September 2025
 Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th

Experience familiar places through fresh eyes and uncover hidden treasures

St Mary's Tower Queue of visitors attending open house event in York

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 27th and Sunday 28th September 2025.

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

  • Not your typical heritage visitor… an extraordinary weekend. I’ve heard so many amazing sentiments from people thrilled that this has happened….

    York Guildhall

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

    - 2023 FESTIVAL VISTOR

  • It was brilliant - count me in again for next time please

    2023 Steward Volunteer

  • We had approx 350-400 visitors on the Saturday, most had never visited before

    Bar Convent

  • 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