Revealed: The iconic York buildings you’ll be able to explore in city’s first ‘Unlocked’ festival

A new festival has revealed its final list of more than 50 York buildings that will be ‘unlocked’ and open for free – many of which are normally not open to the public.

York Unlocked is a brand new event that aims to explore behind locked doors and discover hidden secrets of some of York’s most iconic buildings.

Taking place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 October, the unlocked buildings will include grand Georgian residences and Masonic lodges, with some buildings opening up areas previously off-limits or historically forbidden.

Some of the York buildings taking part in the event are Herbert House, The Guildhall, De Grey Rooms, Kings Manor, the Duncombe Place Masonic Lodge, Hudson Quarter, Monk Bar, Bootham School, Castlegate House, York Minster, Garforth House, Cumberland House, Bar Convent, and Bedern Hall.

Kathy M King, founder of York Unlocked, said: “York is packed to the rafters with history and intriguing buildings of all ages. We can’t wait to welcome visitors to discover these usually hidden gems and to explore their own must-see list from over 60 experiences on offer.”

The event has been organised on a non-profit basis with a team of six volunteers.

Organisers hope that the event will become an annual celebration for the city, with aspirations to unlock even more doors in future years. 

Here are the buildings opening their doors during the festival.

Micklegate

1. North Eastern Railway War Memorial Company
2. Barker Tower (Perky Peacock)
3. All Saints Church and Anchorhold
4. St Martin-Cum-Gregory Church (Stained Glass Centre)
5. Garthford House
6. 92 Micklegate (York Conservation Trust)
7. Holy Trinity Church
8. Hudson Quarter
9. Bar Convent

Bootham & Museum Gardens

10. Bootham Bar Cafe (BeannGone)
11. 8 Bootham (Janette Ray Bookstore)
12. Bootham School
13. 51 Bootham
14. Assembly Hall
15. Wandesford House
16. St Olave’s Church & Churchyard
17. Marygate Tower
18. Museum Gardens Lodge
19. Kings Manor

City Centre

20. York Minster
21. The Crypt
22. Masons Loft
23. Chapter House Roof
24. De Grey Rooms
25. York Explore Library & Archives
26. Assembly Rooms 27. York Oratory (St Wilfrid’s)
27. Masonic Lodge (No.236)
28. Mansion House
29. York Medical Society
30. St Helen’s Church 32. The Guildhall
31. St Martin-Le-Grand Church
32. City Screen Picturehouse
33. 48 Coney Street (TK Maxx) 36. Holy Trinity Church

Aldwark & Hungate

37. Bedern Hall
38. Monk Bar
39. York St John University
40. Quadrangle
41. The Chapel
42. Ice House
43. Merchant Taylors’ Hall
44. York Unitarian Chapel
45. St Anthony’s Hall (Holy Trinity Church)
46. St Anthony’s Garden
47. Hiscox Building
48. Central Methodist Church

Castle Area

49. Pope’s Head Alley
50. All Saints Church
51. Quaker Meeting House
52. Castlegate House

Walmgate Area

53. Brew York Brewery
54. St Denys Church
55. Walmgate Bar
56. Herbert House 57. Fishergate Postern Tower
57. Spark
58. St George’s Church
59. Phoenix Inn
60. Lady Peckett’s Yard

Multiple Entry Points

55. York City Walls

For more information and to see the full programme, visit the York Unlocked website.

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