The first-time collaboration between the museum and the Shambles-based artisan shop will run from Saturday, 24th October through Sunday, 1st November. Visitors can follow a self-guided trail through Station Hall to spot the hidden ghosts while learning Victorian railway lore and York ghost stories linked to the museum’s collection.

“York is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the world, and part of that reputation is thanks to the ghostly tales about the railways,” said Sarah Price, Head of Public Programming at the National Railway Museum. “The beautiful Victorian style and stories associated with York Ghost Merchants fits so well with the style and stories of Station Hall, with its opulent Victorian carriages and secret dark corners – it seemed like the perfect collaboration.”

The ghost hunt anchors a broader October half-term schedule at the venue. A complementary programme, titled Echoes on the Line, will feature live storytelling sessions and 19th-century keepsake craft workshops. The museum’s interactive Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery will also offer Halloween-themed activities, including ultrasound experiments and a robot-car haunted train.

All activities run daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM throughout the half-term week.

Occupying a 101-square-metre unit, the store will offer MINISO’s standard line of plushies, blind boxes, lifestyle goods, and beauty accessories. The location will also stock licensed merchandise from major entertainment properties, including Disney, Pokémon, Sylvanian Families, and Sanrio’s Hello Kitty & Friends.

“York is such an exciting city for MINISO,” said Hannah Cook, Marketing Director at MINISO UK. “As a major UK tourism destination, welcoming millions of visitors every year from both the UK and overseas, it gives us a brilliant opportunity to connect with a diverse mix of existing and new MINISO fans. We’re excited to bring the MINISO experience to Coney Street and create an unmissable destination for people to discover, explore and, most importantly, have fun.”

To mark the opening, the store will offer a promotional goody bag, valued at £25, to the first 150 customers who spend a minimum of £5, alongside opening-day entertainment including a balloon modeller.

​Running from 29th to 31st August 2026, the three-day event pairs the timber-framed medieval townhouse, once home to former Lord Mayor of York and wealthy goldsmith William Snawsell, with hands-on historic combat demonstrations.

​Re-enactors from history group Three Swords will set up inside the Coffee Yard property to explore the 30-year conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York. Visitors will be able to inspect period weapons and armour before watching live demonstrations of armed and unarmed combat drawn directly from fechtbücher (medieval fighting manuals).

​”We are hugely excited to be embracing this turbulent part of English history for our Medieval Weekend at Barley Hall,” said Richard Jones, event manager for York Archaeology, the educational charity that owns and operates the restored townhouse. “The external courtyard and grandeur of the Great Hall provide superb locations for this kind of display, whatever weather the bank holiday weekend throws at us.”

​The venue will host main combat presentations twice daily at 11:30am and 2:00pm, alongside guided historical tours of the hall at 1:00pm and 3:00pm.

​The event runs daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm (last admission at 4:30pm) and is included with standard entry tickets: £9.50 for adults, £5.50 for children, £7.75 for students, and family packages starting from £22.75.

First opening its doors on Church Street in 1986, the independent confectioner has grown into a destination for residents, tourists, and families visiting the city. The shop is widely known for its live fudge-making demonstrations, where visitors gather around traditional marble slabs to watch sweet treats prepared by hand.

Reaching four decades of trading on the high street highlights the business’s enduring popularity, which the team attributes to traditional craftsmanship, live demonstration theatre, and Yorkshire hospitality.

“Celebrating 40 years in York is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at Fudge Kitchen. While we’re passionate about creating exceptional handmade confectionery, it’s our wonderful team who truly make the experience memorable. Their enthusiasm, personality and dedication have helped make the York shop a destination in its own right, welcoming customers back year after year.”

— Ian McCluskey, Director at Fudge Kitchen

The confectioner’s long-standing role in the city’s independent retail scene was also highlighted by local business leaders ahead of the anniversary.

“Congratulations to Fudge Kitchen on an incredible 40 years in York. An iconic part of the city centre, generations of residents and visitors will fondly remember not only the delicious fudge but also the friendly team outside offering samples and helping create lasting memories of York. This milestone is a testament to the business’s craftsmanship, character and enduring contribution to the vibrant visitor experience that makes York such a special place to live, visit and enjoy.”

— Andrew Lowson, Chief Executive at York BID

As Fudge Kitchen York enters its fifth decade, the shop continues to produce small-batch fudge using traditional techniques and ethically sourced ingredients.

To mark the milestone, the Church Street store will host a four-day Birthday Weekend celebration from 28th to 31st August. Visitors dropping by the shop throughout the long weekend can enjoy birthday festivities, special giveaways, and complimentary fudge samples.

Located in St Saviourgate, DIG connects real archaeological science with the fictional Viking world of Hiccup and his dragons.

Building on the popular activities launched in 2025, this summer’s expansion introduces a brand-new, hands-on conservation laboratory alongside the attraction’s interactive dig pits. The lab uses real equipment to showcase the techniques conservators rely on to identify objects, spot damage, and prevent corrosion when exposing long-protected items to air.

Inside the lab, real historical samples are displayed alongside dragon-themed replicas: cleverly imagined items that demonstrate how objects from Hiccup’s world might look if discovered today, 1,000 years later.

Lisa Wood, Head of Communications and Marketing, said: “Visitors have loved the How To Train Your Dragon School activities that we launched in 2025, and we also received a resounding thumbs-up from Cressida herself when she visited, so we’re really excited to be extending the exhibition this summer.

“Our dig pits give visitors the opportunity to find artefacts; our new hands-on conservation laboratory will show them how we preserve fragile items when they are unearthed!”

The new exhibits sit alongside the Viking boat, inspired by The Hopeful Puffin, which takes centre stage in the nave of the former St Saviour’s Church housing DIG. Visitors can also scan QR codes positioned throughout the exhibition to reveal special films featuring author Cressida Cowell discussing the Viking-themed world she created.

DIG is open daily from 10am to 4pm. Admission prices are £10.50 for adults, £9.50 for children, and free for children under 5. Family tickets are priced at £32 for a family of four (two adults and two children) or £37 for a family of five (two adults and three children).

Pre-booking is recommended as timeslots fill up quickly. All standard tickets remain valid for unlimited return visits within 12 months. Visitors looking to explore further can also purchase York Archaeology’s Passport, which includes entry to DIG alongside visits to the JORVIK Viking Centre and Barley Hall.

Mr Cooke, who is 100 years old, was a member of the former infantry regiment, the Green Howards, officially known as The Green Howards (Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment). As part of the regiment’s 7th Battalion, Ken landed on Gold Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, when he was just 18 years old.

Decades after his wartime service, Ken remains deeply committed to honouring those who fought alongside him. At 98 years old, he returned to Normandy in June 2024 for the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Campaign. While there, he visited Gold Beach to spread the ashes of Flying Officer Douglas Petty and also visited Sword Beach to spread the ashes of Sid Metcalfe. Ken subsequently revisited the historic beaches in 2025.

It is Ken’s long service to honour his fellow soldiers and his dedicated commitment to volunteering, spending time in local schools educating younger generations on the realities of war, that led the Council to pass the motion to make him an Honorary Freeman of the City of York. Following a reception at the Mansion House, Ken walked to the Guildhall through a guard of honour formed by volunteers, veterans, and serving Armed Forces personnel.

At the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council, the motion was proposed by the city’s Armed Forces Advocate, Cllr Martin Rowley, and seconded by the city’s Armed Forces Champion and Council Leader, Cllr Claire Douglas.

Speaking about the achievement, Ken Cooke said: “I’m deeply honoured and very excited to receive this honour: I never thought it would happen to me. I accept becoming a Freeman for all the lads who never came home, in the spirit of remembrance and comradeship and to help keep their memory alive.”

The Rt Hon. The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Margaret Wells, said: “The title of Honorary Freeman is a mark of distinction upon the person whom the Council wishes to honour. The Freedom is an honour, reflecting the eminence of the person on whom it is conferred, and as a recognition of their significant and valuable services rendered to the city. I’m delighted to witness Ken’s Oath of Affirmation and welcome him into this group of extraordinary people.”

Cllr Claire Douglas, Leader of City of York Council, added: “Few people earn this privilege, and I believe Ken is the oldest person to be conferred this honour in its illustrious history. I’ve met Ken a number of times and have been humbled by his commitment to our city, nation and communities. Ken is an Ambassador for the British Normandy Memorial and a long-term member of York Normandy Veterans. It’s a huge privilege for me to be a part of this decision to honour a person of such distinction and dedication. He’s a true inspiration to us all.”

By receiving the title, Mr Cooke joins a selective group of historical and modern figures to hold the Freedom of the City, with fellow Honorary Freemen including the actor Dame Judi Dench DBE and the composer John Barry.

The “Little Admiral” – a carved wooden figure that has monitored the shoppers of Coney Street from a lofty clock-top perch since 1778 – had been absent from his post for several years. It was initially feared that the 248-year-old landmark had fallen victim to a destructive deathwatch beetle infestation.

However, an in-depth investigation by specialists at York Archaeology revealed that the British climate was the primary culprit behind his severe deterioration.

The complex restoration process required the team to freeze the figure to eliminate any potential insect activity before conducting advanced X-ray scans to examine the internal structure. The figure is built from a combination of a carved wooden body and internal cast-iron structural supports.

Morgan Creed, Senior Conservator for York Archaeology, explained: “Whilst it was encouraging to see that the ironwork was still in good condition, the wood itself had been somewhat battered by the elements, with deep cracks appearing. Protective paintwork had failed, allowing fungi to penetrate and start breaking down the wood from within.”

Conservators meticulously cleaned the figure, stripped away subpar historic repairs, including modern screws and adhesives, and treated the wood to restore its structural integrity. The process uncovered the landmark’s earliest paint layers, proving its colour scheme had been altered over the centuries. To restore his original 18th-century majesty, the team primed the figure, applied traditional linseed paints, and re-gilded select details with fresh gold leaf.

Because the delicate wooden original is now too fragile to survive the outdoor elements, he has been permanently rehomed safely indoors at St Martin-le-Grand Church on Coney Street.

To ensure the famous clock doesn’t remain empty, the team has digitally scanned the original carving to create a highly durable, weather-resistant bronze replica cast, which will eventually take the Admiral’s traditional place above the high street.

The preservation project was funded by the Feoffees of St Martins and St Helens, primarily through the Potter Kirby Trust charity, which was established in memory of George Arthur Potter-Kirby.

This summer, the world-renowned museum is inviting families to collect a special museum passport and embark on a “summer holiday in a day.” Running from 20th July to 6th September 2026, the completely free programme of hands-on activities will take visitors on an imaginative journey to explore the British countryside, have fun at the seaside, and even head abroad – all without ever leaving the museum.

Upon arrival, young adventurers can grab their Summer Holiday Passport to collect stamps as they explore the vast halls and participate in various interactive experiences.

The journey begins at the station, where a miniature interactive ticket office lets children dress up, sell tickets, sort out lost luggage, and even make their own station announcements over a Tannoy® system. From there, families can journey to the “countryside” zone to try their hand at birdwatching and sketch the scenery, before heading to the “seaside” to design their own classic Punch and Judy puppet shows or traditional carousels to take home. For those looking for an international adventure, a bespoke card game will challenge kids to match iconic trains from around the globe with their respective countries.

Sarah Price, Head of Public Programming at the National Railway Museum, said: “Summer holidays are all about adventure, discovery and making memories together, and this year we’re bringing all of that to the National Railway Museum.

“With more families choosing to holiday in the UK this summer, we’re excited to offer something unique with our summer experience where visitors can grab their passport and explore the countryside, enjoy the seaside or even travel the world by rail, all in one place. Best of all, the activities are included with free museum admission, making it a fantastic, great value family day out during the summer holidays.”

Alongside the daily passport trail, the museum has lined up a blockbuster schedule of special, time-limited events running throughout August:

• Giant Track Layout (3rd–5th August): The Great Hall will be taken over by a massive track-building zone where mini-engineers can use challenge cards or pre-built sections to create epic layouts for motorised trains.
• Immersive Storytelling in the Shinkansen (11th–13th August): A rare chance to step aboard the legendary Japanese bullet train – the only preserved Shinkansen outside of Japan – for a bespoke, immersive storytelling adventure.
• Classic Punch and Judy Shows (18th, 21st, and 25th August): Bringing traditional British seaside magic directly into the South Yard and Station Hall.
• York Railway Institute Band Performance (29th August): A spectacular, hour-long live brass band performance at 2pm, playing holiday and train-inspired music in the Great Hall.

While admission to the National Railway Museum and all of its Summer Holiday activities is completely free, spaces fill up incredibly fast during the school holidays, so booking your free timed entry tickets in advance is highly recommended.

To secure your tickets and view the full schedule, head to railwaymuseum.org.uk/whats-on/summer-holiday-fun.

Valid for one day only on Father’s Day (Sunday 21st June 2026), the river travel provider has announced that dads can ride completely free on their iconic York sightseeing cruises. It is the perfect excuse for families to skip the usual generic shop-bought gifts and spend some quality time together on the River Ouse.

The sightseeing tours feature live, on-board commentary from local York skippers, who will share fascinating stories from the city’s past alongside their own insider knowledge, easily rivalling any sentence from Dad that starts with a “Did you know…”

Families will get to experience York from a completely fresh perspective, taking in spectacular riverside views of the city’s historic landmarks from the choice of open-air decks or comfortable, heated indoor saloons. It’s an ideal setting for Dad to kick back, relax, and subject the family to a few well-rehearsed dad jokes.

To claim the limited-time deal, dads must be accompanied by a full-paying child. The offer is not available online; to bag the free trip, simply head down to the City Cruises ticket booths at either King’s Staith Landing or Lendal Bridge Landing on Sunday, 21st June and quote the code FATHER.

The hit show has completely sold out during its previous runs at the venue. It offers an incredibly unique, intimate setting for the story of Ubbe Ragnarson, son of the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok, as he navigates the heavy burden of power, legacy, and a fateful encounter with Odin himself. The tale takes place in the tense aftermath of the Great Viking Army claiming victory over the Anglian settlement of Eoforwic in AD866.

No two nights will be the same, as audience interaction directly helps shape the path of the narrative. Audiences can expect compelling storytelling, intense live combat, and lively music right in the middle of Barley Hall’s remarkably atmospheric Great Hall, complete with its high tables and central fireplace.

Written by Hull-based creator Charlie Blanshard and performed alongside Oliver Strong, the production has earned rave reviews during its national tour, including a glowing four-star review from The Stage.

Richard Jones, Events Manager at York Archaeology, said:

“Each show has a limited number of tickets – the audience will feel as though they are part of the performance, and at times they are… This is the sister-attraction to JORVIK Viking Centre, and a wonderful place to see this Viking-themed play performed.”

The performance schedule includes two showings an evening (6:00pm and 7:30pm) across four key dates this summer: 18th June, 2nd July, 6th August, and 27th August 2026. Tickets are priced at £20.00 per person and are expected to sell out fast.