Summer at York Castle Museum 2025
19 July – 31 August 2025
Included in general admission 
Book tickets 

York Castle Museum will be celebrating the season in style, with events reflecting the incredible Summer Galas that took place in Victorian York.

Our famous Victorian Street, Kirkgate, will transform into a summer scene from nineteenth century York, bursting with beautiful floral displays inspired by the Victorian Language of Flowers. Wander the historical cobbled street, breathe in the fresh summer scents, enjoy a range of musical performances and take a photo in front of a grand floral garland to mark your visit!

The experience continues in the museum’s outdoor space, under a canopy of colourful bunting and further floral displays. With joyful and interactive performances, including immersive storytelling and impressive circus skills, alongside seasonal crafts and funfair games, there’s something to entertain both adult and family audiences this summer!

Each day of the week offers something different, so make sure your check out our events page to see What’s On during your visit. Don’t forget your ticket lasts 12 months so you can return again and again!

Find out more about York Gala and the Language of Flowers

Activities included in General Admission
Find out more

Gala Poster Printing
Throughout the holidays | Exercise Yard | Drop-in
Be inspired by the beautiful posters from Victorian galas and fairs to create your own amazing poster!

—

Silly History Boys Circus Skills
Every Tuesday | 10.30am – 4pm | Performances on Kirkgate
The Silly History Boys will be delighting us with circus fun.

—

Gala Flower Making Workshop
Every Sunday (except 31 August) | 10.30am – 3.30pm | Exercise Yard
Join us for a fun and creative, artist led, flower-making workshop. We’ll be inspired by the beautiful summer floral decorations on our historic Victorian street, Kirkgate – perfect for families!

—

Phineas Fickletickle Totally Tremendous Time Travelling Tincture
Every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday throughout the holidays
Exercise Yard | 3 performances per day
Join Phineas Fickletickle with his imaginary enchanted hot air balloon, as he travels round the museum to help his friends get back to their own time period using his collection of magical tinctures. They will visit Medieval, Georgian and Edwardian periods, as well as the 1960s, so there’s plenty to discover and learn.

—

Flight of the Birds – Puppet Making
Every Friday | 10.30am – 3.30pm | Exercise Yard
Inspired by the spectacular bird of prey displays at Victorian galas, design and make your own bird puppet with Hoglets Theatre Company. Take flight and show off your creation in one of our bird parades throughout the day.

—

Sunday Sounds: Live Music at the Castle Museum
Performances throughout the day |  Kirkgate and the Exercise Yard

The Ran Tanners
20,27 July and 3, 31 August 2025

Paul the Historical Musician
10, 17, 24 August 2025

Adult Creative Workshops

Print & Bloom: A Lino Workshop Inspired by the Victorian Language of Flowers
26 July and 16 August 2025 | 10.30am – 1.30pm | £20 per person | Find out more

Nosegay Posy: Floral workshop inspired by Victorian Summer Flowers
9 August 2025 | 10.30am – 1.30pm | £30 per person | Find out more

Pressed Flowers: Floral workshop inspired by Victorian Summer Flowers
23 August 2025 | 10.30am – 1.30pm | £30 per person | Find out more