October Half Term 2025

Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
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Experience a museum of mysteries at York Castle Museum this autumn! With a range of daily events from crafts to story-telling and other interactive activities, there’s something to keep everyone entertained and get you in the autumn mood.

All October half term activities are included in your 12-month general admission ticket to York Castle Museum. Times for individual performances will be advertised at the museum on the day.

What’s On

Stories Alive in York Castle Prison
Saturday 25, Thursday 30, Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November 2025

Brand new for October 2025, get involved with immersive performances inviting visitors to play judge and jury, deciding the fate of some of York Castle Prison’s most famous historical felons such as Dick Turpin and Mary Bateman. Join us to hear mystifying and peculiar real-life stories in the authentic prison cells. 

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Castle Kitchen: Soul Cakes
Saturday 25, Monday 27, Wednesday 29 October and Saturday 1 November 2025

This October half term we’re going to be making soul cakes, a spiced biscuit traditionally made for Halloween. Have a taste and take home a recipe to try for yourself!

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Sunday Sounds
Sunday 26 October and Sunday 2 November 2025

Enjoy the return of much-loved Sunday Sounds, featuring live musical entertainment from The Ran Tanners. Wandering throughout the museum, the duo will perform historical tunes from Georgian and Victorian England using traditional instruments such as fiddles and bagpipes.

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Tales from the Trails
Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October 2025

History Riot return for more silliness and adventures on the Victorian Street, Kirkgate, this time with an intriguing twist! Victorians will be also promenading on Kirkgate every day to tell you about Victorian life in York – why not stop and chat to them?

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Creative Family Fridays
31 October 2025

Join us with all the family on Fridays during the school holidays for artist run creative workshops inspired by our collections and exhibitions.

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Object Encounters
Everyday throughout half term

Get up close to some original Victorian slippers on Kirkgate!

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Kirkgate and Cells talks
Everyday throughout half term 

Discover more about Victorian life in York and listen to a short history of York Castle Prison through our insightful gallery talks.