Fifty buildings in York – including a palace and windmill – will open their doors to the public, offering a chance to explore the sites for free.

York Unlocked lets visitors look around the unique buildings – historic and modern – when it returns on Saturday, October 5, to Sunday, October 6, for the third year.

Visitors can look inside Bishopthorpe Palace, Terry’s Clock Tower, The Guildhall and Herbert House.

Bishopthorpe Palace, which will open its doors to the public for free during the eventBishopthorpe Palace, which will open its doors to the public for free during the event (Image: Kevin Glenton)

The Friends of York Art Gallery are also opening their Fine Art Store for tours, showcasing its “behind the scenes” collection.

“Even if you’ve lived in York your whole life, this is a chance to see something new or get behind a door you’ve always wondered about,” said Kathy Kind, who founded the event.

The Friends of York Art Gallery's Fine Art Store which is being unlocked during the eventThe Friends of York Art Gallery's Fine Art Store which is being unlocked during the event (Image: York Unlocked)

Most buildings offer general access, including York Medical Society (Sunday only), Bar Convent, Holgate Windmill and Merchant Taylors’ Hall.

Others – like Bishopthorpe Palace and Terry's Clock Tower – require booking, especially for tours, a York Unlocked spokesperson said.

Inside the Terry's Clock Tower which will open to the publicInside the Terry's Clock Tower which will open to the public (Image: Anthony Chappel-Ross)

Tickets will be available from 10am on Saturday, September 7.

For those unable to attend in person, a livestream event hosted by travel vlogger John Wright will be available.

Herbert House - home to York Gin on its ground floor - will open during the eventHerbert House - home to York Gin on its ground floor - will open during the event (Image: York Unlocked)

“In previous years, some buildings have booked up immediately, so we encourage visitors to join the mailing list to be the first to hear about tickets,” the event spokesperson added.

“For those who miss out on tickets, there is still plenty to see and do.”

Inside the Guildhall which will open to the public for the eventInside the Bar Convent which will open to the public for the event (Image: York Unlocked)

Visitors can also book on to tours, including of York’s historic churches and pubs, as well as joining craft demonstrations, including wood carving and lime plastering.

Kathy said the event will “bring something for everyone”.

Holgate Windmill, which will open to the public for the eventHolgate Windmill, which will open to the public for the event (Image: York Unlocked)

“It’s brilliant to see our city through new eyes or get to a hidden place that you wouldn’t usually get to see.

“We’re very lucky that beautiful architecture is all around us, and our festival is a chance to celebrate that.”

The event spokesperson said building hours vary, explaining: “Some are open from 10am to 4pm both days, while others have specific times and dates.

“Check our website or the printed program for details.”

The full event program and tickets are available at https://york-unlocked.org.uk/