Visit York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity's sculpture on York's Watchers Trail this summer
16 JULY 2026
York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity is encouraging NHS staff, patients, volunteers and visitors to explore York's new Watchers Trail this summer, a free city-wide sculpture trail celebrating creativity, community and York's unique heritage.
Inspired by the centuries-old stone carvings that watch over York Minster, the trail features larger-than-life sculptures hidden throughout the city from June to August 2026. Full of character, humour and mystery, the Watchers have stepped down from the Minster's stonework and are waiting to be discovered across York.
A special highlight for the NHS community is The Many Hands City Guardian - Keeper of Care, Compassion and Connection, proudly created by the Arts Team at York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity. Located in King's Square, the sculpture was inspired by the thousands of acts of kindness that take place every day across our hospitals and communities, celebrating the compassion, teamwork and dedication shown by NHS staff, volunteers, carers and local people.
Many NHS staff, patients and visitors contributed ideas, conversations and painted stars and hands during the development of the Guardian and have already visited the sculpture as part of the Watchers Trail.
The Watchers Trail offers an opportunity to enjoy York in a new way, discover inspiring artwork and spend time outdoors.
The Arts Team at York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity works throughout the year to enhance healthcare environments through exhibitions, creative participation, music and environmental design. Every donation to the charity helps make projects like these possible, supporting more welcoming spaces and improving the experiences of patients, visitors and staff across our hospitals.
This summer, why not discover York through fresh eyes and visit York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity's Many Hands City Guardian: Keeper of Care, Compassion and Connection in King's Square as part of the Watchers Trail?
You can find out more and make a donation to the charity through the auction site here.
Make a positive difference to your local hospital
With your support, we can continue to fund improvements to our hospital environments and services which are above and beyond NHS funding. Together, we can make a real difference to patients and staff in our hospitals.
