October Half-Term at York Castle Museum

Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026 | Book Tickets

Learn about hidden histories and traditions from Yorkshire’s past through storytelling and immersive experiences this autumn. 

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What’s On

Special activities:

Soul Cakes
Saturday 24, Monday 26, Wednesday 28 and Saturday 31 October 2026
10:30am – 4pm | Demonstrations throughout the day
Included in general admission
Call into the Castle Kitchen and watch live baking demonstrations of Soul Cakes, a small cake with sweet spices traditionally made for Halloween. Try a tasty samples and scan the QR code on display for the recipe, so you can try it yourself at home!

Tales of Nut-Crack Night
Daily, Saturday 24 October – Saturday 31 October 2026
Performances throughout the day
Included in general admission
Join two eccentric Victorian characters for silliness and autumnal adventures on Kirkgate. Experience and learn about Yorkshire traditions from All Hallow’s Eve, or as the Victorian’s called it, Nut-Crack Night, with their fun storytelling performance!

Daily activities:

All activities and experiences are suitable for all ages and included in general admission.

NEW Prison Escape Stories
Daily
Self-led activity
Included in general admission
Uncover stories hidden in Yorkshire’s past in the authentic prison cells, with two new immersive experiences, one for adults and older families, and another for small children. Collect a gaoler’s (jailor’s) key and complete tasks to reveal the facts of true escape stories from York Castle Prison!

Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork Sensory Stations
Drop-in, self-led activity
Experience our community exhibition Sugar, Skill and Shiftwork in a whole new way with our sensory stations throughout, allowing you to experience the sights, smells, noises and taste of York’s chocolate factories. 

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

Little Spotters
Self-led activity
Recommended for under 10s
Collect a Little Spotters activity sheet, available in the Secrets of Dress exhibition, and explore historic fashion items on display. There’s also a colouring sheet on the back for you to complete during your visit, or to take home. 

Cells Talks
11.30am and 2.30pm
Discover the history of York Castle prison and some of its notorious inmates.

Kirkgate Talks
11.30am and 2pm
Learn about the creation of the Victorian street, Kirkgate, one of the oldest recreated indoor streets of its kind in the world. 

Time Traveller’s Activity Trail
Self-led activity
Explore York Castle Museum and discover fascinating stories and facts about some of the historical objects on display with our interactive trail booklet, collect one from the admissions desk.

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General admission tickets last 12 months. Pay once, visit free all year!

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk on the day. Family saver tickets available.

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Looking for more ways to entertain the family throughout the half-term? Find out more about what’s on at our other sites.

What’s on this October Half-Term at the Yorkshire Museum

What’s on this October Half-Term at York Art Gallery