Dates: Wednesday 14 October 2026–Friday 13 November 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Object Encounter: Scarificator 
Daily
10.30am and 4pm

Drop into Saville’s Chemist on Kirkgate to hear about modern Victorian medicine practice and the popular treatment of bloodletting.

Discover how a 19th century scarificator was used to balance the blood of the 4 humours, blood, yellow bile, black bile and phlegm, in order to treat headaches, fever and many other ailments.

Please note, this talk is suitable for family audiences but covers the topic of bloodletting. Discretion is advised. This activity to subject to staff availability.

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Dates: Wednesday 14 October 2026–Thursday 24 December 2026, 11:00 am-2:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

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 in this insightful talk.

Please note, talks are subject to staff availability.

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Dates: Wednesday 14 October 2026–Thursday 24 December 2026, 11:30 am-2:30 pm
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. 

Please note, talks are subject to staff availability.

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Dates: Wednesday 21 October 2026–Sunday 3 January 2027, 11:00 am-10:30 pm
Venue: York Museum Gardens

Wednesday 21 October 2026 – Sunday 3 January 2027
11 am – 9 pm Sunday to Thursday | 11 am – 10:30 pm Friday and Saturday | Free

York’s most festive venue returns to York Museum Gardens! Thor’s Tipi is bringing roaring log fires, live music and winter warmers to our historic botanical gardens throughout the festive season.

For more information and the full programme of events, please see Thor’s Tipi’s website.

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Date: Wednesday 21 October 2026, 1:30 pm-3:30 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Sketchbook Circle
Wednesday 21 October 2026 | 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Suitable for ages 16+ | £5 per person* | Book Now 

*General admission to York Art Gallery is included.

Pick up a pencil – draw and discover!

Give yourself time to sharpen and share your drawing skills in this 2-hour sketching workshop with artist Griselda Goldsbrough.

Enjoy working in sketchbooks in a relaxed and friendly group, taking inspiration from the collections at York Art Gallery.

These informal practical art sessions run one Wednesday each month for beginners or those who create regularly. Suitable for ages 16+. Materials are provided. Please book separately for each session.

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