Easter at York Castle Museum

Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April 2026

All Easter activities are suitable for all ages and included in general admission. Book tickets.

This Easter holiday, get involved in family-friendly activities inspired by York’s Chocolate Festival, celebrating the city’s chocolate heritage, past and present. 

Whether you’re travelling to York for a day out during the school holidays, or want to take a break from everyday life, York Castle Museum promises a fun and educational day out for all ages. 

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The Last Stop Before Kirkgate – extended due to popular demand!

Due to popular demand, our new immersive installation The Last Stop Before Kirkgate, has been extended until 2027, offering visitors an introduction to characters and businesses from 1870s York in a recreated Victorian coaching inn. 

As you make your way to Kirkgate, our famous street, linger and listen to an emotive soundscape that tells the real stories behind historical items from the collection through the voices of five Yorkshire folk all travelling to the street for different reasons.  

The installation and soundscape have been created in collaboration with NOVO Theatre, offering a new interpretation of one of York Castle Museum’s most popular attractions. Don’t miss it, it’s sure to capture your imagination and transport you to 19th century York! 

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What’s On

Castle Kitchen:  Hot Cross Buns
Saturday 28 March, Thursday 2 April, Saturday 4 April, Monday 6 April, Thursday 9 April and Saturday 11 April 2026
Drop in between 10.30am – 4pm

Come watch live Hot Cross Bun baking demonstrations throughout the day, a traditional Easter treat. There’ll be samples of both modern and Victorian recipes and don’t forget to pick up a recipe card or scan the QR code available so you can try making them yourself at home!  

Creative Families
Friday 3 April and Friday 10 April 2026
Drop in between 10.30am – 3.30pm

Get hands-on and create something wonderful in an artist-led workshop inspired by our exhibition Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork. 

Daily activities:

Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork: Sensory Stations
Daily

Experience our community exhibition Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork: York’s Confectionery Workers in a whole new way with our sensory stations throughout, allowing you to experience the sights, smells and sounds of York’s chocolate factories. 

Creative Studio
Open daily

In this self-led activity, sketch out your dream Victorian outfit using the fabrics, hats, shoes and dresses on display for inspiration in our Creative Studio, just off the Secrets of Dress exhibition.

Cells Talks
Daily
11.30am and 2.30pm

Discover the history of York Castle Prison and some of its notorious inmates.

Kirkgate Talks
Daily
11.30am and 2pm

Learn about the creation of the Victorian street, Kirkgate, one of the oldest recreated indoor streets in the world. 

Time Traveller’s Activity Trail
Daily
Collect a trail booklet from the admissions desk

Explore York Castle Museum and discover fascinating stories and facts about some of the historical objects on display with our interactive Time Traveller’s Activity Trail booklet.

General admission tickets last 12 months and allow unlimited free entry to York Castle Museum throughout the year, meaning you can return for summer and even Christmas 2026, offering great value days out for the family all year! 

York Castle Museum is open Monday – Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk on the day.

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The Last Stop Before Kirkgate experience is created in collaboration with NOVO Theatre.

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Looking for more ways to entertain the family throughout the holidays? Find out more about our Easter holiday programme at our other sites.

What’s on this Easter at Yorkshire Museum

What’s on this Easter at York Art Gallery