City-Wide Sculpture Trail Drives Summer Discovery Across York

Produced by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster, The Watchers of York has officially launched, bringing a brand-new city-wide sculpture trail to York for summer 2026.

The trail is being actively promoted through Visit York’s owned destination channels, including the Visit York website, social media activity and the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, helping to raise awareness of York’s summer offer and encourage residents and visitors to explore the city. By positioning the trail as a key seasonal experience, Visit York is supporting city centre footfall, inspiring day trips and longer stays, and helping connect audiences with York’s attractions, hospitality venues, shops and cultural experiences.

Running from 29 June to 31 August 2026, the trail features 12 striking sculptures inspired by the carved grotesques high above York Minster. These historic stone guardians have watched over the city for centuries, and The Watchers of York brings their character, humour and mystery to life through a playful, creative trail across the city.

Led by Make It York through its events, marketing and communications activity, the trail has been developed to encourage people to discover York from a fresh perspective during the summer months. From hidden gardens to cobbled streets, the larger-than-life sculptures are positioned across the city, inviting trail hunters to discover new places, revisit familiar corners and engage with York’s history in an imaginative way.

Dedicated online content helps visitors plan their route, meet the Watchers, discover the artists and creators behind the sculptures, and access key visitor information. Free trail maps are available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, supporting on-the-ground engagement and encouraging visitors to explore more of the city.

Additional visitor resources include a sculpture list, artist profiles, behind-the-scenes content, a trail leaflet and map, an accessibility guide, FAQs, a feedback survey and a damage reporting form. Souvenirs inspired by the trail are also available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre, adding to the visitor experience and creating another way for people to connect with the campaign.

For Visit York members, the trail is particularly relevant as it creates another compelling reason for people to visit York this summer. Through coordinated promotion, visitor information and city-wide storytelling, Visit York is helping drive awareness, encourage exploration and support wider engagement with local businesses, attractions, accommodation providers, hospitality venues and experiences.

By bringing together heritage, creativity and city-wide discovery, The Watchers of York supports York’s visitor economy by encouraging footfall, inspiring longer visits and showcasing the city as a vibrant, imaginative and welcoming destination. Make It York and Visit York will continue to champion activity that enhances York’s profile, supports local businesses and creates memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

Visitors can follow the latest trail updates and plan their adventure at visityork.org/watchers-trail.