If you’re looking for some frightfully good fun this Halloween, then this is the list for you! From spooky surprises and haunted happenings, to tricks and treats galore, there’s plenty to keep your little monsters entertained. Check out some of the spookiest Halloween events in the UK…if you think you’re brave enough!

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We’ve rounded up a load of spooky, scary, ghoulish Halloween events in the UK – from walking tours to pumpkin patches, they’re all guaranteed to give you a scary good time!

2021 UPDATE: Many venues are still deciding if they will open this year. We will keep this article up to date as we hear, but please check a venue’s website or Facebook page for their latest updates.

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Halloween Events in UK: Terrifying Tours

Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

In the darkest nooks and spookiest corners of Hampton Court Palace, for many years, tales of ghosts and hauntings have captivated the minds of inhabitants and visitors alike.

Stumble across palace ghosts and ghouls in a brand new self-guided trail, uncovering the tales of Catherine Howard in her chambers, a grey cloaked lady named Sybil Penn, haunted portraits of the damned, and many more…

This Halloween, come and discover some of the strange happenings which have given Hampton Court Palace its spooky reputation.

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London Bridge Experience and Tombs

Dates: October 22nd-24th and 29th-31st 2021

The London Bridge Experience and Tombs claims to be the UK’s scariest all year round attraction. Inside you take a journey around the dark streets of London exploring the secrets and smells that lie beneath the world’s most famous and haunted bridge.

Beyond the bridge you visit the Tombs where humans and animatronics will help you laugh, scream and jump out of your skin as you come face to face with dark characters from London’s past. If you are visiting with little ones (or are a bit of a scaredy cat yourself), you can ask for a Guardian Angel tour to avoid the scariest encounters.

For Halloween, get ready for an extra spooky visit! A family friendly Halloween show takes you for a spooky walk through London Bridge’s dark past followed by a visit to The London Tombs.

Over 16s can also book tickets for a seriously terrifying event that will feature 13 of the most terrifying phobias. Come face to face with Zombies, Jack the Ripper, Snakes, Clowns, Monsters, Spiders, Hillbillies, Ventriloquist Dolls, murderous Butchers and much, much more!

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The Hinton Ampner, Hampshire

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

The Hinton Ampner in Hampshire, which is believed to have been so haunted that it had to be demolished, hosts Frankenstein Trails at Halloween.

Visitors discover the compassionate side of Frankenstein’s Monster when they go on a Frankenstein trail. Visitors will need to turn detective to find out how Frankenstein’s Monster may have survived outdoors at Hinton!

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Halloween Events in the UK: Awful Animals

Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

There are ghoulish goings on at Whipsnade Zoo! ‘Boo at the Zoo!’ brings a spooktacular range of Halloween-themed activities, animal talks and hands-on crafts, storytime, Ghoul School and a Pumpkin Party. You can also enjoy special Halloween versions of the zoo’s popular animal talks, feeds and demonstrations.

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Halloween Dog Walk & Show, Hampstead

Date: October 31st 2021

The All Dogs Matter charity host an annual Halloween Walk & Dog Show in Hampstead.

Costumed pups and owners of all kinds head off on the most adorably chilling walks the Heath has ever seen, and you don’t even need a dog to join in this FREE event.

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The Blue Planet Aquarium, Cheshire

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

The Blue Planet Aquarium showcases a host of fascinating aquatic creatures, from ‘toxic toads’ to ‘electric rays’ for its Halloween event, as well as special talks and interactive science experiments, games and optical illusions.

The aquarium gets covered with cobwebs, packed with pumpkins and also filled with a number of scares and surprises lurking around every corner to help get everyone in the Halloween spirit.

Children who come in fancy dress are usually admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. The attraction is open daily from 10am.

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Halloween Events in the UK: Spooky Castles

Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle & Prison

Dates: Spooky Tours: October 16th, 17th and 22-31st 2021 / Potion Making: October 24th, 29th, 30th and 31st 2021

Ghost Fest at Oxford Castle and Prison has day and evening activities for all ages.

Do you dare join one of the evening Spooky Tours and hear the stories that are too scary for the daytime? Hear the haunting stories of a 1,000-year past and let the gruesome history come to life! Who knows what (or who!) you’ll discover…

There’s also the return of resident warlock Merlin who awaits your presence in the Crypt for some spooky potion making. Children will love brewing up some magic with three exciting activities in this hour-long workshop.

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The Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Warwick Castle’s annual Halloween Week is when the Haunted Castle welcomes visitors to experience wanton witches, scary tales and fire jousting!

Join the ghosts, ghouls, wizards and witches of Warwick Castle and prepare for a Halloween brimming with spooky tales and family-friendly frights. Meet the famous Witches of Warwick and find out which secret spells they are concocting in their cauldron!

Uncover eerie experiences around every corner and explore the gruesome truths of history in the Horrible Histories maze.

Search the spooky mansion, navigate the Haunted Hollows and discover even more quirky characters in their spellbinding shows and activities!

There are also After Dark activities where you can enjoy live entertainment, the very best in local street food and drink, and a selection of haunting Halloween activities. Meanwhile in the shadow of the Main Stage savour the spirit of Halloween, with live music, captivating entertainment, roaming characters and more.

Fancy staying even longer? Turn your spectacular spooky day into a fearsome family overnight stay and spend the night in Fright’s Village. You’ll find Halloween themed décor in public spaces, enjoy evening ghost stories and a visit from our witches or wizards at breakfast!

Halloween Week at Muncaster Castle, West Cumbria

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

There will be oodles of fun and Halloween entertainment again this year to make this a “must do” time of year to visit Muncaster! Activities include the Scary Maze, fire juggling shows, alchemy workshops, kids crafts in the Ghostly Grotto, and Axe Throwing (over 18s only, weekends only).

New this year is Rag Tag Arts who want your help to make giant carnival puppets to use in our Lantern parades. Make your lantern in the Eco Barn* and then join the parade around the gardens making its way to the shadow puppet theatre in the woods. Have a go at our Spooktacular Shootout! Follow the trail and watch out for zombies and skeletons – water pistols supplied (additional charged for some activities)!

The “Emporium of Stolen Souls” Castle Show runs hourly from 4pm each day, as well as the spectacular Twilight Owl show. You must book in advance for both shows.

For more information and to book tickets, click here.

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Halloween Events in the UK: Wailing on the Water

Ghost ships, sea monsters, creatures from the deep; what could be scarier than being out on the water? If you’re a water baby you might like these ideas for a Halloween boat trip.

The Canal Museum, London

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

Back in London, the Canal Museum offer narrowboat trips through the dark, dank Islington Tunnel. The boat is specially decorated for trips running during Halloween. Places are limited on each trip, so early booking is advised.

Keep up to date on their Facebook page.

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Ghost Cruise on the Ouse, York

NOTE: 2021 details TBC

York Dungeon, in association with City Cruises York, have a river cruise like no other for Halloween. Take an after hours cruise to hear some of the scariest ghost stories from York. The cruise is perfect for families too with Mother Shipton and Tiberius Fabius Bibulus helping with the commentary!

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Halloween Events in the UK: A Fright Night Theme (Park)

Alton Towers Scarefest

Dates: October 8-10th and 15th-31st 2021

On October’s spookiest dates, tiptoe into Alton Towers Resort for all sorts of creepy scares and shocks as its award-winning Scarefest returns for 2021 with live entertainment for all ages and a brand-new family attraction.

Open until 9pm each day, daring guests can face:

• Head-spinning, hair-raising rides and attractions in darkness, including Wicker Man and the Alton Towers Dungeon
• 4 multi-award winning, terrifying mazes
• Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls
• The Alton Towers Dungeon
• The Alton Ancestors are back from the dead and in their favourite haunts. Standing still is not an option so celebrate Halloween by learning their dance moves and joining in!
• CBeebies Monster Land Ball where guests can dress up in your favourite costume and join the CBeebies characters live as they dance, play games and learn all about spooky things!

New for 2021 is Trick O’ Treat Town, a special town where every day is Halloween! And do you know what’s the townsfolk’s favourite past time? Yes, you got it – it’s to host Trick-or-Treating for the town visitors! So, muster up your courage and prepare to knock on doors from Spooky Avenue all the way up to the Witchy Woods, but be careful – as well as treats, there are tricks aplenty!

Fright Nights at Thorpe Park

Dates: October 8-10th and 15th-31st 2021

Brace yourself as Fright Nights returns for another terrifying season. Taking over this autumn, prepare to be scared senseless at the UK’s premier Halloween event as you ride Europe’s most thrilling coasters in the dead of night before taking on live action scare experiences.

Watch in amazement as you witness the new awe-inspiring fire and light display, Legacy, and get your heart racing as you venture through spine-chilling scare zones. For true fear-seekers, take on our infamously terrifying scare mazes.

Prepare to launch into darkness on Stealth – the UK’s fastest coaster; experience the twisted torment of Colossus – the world’s first ten looping coaster and take on the sick and twisted games of Jigsaw on SAW – The Ride.

Note: Fright Nights experiences are recommended for ages 13+.

Journey to Hell Freak Nights at Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Dates: October 8th to 31st 2021 (selected dates)

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Halloween Events in the UK: Dungeons and Towers

The London Dungeon

While the London Dungeon is scary all year round, the scares are ramped up for Halloween month where you can come face to face with Jack the Ripper, The Plague Doctor, Sweeney Todd and The Torturer. There are haunting tales and thrilling rides, including an underground water ride! Tickets sell out fast.

The Edinburgh Dungeon

Alternatively, take a trip to The Edinburgh Dungeon where you can experience the sights, sounds and…ahem…smells of Scotland’s grim history. The Edinburgh Dungeon played host to some of the saltiest characters in Scotland’s history, including prolific killers and their torturous wardens.

Their stories will be brought to life before your very eyes and trust us, they’re only for those with strong stomachs! There are usually loads of fun Halloween activities and pumpkins galore!

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York Dungeon

At York Dungeon a 75-minute horrifying and immersive experience awaits you and your family if you are feeling daring enough. Follow the story of York’s gruesome history and come face to face with the likes of Guy Fawkes the traitor, Vengeful Vikings or Highwayman Dick Turpin.

This theatrical storytelling experience unveils all the secrets of the past through 10 interactive live shows. From cackling witches to Plague doctors there are so many characters to meet along the way. The dungeon brings together an amazing cast of actors, special effects, stages and scenes. Laughs and screams are guaranteed along with tonnes of fun!

Ghost Raiders at Tower of London

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

This Halloween, spirits of the Tower of London have been inadvertently released and are roaming the castle. Among them, an unknown force is hellbent on taking the Tower, threatening the Realm itself. The adage ‘Who has the Tower has the Power?’ has never been truer.

A team of Ghost Raiders are on site, but they urgently need your help to investigate spooky occurrences and defeat the spirit trying to capture the Tower.

Trumpets from Anne Boleyn’s coronation can be heard near her old apartments, tobacco has been smelt near Raleigh’s Walk, and something terrible is afoot in the Salt Tower. Never have so many hauntings taken place at one time, and it seems that the ghosts are trying to communicate the identity of one vengeful spirit.

Who does it belong to and can you stop them to protect the Tower of London?

Suitable for 8-14 year olds

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Halloween Events in the UK: Pumpkin Patches

This Halloween could be the most festive yet if you choose to really get in the holiday’s spirit by picking your own pumpkin. There are plenty of farms across the UK that allow visitors to come and select their favourite prized squash for carving, lanterns, spiced latte and pie purposes. Get ready to PYO (Pick Your Own) and have a fun family day out in the run-up to Halloween.

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Secretts Farm, Surrey

Dates: October 23rd to 30th 2021

Secretts Farm in Surrey is a sprawling farm growing an estimated 30,000 pumpkins in their fields, with an annual Pumpkin Festival. There are tractor and trailer rides to take you into the pumpkin fields ready for children to pick for Halloween.

As well as picking your own pumpkin during their pumpkin week, there are a range of activities on offer.

Pumpkin Festival at Piglets Adventure Farm, York

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Get ready for stacks of family fun at Piglets Adventure Farm – there is so much on offer for Halloween during their Pumpkin Festival.

What will you do first? Take a ride to the Pumpkin Patch where you can pick your own pumpkin with over 10,000 to choose from, find your way through the mystery maize, enjoy spooktacular fun at The Magic Hatter Show, see the animals, and so much more!

Better yet, each entry-paying child will receive a free pumpkin!

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Halloween Spooktacular at the National Forest Adventure Farm, Staffordshire

Dates: October 16th, 17th and 23rd to 31st 2021

The National Forest Adventure Farm is one of the most popular attractions in the local area for good reason, offering exciting indoor fun, outdoor adventure and farm animals, But for Halloween it gets even better as you can take the tractor and trailer ride up to the pumpkin patch and select your perfect pumpkin to take home for free!

There are lots of activities during their Halloween Spectacular, including:

• Broomstick Training
• Scare School
• Tragic Magic Show
• Ludicrous Laboratory
• Fancy Dress Competition
• Pumpkin carving
• Animal barn and paddocks
• Outdoor adventure play
• and so much more!

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Keep an eye out for pumpkin patches near you – there are many more around the country, including:

• Crockford Bridge Farm Shop, Surrey
• Foxes Pumpkin Patch and Maize Maze, Essex
• Kenyon Hall Farm, Yorkshire
• Undley Pumpkin Patch, Suffolk
• Hatton Adventure World, Warwickshire
• Down At the Farm, Durham
• Cairnie Fruit Farm & Mega Maze, Fife
• Craigies Farm, Edinburgh
• Hendrewennol Fruit Garden, Vale of Glamorgan
• Brooksgrove Farm, Pembrokeshire
• Streamvale Open Farm, Belfast

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Halloween Events in the UK: Freaky Festivals

Paisley Halloween Festival

Dates: October 28th to November 1st 2021

Paisley Halloween Festival has been the most popular event in Paisley’s calendar in recent years, and was recognised as Best Cultural Event or Festival at the Scottish Thistle Awards 2019/2020 organised by VisitScotland.

The festival’s 2021 edition will take on a very different format this year with a series of spectacular installations that are ‘Out of This World’ popping up across Paisley town centre over five days.

Halloween in the City, Manchester

Dates: October 30th and 31st 2021

At Halloween you can enjoy some Monster Halloween Fun in Manchester city centre. Look out for the Monster Invasion where monsters will be hiding where you least expect them!

Mark the arrival of Halloween with a weekend of terrifyingly good events in Manchester city centre featuring a giant rooftop monster invasion, city-wide trail, Halloween procession, and a whole host of fun.

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Halloween Events in the UK: Family Favourites

The Wizards of Once Halloween Quest

Dates: October 23rd to 31st 2021

Explore a brand-new adventure trail inspired by Cressida Cowell’s bestselling Wizards of Once series taking place at:

• Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight (October 16-31)
• Audley End House & Gardens, Essex
• Eltham Palace & Gardens, London
• Framlingham Castle, Suffolk
• Stonehenge, Wiltshire
• 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield, East Sussex
• Beeston Castle and Woodland Park, Cheshire
• Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
• Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire
• Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire
• Dover Castle, Kent
• Kenilworth Castle and Gardens, Warwickshire
• Old Sarum, Wiltshire
• Pendennis Castle, Cornwall
• Stokesay Castle, Shropshire
• Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire
• Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire

Will you find the ingredients for the Spell to get rid of Witches and uncover the location of the Cup of Second Chances? Come along in frightful fancy dress to enter our competition and maybe win a prize. It’s going to be a really wizard day out!

Scare Skate, Manchester

Dates: October 22nd to 31st 2021

As monsters take over Manchester again this Halloween, Cathedral Gardens is preparing to play host to an invasion of ice-skating spooks on its biggest ever outdoor ice rink.

Scare Skate will see Halloween fans and fear-loving families take to the ice. The spooktacular rink will be complete with Halloween-themed music and lighting, whilst a band of ghoulish skating monsters will join skaters on the ice every hour! With fancy dress encouraged, the brand-new event will bring frightfully good fun to half term festivities.

This year’s venue will be nearly double the size of previous years which means more space for skating, more fun and even more memories made.

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