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: Saturday 31 October 2026, 10:00 am-4:00 pm
Venue: Yorkshire Museum

Make and Play: Bayeux Tapestry Weaving
Saturday 31 October 2026 | 10am – 4pm
Included in general admission | Book Tickets

Celebrate the display of the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum, one of the Yorkshire Museum’s partners, by having a go at weaving in our craft room.

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Date: Saturday 31 October 2026, 10:30 am-4:00 pm
Venue: York Castle Museum

Saturday 31 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: Saturday 31 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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Date: Saturday 31 October 2026, 2:00 pm-4:00 pm
Venue: York Art Gallery

Life Drawing: Model as Muse
Saturday 31 October 2026
2pm – 4pm
£15 per person* | Book Now
Adult only (18+)

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

Join us at York Art Gallery for Life Drawing Workshops; whether you are a regular participant, would like to hone your skills, or try life drawing for the first time. These 2-hour immersive Saturday sessions, led by York based artist and tutor Rob Oldfield, are a wonderful way to experience life drawing in a supportive and friendly environment.

Throughout autumn and winter, our sessions will be inspired by our latest exhibition, Turner, Wedgwood & Beyond: Inspired by Flaxman.

Important information:

Sessions are suitable for ages 18+. By booking, you are confirming that you are over 18. Proof of age may be required.

Basic drawing materials will be supplied, but please feel free to bring your own too.

If you’re more than 15 minutes late for your workshop, unfortunately we may not be able to guarantee entry. This is to ensure that participants have the best experience.

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