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York Unlocked Festival

27th and 28th September 2025

ENTRY IS FREE

a photograph of a fine art store showing oil paintings in storage hanging on racks

Programme 2024

We are currently working to produce the programme for 2025, and will release it here when it is finalised. If you would like to see the venues we opened in 2024 you can download the old programme here.

DOWNLOAD PROGRAMME

App

Find all of our venues and opening times quickly and easily with our event app.

iPhone App
Android App

Information about the weekend

Getting around

Most sites are close to each other so it is possible to walk between them.

The City Sightseeing Bus (start Exhibition Square) will also take you near to all key sites, except Bishopthorpe and Holgate. First Bus No. 11 – which you can join at Stonebow, Rougier Street or the Station – goes to Bishopthorpe.

Bikes can be hired for the weekend.

Tours

  • Tours were very popular in 2023.  Most tour tickets were taken within a few hours of going "live". We expect building tours to be very popular in 2024 too. We recommend you view the programme and this website, select the tours you want, and make sure you're "online"  as soon as bookings open in on 7th September and 14th September.

Accessibility

Many of our historic buildings are difficult to access with stepped entrances and poorly lit spaces in some areas, please pay attention to any health and safety guidance. Some of our buildings require special care and attention and are not recommended for people with health issues, walking difficulties (including assisted walking), or for children aged under 6 years old.

For a the best experience possible please keep in mind the following:

  • Check the Buildings page for any changes or updates to the schedule.
  • For any programmed events you are attending, please make sure you check the dates and times the space is open to visit on our programme & website.
  • Some churches listed may have their own events over the weekend, please be respectful of these when visiting.
  • Please don’t visit outside of the times shown for drop-ins or scheduled events.
  • You should only attend York Unlocked events during the opening times, and not at other times.
  • Please be respectful to all our contributors and volunteers who have kindly provided their time and space to open for us.
  • If there is a ticketed event that has sold out, please do not attend.
  • You will enter buildings that indicate difficult access at your own risk.