A unique new sculpture trail is coming to York this summer.
Inspired by the carved grotesques high above us on York Minster, The Watchers of York are protective characters connected to different parts of the city’s story.
Some watch over hidden corners, some over green spaces and waterways, while others keep an eye on the movement of people through York’s historic streets.
Launching from 29 June and running to 31 August 2026, The Watchers of York trail is being developed by Make It York in collaboration with York Minster.
The arrival of the original stone guardian, named ‘The Watcher of York’, marks an important milestone for the inaugural city-wide sculpture trail launching in two weeks.
Each Watcher has its own personality and guardianship, reflected by the place where it stands: ‘The Watcher of York’ keeps close to York Minster. Together, the 12 sculptures will form an intimate trail across York, inviting residents and visitors to discover the city from a new perspective.
The sculptures take inspiration directly from the remarkable carved grotesques of York Minster. Using detailed digital renders of historic stone figures, designers have developed four-foot-tall sculptures for the trail.
Each sculpture is painted by a diverse mix of established artists, charities, community groups and art students. The result will be a distinctive and intimate public art experience celebrating York’s history, culture and creativity.
Find out more about the Watchers, their guardianship, the artists and creators behind the sculptures, and follow the latest trail updates at the Visit York website.
Take a sneak peek at some of the sculptures designs below…
