York Ghosts in the Gardens

If you’re in York this autumn or thinking of visiting there’s a spectral treat in store. Here’s a deep dive into “Ghosts in the Gardens”, the hauntingly beautiful event now woven into York’s cultural calendar.

What is Ghosts in the Gardens?

“Ghosts in the Gardens” is a city-wide art and history trail in York, organised by York BID (Business Improvement District), that places translucent wire-mesh ghost sculptures throughout gardens, ruins, and green spaces across the city.

These aren’t your typical fright-fest ghosts. Each sculpture is designed with care by Unconventional Design, using narrow-gauge aluminium or wire mesh to evoke ethereal figures, historic characters, animals & spirits emerging from York’s past.

When & Where

• • Dates (2025): 19 September – 2 November

• • Evening special event “Ghosts: The Untold History”: 5-9 November, designed for ages 15+ t

• • Locations: over 60 ghost sculptures across gardens, ruins and green spaces in York.

• • Map & access: You can pick up a printed map from the Visitor Information Centre on Parliament Street.

Some of the key sites include:

• • Museum Gardens

• • Barley Hall

• • The Shambles

• • The Judge’s Lodging

• • Merchant Adventurers’ Hall

• • St Anthony’s Gardens

• • York Castle Museum

• • Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate

What You’ll See & Stories You’ll Discover

Each ghost is tied to a piece of York’s history, folklore, or local character. Here are some highlights:

• • Dick Turpin & horse – the infamous highwayman, taking his place near Treasurer’s House as part of the trail.

• • Tudor Lady – visible on the balcony at Barley Hall.

• • Medieval Archer – perched on the battlements of Clifford’s Tower, guarding the city.

• • Victorian Miller – hauling grain near York Castle Museum

• • Plague Doctor – a nod to the city’s darker periods.

• • Roman Soldier – reflecting York’s Roman heritage (Eboracum).

• • The Georgian Stone Mason – inspired by Mary Ann Fisher, a female stonemason at Holy Trinity Church, Goodramgate.

• • Local fauna ghosts – including cats, squirrels, mice, foxes, birds, celebrating the wildlife woven into the city’s greens.

Because the sculptures are made of mesh and placed outdoors, their appearance shifts with light, weather, and perspective, sometimes dramatic, sometimes subtle.

Tips for Visitors

• • Bring a torch or smartphone, the ghosts may reveal more in low light or shadows.

• • Use the printed trail map to plan your route, but leave room for spontaneous detours.

• • Visit early or late in the day to catch the interplay of light and sculpture.

• • For the evening event, book ahead, the small group tours are limited and will likely sell out.

• • Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be walking through gardens, snickelways, green spaces and cobbled streets.