbled streets and overhanging buildings are believed to have inspired Diagon Alley in the movie adaptation of the Harry Potter series. Plus, the trending Ghost shop. ( Be prepared to wait over an hour to get in )

• Location: The Shambles is located, Shambles, York YO1 7LZ, United Kingdom. 
• Opening Times: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, individual shops and businesses may have their own opening times. 
• Closest Parking: Q-Park car park, which is just a 5-minute walk away from The Shambles.
• Public Transport: Closest bus stop is on Stonebow, which located at the end of the Shambles.
• Disabled Access: The Shambles is a narrow, cobbled street and may be difficult to navigate for disabled visitors. However, there are no steps or barriers to access the street. 

Best hotels to stay at to see the Ghost in the Garden Event 

If you’re looking to spend a few nights in York to see the Ghost in the Garden event.

Here are my three hotels to consider when booking: 

The Grand York 

This luxurious hotel is located in the heart of York and is just a short walk away from the Museum Gardens where the Ghost in the Gardens event takes place.

It features stunning views of York Minster and offers a range of amenities including a spa, fitness center, and fine dining restaurant.

I recommend this hotel due to its central location to all the venue sites listed above.  

The Principal York 

This elegant hotel is housed in a Victorian-era building and is located just a few minutes walk away from the Museum Gardens.

It features a range of amenities including a restaurant, bar, and fitness center. I recommend this hotel if you’re traveling by train as it is also located next to York Train station. 

You can also try to find the secret garden hidden in the grounds. You might also be lucky when staying and get to use Thor’s beer tent which is situated in the grounds at various times of the year.( Not all Year, just for a few weeks each year )

The Churchill Hotel 

This historic hotel is located in a Georgian townhouse and is just a short walk away from the Museum Gardens. It features luxurious rooms, a restaurant, and a bar.

I recommend this location due to its beautiful outdoor gardens, here you can relax with a fancy meal and refreshing drinks after a long day of Ghost hunting.