Ghost Week VI
Saturday 25th October — Sunday 2nd November 2025
This is our sixth official Ghost Week; the first took place precariously between lockdowns but proved a welcome diversion at a time that was difficult for all. The following year we built upon this success and hosted “ The Residents” an installation of one thousand Black Boxglass Ghosts at the Mansion House, for the third year we showed “The Intaglio Seal” a short film at the Medical Society, followed by the Jaggery Family event in 2023 which was held in St Anthony’s Garden. Last year the Jigger Spirit Measure Black Box Ghost was sold from the Black Swan Inn.
The Little York Ghost Hunt” is always at the centre of proceedings and has become embedded firmly in Yorks calendar. This year the nights of the Little York Ghost Hunt are Monday 27th - Thursday 30th October inclusive.
Over the years we have added in other events, both of our own making and with select partners. A full programme of events for 2025 with ticketing information can now be found below.
Please do check this page as updates will be made and in some cases changes to times or ticketing information might be made.
Programme of Events
York Ghost Merchant Events
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Monday 27th – Thursday 30th October ( inclusive ) 6pm – 8pm only
As the day surrenders to the night the Merchants invite you to join the search on select evenings between 6pm and 8pm (Monday – Thursday only) for Little York Ghosts, along the atmospheric ancient streets that surround York Minster. This is a seek and keep hunt.
Most of the hidden Ghosts are Ragamuffins, they originate from our workshop but sadly never made it to the shop due to small imperfections. They find their way instead on the streets of the city where they wait patiently as strays to be found by someone who will take care of them and give them a home. Ragamuffins vary greatly in colour and style, but each is stamped with an R alongside the number on the base, if you are lucky enough to find one, please share your pictures on Instagram.
There are 125 in total hidden each evening and included in their number are 25 rare Midas Ghosts (black & gold). Every genuine York Ghost on the Little York ghost Hunt is stamped and numbered on its base.
The Ghost Merchants have been hiding little Ghosts around the city of York for many years and the act of hiding, seeking and the communal event that has grown around this activity is at the heart of Ghost Week. It is free to participate in and open to young and old.
As Ghosts are scarce, we kindly ask that each person limits their collection to just one Ghost to give others a better chance of success. Do note there are now far more seekers than hidden Ghosts these days, so success is far from guaranteed. We hope that the hunt is undertaken with a spirit of fun and kind-heartedness.
Maps marking the route will be available from The York Ghost Merchants from mid-October. There will also be a printable version of The Little York Ghost Hunt map available from this page nearer the event.
Children should be accompanied by an adult on the hunt and be aware that the Little Ghosts are not suitable for Children under 3 years of age.
Most of the hunt takes place along pedestrianised areas and secluded backstreets but please do be aware of traffic in the marked areas of High Petergate and Goodramgate in particular. We also ask that all ghosthunters are respectful of residents and their property along the route. Ghosts are never hidden on private property. Please do not look through letterboxes or stray onto private property. The courtyard at Greys Court Hotel is out of bounds as is the Minster Refectory gardens.
FREE EVENT, no tickets required, just turn up and join the hunt.
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The Starlight Club Ghost - Gilded Grand Cru Swiss milk chocolate filled with milk chocolate & champagne ganache ( contains dairy ).
£27.95 each
Edition of 3,000. Each in a Black Box with edition card. Black envelope with every purchase containing souvenir ticket.
Venue: Bettys, 6-8 St Helens Square, York, YO1 8QP
Date(s): Sunday 26th October - Sunday 2nd November
Times: Sunday to Wednesday 9-5.30pm, Thursday – Friday 9-9pm, Saturday 8.30-9pm
Contact: heretohelp@bettys.co.uk
Any accessibility needs can be discussed with Bettys staff on the day of your visit.
Further Information:
Black Box Edition Ghosts are made in collaboration with skilled artisans, makers and crafts people using traditional materials and techniques to produce objects of worth and curiosity.
Our collaboration with Bettys is born from the city famed for its chocolate and its ghosts and has been long on the making..
Sold from a booth in Bettys, St Helens Square, York. From 9am Sunday 26th October - Sunday 3rd November ( while stocks last ).
Purchases are limited to three Ghosts per customer purchase. This product contains alcohol (under 0.5% ABV) and is not recommended for under 16s, in line with UK retail guidance
Bettys, a Yorkshire institution, was founded just after World War I by Swiss baker and confectioner Frederick Belmont (born Fritz Bützer ). He had a challenging childhood in Switzerland, which led him to train in France before coming to England. The first Bettys cafe opened in Harrogate, and the York branch, famous for its for its Art Deco design, exquisite confections, fine fare and attention to detail opened in 1936.
The Starlight Club Ghost is inspired by the story of Bettys and the years that followed the Great War. This was an era of cultural change; of optimism and indulgence for many. This story will unfold over the coming weeks…
Each Starlight Club Ghost has been handmade by Bettys skilled chocolatiers to create a decadent gilded Grand Cru Swiss milk chocolate ghost filled with a delicious champagne ganache. The edition is 3000 and the standard edition card is included with each purchase.
Every Starlight Club Ghost sold will also be sold with an accompanying little black envelope. The envelope contains a Starlight Club souvenir ticket. Most of the souvenir tickets are black embossed with gold, however, 15 of the tickets are pink embossed with gold. The random recipients of a pink Starlight Club card will be able to return it to The York Ghost Merchants. Once received and checked a rare, numbered shimmering metallic cerise replica of The Starlight Club Ghost will be issued FOC.
Bettys is located at 6-8 St Helen’s Square, we will update with information on queueing protocol on this page ahead of Ghost Week.
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Venue: Bettys Café Tearoom, 6-8 St Helens Square, York, YO1 8QP.
Date(s): Saturday 25th October
Times: 7pm - 10pm
Number of tickets- 62 ( sold only in pairs ). 31 pairs of tickets will be made available week commencing 22nd September.
The ticket allocation will be made by QueueFair from the shop page of our website at 5.30pm on Monday 22nd September. The pre-sale waiting room will open at 4.30pm.Thirty one pairs of tickets will be available to the first thirty one people who are selected at random through the QueueFair system. Once onto the sale page, a form will need to be filled out with your details. These details are then passed on to Bettys ( following GDPR protocols ). Bettys will then contact all successful entrants on Wednesday 24th - Friday 26th September to take payment for the pair of tickets (£240) and make any dietary arrangements if necessary.
Price per ticket - £120 per person
Contact: heretohelp@bettys.co.uk
Accessibility information: Access to the Belmont room is via 2 flights of stairs and unfortunately there is no lift due to the age of the building.
Further Information:
To launch our Black Box Starlight Club Ghost, we are hosting an evening event with Bettys in the opulent Belmont Room. Each guest will receive one of the first of The Black Box Starlight Club Ghosts ( edition numbers 1 - 62 ), in advance of general release the next day.
Directly inspired by Frederick and Claire Belmont’s 1936 journey to New York on the maiden voyage of RMS Queen Mary, the Belmont Room is York’s hidden Art Deco Gem.
The ship’s elegant, modern interiors made such an impression on Frederick that, when he returned home to open the newest branch of his beloved Bettys, he commissioned the same skilled craftsmen to recreate the fine maple and walnut panelling, the exquisite marquetry and etched glass in his spacious new dining room; a sanctuary of 1930s style above the ancient cobbled streets of York.
You are invited to join us there; to dress (if you wish) with a dash of Deco glamour and imagine yourself in the RMS Queen Mary's exclusive after-hours bar, The Starlight Club. The evening is a homage to the elegance of a bygone age, the romance of travel and the possibilities that lie just beyond the horizon, if only we are open to them.
Tickets are sold in pairs only. If you are successful in obtaining a pair of tickets, we will share your details with Bettys & Taylors of Harrogate (‘Bettys’) so they can contact you by email to offer you a ticket for the Event. Bettys will email each successful entrant on Wednesday 24th September and you will be able to purchase two tickets for the Starlight Club Ghost Launch Evening by phoning the number given in the email within 48 hours of email received. Please note that tickets are non-transferrable and any guest changes will need to be agreed with Bettys at least 1 week prior to the event.
Ticket includes ( per person):
Menu:
Glass of Rosé Champagne
Tomato & Pepper Soup with Yorkshire Rarebit soldiers
Smoked Salmon Roulade with Dill & Lemon Cream Cheese
Waldorf Salad with Red Chicory
Sandwiches: Ham Hock & Piccalilli, Cucumber & Cream Cheese
Cheese Plate: Harrogate Blue, Fountains Gold, Onion Chutney, Grapes and Pumpkin Seed Bread
Lemon Posset with RaspberriesStarlight Club Ghost- Gilded Grand Cru Swiss milk chocolate filled with milk chocolate & champagne ganache from the first batch numbered from 1-62
Starlight Club Etched Table Ghost
One lucky ticket holder will also win one of the rare Starlight Club Cerise Replica Ghosts ( limited edition of 15 )
Starlight Club live music thorough the evening
Dress code- 1930’s encouraged
Age 18 and over only
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Collecting the rubbings from each of the five plaques will facilitate the purchase of a limited-edition Guild Coin Ghost.
Venue: The trail is within York’s city walls
Date(s): Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November
Times: Hatch open 10am – 4pm Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November
Guild Coin Wallets are FREE , Guild Coin Ghost cost is £37.
Edition of 2,000
Accessibility information: The trail takes place on the streets of York and covers a distance of over a mile to complete.
Many of York's medieval craft guilds are now lost, but a few, such as The Company of Cordwainers (shoemakers) and the York Guild of Building, have been resurrected and continue to operate as charities, primarily supporting young protégés and maintaining historic guild . The decline of most guilds began in the 15th century, but those with strong assets and historical structures, particularly the Merchant Taylors and Merchant Adventurers, have persisted to the present day.
By 1415, there were 96 craft guilds in York, which has now been whittled down to only seven. The Sorrowful Guild of Master Ghost makers also operates within the city, formed in 1761, this eighth and arcane Guild is not recognized in the City of York Guildhall.
Guidelines: The Guild Coin Trail takes participants around the city to five brass Guild Coin Plaques. We have printed 2,000 Guild Coin Wallets for Ghost Week, each wallet includes a map, full instructions, rubbing paper and a pencil.
The wallets are available to collect from The Hatch adjacent to The Dispensary in St Anthony’s Garden between 10am-4pm daily. They are free of charge but please be aware that only a limited number will be available each day. This is to ensure we have them available for those visiting later in the week. Wallets must be collected in person (strictly one per person) and cannot be collected on behalf of others. Please queue outside the Hatch and not the Dispensary if you are coming to collect or redeem a Passport; Merchants and blackboards will be there to offer direction if needed.
A rubbing must be made at each plaque on the papers included in your wallet. When all five rubbings have been made the wallet including the rubbings can be brought back to The Hatch in St Anthony’s Garden where once verified and punched, you will have the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Guild Coin Ghost.
The dark crackled Guild Coin Ghost features a specially minted Sorrowful Guild Coin mounted in its base and is priced at £37.
If there is not a Merchant at the hatch please ring the bell for attention. We accept card payment only at The Hatch,
Please note that Guild Coin Ghosts can only be purchased from The Hatch during Ghost Week and require five separate rubbings to be able to make a purchase. We are not able to process any Guild Coin Wallets or sell Guild Coin Ghosts after 4pm on Sunday 2nd November 2025. A completed Guild Coin Wallet only allows the purchase of one Ghost and is the only method of securing the limited-edition Guild Coin Ghosts during Ghost Week.
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Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November. Anywhere on the Ghost Week events map
The makers used to make tiny Ghosts for the Shop Merchants to give to patient or well-behaved children when they visited the Shambles. These very small Ghosts stand only 15mm tall and were called Seed Ghosts or Seedlings as they were first made by Mr Bloodworth for a film ( the film is yet to be made...).
Unfortunately, the Seed Ghosts became expected, and in some cases demanded by visitors. It became increasingly difficult for the Shop Merchants to manage a growing demand for these tiny Ghost giveaways. We stopped making Seed Ghosts three years ago but for one week only you might be lucky to find one of the 360 which will be waiting to be found.
They will be hidden at all times of day or night but only on the streets within the boundary of the Events Map which is found in our Ghost Week leaflet and will also available below from mid-October.
Much like the Raggamuffin Ghosts of The Little Ghost Hunt, the Seed Ghosts will be found on ledges and in cracks. Because they are so small a good slice of chance is required if you are to find one. Some may stay hidden for months or even years after Ghost Week has ended !
Seed Ghosts are very small and NOT suitable for young children.
FREE EVENT
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Venue: Lendal Cellars, 26 Lendal, York, YO1 8AA
Date(s): Thursday 30th October
Times: please arrive between 7.30 and 8pm, the Quiz will begin at 8.15 and we will not be able to wait for latecomers.
Ticket information: Tickets in advance only. Entry will not be permitted without pre booking. Tickets on sale at 6pm Tuesday 9th September (link below). Entry is £3.50 + VAT per team member. Only teams of two, three, four or five members are allowed. A team captain books and pays for a whole team in advance.
Link to purchase tickets - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-york-ghost-merchants-quiz-tickets-1610472920859
Accessibility information: The venue is not wheelchair friendly and there are a number of steps down to the lower area where the quiz takes place.
Local licensing laws prohibit those under 16 years of age to be in a public house after 9pm. This event is therefore only suitable for those aged 16 and over. Anyone aged 16 or 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Further Information:
Do you think you know your Shambles Dandy from your Beau Brummell or The Novelist from The Nocturnal Emperor. The Ghost Merchants Quiz will be hosted by Mr McArthur and Alan Leach at Lendal Cellars which is built on the site of the former Augustinian Friary, established in 1272, and is said to have once served as the wine cellars for the Lord Mayor.
The Quiz is conceived as fast paced and fun test of general Ghost Merchants knowledge and some other ghost related curveball questions. There will be drink breaks and the expected finish time will be around 10.30pm.
We have space for approximately 92 entrants in total and will pre-sell tickets via Eventbrite on September 9th, there will be a link to the Eventbrite page added above. Tickets will only be sold in twos, threes, fours of fives. A team captain makes the online ticket purchase for the whole team and then can bring the relevant number of teammates with him/her on the night. Please be aware that teams must arrive all together as the team captain is the only ticket holder. Teams of single players or more than five players will not be allowed to enter or participate. Quiz team names can be chosen on the night and are not needed at the time of booking.
There will be magnificent Etched Glass Trophy Ghosts for each winning team member (only a maximum of five Trophy Ghosts available)
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Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November
Philanthropy has always been part of the mission of the business. Our first Charity Ghosts were sold from the Shambles shop in November 2019 and raised money for Barnardos. Since then, we have supported over 30 charities and raised over £25,000.
During Ghost Week this year we will be holding raffles for five replica brass plaques which make up the Guild Coin Trail. The bass plates measure 12 x 12cm and are mounted onto solid oak panels 15 x 15cm. The plaques depict five lost Guilds of the city: Masons, Farriers, Cutlers, Vintners and Salters. We have made a duplicate set of each of these for the raffles so they will be in perfect condition. They have a hanging attachment to facilitate easy wall mounting. This is a unique piece of Ghost Merchants memorabilia.
The Raffalls are open to people outside of the UK although if an overseas winner is selected at random then they will be responsible for covering any shipping costs ( the price will be calculated by weight using Royal Mail tracked service ). UK winners receive free postage (or collection) from our offices at 31 St Saviourgate if appropriate.
Multiple ticket purchases have equal opportunity for success as ticket numbers are selected from the entire range of tickets purchased including individual tickets purchased as part of a bulk buy. Ticket bundle opportunities are offered as early bird incentives. Tickets are available through www.raffall.com from Saturday 25th October and until Sunday 2nd November. Search LOST GUILDS, a link will appear HERE during Ghost Week, and we shall post a reminder on our Instagram stories.
Winners will be notified by Raffall immediately after the draws are made on 2nd November. For the funds to be released to the charity all winners must press the ‘accept’ button located on their Get Prize screen that is accessible via the claim button located on their winning tickets.
We are supporting The York Conservation trust through this Raffle. They have granted us permission to mount the Guild Coin rubbing plates on their buildings during Ghost Week. The Conservation Trust is a registered charity (No 504302), and their business model is centred on the conservation and repurposing of York’s significant buildings. They are the custodians of over 70 historic buildings, including some of the most iconic in York.
86% of ticket sales revenue will go directly to the charity (after the 9% Raffall commission & 5% Ghost Merchants apportionment).
Partner Events
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Venue: Fairfax House, Castlegate, York, YO1 9RN
Date(s): Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November. 10am – 5pm
(11am - 4pm Sundays)Candlelit Evenings (Pre-book only): Monday 27th, Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th October. 5pm – 7pm
Number of Tickets for Candlelit Evenings: 60Price per Day Ticket:
Adults: £9.50
Concessions: £8.50
Children: FREE with paying adultPrice for Candlelit Evening Tickets:
Prices for the candlelit evenings are:
General: £15.00
Concessions: £12.00
Children 16 and under: £6.00
Accessibility information:
Please visit https://fairfaxhouse.co.uk/visit/#accessibility for more informationFurther Information:
Tickets can be purchased on the door or in advance at: https://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/
Tickets available online from 2pm on Friday 29th August.
It is Allhallowtide in the Year of Our Lord 1764, and the Honourable Fairfaxes have returned to their residence on Castlegate, to commence the Winter Season. Following last year’s misfortunes - their annus horribilis - Ann and the Viscount are most desirous to turn the wheel of fortune in their favour, and usher in the season with a flourish. To this end, they have summoned the good and great of York society to a splendid soirée of no little magnificence, to which you are also most cordially invited. With fate in their favour and good spirits on their side, Ann and the Viscount have devised a series of devilishly difficult puzzles and challenges for the amusement of their guests. For the fortunate soul destined to win, Ann has set aside a prize most rare, a gift worthy of both admiration and envy - a unique, hand drawn Ghost Merchants Celestial Map Ghost. Will Madame Fortuna smile upon you? Come, then, to Fairfax House this Ghost Week, and partake in the revels… for who knows, that the prize might be yours!
Following the success of last year, Ghost Week 2025 promises an immersive and delightfully devilish set of new challenges. Each room will be atmospherically staged to feel ‘lived in’: wine glasses half-full, food left on plates, the hum of the streets echoing through the windows. These scenes will be brought further to life with scents and flickering candlelight, particularly during our special evening events.
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Venue: St Anthonys Garden (opposite The Dispensary), Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW
(what3words ///fever.power.giving)Date(s): Wednesday 29th & Thursday 30th October
10am - 4pm both daysNumber of Tickets available: 8
Price per Ticket:
Adult (aged 16+): £295Price includes a limited edition Ghost
Accessibility information:
Enter through the double gate for step-free access to the gardens and follow the path to the green front door.Further Information:
Advance, online ticket sales only available here:https://www.thinicepress.org/workshops/heritage-printing-workshop
available from 3pm on Friday 29th August
Inspired by tales of misprints, mischief, and censorship, participants in this two-day workshop will delve into the turbulent history of print, and learn about the extraordinary figures who have practiced the craft of printing in York. Participants will step into the pressroom to learn new skills in letterpress and lino printing, exploring techniques including overprinting and ‘ghost’ printing to produce a unique, handprinted artefact. The workshop is taught at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, an exceptionally well-equipped printing and printmaking studio in the heart of York. Tickets include expert tuition, all materials, and a Thin Ice Press printer's apron (yours to keep). Light lunches and refreshments will be provided. Your Tutors: Helen Smith is Professor of Renaissance Literature at the University of York and Director of Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. She is an expert in early books and printing and a leader in practice-led research, with a passion for letterpress. Nick Gill is Master Printer at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. He has been working as a full-time letterpress printer, typefounder and book artist for the last 17 years. He has taught many printers in the early stages of their work, who have gone on to become some of the finest printers working today, and his Effra Press & Typefoundry is one of only a handful still casting type. Nick was awarded England Maker of the Year in the 2024 Heritage Crafts Awards. Phil Treble is a typographer, letterpress printer and bookbinder, with over 15 years experience publishing fine press books and printing typographic art prints under the name Muttons & Nuts. In his career he has worked for Cambridge University Press, Penguin Books and Sotheby’s and as a freelancer has designed books for the Cardozo-Kindersley Workshop. He is a member of the Fine Press Book Association and holds an MA in Publishing from York St John University.
Information about all Thin Ice Press Ghost Week Events can be found here https://www.thinicepress.org/events
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Venue: York Mansion House, St Helen's Square, York, YO1 9QL
Date(s): Friday 31st October
Times: 6pm and 7.30pm
Capacity per session: 24
Ticket information: £8 per person. Over 18’s only. Tickets in advance only, entry will not be permitted without pre booking. Tickets on sale Friday 29th August 1pm
Link to purchase tickets: ( From 1pm Friday 29th August ) https://mansionhouse.tygit.com/shop/dates/pk/4b4aa0e2a36c349f21b586a5512a7870
Accessibility information: The building can have max 2 wheelchair users, however the dance lesson is very active. We can try to accommodate wheelchair users where possible.
Step back in time as you learn historical steps in the State Room of York Mansion House, where spirits linger from past balls and dances. An intimate evening, with a glass of fizz on arrival, a beautiful setting and our Dance Mistress ready to reminisce of days gone by… for those wanting a unique start to All Hallows Eve’.
Comfortable dancing shoes advised.
Contact email: ymhevents@york.gov.uk
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Venue: York Mansion House, St Helen's Square, York, YO1 9QL
Date(s): Saturday 25th October – Sunday 2nd November (excluding Saturday 1st Nov)
10.30am – 5pm (last admission 4pm)
Price per Ticket:
Adult £7
Child £3.50
(York residents 50% off)No advance ticket sales. Pay upon arrival on the day.
More Information: https://www.mansionhouseyork.com/traitorstalesAccessibility information:
Due to fire safety regulations only 2 wheelchair users can be admitted at one time. Please email ymhevents@york.gov.uk in advance of your visit to request a wheelchair space.Further Information:
In 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army was defeated at Culloden, extinguishing hopes of regaining the British throne. The end of the Jacobite uprising caused a commotion in York, as many prominent York socialites, secretly supported the Catholic claim to the throne. Several Lord Mayors held Jacobite sympathies, and covert meetings took place in the Secret Room. Hundreds of Jacobites were captured after the battle resulting in twenty two executions. With so many hanged men, is it any wonder that some of those ghosts made their way to York Mansion House, which had been the heart of York’s Jacobite plotters? Uncover a different side of this iconic building as you challenge your mind to complete a collection of puzzles taking you on a journey around the building… and be in with a chance to win a York Ghost Merchants one-of-a-kind, hand painted ‘Yorkshire rose’ ghost from the Ghost Merchants!
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Venue: Barley Hall, 2 Coffee Yard, York YO1 8AR
Date(s): Monday 27th - Friday 31st October
Session 1: 5pm each day
Session 2: 6pm each day
Session 3: 7pm each dayNumber of Tickets per Session: 34
Price per Ticket:
Adults: £10
Children (ages 5-16): £8
Accessibility information:
Limited Access- Ramps can be used for entry, however there are no accessible toilets on site.Further Information:
Please note: This event is not suitable for children under 5. All children must be accompanied by an adult.Online ticket sales available here:
https://yat.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/68108?branches.branchID=749Tickets available 28th August 2025
This October half term, families are invited to Barley Hall for an evening of spine-tingling storytelling as part of York Ghost Week. Step into the shadows of history and gather around the flickering campfire for an unforgettable night of spooky tales and haunted folklore. In the heart of one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings, you’ll take part in interactive and immersive storytelling sessions, uncovering the ghostly legends of Barley Hall and the surrounding city. From restless spirits to centuries-old superstitions, discover the eerie side of York’s past in a family-friendly setting that’s perfect for curious minds and brave hearts. Come for the stories, stay for the shivers — if you dare.
Early booking is recommended.
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Venue: St Anthonys Garden ( opposite The Dispensary ), Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW
(what3words ///fever.power.giving)Date(s): Saturday 25th October
1.30pm - 4pmNumber of Tickets available: 8
Price per Ticket:
Child (aged 8+): £18A bound booklet for all attendees as well as a special Printers Devil limited edition print.
Accessibility information:
Enter through the double gate for step-free access to the gardens and follow the path to the green front door.Further Information:
Advance, online ticket sales only available here:https://www.thinicepress.org/workshops/childrens-ghost-story-workshop
Tickets available from 3pm on Friday 29th AugustPlease bring a drink and snack for a short break.
Step back in time to become a printer’s devil: a young apprentice who worked in the printing house. Participants will work together to craft a short, chilling, historical ghost tale, with each setting a line in metal type, and going on to print and bind their own copy of the story. This eerie workshop is taught at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print, an exceptionally well-equipped printing and printmaking studio in the heart of York.
Please book early as session capacity is limited to 8 people.Information about all Thin Ice Press Ghost Week Events can be found here https://www.thinicepress.org/events
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Venue: St Anthonys Garden (opposite The Dispensary) Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW
(what3words ///fever.power.giving)Date(s): Wednesday 29th October
6pm - 8pmNumber of Tickets available: 25
Price per Ticket:
Adult (aged 18+): £25
Accessibility information:
Enter through the double gate for step-free access to the gardens and follow the path to the green front door.Further Information:
Advance, online ticket sales only available here:https://www.thinicepress.org/events/the-printing-house-after-dark
Tickets available from 3pm on 29th August
An evening of storytelling in an unusual, historic venue. Expect an evening of ghost stories old and new, many with a distinctive Yorkshire twist, along with refreshments, a souvenir ghost story printed for the occasion, and a Little limited-edition Ghost for each attendee.
Information about all Thin Ice Press Ghost Week Events can be found here https://www.thinicepress.org/events
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Venue: St Anthonys Garden (opposite The Dispensary) Peasholme Green, York YO1 7PW
(what3words ///fever.power.giving)Date(s): Saturday 25th - Monday 27th October: 10am - 5pm
Thursday 30th October: 1pm - 5pm
Friday 31st Oct - Sunday 2nd Nov: 10am - 5pmPrice per Ticket: Visits are free, no booking required.
Exclusive prints: £35 unframed . Twenty of each design will be released each day they are open during Ghost Week. Limited to one of each design per customer per day.
Accessibility information:
Enter through the double gate for step-free access to the gardens and follow the path to the green front door.Further Information:
Discover the past, present and future of traditional printing at Thin Ice Press: the York Centre for Print. Nestled in the tranquil St Anthony’s Garden, just opposite The Dispensary and overlooked by the City walls, this pressroom, museum and gallery brings together historic presses, centuries-old techniques, and a community working to ensure an endangered craft and skills thrive for years to come.
During York Ghost Week 2025, a limited number of fine press prints inspired by York’s history and hauntings will be exclusively available from the Thin Ice Press gallery. There will be three designs, an edition of 200 each. They celebrate a history of printing in the City that reaches back over 500 years, echoing a long tradition of ink, type, techniques, and tales that refuse to fade.
Visitors are warmly invited to visit during opening hours to explore the gallery, pressroom and learn more about York’s remarkable printing heritage.Information about all Thin Ice Press Ghost Week Events can be found here https://www.thinicepress.org/events
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Venue: Holy Trinity, 70 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF
Date(s): Monday 27th October. 6.00pm – 8.30pm
Price per Ticket:
Free entry on the day (no advance ticket sales), Donations most welcome!
Accessibility information:
Interior of the church is wheelchair accessible save for the Sunken Chapel.
Further Information:
Wrap up warmly - the building is over 800 years old so the temperature inside is usually colder than that outside.
Kids will be offered a white chocolate mouse for completing the trail. Please read the package for allergy information.Doing the Ghost Hunt with small children? Take a break and chalk up an easy win with a visit to Holy Trinity, Goodramgate. Always atmospheric and full of history, the main body of the church will be lit by candlelight. Grab a torch and find all our mice to win a chocolate prize and then return to the Ghost Hunt raring to go! Drop in. No need to book. Free, but donations welcome.
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Venue: Holy Trinity, 70 Goodramgate, York, YO1 7LF
Date(s): Tuesday 28th October & Saturday 1st November.
Session times: 17:30, 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30Run time is 50 minutes per session
Number of Tickets per Session: 10
Price per Ticket:
Ages 12 and up: £5
Accessibility information:
Interior of the church is wheelchair accessible save for the Sunken Chapel.
Further Information:
Wrap up warmly - the building is over 800 years old so the temperature inside is usually colder than that outside. Please note, this is aimed at those aged 12 and over.Advanced, online only tickets available here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sensing-the-past-tickets-1441615814709?aff=oddtdtcreatorTickets available online from 29th August
Crossing the threshold at Holy Trinity Goodramgate is like stepping back in time to the 1880s. Join our volunteers on small group, sensory, candlelit tours to hear tales of tragedy, charity, murder and misdeeds, love, loss and lamb chops! Let us reveal to you some of the stories of those parishioners for who this is their final resting place, discover why the unusual box pews became fashionable in the 17th century and how they survived and why it is one of the only buildings in the city that relies on candles for illumination still. The tours will run in small groups, at 30 minute intervals. The site will be candlelit, and the outside area will involve exploring by torchlight, so group sizes will be small. Surfaces are uneven and care will be needed. The church will be accessed through the main gate on Goodramgate. £5 per person (plus Eventbrite booking fee). Booking is essential.
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Monday 27th & Tuesday 28th October. Performances at 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Venue: York Medical Society, off Stonegate
A red light. A black tunnel. A waving figure. A warning beyond understanding. And the fear that someone - that something - is drawing closer... The Signal-Man is one of the most powerful ghost stories of all time and certainly the most frightening ever written by Charles Dickens. It is paired here with The Trial for Murder, in which Dickens treats the supernatural with just as much terrifying gravity. These tales are brought to life by James Swanton, who over the last year has played monsters in The First Omen (20th Century Studios) and Tarot (Sony) as well as the title roles in two BBC chillers: 'The Curse of the Ninth' in Inside No. 9 and Lot No. 249, Mark Gatiss's annual ghost story, for which The Telegraph called James 'the scariest man on TV this Christmas'. His work with Dickens includes sell-out seasons of the Christmas Books at the Charles Dickens Museum ('it couldn't have been more vivid!' - Miriam Margolyes) and his one-man play Sikes & Nancy at the West End's Trafalgar Studios ('startling and enthralling' - Simon Callow). Join our lone storyteller as he delves into Dickens's darkest explorations of the spirit world. What better way to celebrate Halloween?
York Ghost Merchant’s clients may be well acquainted with Mr Swanton’s storytelling as he has worked with us on many occasions, most notably perhaps being his festive performances of “A Christmas Carol”.
There is wheelchair access at the venue, although this requires making use of a rear entrance a short distance from the main entrance on Stonegate. Patrons with additional requirements are kindly requested to notify York Theatre Royal when purchasing tickets so that their visit can be made as comfortable as possible.
Recommended 12+ due to frightening elements in the stories. Duration 65 minutes.
Ticket price £15.00
book via the York Theatre Royal website. Further information can be found there.https://www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-signal-man/
The shows start promptly at 5.30pm and 7.30pm and latecomers cannot be admitted.
Please note that this event is at the Medical Society on Stonegate, NOT York Theatre Royal.