What Is The Ghosts In The Gardens York Event And When Is It In 2025?

Ever walked through York and felt a bit of a chill, even on a warm day? It's not surprising. The city is absolutely steeped in history, and with history comes stories... and with stories, come ghosts. Well, get ready, because from Friday 19th September 2025, those ghostly vibes are getting a serious boost. The much-loved 'Ghosts in the Gardens' trail is officially making its return, and it's bringing a brand-new, spookier friend along for the ride. It's an event that has quickly become a massive part of the city's cultural calendar.

What exactly is ghosts in the gardens?

Okay, so imagine wandering through York's beautiful gardens and ancient streets, and suddenly you spot something out of the corner of your eye. A see-through figure of a Roman soldier, perhaps, or a ghostly monk, just standing there. That's the magic of this event. It's not about jump scares or things that go bump in the night. Instead, it's a stunning outdoor art trail featuring dozens of see-through sculptures.

These aren't just any old sculptures; they are ethereal figures made from wire mesh by a brilliant local creative team called Unconventional Design. Because they're translucent, they have this amazing, ghostly quality - you can see right through them! It's the kind of thing that makes you look twice. This year, there will be 58 of these amazing figures dotted around the city. Finding them all is a brilliant way to explore bits of York you might not have seen before, from hidden gardens to crumbling ruins. And the best bit? The main Ghosts in the Gardens trail is completely free for all visitors to enjoy.

What's new for this haunting event?

Just because you've seen the ghosts before doesn't mean you've seen them all. For 2025, the team is introducing 10 brand-new sculptures to find. This keeps the event fresh and exciting, giving returning visitors a new challenge. It's a fantastic piece of cultural development for the city of York.

So, what new figures can people expect to see? Well, some of the new additions sound brilliant and are tied directly to York's unique history:

• A haunting figure wearing a plague mask - a definite nod to a darker time in the city's past.
• A ghost riding a penny-farthing bicycle - a quirky and slightly creepy tribute to Victorian times.
• A shackled female prisoner - a sculpture that will no doubt have some powerful stories behind it.

These new additions join a whole host of other ghostly sculptures that represent different layers of the city's past. The development of these new figures ensures the event continues to grow and attract people to explore the city's gardens. It's all part of a plan to make the history of York accessible and exciting for everyone.

A brand-new evening experience: ghosts: the untold history

This is where things get really interesting. For the first time ever, the York BID is launching a companion event called 'Ghosts: The Untold History'. Think of it as the grown-up, after-dark version of the daytime trail. This is a completely new evening experience designed for a slightly older audience (15 and over). It runs from 5th to 9th November, starting at 6.30pm each night.

So, what's it all about? 'Ghosts: The Untold History' is an intimate, small-group event that takes participants on a journey through one of York's hidden gems. It's a chance to hear the previously untold stories of the city's ghosts in a uniquely atmospheric setting. Forget the big crowds; this is about getting up close with the history of the city. You'll get to explore the famous 'Snickleways' - those narrow, winding alleyways that crisscross the city centre. It sounds like the perfect way to spend a chilly November evening. Tickets for this special event are just £5 (plus a booking fee), which is a bargain for such a unique experience. This promises to be a truly haunting event.

What the organisers say

The whole thing is organised by the York BID. If you're wondering what that is, it stands for Business Improvement District. Basically, it's a group dedicated to making York an even better place for businesses, locals, and visitors. They are behind many of the fantastic events and improvements you see around the city.

Carl Alsop, who is the Operations Manager at York BID, is clearly excited about this year's setup. He said:

"Ghosts in the Gardens has become one of the city's most loved traditions, attracting thousands of people to York each year. This year, we're taking it a step further with Ghosts: The Untold History - an exciting new evening event that gives audiences a chance to dive deeper into the stories behind the spirits. With 58 ghostly figures, including 10 brand-new sculptures, 2025 promises to be our most haunting year yet."

It sounds like the team is passionate about building on the success of the original event and offering even more. The focus on untold stories for the new evening experience shows a commitment to digging deeper into the rich history that makes York so special.

Planning your spooky trip

With two amazing ghost-themed experiences on the calendar, there's a lot to look forward to in York this autumn. Whether you're after a free, family-friendly day out exploring the gardens or a more intense, story-driven evening experience, there's something for everyone. The sculptures are a must-see, and the new event adds another exciting layer to the city's reputation for all things ghostly.

Here's a quick breakdown to help you plan:

Mark your calendar for September and November, because the ghosts are coming back to York, and it sounds like they have some new stories to share.