St Anthony's Gardens Friends of York Art Gallery Fine Art Store Terry's Factory Clock Tower October 2024
 Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th a photograph of a fine art store showing oil paintings in storage hanging on racks

Experience familiar places through fresh eyes and uncover hidden treasures

York Unlocked opens the most interesting and significant buildings in York to the public completely for free. It’s a weekend festival that allows residents and visitors to see York in a new way, and aims to educate and inspire a love of architecture.   

This year the event will be on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October 2024.

York Unlocked is inspired by the success of Doors Open Days and Open House events across the UK and Europe.

Donations welcome

York Unlocked is managed by a small team of volunteers, your support is greatly appreciated.
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We aim to educate and inspire discussions on the value of architecture and urban design

Read more about us

  • Thoroughly enjoyed last year's York Unlocked. My friend cited it as one of the best days of her life!

    - 2023 FESTIVAL VISTOR

  • Although I live in York my mobility is very bad so I was so pleased (to attend) these tours. … enabling me to go to places and experience things I couldn’t otherwise do

    2023 LIVESTEAM VIEWER

  • This is a big increase on our usual visitor numbers; a lot of people said they either found out about us through York Unlocked or had previously passed by but not found the time to come in until the event

    All Saints North Street

  • All the volunteers, staff and tour guides were brilliant…

    2023 Attendee

  • …the volunteer door staff at King’s Manor, Herbert House and the De Grey Rooms… were all amazingly helpful…

    2023 Attendee