Time is running out to experience York’s Watchers of York sculpture trail, which comes to a close on 31 August 2026.
Produced by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster, the free trail has transformed the city this summer, inviting visitors to discover twelve striking sculptures hidden among York’s streets, riversides, green spaces and historic landmarks.
Inspired by the medieval stone carvings that have watched over York Minster for centuries, each Watcher has been reimagined by a different artist as a unique guardian with its own story, personality and connection to the city. Free trail maps are available from the Visit York Visitor Information Centre at 28 Back Swinegate.
Permanent homes
The end of the trail will culminate in the Watchers of York Final Gathering, running from 3 to 13 September, when all 12 sculptures will be reunited in York Minster’s Chapter House, with standard Minster admission applying, before they move on to their permanent homes.
Anyone hoping to own one of the sculptures still has a chance: the Watchers of York Auction remains open for bids until 10 September, at visityork.org/watchers-auction.
More details on the trail, the Final Gathering and the auction are available at visityork.org/watchers-trail.
