Lets Discover Ghost In The Gardens York 2024

If you’re visiting York and up for a challenge, why not try the Ghosts in the Gardens  walk? You can find wire ghost sculptures all over York and are a great activity to do with  friends or family. Let’s see if you can find them all. 

Our favorite was hidden within the walls of the York museum gardens, which featured  a bride and a groom both equally far away from each other, lets hope they make it to the  venue before they are sent away on November 5th. 

Ghost in the Garden event takes place from September 21st to November 5th, so don’t  miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get into the Halloween spirit.  

45 Sculptures Ghost in the Garden Event  

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

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

• Butcher emptying slop bucket 
• Medieval Archer 
• Medieval Monks 
• Victorian chimney sweep 
• Roman soldier with his shield 
• Stewart Man 
• Artist and his easel 
• Viking With War Hammer 
• Viking Woman
• Judge 
• Miller with a bag of grain 
• Medieval Merchant with a basket 
• Fisherman 
• Musician with her fiddle 
• Teacher with his cane 
• Pupil with his books 
• Cats 
• Gardener with his spade 
• Heron 
• Peacock 
• Bear 
• Kneeling Knight with sword 
• Nurse 
• Highwayman and Horse 
• Squirrel 
• Falcon 
• Long Duck 
• Beekeeper 
• Bride 
• Groom 
• Executioner 
• Signaller 
• Archbishop 
• Goose 
• Nun with Rosary Beads 
• Fox 
• Taylor sewing 
• Stone Mason 
• Stereotypical Ghost 
• Victorian Gentleman with cane 
• Victorian Lady with umbrella 
• Tudor Lady 

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. 

👉 Click on the image to view it in a larger format.

Ghost In The Gardens After Dark 

Ghost in the Gardens after Dark is being hosted 6.30 pm – 9.30 pm, 7 – 10 November  2024.

You will get to see each 45 statues with an exclusive new one, in a ghost trail themed walk for a limited time only.

Ticket prices are £7.50 per adult and £1 per child (0-15 years) and children must be accompanied by an adult. 

Tickets available here.

Is Ghost In The Garden Event Returning In 2025? 

Absolutely, according to York BIB, the Event will run from 21st September to Early  November. 

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 

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 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. 
• 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 – 6pm.  
• 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.  

Principal gardens 

• Location: The principal gardens are located at Station Rd, York YO24 1AA. 
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 12 pm–11 pm (Sunday from 12 pm–8 pm)
• Closest Parking: York Railway Station Long Stay Car Park – 2-minute walk. NCP  York Tanner Row – 6 minute walk
• Public Transport: Holgate Park bus stop – 19-minute walk. Fox Inn bus stop 19- minute walk. 

St Anthonys garden 

• Location: St Anthony’s Garden is located at York YO1 7PW.  
• Opening Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am  – 5.30 pm. 
• Closest Parking: Q-park shambles – 5-minute walk. Foss bank car park – 4- minute walk 
• Public Transport: Peasholme Green bus stop – 1 minute walk. Stonebow bus  stop – 3-minute walk.

St Leonards hospital 

• Location: St Leonards hospital is located at York YO1 7DR.
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 8am – 4.30 pm (closed Sunday)
• Closest Parking: Marygate Car Park – 7-minute walk. Esplanade Car Park – 6- minute walk. 
• Public Transport: Museum Street bus stop – 1-minute walk. Theatre Royal bus  stop – 2-minute walk. 

St Olaves Church 

• Location: St Olave Church is located at Marygate, York YO30 7DT. 
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 9 am – 6 pm. 
• Closest Parking: Marygate Car park – 3-minute walk. Esplanade car park – 10- minute walk. 
• Public Transport: Exhibition square – 6-minute walk. Theatre royal – 7-minute  walk. 

Fishergate postern tower 

• Location: Fishergate Postern Tower is located at Piccadilly, York YO1 9AF.
• Opening Times: Open on select dates. 
• Closest Parking: Q-park shambles – 9-minute walk. Nunnery Lane car park – 14- minute walk. 
• Public Transport: Dixon Lane bus stop – 1-minute walk. The Barbican coach bus  stop – 3-minute walk. 

York Railway station 

• Location: York railway station is located at RAILWAY STATION, York YO24 1AY •
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 6 am – 8 pm (8 am – 6 pm on Sunday)
• Closest Parking: York railway station car park – 1 minute walk.
• Public Transport: None nearby. 

Grays Court Hotel 

• Location: Grays Court Hotel is located at Grays Court Hotel. 
• Check room availability here.
• Opening Times: 24-hour hotel. 
• Closest Parking: Monk Bar Car Park – 5-minute walk. Union Terrace Car park – 9- minute walk. 
• Public Transport: Lord Mayors Walk bus stop – 4-minute walk. Monk Bar Bus  Stop – 4-minute walk.

Holy Trinity Church 

• Location: The Holy Trinity Church is found at Goodramgate, York YO1 7LF
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 11 am – 4 pm (closed Monday – Tuesday)
• Closest Parking: Q-Park shambles – 6-minute walk. Monk Bar Car Park – 6- minute walk. 
• Public Transport: Stonebow SA bus stop – 6-minute walk. Theatre Royal – 7- minute walk. 

Merchant Taylors 

• Location: Merchant Taylors is located at Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Aldwark, York  YO1 7BX 
• Opening Times: Open Daily from 9 am – 5 pm. 
• Closest Parking: Q-park shambles – 7-minute walk.  
• Public Transport: Low Ousegate bus stop – 9-minute walk. Clifford Street bus  stop – 9-minute walk. 

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. 
• Check room availability here.
• 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 10 am to 4 pm (1 pm on Saturdays).
• 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 4 pm (closed Thursday-Friday).
• 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 10 am to 4.30 pm.  
• 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 10 am to 6 pm (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 heritage 

• Location: Jorvik DIG York is located, St Saviour’s Church, St Saviourgate, York  YO1 8NN, United Kingdom.  
• Opening Times: Open daily from 10 am to 4pm.  
• 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 10 am to 5 pm (11-5 on Monday).
• 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.  
• Check room availability here.
• 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.  

Ghost In The Gardens York Last Year

Here are my images from my 2023 visit.