Date: 16 March 2026

Easter at York Castle Museum 2026

Saturday 28 March – Sunday 12 April   

York Castle Museum celebrates all things sweet with a jam-packed programme of Easter treats, influenced by York’s confectionery past and present city-wide chocolate festival (running 1 – 5 April 2026)! Take part in interactive crafts, family activities, insightful talks and self-led trails, with something for everyone to enjoy this Easter break. 

Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork: York’s Confectionery Workers, the current community exhibition at York Castle Museum, showcases the history of confectionery in York and will include sensory stations throughout, allowing visitors to experience the sights, scents and sounds of York’s chocolate factories. Explore decades of Rowntree’s, Terry’s and Craven’s history, from their beginnings in nineteenth century York to the global brands of today. Curated in collaboration with the public, the exhibition shares memories, objects and classic packaging to reveal what life was like for workers and those living in York during its confectionery heyday.  

The Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork exhibition has inspired two Creative Families sessions on Friday 3 and Friday 10 April, with confectionery craft activities for all ages. These hands-on sessions are suitable for families and adults, drop-in throughout the day to enjoy these sessions. 

Sample some traditional hot cross buns throughout the holiday period, with cookery demonstrations in York Castle Kitchen on six dates throughout the Easter break. Watch how these tasty treats are made and how they have changed over the years, with Victorian and modern recipes available to try and take away to make at home.  

Due to popular demand, The Last Stop Before Kirkgate has been extended! Designed to recreate a Victorian coaching inn, the immersive installation was produced in collaboration with NOVO Theatre. It follows the stories of several Victorian folk travelling to York through cleverly crafted objects and bespoke sound displays. Originally unveiled for a limited run in February, the coaching inn will remain for a further 18 months to allow more visitors to experience this incredible installation.  

Daily talks on Kirkgate, the famous Victorian Street, and in York Castle Prison reveal more about the history of the building and its previous inhabitants. The Creative Studio, just off the Secrets of Dress exhibition, is also open daily to explore the range of fabrics, hats, shoes and with Victorian gowns to admire and sketch. Pick up a Time Traveller’s Activity Trail to explore the museum and learn more about the objects on display and discover some of Kirkgate’s hidden tales. A new map of Kirkgate is also available to guide visitors through the different shops and snickleways to uncover the Victorian Street like never before. 

“Easter at York Castle Museum is about fun, discovery and a little bit of sweetness for everyone,” said Clare Alton-Fletcher, Participation and Learning Manager at York Museums Trust. “Whether you’re visiting with children, friends or on your own, there’s so much to enjoy. From getting hands‑on with crafts and exploring our chocolatey past to watching hot cross buns being made and wandering down our Victorian street. It’s a brilliant time for all ages to dive into York’s history and enjoy a treat or two along the way.” 

All activities at York Castle Museum are included in the general admission ticket, which lasts for 12 months. Visit now and return again for Summer activities and Christmas 2026!