Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October

York Unlocked returns this autumn with its 2026 Autumn Festival, taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October. This year’s event features over 25 carefully curated buildings and spaces, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to explore York’s remarkable architecture, heritage and urban landscape for free.

Now in its fifth year, York Unlocked continues to open the doors to some of the city’s most fascinating places, including buildings that are not normally accessible to the public. The 2026 festival brings together historic landmarks, cultural venues, community spaces and architectural gems from across York, giving people the chance to step inside places they may have walked past many times before and experience familiar parts of the city from a new perspective.

Participating places 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, among others.

Details of the buildings taking part in York Unlocked 2026 are now available on the York Unlocked website, where visitors can explore participating buildings, opening times and access arrangements ahead of the festival weekend. The festival remains FREE, with many buildings open on a walk-in basis and others requiring free advance booking.

Free pre-booked tickets go live at 1pm on Friday 4th September. Advance booking is required for selected buildings and experiences, including Bishopthorpe Palace, and availability is limited. Visitors are encouraged to check individual building details and booking requirements on the York Unlocked website, with the latest festival updates also shared through York Unlocked’s social media channels.

York Unlocked’s Marketing Lead said: “York Unlocked gives people the opportunity to experience familiar parts of the city from an entirely new perspective and indulge their curiosity.

“This year’s festival brings together over 25 carefully selected places that reflect the extraordinary variety of York’s architecture and built heritage. From major historic landmarks to fascinating buildings that people may pass every day without having the opportunity to step inside, the festival offers something distinctive, engaging and memorable.”

Organised and delivered entirely by volunteers, York Unlocked has welcomed thousands of visitors since its launch in 2022. The festival connects people with York’s built environment and provides opportunities to see beyond the doors. Whether visitors have a few hours, a full day or the entire weekend available, York Unlocked offers everyone the chance to explore, discover and enjoy.

For details of participating buildings, booking information and latest updates, visit
www.york-unlocked.org.uk or follow @YorkUnlocked on social media.