I love how York turns into a proper ghost hunt every autumn, and the Ghosts in the Gardens trail is one of my favourite reasons to wander the city with a coffee in hand and my eyes peeled for wire sculptures tucked into hedges and archways.
For 2026, the event has grown again, with 70 ghostly figures spread across gardens, courtyards and hidden corners of York from 19th September through to 1st November, as confirmed by the York BID.
Ghost in the Garden Event Sculptures
York BID worked with local firm Unconventional Design to build these translucent wire-mesh figures, and the collaboration has become one of the standout Halloween attractions anywhere in the UK.
Each year the roster has grown, climbing from 45 sculptures to nearly 60 in 2025, and reaching 70 for the 2026 trail across 32 locations in the city, according to the York Press.
Here is a list of just some of 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
👉 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 5.30pm – 8pm, 4th – 8th November 2026.
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 £10 per adult and £2 per child (0-12 years) and children must be accompanied by an adult.
Final thoughts
The ghost exhibit is only on for a short period of time and is well worth a look if you’re in the area.
York is famous for many permanent features like the York Wall and York dungeons, but these pop-up events are held throughout the year and cover a wide variety of themes.
Hopefully, it will be there when you next visit.
Ghost In The Gardens York: Previous Years
Here are my images from my last visit.
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