York Castle Museum launches summer games programme

Visitors can enjoy mini tennis tournaments in the Mill Yard, using the popular ‘swingball’ game, which was invented in the 1960s.

The museum is encouraging families to take part in competitions and relive the 2026 Wimbledon season.

Visitors can enjoy mini tennis tournaments in the Mill Yard, using the popular ‘swingball’ game (Image: Gareth Buddo, Furmoto Photography)

Other outdoor activities include space hoppers, hobby horses, and skipping ropes.

These games aim to provide summer entertainment for all ages, with York Castle Museum’s social media showcasing tennis and the 1966 World Cup win.

Indoors, there are traditional games like dominoes and Cat’s Cradle in the ‘Swinging Sixties’ section, along with vintage automata machines.

Visitors can also engage with animatronic fairy tale scenes, visit a fortune teller, and see a tiger pouncing on Queen Victoria.

These activities offer a mix of nostalgia for older visitors and discovery for the younger ones, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy.

The games aim to provide summer entertainment for all ages (Image: Hewitt and Walker)

The museum is encouraging visitors to book tickets on its website to secure a summer filled with fun and friendly competition.

The programme of activities is designed to cater to all weather conditions, promising a variety of entertainment options for everyone.

Tickets can be booked via York Castle Museum’s website.