About The Trail

The Watchers of York, A York Minster Stone Carving Inspired Sculpture Trail

29 June – 31 August 2026 

Stone carvings have been silently watching over York Minster for centuries. These stone guardians are full of character, humour and mystery. Now, one of them is stepping off the stonework and making mischief across York. 

Arriving in summer 2026, this brand new, city-wide sculpture trail is working in collaboration with York Minster and launching alongside the legendary York Mystery Plays.   

From hidden gardens to cobbled streets, our larger-than-life sculptures are dotted amongst the city, waiting to be discovered by trail hunters from June to August. 

The sculpture design is inspired by the real stone carvings on York Minster. If you know where to look, you can spot the original inspiration! 

This is a sculpture trail, rooted in heritage, brought to life by artists, groups and creative young people within our community.  

How Will The Trail Work?  

The trail will be a small production of 10 sculptures. The painted designs onto these will be a culmination of established artists, charities, local groups, and art students to create a diverse and intimate trail within the city.  

A trail map and online trail hub will be produced for the project, available from the Visitor Information Centre and the VisitYork website.  

The trail itself sets to take visitors across the city uncovering the stone guardians, each symbolic of the location in which it stands. You may meet the likes of ‘The Timekeeper’, ‘The Archivist’, ‘The Gardener of the Walls’, ‘The Merchant’ or ‘The River Watcher’.    

As a Trail Supporter, your contribution helps us bring this vision to life. Find out more of the benefits of being a Trail Supporter below.

Why Should Your Business Get Involved? 

For just £500, your business can play a key role in one of York’s newest city-wide trails, while making a real impact to groups within the community. 

By becoming a Trail Supporter, you will: 

• Empower local charities or community groups to bring their creative visions to life within the trail
• Champion ongoing support for the people and organisations that make York thrive
• Gain high-profile visibility throughout the busy summer holidays as the trail attracts visitors and locals alike
• Help fund vital trail logistics, helping get sculptures from workshop to trail locations and back again
• Provide essential materials like paint and varnish to help groups bring the sculptures to life
• Showcase your business with your logo on each sculpture sponsor plaque plus an online profile
• Receive invitations to our trail events 

If you want to get involved in The Watchers of York or have any questions, get in touch by emailing membership@makeityork.com