It’s the time when ghosts are hiding round every corner… but can you find them all?
Yes, the Great York Ghost Hunt is back. Our cobbled streets and snickleways are the perfect setting for this family-friendly ghost trail brought to the city by Visit York and The York Dungeon.
A total of 26 illuminated ghost lamps are hidden in windows across the city. Though the ghost search is available all day, the ghosts come to life (glow in the dark) during the ‘magic hour’ from 5pm-7pm.
You can download a map here, or pick one up from Visit York.
And there are prizes up for grabs! Those who complete the trail and uncover all the hidden ghost names in York will be in with a chance to win a family Annual Merlin Pass for more than 30 attractions across the UK.
“The Great York Ghost Search has proved very popular with visitors and residents alike and as a result this year we’ve decided to extend the season of ghosthunting,” said head of marketing and communications at Visit York, Paul Whiting.
“The trail is the perfect early evening introduction to the city’s paranormal-offering, before venturing forth on a spine-tingling ghost walk, frightful tour of the York Dungeons or sampling the spirits in one of our haunted pubs.”
Haunted and terrifying
Don’t miss the last week of the search because every day from 5-7pm, 400 mini ceramic ghosts will be hidden in amongst the nooks and crannies of York’s haunted streets. If you find one, it’s yours for free!
The limit is one per person. However, a selection will be available to purchase from York Visitor Information Centre, and the proceeds will be donated to the charities Family Holiday Association and York Food Bank.
Also, keep an eye out for the ‘special’ bright green mini ghosts. If you find one hand it in to the York Dungeon to claim free tickets.
General manager of York Dungeon Stuart Jarman said: “Halloween is our favourite time of year.
“The ghost search is a wonderful way to engage everybody across York and showcase parts of York’s darkest history.
“Being in the most haunted and terrifying city in Europe, it would be amiss not to celebrate this spookiest of seasons.”
The search is again being co-ordinated by Angus McArthur, owner Snowhome and new addition the York Ghost Merchants on Shambles which opened in August.
This year’s ghost lamps are “customised by an award winning graphic design company, an airbrush artist and a Michelin starred chef amongst others,” he said.
“We are expecting some incredible ghosts and hope to raise a record breaking sum on the Ebay charity auction this year.”
Happy hunting!