York Witch Walk: Samhain Tales

Ragnell Hagathorn leads the York Witch Walk: Samhain Tales from St Helen's Square on Friday 30 October, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November. It's a guided walk through the city's haunted alleyways, and Hagathorn — known as York's Hedge Witch — calls it her favourite time of year.

The walk is built around Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival when the veil between this world and the Otherworld is said to grow thin. From there, Hagathorn takes her Witchwalkers through York's snickleways, walking above the Mediaeval, Viking and Roman cities that lie beneath the modern streets. Her Twilight Tales weave together ghosts, witches and monsters, including the Barghest, the Hound of the Underworld, and the prophecies of Old Mother Shipton, told with wit, wonder and a pinch of Witchy Wisdom, and always ending well. It works as both a Witch Walk, led by one of the Old Witches, and a Ghost Walk through York's folkloric history.

Each tour starts at 7.30pm and lasts around 90 minutes. They run rain or shine, so you'll want to dress for the weather, and they're recommended for ages 14 and over. Tickets are £15 for adults and £7.50 for children and concessions, and booking closes on the morning of each walk, so you'll need to get yours sorted in advance.