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: Saturday 24 October 2026–Saturday 31 October 2026, 1:00 pm
Venue:

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Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10:15 am-12:15 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Gallery Tales 
Wednesday 28 October 2026
Session 1: 10.15am – 11am | Session 2: 11.30am – 12.15pm  
£7 per child* | Book Now
Recommended for ages 2-8  

*Ticket includes general admission to York Art Gallery, including our exhibition Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman.

Join the award-winning Story Craft Theatre and step into a world of imagination where art comes alive and stories leap off the walls!

This October Half-Term, there’s a new interactive storytelling adventure which takes inspiration from our exhibition Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman, designed to spark curiosity, creativity and joy.

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Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Wednesday 28 October 2026
10:30am – 4pm |Demonstrations throughout the day
Included in general admission | Book Tickets

Call into the Castle Kitchen during your visit, located off the Secrets of Dress gallery, to watch live seasonal cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

This October Half-Term, we’re making Soul Cakes, a small cake with sweet spices traditionally made for Halloween. These treats are a symbol of community and remembrance in Christian traditions, used as offerings to commemorate the dead.

Try a tasty samples and scan the QR code on display for the recipe, so you can try it yourself at home!

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Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10:30 am-3:30 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Creative Families: Bayeux Tapestry
Wednesday 28 October 2026 | Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm
Included in general admission | Book Tickets

Join us for a Bayeux Tapestry inspired craft session, celebrating its special display at the British Museum, guided by artist Lendita.

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Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Tales of Nut-Crack Night
Daily, Saturday 24 October – Saturday 31 October 2026
Performances throughout the day
Included in general admission | Book Tickets

History Riot return to York Castle Museum this October Half-Term daily from Saturday 24 – Saturday 31 October, with an array of family friendly performances.

Join two eccentric Victorian characters for silliness and autumnal adventures on Kirkgate. Experience and learn about Yorkshire traditions from All Hallow’s Eve, or as the Victorian’s called it, Nut-Crack Night!

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