Who we are

TERRY’S CLOCKTOWER, YORK

York Unlocked was founded by Kathy King in 2022 to open York’s architecture and urban landscape to the public, based on the successful model of London Open House and Bristol Open Doors.

York Unlocked is a Registered Charity, Number 1201895.  

photograph of a showing frontage of a Tudor house called Herbert House York England

Education

York Unlocked runs an education programme that works directly with schools and universities in York to inspire among their pupils a love of architecture, design and the urban landscape. 

This includes running workshops at schools throughout the year, hosting a special education day to coincide with York Unlocked’s annual festival, and producing architecture trails and other educational materials that are freely available across York. 
 
If you would like to know more about our education programme, or would like to collaborate with us on a project for school children please contact education@york-unlocked.org.uk
Contact us
an educator shows young students the details of a historical building in York, England

Operational & delivery team

York Unlocked is made possible by the work of founder Kathy King and the core team of volunteers : Anna Hughes, April Mitchell, Steve Morgan, Vince Nicoll, Lorraine Penon, Olivia Sharrard and Holly Smith.

Support Team

The core team are assisted by the skills and hard work of a whole team of support volunteers: Joyanne Ball, Martin Harmer, Nick Jones, Alison O’Sullivan, Amelia Spanton and Christopher Styles.

Trustees

The long-term success and progress of York Unlocked is managed by nine trustees:

Lesley Dolben, Lorraine Farrelly, James Grierson, Charlotte Harrison, Anna Hughes, Martin Jeffery, Matt McCormack-Evans, Danny Myers and Belle Richer-Hill.

Honourable mentions

Our 2025 event would not be posible without the partnership of the following people and organisations:

  • David McRae at Super Six for the programme graphic design 
  • Boon & Moil for developing our event app
  • Kenny Lieske at Good Organisation and York Conservation Trust for providing our meeting spaces
  • Sue Gabbatiss for her many lovely photos of York
  • John Wright for live streaming the event

Funding

Funders and sponsors who have supported York Unlocked in 2025 include:

  • Earl Fitzwilliam Charitable Trust

  • Kenneth Hargreaves Charitable Trust

  • National Railway Museum

  • Noel G Terry Charitable Trust

  • Sylvia & Colin Shepherd Charitable Trust

  • RIBA / York Architecture Association