Go behind closed doors at these York buildings and hidden gems as this annual festival returns.
York Unlocked is back for its fifth year – and is once again bringing exclusive access to historic buildings and places in the city on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October.
The free event will give visitors the chance to discover sites that are normally closed to the public. Participating venues for 2026 include Bishopthorpe Palace, Heslington Hall, Holgate Windmill, The Golden Fleece, Bedern Hall, Fishergate Postern Tower, Kentmere House Gallery, RAFA House, Merchant Taylors’ Hall and York Medical Society.
Many participating buildings are open on a drop-in basis, so visitors can simply choose where
they would like to go and join us over the weekend.
Some buildings require free pre-booked tickets. Visitors should only travel to these buildings
if they already hold a valid ticket for the relevant time slot.
Opening days, times, access information and booking requirements vary by building, so check the York Unlocked website before setting out.
Whether you have planned a full weekend, want to explore a particular part of the city, or simply have a couple of hours to spare, there is plenty to discover.
York Unlocked’s Marketing Lead said: “This is the weekend we have all been working towards, and we cannot wait to welcome people into some of York’s most remarkable buildings and spaces.
“York Unlocked is about giving people the chance to indulge their curiosity, step through doors they may normally walk past and experience the city in a different way. Come and explore, discover and enjoy York with us this weekend.”
Organised and delivered entirely by volunteers, York Unlocked has welcomed thousands of visitors since its launch in 2022. The festival celebrates York’s built environment and gives people the opportunity to discover the architecture, stories and spaces that help make the city distinctive.
To find out more, visit the York Unlocked website here.
Take a look at all the buildings taking part in this year’s festival.
- Assembly Rooms (ASK Italian), Blake Street
- Bedern Hall, Bartle Garth
- Bettys, St Helen’s Square
- Bishopthorpe Palace, Bishopthorpe
- Bootham School, Bootham
- Castlegate House, Castlegate
- Fishergate Postern Tower, Piccadilly
- Golden Fleece, Pavement
- Herbert House, Pavement
- Heslington Hall, Heslington
- Holgate Windmill, Windmill Rise
- Holy Trinity, Goodramgate
- Hospitium, Museum Gardens
- Kentmere House Gallery, Scarcroft Hill
- Kings Manor, Exhibition Square
- Merchant Taylors’ Hall, Aldwalk
- Methodist Chapel (Q York), Priory Street
- Micklegate Bar, Micklegate
- Museum Gardens Lodge, Museum Street
- RAFA House, Aldwalk
- St Andrews, Bishopthorpe
- St Anthonys Hall & Garden, Peasholme Green
- St Columba’s, Priory Street
- Terry’s Factory Clock Tower, Bishopthorpe Road
- Thin Ice Press, Peasholme Green
- Uncomfortable York – Tour, City Centre
- York Medical Society, Stonegate