Events

Nature Trail – Sat 28 Mar 2026

Dates: Saturday 28 March 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Nature Trail

Daily except Mondays, Tuesday – Sunday

Suitable for all ages

Collect a trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk | £1 per sheet

Enjoy the outdoors with our new self-led Nature Trail, taking you on a journey through the Museum Gardens to explore nature and wildlife.

Pick up your trail sheet from the Yorkshire Museum admissions desk and don’t forgot to collect a small chocolate treat once complete!

Museum admission is not required to take part in the outdoor trail. Please note, the Yorkshire Museum is open Tuesday – Sunday, so the Nature Trail is not available on Mondays.

Illustration credit: Nick Ellwood

View event >

Cells Talks – Mon 22 Jun 2026

Dates: Monday 22 June 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, All Day
Venue: York Castle Museum

Cells Talks
Daily
11.30am and 2.30pm
Included in general admission

Discover the history of York Castle prison and some of its notorious inmates.

View event >

Little Spotters – Mon 22 Jun 2026

Dates: Monday 22 June 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 12:00 am
Venue: York Castle Museum

Little Spotters
Daily, self-led activity
Included in general admission
Suitable for all ages

Collect a Little Spotters activity sheet, available in the Secrets of Dress exhibition, and explore historic fashion items on display. There’s also a colouring sheet on the back for you to complete during your visit, or to take home.

View event >

Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork Sensory Stations – Mon 22 Jun 2026

Dates: Monday 22 June 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, All Day
Venue: York Castle Museum

Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork Sensory Stations
Daily
Included in general admission

Experience our community exhibition Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork in a whole new way with our sensory stations throughout, allowing you to experience the sights, smells, noises and taste of York’s chocolate factories.

View event >

Time Traveller’s Activity Trail – Mon 22 Jun 2026

Dates: Monday 22 June 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 12:00 am
Venue: York Castle Museum

Time Traveller’s Activity Trail
Daily
10am – 4.30pm
Included in general admission
Collect a trail booklet from the admissions desk

Explore York Castle Museum and discover fascinating stories and facts about some of the historical objects on display with our interactive Time Traveller’s Activity Trail booklet.

View event >

Creative Studio – Mon 22 Jun 2026

Dates: Monday 22 June 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Venue: York Castle Musuem

Creative Families

Saturday 18^th July, 10:30-15:30

Kirkgate Learning Studio

Join Pippa Dyrlaga, the artist behind our spectacular summer papercut hot air balloon installation, for a special family dop-in workshop inspired by her creation. Learn papercut techniques and create colourful designs to add to the display.

View event >

Kirkgate Talks – Mon 22 Jun 2026

Dates: Monday 22 June 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 11:30 am-2:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Musuem

Kirkgate Talks
Daily
11.30am and 2pm
Included in general admission

Learn about the creation of the Victorian street, Kirkgate, one of the oldest recreated indoor streets of its kind in the world.

View event >

Retro Games and Toys – Tue 7 Jul 2026

Dates: Tuesday 7 July 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:30 am-5:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Retro Games and Toys
Daily
Included in general admission

Set up friendly challenges and play with friends, family and other visitors with our retro games and toys available in the Exercise Yard and Sixties Street.

View event >

Dinosaur Backpacks – Sat 18 Jul 2026

Dates: Saturday 18 July 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Dinosaur Backpacks
Daily | 10am – 4.30pm
Recommended for 2 – 9 year olds
Included in general admission

Gain your spikes with our Dinosaur Backpacks! These adorable backpacks contain a selection of activities and prompts, including a dinosaur-themed book, a soft toy, a magnifying glass and other items to keep little explorers occupied.

Collect a backpack from the admissions desk and please return after use.

View event >

Draw and Discover – Sat 18 Jul 2026

Dates: Saturday 18 July 2026–Sunday 6 September 2026, 10:00 am-4:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Draw and Discover 
Daily 
10am – 4.30pm 
Included in general admission 
Suitable for all ages 

Discover our new Draw and Discover station, where budding artists can collect materials to draw and sketch with during their visit, using the artwork on display as inspiration for their own masterpieces. 

Collect materials from the foyer and get creative!

View event >