Press Release: 1 October 2025 

October Half Term at York Castle Museum:  The museum of mysteries. 

 Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025 

This October Half Term, experience a museum of mysteries at York Castle Museum. 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. 

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. Taking place on Saturday 25 October, Thursday 30 October, Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November during the half term break, join Eden from Stories Alive in York Castle Prison to hear mystifying and peculiar real-life stories in the authentic prison cells. 

If you fancy getting creative, mysterious and magical craft activities, led by artist Lendita, will take place on Halloween itself! The session will run throughout the day on Friday 31 October and is available to everyone and all ages. Drop-in anytime and spend as long as you like making your masterpiece.  

Visitors can also enjoy the return of much-loved Sunday Sounds. Both Sunday 26 October and Sunday 2 November will feature 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. 

The Castle Kitchen will be open on Saturday 25 October, Monday 27 October, Thursday 30 October, and Saturday 1 November, making soul cakes, a spiced biscuit traditionally made for Halloween. Have a taste and take home a recipe to try for yourself.  

History Riot return for more silliness and adventures on the Victorian Street, Kirkgate, this time with an intriguing twist. Join their performances throughout the day on Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October. Victorians will be also promenading on Kirkgate every day to tell you about Victorian life in York – why not stop and chat to them? 

Carla Starkey, Immersive Interpretation Producer at York Castle Museum said, “We are so excited for a mystical October half term this year! There’s lots to see and do for the whole family. The varied programme means there’s something every day, and with your annual ticket, you can bring the kids back for different experiences throughout the week.  

“We can’t wait to hear some stories of York’s past criminals with Stories Alive and for visitors to play their part in the sentencing! Adults can also get involved, whether its crafts, interactive trails or listening to the daily talks from our Visitor Experience Team on the history of York Castle Prison or exploring Victorian life on Kirkgate. October Half Term at York Castle Museum is for the history lover or first-time museum visitor.” 

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. October Half Term at York Castle Museum runs from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November 2025. For more information visit https://www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk/your-visit/events/ 

Book now to enjoy an intriguing and immersive half term break and return again for the incredible Christmas displays and festive programme of events beginning 15 November 2025. 

As a registered charity, ticket sales help York Museums Trust to care for its significant and varied collections and buildings.