October Half Term at York Castle Museum: The Museum of Mysteries

About

During October Half Term, York Castle Museum transforms into a museum of mysteries, offering daily family activities from crafts and storytelling to live performances and historic music. The programme invites visitors to explore York’s past in atmospheric settings across the Victorian street, Kirkgate, and the original prison cells.

Highlights at a Glance

Stories Alive in the Cells: immersive performances in York Castle Prison, featuring real cases such as Dick Turpin and Mary Bateman.
Creative Family Fridays: drop-in craft activities on Halloween, led by artist Lendita.
Sunday Sounds: live historical music from The Ran Tanners across the museum.
Castle Kitchen: live demonstrations making traditional Halloween soul cakes, with recipes to take home.
History Riot: playful performances on Kirkgate with an intriguing twist.
Daily Victorian characters: costumed interpreters promenading Kirkgate, sharing stories of life in Victorian York.

Key Information

Dates: Saturday 25 October – Sunday 2 November 2025
Admission: All Half Term activities are included with the 12-month general admission ticket to York Castle Museum.
Timings: Individual performance times are advertised on the day at the museum.

What’s On by Date

Saturday 25 October

Stories Alive in the Cells — immersive prison performances.
Castle Kitchen: Soul Cakes — live demonstrations.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Sunday 26 October

Sunday Sounds with The Ran Tanners — performances throughout the day.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Monday 27 October

History Riot: Tales from the Trail — performances on Kirkgate.
Castle Kitchen: Soul Cakes — live demonstrations.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Tuesday 28 October

History Riot: Tales from the Trail — performances on Kirkgate.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Wednesday 29 October

History Riot: Tales from the Trail — performances on Kirkgate.
Castle Kitchen: Soul Cakes — live demonstrations.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Thursday 30 October

Stories Alive in the Cells — immersive prison performances.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Friday 31 October (Halloween)

Stories Alive in the Cells — immersive prison performances.
Creative Family Fridays — drop-in crafts with Lendita, 10:30–15:30.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Saturday 1 November

Stories Alive in the Cells — immersive prison performances.
Castle Kitchen: Soul Cakes — open.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

Sunday 2 November

Sunday Sounds with The Ran Tanners — performances throughout the day.
Victorians on Kirkgate — daily.

About the Experiences

Stories Alive in the Cells

Brand new for October 2025, visitors join Eden from Stories Alive inside the historic cells to hear curious true tales and take part as judge and jury. Sessions run on Saturday 25 October, Thursday 30 October, Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November.

Creative Family Fridays (Halloween)

Hands-on, mysterious and magical crafts with artist Lendita on Friday 31 October, 10:30–15:30. Suitable for all ages; drop in and stay as long as desired.

Sunday Sounds: Live Music from the Past

The Ran Tanners perform historical tunes from Georgian and Victorian England on traditional instruments, appearing across the museum on Sunday 26 October and Sunday 2 November.

Castle Kitchen: Soul Cakes

Watch live demonstrations and discover the story of soul cakes — a lightly spiced treat traditionally made for Halloween. Open Saturday 25 October, Monday 27 October, Wednesday 29 October and Saturday 1 November. Visitors can sample when available and take home a recipe card.

History Riot: Tales from the Trail

Energetic performances return to Kirkgate with new twists on Monday 27, Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October.

Tickets & Admission

All Half Term activities are included with the museum’s 12-month general admission.
Plan a return visit from 15 November 2025 for Christmas displays and festive events.

Find event details and plan your visit.

Visitor Information

Opening hours: Mondays 11:00–17:00; Tuesdays–Sundays 10:00–17:00 (seasonal hours may apply).
Location: York Castle Museum, York.

Why Visit

Diverse daily programme suitable for families and history-curious visitors.
Opportunities to engage with stories, crafts, live music and costumed interpretation.
Great value with activities included in an annual admission ticket.