Spooky Experiences to Enjoy in Haunted York This Halloween
Spooky Experiences to Enjoy in Haunted York This Halloween
York has always had a reputation for things that go bump in the night. With centuries of dark history and hundreds of reported ghost sightings, this autumn is the perfect time to discover the scariest side of the city.
Whether you're looking for full-on scares or family-friendly Halloween fun, there are plenty of ways to experience Haunted York.
Begin your Haunted York adventure with York Park & Ride, an easy way to travel into the city without worrying about city-centre parking. An Adult Return is just £4, with up to three children travelling free, allowing you an easy and affordable journey into York.
Don't forget to pop into the Visit York Visitor Information Centre for advice and inspiration on your Halloween trip to York - and pick up a spooky souvenir or two to remember your visit.
Haunted York Ghost Hunt at Shambles Market
York is as haunted as ever, and an intervention is needed - help us find all the ghosts at Shambles Market! A self-guided trail, find all the ghosts hidden between the stalls. The ghosts will be hiding during Halloween half-term week 24th October - 1st November.
Once you have found them all, browse the stalls for locally produced goods and Halloween gifts, before swinging by Shambles Food Court to rest and recover from the ghosts.
Haunted York Night Market at Shambles Market
On Wednesday 28th October 7.30pm – 10pm, enjoy Shambles Market with a spooky Halloween theme. Discover handcrafted goods from local traders, support Yorkshire businesses, and soak up the atmosphere of York after dark.
The York Dungeon
For some of York's darkest stories brought horribly to life, brave The York Dungeon.
Live actors, immersive sets, special effects and plenty of wicked humour bring 2,000 years of horrible history to life. For Halloween 2026, the Dungeon is also introducing Mother Shipton: The Great Prophetess, immersing visitors in a shadowy world of superstition, prophecy and fear.
Those looking for a scarier night out can also keep an eye out for Dungeon Lates, the attraction's strictly 18+ after-hours experience.
Barley Hall
Hidden away in the heart of the city, Barley Hall feels particularly suited to York's darker season.
This October half term, younger ghost hunters can investigate a surge in paranormal activity during Haunted Hall: Ghost Hunters!, a family-friendly adventure inviting fearless recruits to help banish troublesome spirits.
For grown-ups, Haunted Hall: Dark Tales brings ghostly encounters, chilling folklore and centuries of secrets to the medieval townhouse on 30th and 31st October.
National Railway Museum
Ghosts have found their way into National Railway Museum this October half term.
From 24 October to 1 November, Ghosts of Station Hall will see 30 handcrafted York Ghosts hidden throughout the atmospheric Station Hall, alongside spooky railway stories inspired by Victorian travel and York's supernatural reputation. Families can also enjoy Halloween-themed science in Wonderlab.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
You can't explore Haunted York without hearing a ghost story or two.
Established in 1973, The Original Ghost Walk of York is believed to be the world's first ghost walk. Against the backdrop of the ancient city, guides share carefully researched tales of history, mystery, folklore and the unexplained.
There are no cheap tricks or gimmicks here. Instead, it's all about storytelling and the strange tales that have lingered beneath York's streets for generations. Available every night at 8pm, this is an unmissable part of your Halloween experience in York.
The Hole In Wand
Prefer magic to mayhem? Something mysterious is stirring at The Hole In Wand.
From 10 October to 1 November, its magical wizard golf course gets a Halloween twist with Spin to Discover Your Fate. Take on the course before spinning the mysterious wheel to discover whether fortune, a challenge or a little magical mischief awaits.
It's designed with families in mind, making it a great choice for younger Halloween fans who want the atmosphere without the big scares.
York Maze
When the sun goes down, York Maze discovers its considerably darker side.
Hallowscream transforms the site with five live-action haunted houses, more than 100 scare actors, street theatre, stage entertainment and plenty of surprises. It's aimed at ages 16+ and is very much one for visitors who actually want to be scared.
For younger thrill-seekers, Hallowtween offers a frighteningly fun alternative aimed at families with children aged 10 to 15.
Ghost Walks and Tours in York
Once the sun sets and the lamps flicker on along the narrow streets, York becomes a different city altogether. There's no better way to feel it than on foot, following a guide through snickelways, past crooked timber-framed houses and under the shadow of the city walls.
With so many ghost walks running throughout the year, and especially around Halloween, there's something for everyone. Some walks lean into theatrical performances with costumed guides, and plenty of dark humour. Others are more atmospheric, relying on carefully researched history.
Many tours set off in the early evening and last around an hour to ninety minutes, making them easy to fit around dinner or a drink in a cosy York pub. Whichever tour you choose, a ghost walk is the perfect way to end a day in Haunted York, and you might just find yourself glancing over your shoulder on the way home.
Dare to discover Haunted York
From medieval halls filled with ghostly tales to magical afternoon tea and walks through York after dark, there are plenty of ways to make this autumn a little more mysterious. Come for the ghosts and stay for the Halloween atmosphere, and discover plenty of cosy places to recover afterwards.
Looking for even more things to do in York? Halloween in York is filled with a busy events calendar, including spooky family-friendly events, pumpkin picking, Halloween adults-only nights, and more!
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