42 Halloween days out in the UK with kids
As the nights draw in, it’s time to embrace all things spooky, from ghosties and ghoulies to things that go bump in the night, with the best Halloween days out in the UK. UPDATED FOR 2025
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From the most haunted places in the UK to spine-chilling family attractions, you can embrace pumpkins and witches with younger kids, dial up the terror for teens or explore somewhere suitably spooky.
Along with fearsome inspiration for creepy days out year-round, there are more Halloween events in 2025 too including special trails at some of the UK’s biggest attractions – so if you’re ready to do some light ghostbusting, check out my top Halloween days out with kids.
For more ideas of things to do at Halloween in London with kids, check out this post
Haunted historic houses and castles
Chillingham Castle, Northumberland
Chillingham Castle has been called Britain’s most haunted… and if you visit with older teens, there are evening ghost tours to see if you can spot any as well as some family ghost tours during school holidays.
The 13th century Northumberland castle has a ghost which haunts the inner pantry – possibly a victim of poisoning, begging for water – while two invisible men can be heard talking in the chapel.
Or you can stroll into the dungeon and the torture chamber as you explore the castle… definitely not for the faint-hearted.
For more things to do in Northumberland with kids, check out this post
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
Another contender for the terrifying title of the UK’s most haunted castle – staff at Bolsover Castle keep a ghost book as visitors have so many experiences to record, including eerie lights, screams and a little boy who holds the hands of visitors…
Keep your eyes open for Sir Charles too, the former owner whose ghost is said to wander the corridors, as well as exercising your other senses. The smell of horses can still be scented coming from the riding school… where no living horse is usually to be found.
You can also stroll along the restored wall walk, which reopened around 10 years ago for the first time in almost 250 years, and ponder the fact that the castle itself stands on an ancient burial ground.
There’s a family Halloween Quest for 2025 as well, with storytelling and clues to follow from Oct 25-Nov 2, while if you’re visiting with teens aged 16+, the special Halloween ghost tales tours are back on Oct 30-Nov 1.
Warwick Castle, Warwick
The perfect Halloween day out with younger kids, Warwick Castle’s usual inhabitants (think princesses and falconers with their birds of prey) are joined by the witches of Warwick for Halloween, as part of the Haunted Castle events.
There are a series of extra attractions from October 25 to November 2, from spooky schools to the Haunted Hollows trail through the grounds, as well as shows throughout the day.
Escape from mysterious mazes, watch out for the headless horseman, and enjoy the castle’s spooky makeover, as well as watching the Witches of Warwick live show and the Dead Centre stage show, including a chance to sing and dance during the interactive performances, and shiver at some frightfully good stories.
Prebooking tickets for the Haunted Castle events is recommended and you can save up to £14 per adult if you book in advance
If you’re visiting with older kids teens, there’s also the special Castle after Dark events, from October 25-Nov 1, recommended for age 10+ – with three thrilling scare attractions and a frightful festival of entertainment in the courtyard, this isn’t one to keep toddlers up late for!
And because reality is often far more gruesome than fiction, there’s also the Horrible Histories maze to discover. Not forgetting the fearsome Castle Dungeon: also recommended for age 10+ and you don’t get your money back if you run away early!
Halloween at Hampton Court Palace
It’s hard to beat a haunted royal residence at Halloween, head down to Hampton Court Palace for an eerie experience from Historic Royal Palaces.
At Hampton Court Palace, this Halloween families can discover the many dark secrets of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. With creepy sound effects and eerie projections, the palace and gardens will be transformed with the help of a few enchantments and there are ghosts to encounter around every corner.
Check out the eerie new outdoor trail, keeping an eye out for the ghost of Oliver Cromwell and the much-married Tudor king then enjoy some spooky stories to enjoy and Halloween-themed treats in the cafe.
This hair-raisingly fun experience is suitable for all ages, and runs from October 25-November 2. Children under 12 are welcome to wear Halloween costumes, although you’re asked to avoid anything with loose glitter.
There’s a discount on tickets for Hampton Court Palace if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6
Buckland Abbey, Devon
Sir Francis Drake went down in English history for his victories over the Spanish and three-year circumnavigation of the globe on the Golden Hind – but according to legend, his spirit is not a happy one and he haunts his Devon home at Buckland Abbey.
Tales also say his ghost rides across Dartmoor in a black coach driven by headless horses, pursued by baying dogs – whose spectral barking is deadly to living dogs. Just one of many ghoulish legends to discover on Dartmoor with kids.
For something less spine-chilling, there is also a piskies vs trolls trail for kids this year, who are busy playing tricks on each other around Buckland Abbey, from October 18-November 2.
Not far away Berry Pomeroy Castle in Totnes has two female ghosts of its own – a white lady and a blue lady if you want more Halloween days out in Devon.
Corfe Castle, Dorset
This dramatic ruined fortress has a long history of murder, war and terror going back over a thousand years. In the grounds of Corfe Castle, Anglo-Saxon prince Edward the Martyr was supposedly killed on the orders of his stepmother Queen Elfrida, who wanted her own son to take the throne.
It later held a string of prisoners of King John, as well as being a prison for Edward II – before the king himself was murdered (elsewhere).
But the ghost said to walk the castle dates from the Civil War, when treachery meant the Roundheads were able to smuggle their own soldiers inside the royalist stronghold, winning the castle before blowing part of it up.
A headless woman in white still stalks the walls and battlements of the Dorset ruin.
Discover more about the castle’s character with the half-term Halloween fun this autumn, including a quest where you can help the resident ghost detective with his investigation – watch out for ghostly figures in the ruins. From October 25-November 2.
Check out our review of a day out at Corfe Castle with kids
Ham House, Surrey
Ghostly ladies are ten a penny but there aren’t quite as many historic houses that can boast a ghostly dog as Ham House can. Add in mysterious cold spots, ghostly footsteps and a 17th century looking glass which some people refuse to stare into for fear of who (or what) might gaze back.
A woman in black has also been spotted on the stairs of the house, while a lovelorn nobleman is thought to scream here – you might even smell pipe smoke, the favourite of the Duke of Lauderdale… who has been dead for well over three centuries.
There’s also the Stranger Folk digital trail through the grounds this Halloween for a spooky adventure filled with goblins and old magic, from October 25-November 2.
Cawdor Castle, Nairn, Scotland
The setting for Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Cawdor Castle has had a genuinely bloodsoaked past – even if Macbeth himself had no connection with the site.
One story tells that witches cursed the castle after the playwright used one of their spells in his play, while there are also stories of a woman in a blue dress who haunts Cawdor.
Possibly a kidnapped heiress, whose wealth led to countless deaths in the struggle to control her fortune, possibly an earl’s daughter whose romance with the son of a rival family led to her father chopping off her hands as she hung from a castle window.
Not far from Cawdor Castle is another chilling spot – Culloden was the site of the last battle in Britain, where ghosts of soldiers from the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie are said to appear on the anniversary of the battle, which took place on April 16, 1746
Stirling Castle, Stirling
Another ghostly lady stalks this castle – but unlike the white and grey ladies drifting eerily around other fortresses, Stirling Castle’s ghost is pink.
People report a faint scent of roses in the air before she appears, with competing stories as to whose unquiet spirit she is: a noblewoman who died from a broken heart after her knightly love starved to death here or a victim of grave robbers seeking her body…
For more haunted castles and houses, check out this chilling collection from the National Trust for more Halloween days out
Haunted Halloween trails & illuminations
Halloween with English Heritage – nationwide
For more spooky fun, English Heritage has a series of special Halloween events for kids around the country, with plenty of chances to get families outdoors.
You’ll find spooky storytelling and ghoulishly good trails at sites around the country, with creepy clues to follow as you explore.
Halloween at Raby Castle, County Durham
Raby Castle in County Durham has a whole string of Halloween thrills to enjoy, including a special Horrible Histories takeover letting you step into the Measly Middle Ages from October 4-November 2 – with foul food and fearsome punishments, it’s proof real life can be more chilling than spooks and ghouls.
But there’s also pumpkin painting, a trail in the Plotters’ Forest and a special Hauntings and Happenings torch tour aimed at kids aged 8-12, with guides taking families through some of the castle’s rooms at twilight and sharing stories of its mysterious past. From Oct 25-Nov 1.
Not forgetting the after dark trail through the Plotters’ Forest on select dates from October 25-31, aimed at kids aged 11 and under – just for an added frisson of terror… plus hot chocolate in the Coach Yard afterwards.
Check out the Halloween trail at High Force waterfall nearby too, gathering hidden letters in the enchanted forest to solve a spooky riddle, with glowing pumpkins to light your path
Halloween at Kew Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens have been famous for their Christmas light trail for years, and now there’s an added treat to start winter off with a shiver, with Halloween at Kew Gardens back again this year.
Follow the eerie illuminated trail as it leads you through haunted woods, where giant spiders wait in creepy cobwebs, and ghastly ghouls and wicket witches lurk. Beware the monsters lurking in Frankenstein’s laboratory too, as well as a few tricks in the forgotten fairground.
Survived the scares? You’ll also find also marshmallows to toast, and hot chocolate and hot toddies to drink.
Timed entry slot on dates from October 17-November 2, perfect if your kids have an earlier half-term than most London schools.
Halloween at Kenwood
There’s a brand new illuminated Halloween trail coming to London, with a series of eerie surprises in the grounds of Kenwood House in north London.
Wander the paths to discover mystical installations, shimmering lights and a laser garden to twist your perceptions, not to mention a spider tunnel and slime web – don’t get caught!
Add some devilishly good hot chocolate, and ghostly storytelling and it promises to be fearfully good family fun. Runs from October 17-November 2.
Look out for new events at Moors Valley in Dorset/Hampshire, Quarry Bank in Cheshire, Thetford Forest in Suffolk and Wimpole in Cambridgeshire too, from Oct 23 to Nov 1 or 2.
Halloween trail at Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire
There are few places spookier than Whitby in North Yorkshire, the place where Bram Stoker’s stories of Dracula began – and plenty of Halloween activities if you’re braving a visit.
As well as a Halloween trail at half-term (from October 25-November 2), you can also see the Illuminated Abbey lights from October 24-November 1, with a chance to spot Dracula himself in the glowing abbey ruins.
Watch out for a ghostly nun in the ruined abbey as you explore too…
Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade at Bewilderwood Norfolk
You’ve never been short of fantastical creatures and hints of magic at Bewilderwood, but the Norfolk family attraction has an added temptation for Halloween, with its Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade.
And this year, there’s a chance to stop at different character doors and say ‘Twig or Treat’ to some of the Bewilderwood characters for a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience.
Opening up paths which you can’t normally explore, and a glowing light trail, it’s designed to be spooky not too scary, as well as not keeping little ones out too late.
Runs on October weekends and during half-term from October 25-November 2, with scheduled time slots for the different activities. Plus it’s all included in your day ticket.
Halloween at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
There’s a special Halloween trail at Blenheim Palace again, newly designed this year, from October 23-November 2 with flickering flames in the fire garden, grinning pumpkins aglow and fantastic fire artists performing.
The historic palace in the Cotswolds will have its famous grounds transformed once again, so you wander through the illuminated woods filled with giant cobwebs and brave the medieval dungeon, a cursed tomb and a pagan ritual site.
There are treats to enjoy along the way too, including hot toddies and devilish hot chocolate, and marshmallows to toast.
If youvisit during the day, you’ll need a separate ticket – check out my review of a day out at Blenheim Palace with kids for more of its family attractions
Sudeley Castle
There are some fun Halloween events for all ages at Sudeley Castle, including a seasonally spooky daytime trail, as well as a hauntingly good immersive experience.
The Pumpkin trail around the castle grounds runs from October 25-November 2, taking you to all the secret corners and hidden nooks as you try to spot them all.
Then on All Hallow’s Eve itself, on October 31, you can journey back in time to discover a dark side to the castle’s history with Tudor Halloween, meeting the castle’s resident ghosts who’ll share spine-chilling tales from the past.
Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry, Perthshire
At the Enchanted Forest in Perthshire, the emphasis is on a magical experience rather than spooky scares – it’s one of Scotland’s most popular Halloween events, with more than 800,000 people visiting over the past two decades.
As you wander through the autumn woodland of Faskally Wood near Pitlochry, this year’s Enchanted Forest sound and light show is called Luminara, creating a world where nature and technology co-exist to create perfect harmony.
And everyone who visits the trail will become part of it this year, as you reconnect technology with nature, restore balance, and help create harmony along the Autumnal forest trail. From October 2-November 2.
GlasGLOW, Glasgow
Are you ready to trick andtreat…. with a difference! Head to Glasgow’s botanic gardens this Halloween for GlasGLOW, where there’s a brand new 60-minute sound and light show.
This year, the event is creating icons of Glasgow past and present, some designed to give you chills, others to make you laugh in a spooky love letter to the city.
Fortunately there’s always Marshmallowland to add a few more treats along with any tricky. Runs from October 24-November 9.
Fearsome family activities and attractions
The Dungeons, nationwide
Whether you’re in London, Blackpool, York or Edinburgh (not to mention Alton Towers and Warwick Castle), you can terrify yourself with a trip to the Dungeons – with live actors whisking you through 1,000 truly alarming years of history, plus plenty of special effects and rides to get your heart racing even faster.
Not for younger kids – there’s plenty to make adults jump – each location has areas themed to suit its own history too.
The London Dungeon, for example, brings you face to face with the Great Fire and Sweeney Todd, although this Halloween, you’re taking back to Victorian London as Jack the Ripper stalks the streets – and the city has an even more terrifying undead visitor.
Too terrifiying for your younger ones? Try the Little Peasants city walking tours from the York Dungeons on dates from October 26-31, to discover York’s darker side…
For more things to do this Halloween in London with kids, check out my terrifyingly tempting picks
Take a ghost walk
I’ve taken a few ghost walks in UK cities but easily the best (and spookiest) was the Ghost Hunt of York.
The city was one of the first to start ghost walks, and with its long (and often violent) history, there are plenty of ghosts to go around. 504 separate hauntings, allegedly, from Roman legionnaires to a lost boy and a lonely piper.
For more ghost walks, you can find tours in London, Portsmouth, Southampton, Oxford, Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Lincoln, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Cardiff among others as ideas for Halloween days out – some are only suitable for teens so always check restrictions before booking.
Jump on the ghost bus
For a ghost tour with a difference, hop on board London’s Ghost bus tour – it’s family friendly (although best for around age 7+), as you cruise on the ‘orrible omnibus’ to the West End, around the city and south of the river.
There are spooky facts about some of London’s best known landmarks, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, with a creepy conductor providing the commentary.
Set abroad the only Necropolis Bus left, the sole survivor of a 19th century private funeral bus service – painted midnight black – the rest were destroyed in a mysterious fire. If you don’t already have shivers down your spine, you’re sure to by the time you step off…
There’s also a ghost bus tour of Edinburgh and York if you’re visiting either city.
Check out my review of the Ghost Bus Tour of London – with kids, or without
Take a Halloween ghost train
Check out the various heritage railways around the UK and you’ll find many transforming their usual routes with some spooky steam engine fun and Halloween ghost trains during October.
Buy a ticket for the Halloween trains on the East Lancashire Railway – if you dare! – with vampiresand bats on board… even if they’re more likely to sing to you, and teach you magic than scare you right out of your wits.
Or for a magical journey, try 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 train is back again for 2025, and the Peak Railway has two separate Halloween-themed journeys.
in Wales, you could board the Bala Lake Railway’s Halloween trains on October 30 and 31 too.
Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh
One of the dark, mysterious lanes leading off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Mary King’s Close was bricked up during an outbreak of the plague – and is said to be the most haunted place in the city.
Almost the entire narrow medieval street remains and it’s now a museum that you can tour.
It’s hardly surprising that you might find ghosts here – almost all the inhabitants of one house died of plague, while another includes a cell where the doomed Mary Queen of Scots once spent a night.
Old Operating Theatre, London
If you’re looking for blood and gore this Halloween, London’s Old Operating Theatre is an eye-opening experience with a look back at genuine medical and surgical practices of long ago.
Set in the attic of an 18th century church of the old St Thomas’s Hospital, it’s the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe and takes you back to the days before anaesthetics, when 150 medical students might have crammed in to learn
This Halloween, you can also see the Surgery and the Victorian Operating Theatre event on November 1, a genuinely chilling look at the origins of surgery before antiseptics and anaesthesia. Best with older kids.
Bodmin Jail, Cornwall
After a major multimillion pound overhaul, Bodmin Jail has been sharing some of Cornwall’s most haunting histories year-round since it reopened in time for Halloween a few years back.
But there are a string of added Halloween events, including the Go Darker Heritage tour, as well as another special options for 12+ including a Ghost walk.
Plus all the usual spine-chilling sides to the historic jail. The Dark Walk gives visitors a first-hand experience of what life in the remote 18th and 19th century prison would have been like on the edge of the moor. Discover tales from the jail’s most infamous prisoners, plus child criminals along the way too.
Bodmin jail is recommended for 8+, and there is an opportunity to skip parts of the ‘Final Drop’ – the only working execution pit in the UK at the end of the visit. This is one place where Halloween feels very real…
Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden – the Harry Potter tour
If you want to guarantee wizards and witches this Halloween, you can always head to Hogwarts – or the next best thing, at The Making of Harry Potter tour in the Warner Bros studios near London.
Previous special Halloween events have included A Celebration of Slytherin, looking at the house which turned out more dark wizards than any other, while this year the focus is once again on the Dark Arts, from September 12 to November 9.
Along the way, you can also spy some of the creatures which appeared in the wizarding world, as well as trying your hand at flying a broomstick: probably the closest you can get to magic within half an hour of the capital!
Needless to say, tickets book up well in advance for this London Halloween day out, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’ve got your heart set on this magical Halloween – check out my tips for finding tickets to the Harry Potter Studio tour.
For more ideas of days out for Harry Potter fans, check out these magical suggestions too…
The Tudor House, Southampton
There’s a week of all things spooky at Southampton’s historic Tudor House this autumn, including a string of family-friendly activities from October 27-31.
Head to Wizard school on October 27 and 28 for some wand-making, as well as crafts, gruesome games and ghost-hunting on October 31 at the Halloween at Tudor House event.
Trick or Treat Street, William’s Den, Yorkshire
What do you get when you combine storytelling, a few challenges to solve and some trick or treating? The fun interactive Trick Or Treat Street Halloween event at William’s Den in East Yorkshire.
Back from October 25-30, there are daylight and after-dark sessions, taking place in the fields in front of the attraction..
Ghostly great outdoors
Great Wood, Blickling, Norfolk
If you go down to the woods today, you might just discover a Tudor ghost. Anne Boleyn was born at Blickling in Norfolk and it’s said her father Sir Thomas Boleyn haunts the Blickling estate, cursed for failing to stop Henry VIII executing her.
Wander through the misty forest and you can also see the 18th century Mausoleum, built to commemorate the 2nd Earl of Buckingham.
If you’re in the area in spring, you might even spy Anne Boleyn herself, who’s said to appear on the anniversary of her execution on May 19, riding up to the house in a coach drawn by a headless horseman, with her own head on her lap…
Look out for the new Stranger Folk trail, that’s full of old magic, with sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts and Stranger Folk. Runs from October 17-November 9.
Read my review of a (ghost-free) day out at Blickling Hall with kids here
Wenlock Edge, Shropshire
Stretching for 18 miles between Ironbridge and Craven Arms in Shropshire, Wenlock Edge juts high above the landscape – the perfect spot for tales to make your spine tingle.
Wander past the gnarled and twisted tree trunks of the ancient woodland to get yourself into suitably spooky mood then watch out for legendary figures whose spirits may wander.
13th century highwayman Ippikin made his home here, and might still walk to protect his ill-gotten gains. Or watch out for Major Smallman, whose efforts to escape capture during the Civil War saw him gallop his horse off the Edge, down a 200ft drop – he survived but his ghost is said to have returned.
More prosaically, you might spot National Trust volunteers getting into the spooky spirit for any Halloween events too.
Go pumpkin picking
Even the youngest kids can get into the spooky spirit with this Halloween day out – a spot of pumpkin picking at a local farm.
There are countless spots around the country but Windmill Animal Farm in Lancashire has a whopping 20,000 pumpkin plants every year. It’s always a sell-out, so do book ahead: from October 11-31.
You’ll find a new Spooktacular event for 2025 at Piglets Adventure Farm in York this year, including a voucher for a small pumpkin, plus pumpkin carving tent, in case you’re not sure what to do once you’ve picked yours.
Cammas Hall Farm, near Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, has more than 50 types of pumpkin and squash in its pumpkin patch this year, as well as Halloween characters, wicked walkways and the terror tunnel (for 12+) to get you thoroughly spooky.
Secretts in Surrey has a daily fancy dress competition and pumpkin themed activities as well as its giant field, or Picking Patch‘s Fordingbridge site in Hampshire has a Halloween maze alongside the pumpkin picking, plus there’s another locations in Brighton.
Or head to west Wales and Pembrokeshire Pumpkin Farm in Moylgrove, where there’s a spooky bale trail, plus a pumpkin patch for picking.
Terrifying theme parks
Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort
You’re guaranteed to emerge with your heart racing after a visit to Alton Towers Scarefest, on various dates from September 27 to November 2, including the UK’s two main half-term weeks.
There’s the chance to meet Amigos in the Afterlife, inspired by Dia de los Muertos celebrations with its bright colours – and thankfully some friendly spirits to guide you back to the world of the living after you accidentally pass into the afterlife. Expect challenges and tricky characters along the way (for age 6+).
As well as being able to board your favourite rides at dusk or after dark, there are experiences just scary enough for younger visitors – Trick’o’Treat Town with Haribo, for example, while the littlest can head to CBeebies Land for the Monster Ball.
The Alton Ancestors are pushing back their gravestones to emerge for a Halloween disco too, or ride The Curse at Alton Manor, while older kids can get their chills with a new live-action scare maze, Edge of the Forest, and the Dark Hollow Scare Zone.
If you’re looking for more Halloween days out with teens, check out Fright Nights at Thorpe Park for some seriously scary fun
Chessington World of Adventures Howl’O’Ween
With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, Chessington’s ‘Howl’O’Ween’ Halloween event is always a good one for families – and tickets include access to the full theme park and zoo entry.
With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, trick or treat experience, Enchanted Hollow, is back again, where the animal residents unleash their mischievous streak with a few cheeky tricks along with the treats as you explore.
There’s also the new scare zone, Stone Watchers: Vampire’s Lair; cross the line and the Stone Watchers come to life, ready to ward out any evil spirits – are you brave enough to sneak through?
There are some fun shows and interactive experiences, including Spelltactular, or watch mummified monsters come to life to summon their leader, not to mention rides at dusk. Runs from October 4-5, 11-12 and 18-31, as well as November 1-2, separate ticket required for Enchanted Hollow.
Brick or Treat at Legoland Windsor
The Lego Monsters are taking over, with the return of Brick or Treat to Legoland Windsor. And that’s only the start of the Halloween themed fun at the theme park, which is being transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland from October 4 to November 1.
There’s a new show this year, Lord Vampyre’s House Party which is sure to get everyone dancing, watch the Monster Jam show, brave the Haunted House Monster Party and more spooky surprises. There’s also a new frightfully fun 4D movie, The Great Monster Chase.
Plus all the usual fun, and some great themed Lego builds to be found. Prebooking is highly recommended during half-term
For more ideas of the best things to do at October half-term in London with kids, check out my top picks
Spook-fest at Crealy Theme Park, Devon
Spook-fest is back at Crealy Theme Park in Devon, with some new ways to get your heart racing for 2025.
There are some new rooms at the Creaky Hotel walk-through experience for more spooky surprises, while the fearful scarecrows are back hiding in the Scarecrow Maze. Or venture into Buddy’s Spook Maze and enjoy the new Halloween Sooty Show, Bump In The Night: Magic Illusion Show.
There are shows too, including options for little ones like dancing at Buddy’s Trick or Treat doors, and the chance to add on a trick or treat trail.
As usual, you can always rely on your day being so packed, you’ll hardly have chance to feel terrified! Runs from October 19-31 (some events/activities only from October 25).
Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park, Sussex
If you’re looking for family-friendly thrills for younger kids, Drusillas Park in Sussex keeps things the right side of spooky during Halloween Shriek Week, promising more spooky props than ever.
Decide if you’re brave enough to venture into the Spider’s Den (where you’ll discover spiders are actually amazing, and very misunderstood). And watch out for the Sugar Skull Witch who’ll be roaming as you explore too! Runs from October 25-November 2.
Spooky Spectacular at West Midlands Safari Park
There’s a brand new creature to discover at West Midland Safari Park for the Spooky Spectacular – with brand new show, Frankie’s Monster Mash, an electrifying show complete with lightning-fast tricks.
Or keep an eye out to see if you can spot everyone’s favourite pumpkin-headed scarecrow around and about on one of Patch and Mitzy’s Spooky Walkabouts.
Find the Monster Mystery Trail on the Safari Walk, with hidden monsters lurking around every corner – fortunately there are clues to find to spot them, and a Halloween treat if you do, not forgetting some crazy crafts. From October 18-November 2, 2025.
Fairground Frights at Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach, Norwich
Fairground Frights at Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach won an award for ‘best scare entertainment’ after it launched in 2020, and is back for more fearsome fun with a six-night run in 2025.
Taking place from October 25 to 31 (excluding October 27), the experience will include ghoulish characters and spooky surprises – not to mention the Haunted House and a firework display to end the season on the final night.
Not recommended for under 10s, the event includes unlimited access to all scare mazes and rides.
The Halloween Adventure, Stockeld Park, West Yorkshire
There’s something for the whole family at Stockeld Park this Halloween, whether you simply want to pick a pumpkin – for a small charge – or fancy having your socks scared off.
Watch out for the Woodland Witches in the Enchanted Forest, who’ll be teaching the arts of wand-waving, potion-mixing and spell-casting, before braving the monster maze – the 2 miles of paths in the magical maze get a Halloween twist this autumn.
Events run on October weekends and October 25-November 2, 2025. Fancy dress is encouraged and the spookiest attire wins a prize.
Halloween in the City, Manchester
Check out the free two-day festival of frightful fun as Manchester turns into a monstrous playground with Halloween in the City from October 25-26.
Put on your spookiest costumes, follow the MCR Monsters art trail, and enjoy some games and storytelling, before the Monster Party Procession, with its giant puppet monsters, stilt walkers and live music.
As night falls, the city will glow eerie green as iconic buildings light up in spooky style, while thousands of pumpkin lanterns will once again line the town’s shopping streets too.
Spooky villages
Eyam Historic plague village, Derbyshire
Walking into pretty Eyam in the Peak District national park, you wouldn’t immediately think of tragic events and dark history – but for 14 months from 1665, the entire village was locked in quarantine after a flea-infested bundle of cloth brought the Black Death.
By the time the plague ran its course, more than two-thirds of the population of 350 had died.
There are plaques outside some cottages commemorating those who died, as well as a small museum to visit and the boundary stone where villagers left money for food from surrounding, plague-free villages.
For another deserted medieval village, head to North Yorkshire and Wharram Percy – abandoned for more than 500 years, it’s still one of the best preserved in Britain.
For ideas of more things to do in Yorkshire with kids, check out my top picks
Pluckley Village, Kent
At first glance, Pluckley could hardly be more picturesque – a pretty church, old-fashioned cottages, winding lanes running alongside streams. And, according to the Guinness Book of Records, at least a dozen ghosts, making it the most haunted village in Britain.
From the spectre of a highwayman at Fright Corner to the white lady and red lady which both haunt St Nicholas church and churchyard, along with a phantom coach and horses, you shouldn’t be short of spirits.
Don’t forget to placate the living though, as the village residents often have their fill of ghost-hunters around Halloween.
PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST HALLOWEEN DAYS OUT IN THE UK
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Main image/Pumpkin patch/pumpkins/Whitby Abbey/York Minster/Edinburgh lane courtesy Depositphotos, Bodmin Jail courtesy Bodmin Jail, Monster Parade courtesy of Halloween in the City, all others copyright MummyTravels
