Looking for a ghoulishly good family day out this Halloween? Here are THIRTEEN of the biggest and best events taking place across the UK this October...
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1. Shocktober Fest and Pumpkin Festival at Tulleys
So this one is for ages 16+ as it's super scary! Nightmares come to life at Tulley's award-winning Shocktober Fest - one of the biggest Halloween attractions in the UK, which is this year celebrating 28 years. Get ready for a heart-pounding, skin-crawling experience, as you venture through one of the many immersive attractions on offer. Each experience has its own creepy backstory, whether it's an abandoned circus, terrifying nuns, spine-chilling burlesque, a haunted hayride, or a nightmarish dinner party. The horror is brought to life with detailed sets and talented actors. Run from zombies and navigate terrifying mazes with sinister surprises round every corner. Catch your breath with a bite to eat at one of the street food vendors, and settle your nerves with a stiff drink at one of the bars. But keep your eyes peeled at all times for wandering jump scares. Thrill rides, live music and DJs add to the festival atmosphere.
But for younger kids, there's plenty of daytime Halloween fun on offer with Tulleys Pumpkin Festival. I visited last year with my husband, mum-in-law, and my two sons, Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6. It wasn't our first time visiting Tulleys for Halloween. Whether you're after a big pumpkin, a tiny pumpkin, a white one, or a warty looking squash, you'll find so much variety at Tulleys. The kids loved wandering round the pumpkin fields and each picking their special one to take home and carve. They also loved riding round in a wheelbarrow - which even mum-in-law had a go in! Tulley's is perfect for those Halloween Insta shots, as there are photo opportunities everywhere.
It's fun to bring the kids in fancy dress and snap shots at the many wonderful picture sets and backdrops. There were people there with dogs in fancy dress grabbing a photo opportunity too. We loved the roaming Pumpkin Village characters and toasting marshmallows. There's a food court selling things like burgers, hotdogs and waffles. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or sip a cocktail or beer, and don't forget the pick 'n' mix cart. There's also a 33-metre high observation wheel, for views across West Sussex. You'll spend hours enjoying this family day out at Tulleys and are sure to capture pictures worth framing. Tulleys also do Pumpkin Nights, for those who want to pick their pumpkins under the moonlight. There's live music and lights to make for a more thrilling pumpkin experiences, and more than 30 photo opportunities.
Where: Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 4PE
Dates: Shocktober Fest takes place from now until 2 Nov. Ticket prices range from £40-£250 depending on which pass you purchase. Daytime Pumpkin Festival open now until 31 Oct. Pumpkin Nights open on select nights from now until 31 Oct.
Price: Shocktober Fest ticket prices range from £40-£250 depending on which pass you purchase. Daytime Pumpkin Festival tickets cost from £7 to £10. Under 2's go free. Pumpkin Nights tickets cost from £11.95 to £14.95. Under 2's go free. Book here
2. Dark Arts at Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
For Harry Potter fans, a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter is a must. Go behind the scenes for a magical day out. And at Halloween, the attraction is transformed for its Dark Arts event. The lights are dimmed and the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film take on a spookier vibe. Step into the Great Hall with over 100 pumpkins floating above a spooky feast, as seen in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. Look out for the Death Eaters' procession in a menacing display that showcases the costumes and sinister choreography seen on-screen. Learn duelling techniques in our Defence Against the Dark Arts classroom and put your spell-casting to the test against the Death Eaters. New for 2024 - Dementors will be floating in the Forbidden Forest, and the clown Boggart will be on display. But if you feel this might be too scary for your child and wish to avoid either of these elements of the tour, a member of staff will be able to show you an alternative route.
Where: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London, Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, WD25 7LR
Dates: Now until 10 Nov
Price: Tickets from £56. Book here
3. HOWL'O'WEEN! at Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington goes all out for different themed events throughout the year, with decorations and shows transforming the theme park for the given occasion. This Halloween sees the return of Enchanted Hollow - Trick or Treat, theme park rides at dusk, and Halloween fancy dress competitions. The Enchanted Hollow experience involves actors dressed as animal townsfolk. It's a walk-through adventure activity, and the characters are waiting for trick-or-treaters to drop by. The locals are all ready to treat you...but beware, some will play cheeky tricks too. Chessington hosts a Christmas version of Enchanted Hollow too. We visited last Christmas and my sons Odhran, 9, and Reuben, 6, loved the experience. I can only imagine the Halloween Enchanted Hollow is just as much fun. Alongside the theme park with its many great rides for all ages, the zoo, SEA LIFE, a large soft play, and adventure play areas, Chessington hosts fantastic shows. This Halloween, don't miss Banyan - The Final Flame, a faBOOlous award-winning show. Loveable werewolf Wilf and the friendly vampire bat Violet are back on the mini stage for a Halloween party, and explorers looking for their first taste of Halloween fright, are invited to head to the corner of Wild Woods, where the Vile Villagers are hunting for new souls to join their fantastic club.
Where: Chessington World of Adventures, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE
Dates: Now until 3 Nov
Price: Tickets from £32. Book here
4. Wookey Hole Caves
The Witch of Wookey Hole is bringing her best magic to help get families into the spirit of spooky season. Start your adventure with a tour through the great chambers of Wookey Hole Caves, where you'll learn about the legend of the Witch. Outside of caves, you can join in the Giant Pumpkin trail and solve a mystery to win Halloween treats of the kids. Then, head to the 4D cinema, for a new adventure with the crazy characters of Happy Family: Next Level 4D. Delve into the mysterious past of Wookey Hole, at its on-site museum, where you can handle the bones of some of the surprising creatures who have called the Valley home. Watch real life footage of divers exploring the darkest, most hidden recesses of underground Wookey Hole in the cave diving exhibit. Kids can let off steam in the giant soft play, while adults grab a coffee. And the Halloween adventure continues with the Circus, where you'll enjoy a spooky 30 minute original show, Ghost Pirates, exclusive to Wookey Hole. Round off the day in the penny arcade, or challenge you family to a round of Monster Golf. There'll also be a daily fancy dress competition. So, come dressed to impress!
Where: Wookey Hole Caves, The Mill, High St, Wookey Hole, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1BA
Dates: Now until 3 Nov
Price: Adult £24, child (3-15 yrs) £19, senior £22. Bookhere
5. Halloween at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace's Dusk to Darkness Light Trail returns. Explore eerie paths and spooky spaces. Meet the colossal King of the Pumpkins, brave the ringmaster with his giant Jack-in-the-boxes and discover Dr. Frankenstein’s electrifying lab. Along the way, dodge wicked witches, sinister scarecrows, and other Halloween horrors. Perfect for children and families, this haunted trail promises thrills and chills for everyone. There will be a Halloween twist on savoury treats, including bewitched burgers, Frankenstein’s fries, and loaded curly worms. Warm up with a devilishly decadent hot chocolate, and toast marshmallows over a crackling fire. Or treat the family to a special Halloween Afternoon Tea. There are three different timed events - Daylight, Twilight and Moonlight. We visited Blenheim Palace and its Adventure Playground for the first time this Summer. Discover here why we rated it a 5/5 family attraction.
Where: Blenheim Palace, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 1UL
Dates: 25 Oct - 3 Nov
Price: Adults £20, child (3-16) £15, under 2's go free, family ticket (2 x adults, 2 x children) £67. Book here
6. Hobble'ween at Hobbledown Heath
The wonderful adventure park Hobbledown Heath introduces Hobble'ween! with lots of fun seasonal activities. At Skibbler School you can learn to become an undercover Skibbler (one of the mischievous residents of Hobbledown) and master their secret handshake, don your creepiest costume for the Fancy Dress Monsters Ball, help awaken the resident dragon from its slumber, and show off your spooky style in the Halloween parade. At the Hounslow site, you can pick your perfect pumpkin, with more than 10,000 to choose from at the brand new pumpkin patch. Snap Insta-worthy photos, toast marshmallows and play pumpkin-themed games.
Where: Hobbledown Heath, Horton Lane, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8PT and Hobbledown Heath, Staines Road, Hounslow, West London, TW14 0HH
Dates: 12 -13 Oct, 19-20 Oct, 26 Oct-3 Nov. Pumpkin Patch open on select dates from now until 3 Nov.
Price: General admission from £17. Entry to the Pumpkin Patch alone at the Hounslow site costs from £6.50. Book here
7. B-head & B at Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is inviting ghouls and ghosts to join guests on a haunting visit from day to night at the Warwick Castle Hotel for a 'B-head & B' Halloween experience. During the daytime, ghostly inhabitants will take over the Warwick Castle grounds and appear through the Haunted Hollows, while lively characters take to the stages to entertain families with quizzes, discos, silly songs, and sorcery - just be careful you're not pulled on stage by the Grave Diggers comedy act! Meanwhile, there's something unusual about the vintage toys dwelling in the attic of Warwick Castle, who host special performances throughout the day. And the Witches of Warwick Live Show promises to be a heart stopper! The Dead Centre Stage features DJs, bands, circus acts and comedy for everyone. Watch out for the Headless Horseman, watching from the sidelines. For those brave enough to face the darkest side of Halloween, the ticketed Castle After Dark provides scarier adventures including the Fractured Mirror, where guests confront their superstitions and fears over a chilling evening (Castle After Dark is most suitable for those aged 10+). Don't forget to put your nerves to the test with a visit to the Castle Dungeon and be transported back in time to the days of the putrefying plague. Those enjoying a stay at the Warwick Castle Hotel can expect the unexpected around every corner, with a knight riding on the back of an animatronic horse, and talking histories portraits!
Where: Warwick Castle, Warwick, Warwickshire, CV34 6AH
Dates: 26 Oct - 3 Nov
Price: Day entry from £22. Warwick Castle Hotel prices start from £159 for Bed and Breakfast for a family of four, or from £199 for a family of four including a one-day ticket. Book tickets here
8. Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Windsor
Get ready for some ghoulishly good fun with the return of Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND. The resort gets its annual spooky makeover in which Knights Kingdom will be transformed into the Creepy Cobweb Castle, while supersized LEGO pumpkin and skeleton heads, LEGO inspired bats, mini pumpkins and spiders decorate the theme park. LEGO Monsters are taking over and throwing a party across the theme park to celebrate their favourite time of year. Join the cast of characters with the return of 4D movie The Great Monster Chase!, and prepare for some fang-tastic fun at the Monster Jam Harbour Show - there'll be monstrous music, rocking dance routines, and special effects. Little monsters can boogie down at Lord Vampyre's disco show on the Miniland stage. And they'll have the chance to meet new costume character Skeleton Guy, who will be on hand to pose for selfies. Take a walk down Monster Street, where they can see all the crazy things the LEGO Monsters get up to! Guests will be welcomed to the creepy crypts for a game of trick or treat. And don't forget a Halloween favourite attraction, the Haunted House Monster Party ride, where Lord Vampyre will quite literally turn the house upside down!
Where: LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, Winkfield Road, Windsor, SL4 4AY
Dates: 27 Sep - 3 Nov
Price: Tickets to LEGOLAND Windsor start from £29 per person, under 90cm go free. Book here
9. Hocus Pocus at Mother Shipton's Cave
Get ready to be spellbound at England's oldest tourist attraction, open since 1630, and legendary birthplace of a prophetess. The site boasts riverside walks, fascinating history, and beautiful views. It's home to The Petrifying Well - a natural wonder due to the high mineral content in the water that 'turns items to stone' as if by magic. Step into a world of enchantment this Halloween as you explore themed displays featuring witches, mysterious cauldrons and magical spells being cast by characterful actors. Take part spooky activities and capture the magic of the season with terror-ific photo opportunities. Channel your inner sorcerer and cast a spell in the mystical wishing well.
Where: Mother Shipton's Cave, Prophecy House, Harrogate Road, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
Dates: 26 Oct - 3 Nov
Price: Admission + Parking ticket covers five people in one car and costs £36. Seehere for booking details.
10. Spooktacular Halloween at Drayton Manor
The annual Spooktacular Halloween takes place at Drayton Manor. Spine tingling thrills include Carnival of Spooks - a walkthrough experience for the whole family to enjoy. Meet Witchy Woo and her spooky friends and see what treats you can find on your way. Follow the Hay Bail Trail to find six letters featured on each hay bale and uncover the hidden word to win a prize. Trick or Treat at Sir Topham Hatt's house to experience a one-to-one meet and greet with the station master himself and receive a sweet treat.
Visit the Thomas Land Balcony to watch the Thomas Land Spooky shows, taking place at different times throughout the day. And join Drayton Manor's mascots Rory and Lory for daily spooky shows on the main stage. For families looking to extend the fun Drayton Manor Resort offers Spooky Short Breaks from £81 per person. This includes an overnight stay in the onsite hotel, two-day theme part entry, hot buffet breakfast, children's evening entertainment and a round of mini golf.
Where: Drayton Manor Drive, Fazeley, Mile Oak, Tamworth, B78 3TW
Dates: Now until 3 Nov
Price: Individual tickets from £19.90 (ages 4+), children 2-3 years from £15, under 2's go free, adult and toddler tickets from £29.50. See the full Halloween line up and book your tickets here
11. Shriek Week at Drusillas Park
Drusillas is a small zoo but with lots more to offer, such as rides, a maze, a sensory zone and fantastic playgrounds, and Shriek Week is the perfect time to explore this family-friendly attraction. It's always decorated with lots of spooky props for great photo opportunities and to keep the kids enthralled. Dare to venture through the creepy cobwebbed corridors of Haunted Heights - Drusillas' live action haunted house experience. Deep in the heart of Haunted Heights lies a ghostly secret.
Thrill seekers are invited to knock on the trap door and discover the spook-tabular prize within. Live action character Sugar Skull Witch will be gliding around Drusillas, sneering at guests as she welcomes the dead. Super spider experts will be taking over the Discovery Centre on special dates to create a 'Spiders' Den'. Come along and listen to Tarangela and Ray tell you all about arachnids and why they are such amazing creatures. And treat your tastebuds to delicious Halloween-themed biscuits and cakes and doughnuts with 'blood' sauce.
Where: Drusillas Park, Alfriston, East Sussex, BN26 5QS
Dates: 26 Oct - 3 Nov
Price: Adult tickets cost £29.50 but kids go half price for half term! So a child's ticket will cost you £14.75. Under 2's go free. Book here
12. Séance at the London Dungeon
This Halloween, the London Dungeon dares visitors to call on sinister spirits in a brand-new terrifying show, Séance. Allow a medium to take you on a journey through the paranormal. Join hands, gather round the Ouija board and summon Mary Ann Cotton, notorious 19th Century murderer. Face the horror of her return to the mortal realm as the séance opens doors to the unknown, with the room plunging into darkness, mysterious levitations, and unidentified blood-curdling from the beyond. The London Dungeon is marking 50 years as a much-loved London attraction. With 14 horrifying shows and thrilling rides it's the perfect place to celebrate spooky season.
Where: The London Dungeon, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
Dates: Séance launches on 18 Oct
Price: Séance is included in the standard ticket. Tickets available online from £30 (adult) and £24 (child). The recommended minimum age to visit is 12 years. But children over the age of 5 are allowed into the attraction at the adult's discretion. Book here.
13. Spooktober breaks at Butlin's
If you're looking for more than just a day out, grab a last-minute break at Butlin's for un-boo-lievable entertainment and activities this October. Watch shows featuring Halloween villains Igor, Patch the Pumpkin and Greedy Goblin, and creep through the late-night Scareground when the sun goes down. Put on your scariest costume to party at the Glow Disco, featuring Halloween turns and spooky surprises. Activities take on a Halloween twist with pumpkin carving, slime and spooky pottery workshops on offer. From fantastic swimming pools and fairground rides, to a huge range of activities and exclusive entertainment, a trip to Butlin's is sure to keep little monsters howling with laughter and screaming with excitement. Spooktober half term breaks are also the final time guests can experience Stephen Mulhern's show Beyond Belief and The Masked Singer Live 2024 show before both headliners' debut new shows for 2025. But on top of all that, Butlin's has even more on offer with the opening of SKYPARK (a huge outdoor playground featuring a 14-metre climbing tower) at Butlin's Skegness and Minehead. And visitors to Butlin's Bognor Regis can look forward to the brand new PLAYXPERIENCE - a £15 million indoor activity centre featuring nine state-of-the-art gaming experiences!
Where: Butlin's Bognor Regis in West Sussex, Minehead in Somerset, and Skegness in Lincolnshire
Dates: Now until 1 Nov
Price: Butlin's, the Home of Entertainment, has Festive and Spooktober family breaks for 2024 starting from £49 (£12.25pp). Book here.
Win a Kids' Favourites Gift Card
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