There are some great family Halloween events in the UK and many are going on right through next week’s school half-term. Here is a selection of some of the best:
Dungeon Spooks
If you enjoy a good fright, have a penchant for pumpkins, and love to laugh, go to The York Dungeon – the home of Halloween. From now until November 2, the fiendish attraction is guaranteed to be darker than ever as it introduces a brand new character to its line-up. The mischievous Master of Tricks has gripping stories, scary surprises and a pumpkin load of tricks and treats. You’ll also meet a host of twisted characters, like the sinister barman of the Golden Fleece Pub and the divine soothsayer alongside some of history’s most notorious villains and rogues.
See The York Dungeon
Ghost Train
If you dare, take one of Severn Valley Railway’s evening ‘Ghost Trains’ for a thrilling ride into the countryside from Kidderminster. Arrive at the station from 6pm. A wicked magician will entertain you before your ghost train departs into the night and, hopefully, back. Wear fancy dress if you like. Keep a look-out as you travel along. Some stations are supposed to be haunted not to mention the long dark tunnel. Staff will be giving out spooky goody bags to all of the children. Trips from October 25.
See Seven Valley Railway
Ghost Walk
See London’s haunted sites and hear about its ghosts! London is said to have one of the densest concentrations of paranormal phenomena of the world’s major cities. The 2.5 hour spooky walking tour brings the otherworldliness of this great metropolis to life! You’ll visit a park, a forgotten plague pit, the site of a 17th-century duel, the most haunted house in London, and more! Hear chilling tales of the macabre.
See Get Your Guide
Vampire Pleasure Beach
Ghastly screams and fright night thrills await you as Blackpool Pleasure Beach becomes Vampire Pleasure Beach this Halloween! Get ready for the fright of your life as the park turns blood red on October 31 as scary souls make the 42-acre attraction their home.
For nine nights of the half-term holiday, there will be a frightening theme throughout the attraction with a Horror Maze open, pumpkins appearing across the park and spooky music throughout. It’s set to be a “Thriller!”
All guests arriving in Halloween costume will receive a free blood-red cocktail upon arrival at the attraction. A number of bands and a DJ will be making sure you have a terrifying time and zombies will be patrolling the park until 10pm when the park closes.
See Vampire Pleasure Beach
Fright Night
Prepare to be terrified at Bristol Zoo’s (over 18s only) Fright Night. Dare to watch crime thriller ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ or the unforgiving horror ‘Evil Dead’, before going on a blood-curdling adventure through the eerie Zoo grounds after-dark, where you will encounter some of the scariest movie characters of all time.
See Bristol Zoo
Ghostly Gaslight
Dress up in your most scary costume and go along to the Ghostly Gaslight Halloween event at Blists Hill Victorian Town, Shropshire, on Saturday evening, 25th October when the streets, shops and houses will be transformed into eerie places filled with ghosts, ghouls and monsters. The buildings will be illuminated in spectacular style and fireworks and pyrotechnic effects will light the night sky.
See Ironbridge
Haloweden
If planning a visit to Cornwall during half term and are on the lookout a spooky spectacular, look no further than Halloweden. Full of mystery and scary surprises, the Eden Project has a variety of events for creepy kids including magical crafts, workshops and storytelling.
Scream Fright Night is a new addition to Eden’s events when the haunted side of the rainforest biomes emerges. Be warned, this is only suitable for those aged 12 and over. Properties nearby include The Tyack, a two-bedroom apartment for four, set in the World Heritage village of Charlestown. From £536 for seven nights over half term. Three nights can be booked from £386.
See Blue Chip Holidays
Not so scary
Little ones will love Haven which has some great activities for Halloween with shows, fancy dress, pumpkin competitions, and new for this year, spooky story time courtesy of MacMillan books and Plasticine Monster-making sessions where every child takes away a free mini Plasticine gift. A four-night self-catering break at Seaview holiday park in Dorset costs from £329 per family based on six sharing Superior accommodation from October 27.
See Haven
Howl-Oween
The Trentham Estate in Staffordshire has lots of Halloween events from October 27-31. How about a scary torchlight treetop challenge, ghoulish activities in Britain’s only Monkey Forest or wilderness survival skills plus pumpkin carving… along with a charity ‘Howl-Oween’ featuring dogs in capes!
See Trentham Estate
After Dark
English Heritage is inviting the brave in after dark to explore the creepy corridors and dungeons of some of England’s most atmospheric castles and historic houses. It is opening the doors of places including Dover Castle (above), Whitby Abbey, Carlisle Castle and Bolsover Castle, for a series of evening events and tours.
For details of After Dark events near you see English Heritage
