Halloween is creeping up on us, and there’s no shortage of thrilling and chilling activities to make this year’s celebration truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re a fan of ghost tours, pumpkin carving, or fright nights, this is your go-to guide for the best things to do over Halloween this year. So, grab your broomsticks and prepare for a bewitching journey through all the spooktacular fun that awaits!
1. The Dark Arts at The Making of Harry Potter
Slytherins unite! Get your wands at the ready because the Dark Arts have made a triumphant comeback at the Harry Potter studios! For a thrilling two-month extravaganza, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Watford is getting a dose of Lord Voldemort’s presence in the form of the sinister Dark Mark. This ominous symbol will guide you on an enchanting journey through all the iconic Harry Potter film sets. From the enchanting Great Hall decorated with 100 levitating pumpkins, to the spine-tingling Forbidden Forest home to giant spiders (farewell Aragog), the adventure awaits. And for those who’ve mastered their spells, a live duel with Death Eaters beckons – Flipendo!
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2. Halloween at Leeds Castle
Make your way to Leeds Castle this autumn and prepare for an experience that’ll ignite your imagination and leave you utterly spellbound. The Guardians of the Grounds haunted Halloween quest transforms young adventurers into spell seekers on a thrilling interactive journey through the mystical Leeds Castle grounds. Their mission? To collect the missing pieces of a potent spell that will unlock the secrets of Leeds Castle and help break the eerie curse! But fret not, for this journey is brimming with surprises and friendly characters eager to lend a hand. Don’t miss out on this Halloween adventure at Leeds Castle, where excitement awaits around every corner.
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3. The Woman in Black in theatre
If you’re looking to get your heart racing this Halloween then The Woman in Black is an absolute must-see. The story follows a young solicitor sent to unravel the mysteries of a recently departed woman, only to stumble upon an eerie and haunting tale. This legendary production, straight from London’s iconic West End after an astonishing 33-year run, is here to give you goosebumps and make your heart skip a beat. With its mind-bending illusions and bone-chilling horror, The Woman in Black promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. On All Hallows Eve, The Woman in Black is showing at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.
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4. The York Dungeon
Brace yourself for a journey back in time and into the darkest depths of history with a visit to the York Dungeon. This interactive and immersive experience will take you on a terrifying journey through the most chilling moments of York’s past. Meet the live characters, from highwaymen to executioners, and experience the thrill of special effects and 360-degree sets. The York Dungeon promises to be a hair-raising and unforgettable adventure!
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5. Pick your own pumpkins
Pumpkin picking is great for the whole family and makes for amazing Instagram content! At Craigies Farm in Edinburgh, you can enjoy some relaxing treats whilst you deliberate which pumpkin you want to bring home with you. Then you have time to go off and handpick your very own pumpkin to decorate or display however you desire. Along with the farm’s range of other fruits available to pick and enjoy, this really does make the ideal family day out this October.
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6. Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
The ultimate destination for spooky season is Thorpe Park in Surrey, where only the bravest souls will enter. Come face-to-face with the most dreaded and tormented terrors in scare mazes and scare zones – featuring live actors, special effects and frights around every corner. There’ll be shows featuring live stage performers and special effects that will leave you petrified. And of course, thrilling rides in the dark including the world’s first horror movie-themed rollercoaster – SAW, The Ride.!
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7. SAW X at Manchester Printworks
Book tickets for a late-night showing of Saw X at Printworks Manchester, where the mastermind John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back with a vengeance. This instalment promises to be the most disturbing yet, delving into the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal and harrowing game. Set between the events of Saw I and II, the plot takes a twisted turn as John seeks a miracle cure for his cancer in Mexico, only to uncover a fraudulent operation preying on the vulnerable. Armed with a renewed sense of purpose, he returns to his gruesome work, turning the tables on the con artists in a way only he can. Don’t miss this heart-pounding cinematic experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat, and make sure to catch it at a late-night screening for that extra adrenaline rush!
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8. Visit Whitby Abbey
Known for sparking Bram Stoker’s creative juices to write the spine-tingling tale of Dracula, Whitby Abbey is an absolute must-visit, especially as Halloween creeps up on us. Climb those jaw-dropping 199 steps and step into the realm of ancient ruins, all while soaking in the breathtaking sea views. Then round off your adventure by exploring the museum. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some history lessons for the kiddos while having a monstrously good time!
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9. John Lawson’s Halloween Circus at Millets Farm
This autumn, a visit to John Lawson’s Circus at Millets Farm promises a delightful escape into a world of wonder and excitement. With thrilling performances, colourful costumes and heart-pounding acrobatics, it’s an experience that will captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out or simply seeking a dose of nostalgia, the circus offers a timeless blend of entertainment and magic. So, gather your loved ones and step into the circus for an unforgettable autumn adventure filled with laughter, awe, and amazement under the big tent!
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10. Haunted Rooftop Riot at The Bussey Building
Get ready to haunt The Bussey Buildings’ eerie graveyard of terror this Halloween season! It’s going to be a night of spine-tingling fun that you won’t want to miss. Dress to impress because every eye, living or otherwise, will be fixed on you (judging your costume choice). With a live DJ spinning wicked tunes, spooky cocktails and a rooftop view that’s to die for, The Bussey is undeniably the place to celebrate Halloween ’23. They’ll be cosy blankets on hand to keep you toasty during the spookiest hours of the night. Arrive before 7 PM, and you’ll even receive a freakishly FREE welcome drink to kick off the festivities. Don’t be a scaredy-cat – experience a night of thrills and chills that will leave you howling for more!
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11. Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort
Get ready for a ghoulishly good time this October at Alton Towers Resort’s Scarefest! With spooktacular fun, scare mazes and rides covered in darkness, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. As the nights grow longer, Scarefest beckons, offering a thrilling adventure for all ages. From live entertainment to award-winning scare experiences that’ll test even the bravest souls, there’s something for everyone. And don’t forget, Alton Towers Resort is open until 9pm each day, giving you the chance to conquer heart-pounding rides like Wicker Man and The Smiler under the cover of night. So, grab your bravest buddies and make your way to Scarefest for a hauntingly good time!
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12. Halloween at Blenheim Palace
As Halloween looms nearer, a chill fills the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience at Blenheim Palace. The grounds come alive with ghosts, ghouls and witches, all ready to surprise you with a delightful mix of tricks and treats along a spooktacular trail. As darkness falls, embark on a journey through a spooky spider tunnel dotted with fantastic fire performers. Listen to the spine-tingling howls of werewolves and dodge the grinning pumpkins as you explore. But fear not, after all these hair-raising encounters, there’s a welcome twist with the sweetest of treats awaiting you. Enjoy a fiendishly good hot toddy or devilishly decadent hot chocolate while toasting marshmallows by the fire. So, join in the Halloween madness, and don’t forget to dress up – who knows, you might even want to do a little scaring yourself!
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13. Hyper Reality Halloween Extravaganza
This exclusive All-Access Experience – Halloween Edition ensures you will have an opportunity to try one VR experience in each of the three Hyper Reality immersion zones: The Arena, The Place with No Name and Rollercoasters. For those of you who are unfamiliar with VR Experiences, Virtual Reality is a simulated reality that can transport you into unlimited new worlds. An experience unlike any other, a Hyper-Reality. Once inside a headset, you will have left everything you understand about reality behind.
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14. Ghastly Ghost Tour of London Bridge
Prepare to step back in time and dive headfirst into the chilling London history with the London Bridge Ghost Tour. In the shadowy corners of this historic city, the echoes of past horrors linger. Is it just imagination, or can you truly hear the haunting screams of executed criminals and the tormented souls of bygone eras? Venture on this eerie excursion, where the tales of London’s dark underbelly will turn your blood ice-cold with fear. The area surrounding London Bridge was once a haven for criminals, ruthless killers and lawless souls, and their sinister stories linger to this day. But beware, this tour is not for the faint-hearted. Are you ready to face the chilling truths that lie beneath London’s historic streets?
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15. Get Out (2017) with Taste Film
Prepare for an October like no other as you usher in the spooky season with a uniquely thrilling experience – Taste Film presents “Get Out” (2017). Before you find yourself running for your life, let your senses be hypnotised with a journey of flavour and fear like never before! Hosted at The Refinery London, you’re in for a culinary adventure like no other, where deviously delicious dishes will bring your spooky spirit to life. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind event will disappear faster than a camera flash, so don’t wait – grab your spot now.
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16. Castle After Dark at Warwick Castle
This October, prepare to dive headfirst into the darker side of Halloween at Warwick Castle‘s Castle After Dark event! Whether you’re a fearless family or a brave scare-seeker, it’s time to discover if you’ve got what it takes to conquer the UK’s spookiest castle. Get ready for a night of frightful festivities and spine-chilling scare mazes. As the castle courtyard transforms into a sinister festival of entertainment, you’ll brace yourself for an evening like no other. With terror lurking at every twist and turn, prepare to be captivated by three thrilling scare attractions within the Castle and its grounds. Don’t miss out on an unforgettable night of Halloween thrills at Warwick Castle!
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Looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to push your fears and adrenaline to the limit? SAW: The Experience is a live escape room based on the Saw franchise, and is designed to test your mind and your morals. The first challenge is deciding which path to tackle: the Spiral route or the Jigsaw route. In a team of six, you must complete a series of physically and mentally demanding tasks in each room before moving on to the next. Those who are successful can then enter The Traproom to celebrate with a drink from the bar. If one thing’s for sure, this exhilarating experience isn’t for the faint-hearted!
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