Because the nights attract, it’s time to embrace all issues spooky, from ghosties and ghoulies to issues that go bump within the night time, with the very best Halloween days out within the UK. UPDATED FOR 2024
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From essentially the most haunted locations within the UK to spine-chilling household sights, you may embrace pumpkins and witches with youthful children, dial up the phobia for teenagers or discover someplace suitably spooky.
Together with fearsome inspiration for creepy days out year-round, there are extra Halloween occasions in 2024 too together with particular trails at a few of the UK’s greatest sights – so if you happen to’re able to do some mild ghostbusting, try my high Halloween days out with children.
For extra concepts of issues to do at Halloween in London with children, try this put up
Haunted historic homes and castles
Chillingham Citadel, Northumberland
Chillingham Citadel has been referred to as Britain’s most haunted… and if you happen to go to with older teenagers, there are night ghost excursions to see if you happen to can spot any in addition to some household ghost excursions throughout faculty holidays.
The 13th century Northumberland fort has a ghost which haunts the inside pantry – probably a sufferer of poisoning, begging for water – whereas two invisible males may be heard speaking within the chapel.
Or you may stroll into the dungeon and the torture chamber as you discover the fort… undoubtedly not for the faint-hearted.
For extra issues to do in Northumberland with children, try this put up
Bolsover Citadel, Derbyshire
One other contender for the terrifying title of the UK’s most haunted fort – employees at Bolsover Citadel preserve a ghost ebook as guests have so many experiences to report, together with eerie lights, screams and a little bit boy who holds the fingers of tourists…
Hold your eyes open for Sir Charles too, the previous proprietor whose ghost is claimed to wander the corridors, in addition to exercising your different senses. The scent of horses can nonetheless be scented coming from the driving faculty… the place no residing horse is often to be discovered.
You may also stroll alongside the newly restored wall stroll for the primary time in virtually 250 years and ponder the truth that the fort itself stands on an historical burial floor.
There’s a household Halloween Quest for 2024 as nicely, with storytelling and clues to comply with from Oct 26-Nov 3, whereas if you happen to’re visiting with teenagers aged 16+, the particular Halloween ghost tales excursions are again on Oct 26-27 and 30-31.
Warwick Citadel, Warwick
The proper Halloween time out with youthful children, Warwick Citadel’s regular inhabitants (suppose princesses and falconers with their birds of prey) are joined by the witches of Warwick for Halloween, as a part of the Haunted Citadel occasions.
There are a collection of additional sights from October 26 to November 3, from spooky colleges to Haunted Hollows, a brand new path by the grounds, in addition to reveals all through the day.
Escape from mysterious mazes, be careful for the headless horseman, and benefit from the fort’s spooky makeover, in addition to watching the Witches of Warwick stay present and the Useless Centre stage present, with a brand new theme for 2024, together with an opportunity to sing and dance in the course of the interactive performances, and shiver at some frightfully good tales.
Prebooking tickets for the Haunted Citadel occasions is beneficial and it can save you as much as £17 per grownup if you happen to ebook prematurely
If you happen to’re visiting with older children teenagers, there’s additionally the particular Citadel after Darkish occasions, from October 26-31, beneficial for age 10+ – with three new scare sights and a frightful competition of leisure within the courtyard, this isn’t one to maintain toddlers up late for!
And since actuality is commonly way more ugly than fiction, there’s additionally the Horrible Histories maze to find. Not forgetting the fearsome Citadel Dungeon: additionally beneficial for age 10+ and also you don’t get your a reimbursement if you happen to run away early!
Halloween on the Tower of London
There’s one other spooky Halloween expertise to be discovered at one of many capital’s most well-known sights, the Tower of London, as you comply with within the footsteps of a few of its notorious prisoners.
Halloween on the Tower of London is an exciting family-friendly journey by the landmark’s haunted previous, working from October 26-November 3, promising a hauntingly good time.
As you tour the Tower’s most infamous websites corresponding to Traitors’ Gate and the Bloody Tower, children will come head to head with roaming ghosts of characters who spent their closing moments inside the partitions (with the assistance of projectors and eerie sound results) – count on stressed spirits starting from Roman troopers to the Wizard Earl.
The ghoulish Halloween Tower Tour is designed to spook not terrify although, and included in common admission, with a path to maintain observe of the ghosts you notice. It’s greatest to ebook your ticket prematurely to ensure entry in the course of the half-term holidays.
There’s a reduction on tickets for the Tower of London if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Halloween at Hampton Courtroom Palace
If one haunted royal residence wasn’t sufficient, head right down to Hampton Courtroom Palace for one more eerie expertise by Historic Royal Palaces.
At Hampton Courtroom Palace, this Halloween households can uncover the various darkish secrets and techniques of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. With creepy sound results and eerie projections, the palace shall be remodeled with the assistance of some enchantments and there are ghosts to come across round each nook.
There’ll be ghost hunters available that can assist you search out all of the spine-chilling spirits inside the palace partitions, plus some spooky tales to take pleasure in and Halloween-themed treats within the cafe.
Ths hair-raisingly enjoyable expertise is appropriate for all ages, and runs from October 26-November 3.
There’s a reduction on tickets for Hampton Courtroom Palace if you happen to ebook by my hyperlink utilizing code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Buckland Abbey, Devon
Sir Francis Drake went down in English historical past for his victories over the Spanish and three-year circumnavigation of the globe on the Golden Hind – however in line with legend, his spirit shouldn’t be a contented one and he haunts his Devon dwelling at Buckland Abbey.
Tales additionally say his ghost rides throughout Dartmoor in a black coach pushed by headless horses, pursued by baying canines – whose spectral barking is lethal to residing canines. Simply one in every of many ghoulish legends to find on Dartmoor with children.
For one thing much less spine-chilling, there’s additionally a child dragon path for teenagers this 12 months, who’ve made their first hoards round Buckland Abbey so that you can discover, from October 19-November 3.
Not far-off Berry Pomeroy Citadel in Totnes has two feminine ghosts of its personal – a white girl and a blue girl if you would like extra Halloween days out in Devon.
Corfe Citadel, Dorset
This dramatic ruined fortress has a protracted historical past of homicide, struggle and terror going again over a thousand years. Within the grounds of Corfe Citadel, Anglo-Saxon prince Edward the Martyr was supposedly killed on the orders of his stepmother Queen Elfrida, who wished her personal son to take the throne.
It later held a string of prisoners of King John, in addition to being a jail for Edward II – earlier than the king himself was murdered (elsewhere).
However the ghost stated to stroll the fort dates from the Civil Warfare, when treachery meant the Roundheads have been in a position to smuggle their very own troopers contained in the royalist stronghold, successful the fort earlier than blowing a part of it up.
A headless lady in white nonetheless stalks the partitions and battlements of the Dorset break.
Uncover extra in regards to the fort’s character with the Hidden Critters Household Quest this autumn, together with particular half-term occasions from October 26-November 3.
Try our assessment of a time out at Corfe Citadel with children
Ham Home, Surrey
Ghostly girls are ten a penny however there aren’t fairly as many historic homes that may boast a ghostly canine as Ham Home can. Add in mysterious chilly spots, ghostly footsteps and a 17th century wanting glass which some individuals refuse to stare into for worry of who (or what) may gaze again.
A lady in black has additionally been noticed on the steps of the home, whereas a lovelorn nobleman is assumed to scream right here – you may even scent pipe smoke, the favorite of the Duke of Lauderdale… who has been lifeless for nicely over three centuries.
There’s additionally a potion-themed path by the grounds this Halloween, and often nice crafts for teenagers within the outdated servants’ quarters too, working from October 26-November 3.
Cawdor Citadel, Nairn, Scotland
The setting for Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Cawdor Citadel has had a genuinely bloodsoaked previous – even when Macbeth himself had no reference to the positioning.
One story tells that witches cursed the fort after the playwright used one in every of their spells in his play, whereas there are additionally tales of a girl in a blue gown who haunts Cawdor.
Probably a kidnapped heiress, whose wealth led to numerous deaths within the battle to manage her fortune, probably an earl’s daughter whose romance with the son of a rival household led to her father chopping off her fingers as she hung from a fort window.
Not removed from Cawdor Citadel is one other chilling spot – Culloden Moor was the positioning of the final battle in Britain, the place ghosts of troopers from the military of Bonnie Prince Charlie are stated to seem on the anniversary of the battle, which happened on April 16, 1746
Stirling Citadel, Stirling
One other ghostly girl stalks this fort – however in contrast to the white and gray girls drifting eerily round different fortresses, Stirling Citadel’s ghost is pink.
Folks report a faint scent of roses within the air earlier than she seems, with competing tales as to whose unquiet spirit she is: a noblewoman who died from a damaged coronary heart after her knightly love starved to dying right here or a sufferer of grave robbers in search of her physique…
For extra haunted castles and homes, try this chilling assortment from the Nationwide Belief for extra Halloween days out
Haunted Halloween trails & illuminations
Halloween with English Heritage – nationwide
For extra spooky enjoyable, English Heritage has a collection of particular Halloween occasions for teenagers across the nation, with loads of possibilities to get households outdoor.
You’ll discover spooky storytelling, geared toward ages five-12, and ghoulishly good trails at websites across the nation, with creepy clues to comply with as you discover.
The Glittering North at Raby Citadel, County Durham
Raby Citadel in County Durham is bringing mild to the darkish nights with the Glittering North spectacle, that includes stay music, dance and puppetry in a brand new immersive expertise.
Designed to have fun the area’s Norse and Viking heritage, the occasion may also deliver iconic figures from the previous to life with mild illuminations and puppets, together with Gullinburstin, a boar with bristles comprised of gold that mild up the sky, and Sleipnir, an enormous illuminated horse with eight legs.
There’ll be a ‘path of the north’ within the 18th century Walled Backyard, together with a recreation of the northern lights, fireplace performers to make you gasp, and an opportunity to calm down and take heed to historical tales in The Using Faculty. Runs on October 12-13, 19-20, 26-27 and 30-31, in addition to November 1-3.
There’s additionally the after darkish path from October 31-November 3, geared toward children aged 11 and beneath – only for an added frisson of terror… plus sizzling chocolate within the Coach Yard afterwards.
Halloween at Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens have been well-known for the Christmas mild path for years, and now there’s an added deal with to begin winter off with a shiver, with this 12 months’s new Halloween at Kew Gardens occasion.
Comply with the path because it leads you previous flickering flames in a fiendish fireplace backyard the place fireplace artists will depart you open-mouthed, and enterprise into the haunted woods, illuminatd with creepy cobwebs, depraved witches and beastly creatures.
Spy grinning pumpkins as they glow within the nightfall, be careful for ghastly ghouls and be prepared for a number of extra stunned alongside the path, created by the identical individuals who design Christmas at Kew. There’s additionally marshmallows to toast, and sizzling chocolate and sizzling toddies to drink.
Timed entry slot on dates from October 18-November 3, excellent in case your children have an earlier half-term than most London colleges. Christmas at Kew, which has an extended run, at all times sells out so ebook early for this.
Halloween path at Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire
There are few locations spookier than Whitby in North Yorkshire, the place the place Bram Stoker’s tales of Dracula started – and loads of Halloween actions if you happen to’re braving a go to.
In addition to a Halloween path at half-term (from October 26-November 3), you can too see the Illuminated Abbey lights from October 24-November 2, with a nightmare world of Victorian gothic delivered to life, together with an opportunity to identify Dracula himself within the glowing abbey ruins.
Be careful for a ghostly nun within the ruined abbey as you discover too…
Superb Glowing Lantern Parade at Bewilderwood Norfolk
You’ve by no means been in need of fantastical creatures and hints of magic at Bewilderwood, however the Norfolk household attraction has an added temptation for Halloween, with its Superb Glowing Lantern Parade.
And this 12 months, there’s an opportunity to cease at completely different character doorways and say ‘Twig or Deal with’ to a few of the Bewilderwood characters for a enjoyable and secure trick-or-treating expertise.
Opening up paths which you’ll be able to’t usually discover, and a magical mild present telling a enjoyable new story for 2023, it’s designed to be spooky not too scary, together with an enormous pumpkin and new 10-minute present. Begin by getting your individual glowing lantern earlier than you got down to discover.
Runs on chosen evenings from October 12-November, with scheduled time slots – enable round 90 minutes. If you happen to plan to go to in the course of the day, you’ll want a separate ticket for the parade later (and the same old sights just like the play areas received’t be open). Prebooking is crucial.
Halloween at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
There’s a particular Halloween path at Blenheim Palace this 12 months, from October 25-November 3 with flickering flames within the fireplace backyard, grinning pumpkins aglow and unbelievable fireplace artists performing.
The historic palace in the Cotswolds could have its well-known grounds remodeled as soon as once more, so that you wander by the illuminated woods crammed with creepy neon cobwebs and a number of scary spectres from ghouls and witches to bats. Be careful for the headless horseman too…
In addition to treats to take pleasure in alongside the way in which, together with sizzling toddies and devilish sizzling chocolate, you may toast marshmallows, earlier than ending within the Secret Backyard… with its personal surprises.
If youvisit in the course of the day, you’ll want a separate ticket – try my assessment of a time out at Blenheim Palace with children for extra of its household sights
Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry, Perthshire
On the Enchanted Forest in Perthshire, the emphasis is on a magical expertise relatively than spooky scares – it’s one in every of Scotland’s hottest Halloween occasions, with greater than 800,000 individuals visiting over the previous twenty years.
As you wander by the autumn woodland of Faskally Wooden close to Pitlochry, this 12 months’s Enchanted Forest sound and lightweight present is themed round a Symphony of Nature, taking you on a journey by mild and music to find the pure fantastic thing about the forest.
This 12 months’s present, Symphony of Nature, guarantees to be a kaleidoscopic outside expertise, an unforgettable journey by a symphony of lights, music, and the pure fantastic thing about the forest – a magical celebration of the fantastic thing about nature’s interconnectedness.
Comply with dandelion seeds caught within the breeze as they scatter across the forest, with a vivid whirl of colors, and new unique music, bringing every little thing from a croaking frog refrain to the whisper of butterfly wings to life. Runs from October 3-November 3
GlasGLOW, Glasgow
Are you able to trick andtreat…. with a distinction! Head to Glasgow’s botanic gardens this Halloween for GlasGLOW, the place you may knock on the doorways to 10 epic realms. If you happen to dare!
The 60-minute outside expertise consists of the Haunted Hoose, the Boneyard and Glow amongst others – though if you wish to skip Clowntown, there’ll an another path to take you previous this specific terrifying nook.
Thankfully there’s at all times Marshmallowland to calm your nerves (in all probability). As ever, the story is a model new one for this 12 months, so even if you happen to’ve visited earlier than, it’s the primary outing for this spooky household enjoyable. Runs from October 25-November 3.
Fearsome household actions and sights
The Dungeons, nationwide
Whether or not you’re in London, Blackpool, York or Edinburgh (to not point out Alton Towers and Warwick Citadel), you may terrify your self with a visit to the Dungeons – with stay actors whisking you thru 1,000 really alarming years of historical past, plus loads of particular results and rides to get your coronary heart racing even sooner.
Not for youthful children – there’s a lot to make adults leap – every location has areas themed to swimsuit its personal historical past too.
The London Dungeon, for instance, brings you head to head with the Nice Hearth and Sweeney Todd, though this Halloween, you’re invited to a sinister seance, the place you’ll be transported right into a Victorian Medium’s parlour.
As you place your fingers on the Ouija board to see if her paranormal presents are actual, beware, you might discover some sinister spirits contacting you, together with one in every of Britain’s most prolific feminine killers, Mary-Ann Cotton.
For extra issues to do that Halloween in London with children, try my terrifyingly tempting picks
This Halloween, are you courageous sufficient to threat seeing the Monster of Glamis at Edinburgh Dungeon – invited to a birthday celebration on the fort, as you enterprise into its tunnels, beware the monster searching for its subsequent feed… (runs from October 12-November 3).
In the meantime the Grim Reaper shall be stalking the Blackpool Tower Dungeon from October 1 till November 5, as you uncover extra of Lancashire’s sinister historical past on the House of Halloween…
Too terrifiying to your youthful ones? Strive the Little Peasants metropolis strolling excursions from the York Dungeons on dates from October 26-31, to find York’s darker facet…
Take a ghost stroll
I’ve taken a number of ghost walks in UK cities however simply the very best (and spookiest) was the Ghost Hunt of York.
Town was one of many first to begin ghost walks, and with its lengthy (and infrequently violent) historical past, there are many ghosts to go round. 504 separate hauntings, allegedly, from Roman legionnaires to a misplaced boy and a lonely piper.
For extra ghost walks, yow will discover excursions in London, Portsmouth, Southampton, Oxford, Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Lincoln, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Cardiff amongst others as concepts for Halloween days out – some are solely appropriate for teenagers so at all times test restrictions earlier than reserving.
Soar on the ghost bus
For a ghost tour with a distinction, hop on board London’s Ghost bus tour – it’s household pleasant (though greatest for round age 7+), as you cruise on the ‘orrible omnibus’ to the West Finish, across the metropolis and south of the river.
There are spooky info about a few of London’s greatest recognized landmarks, together with the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, with a creepy conductor offering the commentary.
Set overseas the one Necropolis Bus left, the only survivor of a nineteenth century personal funeral bus service – painted midnight black – the remainder have been destroyed in a mysterious fireplace. If you happen to don’t have already got shivers down your backbone, you’re positive to by the point you step off…
There’s additionally a ghost bus tour of Edinburgh and York if you happen to’re visiting both metropolis.
Try my assessment of the Ghost Bus Tour of London – with children, or with out
Take a Halloween ghost prepare
Try the varied heritage railways across the UK and also you’ll discover many reworking their regular routes with some spooky steam engine enjoyable and Halloween ghost trains throughout October.
Purchase a ticket for the Halloween trains on the East Lancashire Railway – if you happen to dare! – with vampires, witches, zombies and ghosts on board… even when they’re extra more likely to sing to you, and train you magic than scare you proper out of your wits.
Or for a magical journey, strive the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Wizard Week trains with owls swooping, illusions to be seen and a terrifying treasure hunt.
The Severn Valley’s Ghost prepare is again once more for 2024, and after being cancelled final 12 months, the Peak Railway’s Halloween Scream trains may also be again on October 30 and 31.
in Wales, you might board the Bala Lake Railway’s Halloween trains on October 30 and 31 too.
Sadly the same old Halloween enjoyable of the Nice Central Railway’s Steam and Scream occasion isn’t going down for 2024.
Mary King’s Shut, Edinburgh
One of many darkish, mysterious lanes main off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Mary King’s Shut was bricked up throughout an outbreak of the plague – and is claimed to be essentially the most haunted place within the metropolis.
Nearly the complete slender medieval avenue stays and it’s now a museum that you may tour.
It’s hardly stunning that you simply may discover ghosts right here – virtually all of the inhabitants of 1 home died of plague, whereas one other features a cell the place the doomed Mary Queen of Scots as soon as spent an evening.
Outdated Working Theatre, London
If you happen to’re searching for blood and gore this Halloween, London’s Outdated Working Theatre is an eye-opening expertise with a glance again at real medical and surgical practices of way back.
Set within the attic of an 18th century church of the outdated St Thomas’s Hospital, it’s the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe and takes you again to the times earlier than anaesthetics, when 150 medical college students may need crammed in to study
This Halloween, you can too see the Surgical procedure and the Victorian Working Theatre occasion on October 26, a genuinely chilling take a look at the origins of surgical procedure earlier than antiseptics and anaesthesia. Finest with older children.
Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
After a significant multimillion pound overhaul, Bodmin Jail has been sharing a few of Cornwall’s most haunting histories year-round because it reopened in time for Halloween a number of years again.
However for October 2024, there are a string of added Halloween occasions, from the Go Darker Heritage tour from October 19-November 3, in addition to two choices for 12+ together with scare attraction Lights Out and a Ghost stroll.
Plus all the same old spine-chilling sides to the historic jail. The Darkish Stroll offers guests a first-hand expertise of what life within the distant 18th and 19th century jail would have been like on the sting of the moor. Uncover tales from the jail’s most notorious prisoners, plus youngster criminals alongside the way in which too.
Bodmin jail is beneficial for 8+, and there is a chance to skip components of the ‘Remaining Drop’ – the one working execution pit within the UK on the finish of the go to. That is one place the place Halloween feels very actual…
Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden – the Harry Potter tour
If you wish to assure wizards and witches this Halloween, you may at all times head to Hogwarts – or the following neatest thing, at The Making of Harry Potter tour within the Warner Bros studios close to London.
Earlier particular Halloween occasions have included A Celebration of Slytherin, wanting on the home which turned out extra darkish wizards than another, whereas this 12 months the main target is as soon as once more on the Darkish Arts, from September 13 to November 10.
Alongside the way in which, you can too spy a few of the creatures which appeared in the wizarding world, in addition to attempting your hand at flying a broomstick: in all probability the closest you will get to magic inside half an hour of the capital!
For sure, tickets ebook up nicely prematurely for this London Halloween time out, so it’s value planning forward if you happen to’ve obtained your coronary heart set on this magical Halloween – try my suggestions for locating tickets to the Harry Potter Studio tour.
For extra concepts of days out for Harry Potter followers, try these magical recommendations too…
The Tudor Home, Southampton
There’s every week of all issues spooky at Southampton’s historic Tudor home this autumn, from October 26-November 3, beginning with a Ghosts of Tudor Home tour, discussing paranormal sightings from the attic to the cellars.
Or head to Wizard faculty on October 28 and 29 for some wand-making, in addition to crafts, ugly video games and ghost-hunting on October 31 on the Halloween at Tudor Home occasion.
There’s additionally the possibility to comply with the 90-minute Scary and Spooky Path on October 30, which takes you past the 400-year-old home to listen to tales from Southampton’s previous as nicely.
Ghostly nice outdoor
Nice Wooden, Blickling, Norfolk
If you happen to go right down to the woods at the moment, you may simply uncover a Tudor ghost. Anne Boleyn was born at Blickling in Norfolk and it’s stated her father Sir Thomas Boleyn haunts the Blickling property, cursed for failing to cease Henry VIII executing her.
Wander by the misty forest and you can too see the 18th century Mausoleum, constructed to commemorate the twond Earl of Buckingham.
If you happen to’re within the space in spring, you may even spy Anne Boleyn herself, who’s stated to seem on the anniversary of her execution on Might 19, driving as much as the home in a coach drawn by a headless horseman, along with her personal head on her lap…
Look out for the brand new Autumn Magic and Folklore path, with a number of extra native supernaturals sights and superstitions too, working from September 21 to November 10.
Learn my assessment of a (ghost-free) time out at Blickling Corridor with children right here
Wenlock Edge, Shropshire
Stretching for 18 miles between Ironbridge and Craven Arms in Shropshire, Wenlock Edge juts excessive above the panorama – the proper spot for tales to make your backbone tingle.
Wander previous the gnarled and twisted tree trunks of the traditional woodland to get your self into suitably spooky temper then be careful for legendary figures whose spirits could wander.
13th century highwayman Ippikin made his dwelling right here, and may nonetheless stroll to guard his ill-gotten positive aspects. Or be careful for Main Smallman, whose efforts to flee seize in the course of the Civil Warfare noticed him gallop his horse off the Edge, down a 200ft drop – he survived however his ghost is claimed to have returned.
Extra prosaically, you may spot Nationwide Belief volunteers entering into the spooky spirit for his or her Halloween occasions too.
Go pumpkin choosing
Even the youngest children can get into the spooky spirit with this Halloween time out – a spot of pumpkin choosing at a neighborhood farm.
There are numerous spots across the nation however Windmill Animal Farm in Lancashire has a whopping 20,000 pumpkin crops yearly.
You’ll discover ghost pumpkins among the many orange variations at Piglets Journey Farm in York this 12 months, and there’s usually a pumpkin carving tent, in case you’re undecided what to do when you’ve picked yours.
Cammas Corridor Farm, close to Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, has greater than 50 sorts of pumpkin and squash in its pumpkin patch this 12 months, in addition to Halloween characters, depraved walkways and the phobia tunnel (for 12+) to get you completely spooky.
Secretts in Surrey has a flowery gown competitors and pumpkin themed actions in addition to its large area, or Choosing Patch‘s Fordingbridge web site in Hampshire has a museum of Pumpkinology and Halloween maze alongside the pumpkin choosing, plus there are areas at Bristol, Brighton and Lewes.
Or head to west Wales and Pembrokeshire Pumpkin Farm in Moylgrove, the place there’s a spooky path within the wildflower meadow, together with haunted cover and search among the many hay bales, plus a pumpkin patch for choosing.
Terrifying theme parks
Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort
You’re assured to emerge along with your coronary heart racing after a go to to Alton Towers Scarefest, from October 11 to November 3.
New for 2024 is the possibility to satisfy Amigos within the Afterlife, impressed by Dia de los Muertos celebrations with its vibrant colors – and fortunately some pleasant spirits to information you again to the world of the residing after you by chance go into the afterlife. Count on challenges and difficult characters alongside the way in which (for age 6+).
In addition to having the ability to board your favorite rides at nightfall or after darkish, there are experiences simply scary sufficient for youthful guests – Trick’o’Deal with City with Haribo, for instance, whereas the littlest can head to CBeebies Land for the Monster Ball.
The Alton Ancestors are pushing again their gravestones to emerge for a Halloween disco too, or journey The Curse at Alton Manor, whereas older children can get their chills with a brand new live-action scare maze for age 12+
If you happen to’re searching for extra Halloween days out with teenagers, try Fright Nights at Thorpe Park as nicely
Chessington World of Adventures Howl’O’Ween
With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, Chessington’s ‘Howl’O’Ween’ Halloween occasion is at all times an excellent one for households – and tickets embody entry to the total theme park and zoo entry.
With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, trick or deal with expertise, Enchanted Hole, is again once more for 2024 after launching final 12 months, the place the animal residents unleash their mischievous streak with a number of cheeky tips together with the treats as you discover.
Some outdated favourites are again too – beware the Vile Villagers of Wild Woods (go to at earlier instances for teenagers aged 5+, after 3pm for 8+), be careful for loveable werewolf Wilf and Violet the vampire bat on the mini stage, and revel in rides at nightfall.
Don’t miss the fabulously scary fireplace and results of the Banyan present for older guests, in addition to a model new spooktacular present for journey level. Runs from October 5-6, 12-13 and 19-31, in addition to November 1-3, separate ticket required for Enchanted Hole.
Brick or Deal with at Legoland Windsor
The Lego Monsters are taking up, with the return of Brick or Deal with to Legoland Windsor.
And that’s solely the beginning of the Halloween themed enjoyable on the theme park, which is being remodeled right into a pumpkin-filled wonderland from September 27 to November 3.
Wander Monster Road, filled with characters simply dying to satisfy you, watch the Monster Jam present, and assist save the dream world from the By no means Witch, who’s busy stealing recollections – you’ll want all of your Lego abilities to assist. There’s additionally a brand new frightfully enjoyable 4D film, Z-Blob Rescue Rush and extra.
Plus all the same old enjoyable, and a few nice themed Lego builds to be discovered. Prebooking is extremely beneficial throughout half-term
For extra concepts of the very best issues to do at October half-term in London with children, try my high picks
Halloween at Flambards, Cornwall
In addition to the same old thrills at Flambards theme park in Cornwall, there’s some added enjoyable to make your backbone tingle this half time period, together with a particular Halloween Fireworks Spooktacular on October 30, if you happen to simply can’t wait till Bonfire Night time.
Comply with the spooky pumpkin path quiz by the park, or be part of Social gathering within the Park with Loopy Chris, in addition to magic from Emazdad.
Or there are extra methods to get your coronary heart racing, whether or not it’s the all too actual recreation of Britain within the Blitz, full with air raid sirens and shaking flooring of a London avenue in the course of the Second World Warfare – and extra adrenline thrills on the rides and rollercoasters.
Spook-fest at Crealy Theme Park, Devon
Spook-fest is again at Crealy Theme Park in Devon, with some new methods to get your coronary heart racing for 2024 – particulars nonetheless to be introduced.
Final 12 months, the brand new Creaky Lodge walk-through expertise was full of spooky surprises, whereas the scarecrows had some fearful new pals hiding within the Scarecrow Maze. Or you might journey again to the previous for Dino Jeepers Creepers, to see what the prehistoric jungle holds… if you happen to dare!
There have been reveals too, together with choices for little ones like dancing at Buddy & Blossoms Halloween Bash, and Sooty’s Halloween Present, plus new acts on the E-book of Spells cirque present for older children.
Add in trick or treating with the Treehouse Trolls, and a free pumpkin for each youngster, and you’ll at all times depend on your day being so packed, you’ll hardly have probability to really feel terrified! Runs from October 19-21, 25-31 and November 1.
Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park, Sussex
If you happen to’re searching for family-friendly thrills for youthful children, Drusillas Park in Sussex retains issues the proper facet of spooky throughout Halloween Shriek Week, promising extra spooky props than ever.
The cobwebbed corridors of Haunted Heights is again as soon as once more, with some new ghostly secrets and techniques added to the haunted home expertise final 12 months, whereas some earlier favourites are again too. Will you dare knock on the trapdoor at its coronary heart?
And determine if you happen to’re courageous sufficient to enterprise into the Spider’s Den (the place you’ll uncover spiders are literally wonderful, and really misunderstood). Be careful for the Sugar Cranium Witch who’ll be roaming as you discover too! Runs from October 26-November 3.
Spooky Spectacular at West Midlands Safari Park
There’s a model new creature to find at West Midland Safari Park for the Spooky Spectacular – with model new present, Patch’s Foolish Science Present, full with hair-raising experiments, effervescent potions, eerie explosions and spine-tingling tips.
The Discovery Path has had a spooky makeover, with hidden monsters lurking round each nook – thankfully there are clues to seek out to identify them, and a Halloween deal with if you happen to do.
Mitzy Monster shall be posing for photographs and there’ll be loopy crafts as nicely. There are even longer opening hours on some dates if you happen to fancy discovering the park’s rides (and dinosaurs!) at the hours of darkness. Runs from October 19-November 3, 2024.
Fairground Frights at Nice Yarmouth’s Pleasure Seaside, Norwich
Fairground Frights at Nice Yarmouth’s Pleasure Seaside received an award for ‘greatest scare leisure’ after it launched in 2020, and is again for extra fearsome enjoyable with a six-night run in 2024.
Going down from October 26 to 31, the expertise will embody ghoulish characters and spooky surprises – to not point out the Haunted Home and a firework show to finish the season on the ultimate night time.
Not beneficial for beneath 10s, the occasion consists of limitless entry to all 25 rides on the attraction.
The Halloween Journey, Stockeld Park, West Yorkshire
There’s one thing for the entire household at Stockeld Park this Halloween, whether or not you merely need to choose a pumpkin – free for each paying youngster – or fancy having your socks scared off.
Be careful for the Woodland Witches within the Enchanted Forest, who’ll be instructing the humanities of wand-waving, potion-mixing and spell-casting, earlier than braving the mum maze – the two miles of paths within the magical maze get a Halloween twist this autumn.
Or take pleasure in a Monster Masquerade Ball on the Stockeld Theatre – begin by making your individual masks, then get dancing, singing and having numerous spine-tingling enjoyable. The 30-minute craft session and 30-minute present is appropriate for all ages, and desires an additional ticket.
Occasions run on October weekends and October 26-November 3, 2024. Fancy gown is inspired and the spookiest apparel wins a prize.
Spooky villages
Eyam Historic plague village, Derbyshire
Strolling into fairly Eyam within the Peak District nationwide park, you wouldn’t instantly consider tragic occasions and darkish historical past – however for 14 months from 1665, the complete village was locked in quarantine after a flea-infested bundle of material introduced the Black Loss of life.
By the point the plague ran its course, greater than two-thirds of the inhabitants of 350 had died.
There are plaques outdoors some cottages commemorating those that died, in addition to a small museum to go to and the boundary stone the place villagers left cash for meals from surrounding, plague-free villages.
For an additional abandoned medieval village, head to North Yorkshire and Wharram Percy – deserted for greater than 500 years, it’s nonetheless among the best preserved in Britain.
For concepts of extra issues to do in Yorkshire with children, try my high picks
Pluckley Village, Kent
At first look, Pluckley might hardly be extra picturesque – a fairly church, old style cottages, winding lanes working alongside streams. And, in line with the Guinness E-book of Information, a minimum of a dozen ghosts, making it essentially the most haunted village in Britain.
From the spectre of a highwayman at Fright Nook to the white girl and pink girl which each hang-out St Nicholas church and churchyard, together with a phantom coach and horses, you shouldn’t be in need of spirits.
Don’t neglect to placate the residing although, because the village residents usually have their fill of ghost-hunters round Halloween.
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Principal picture/Pumpkin patch/pumpkins/Whitby Abbey/York Minster/Edinburgh lane courtesy Depositphotos, Bodmin Jail courtesy Bodmin Jail, Alton Towers courtesy Merlin, all others copyright MummyTravels