Halloween is one of the UK’s most celebrated festivals and a highlight of the autumn season. Whether you're looking for terrifying attractions on scary nights out or wholesome family fun, the line-up of Halloween events across the UK has something for everyone. Here are ten terrifying events to attend this year with options for both adults and families.
Scarefest at Alton Towers, Staffordshire (Suitable for Families and Adults)
Scarefest at the iconic Alton Towers amusement park is a Halloween staple for both families and thrill-seekers. During the day, families can enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed attractions, spooky shows and, of course, signature rides and rollercoasters such as Nemesis Reborn and The Smiler.
Once the sun sets the screaming doesn’t stop, as the park transforms into a horrific haunting ground, with terrifying scare mazes like The Attic and Altonville Mine Tours, perfect for adults looking for a frightening yet fun evening!
York Maze Hallowscream, North Yorkshire (Adults Only)
Fancy a scare? York Maze Hallowscream is a must-visit for those craving real horror on Halloween. With five haunted houses and plenty of scary encounters in store for those who dare to enter, this award-winning event is known for its eerie atmosphere and high-quality special effects.
Each haunted house is packed with scare actors, promising heart-pounding thrills for visitors over 14 years old. This is a must-attend event for thrill-seeking adults on Halloween although families with older children will also have plenty of fun.
Pumpkin Festival at Cannon Hall Farm, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (Family-Friendly)
Cannon Hall Farm's Pumpkin Festival is ideal for a fun, family-oriented Halloween celebration. Gear up (Wellington boots will be a must if the weather plays tricks on you!) for farmyard fun including pumpkin picking, tractor rides, fancy dress competitions, and other Halloween-themed activities.
With the charming Yorkshire countryside as a backdrop - Halloween at Cannon Hall is the perfect alternative to your traditional festive frights to enjoy with the whole family.
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park, Surrey (Adults and Older Teens)
Another of the UK’s legendary theme parks - Thorpe Park's Fright Nights are incredibly popular on Halloween, offering intense thrills for older teens and adults. Returning favourite scare mazes like Creek Freak Massacre and Trailers are designed to terrify in a way which feels uncomfortably real, with new haunted attractions keeping the event feeling fresh each year.
Additionally, Halloween at Thorpe Park is not complete without a trip on the terrifying rollercoaster, Hyperia. Drop from 236ft at over 80mph in almost total darkness as you experience true terror on the scariest night of the year!
The Howl Scream Park, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire (Adults and Older Teens)
Just North of London you’ll find a countryside setting which is a little more creepy than quaint. The Howl offers a series of scare mazes set amongst the charming surroundings that provide a terrifying experience for both adults and,] older teens.
Live actors and special effects come together to bring haunted sets like Squealers Yard and The Shed (back) to life. It’s comfortably one of the creepiest experiences on this list, and ideal for those seeking more novel scares on Halloween this year, especially with the addition of this year’s haunted cabaret!
Halloween at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire (Family-Friendly)
For an experience more like a haunted fairytale on Halloween, Blenheim Palace hosts a stunningly illuminated spooky trail that’s perfect for families. Set in the stunning grounds of one of Great Britain’s greatest palaces this event features glowing pumpkins, impressive light displays, and a spell-binding atmosphere.
It’s an ideal option for those seeking a more relaxed event to bring the little witches and wizards along to. Who said Halloween can’t have magic without screams and scares?
Ffear Fforest, Betwys-y-Coed, Wales (Suitable for Adults)
Ffear Fforest is an annual Halloween event held in the stunning Snowdonia forest, offering a unique and sinister experience that’s catered towards adults and teens aged 16 and above. The experience features multiple haunted trails, live actors, and special effects, providing an immersive scare experience.
It’s no wonder Ffear Fforest has grown in popularity due to its unique location in one of Wales’s most beautiful destinations, which lends the event an ethereal atmosphere as visitors navigate through dark forests and haunted trails. Expect to deal with haunted mazes, jump scares, and some terrifying killer clowns.
Shocktober Fest, Tulleys Farm, West Sussex (Adults Only)
Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm in West Sussex is one of the UK's most famous Halloween scream parks, running from early October to 2nd November 2024. It's known for its immersive horror experiences, featuring a combination of scare mazes, street entertainment, live actors, and performances like the Circus of Horrors.
The event offers eight interactive scare mazes, each with a different theme, from creepy clowns to haunted houses. Shocktober Fest also includes live music, food courts, and bars for visitors to unwind between the scares. It's a great choice for adults and older teens who enjoy intense, horror-themed attractions.
The Ghost Bus Tour, Edinburgh, Scotland (Family-Friendly)
Instead of spending a potentially wet and windy Halloween night outdoors trick or treating, why not opt for a spectral experience that lets you rumble around the cobbled streets of beautiful Edinburgh from the comfort of a vintage bus?
The Ghost Bus Tour takes passengers on a spooky ride through the city's most haunted spots. This 1960s Routemaster bus tour combines ghost stories with humour and history, offering a haunting journey into the city’s past that’s suitable for all ages.
The Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle, Warwickshire (Family and Adults)
Every October, the beautiful Warwick Castle transforms into a spooky wonderland for Halloween. The castle has something for everyone, with families able to enjoy themed trails around the castle and grounds and spooky shows, whilst when night falls, things get a little more scary.
Only the brave should consider the Dungeon Lates for a unique after-dark experience in the castle’s dungeon! As a medieval castle, Warwick is one of the most unique settings on the list for a truly immersive Halloween experience that makes the most of some chilling moments from the castle’s long history!
The Best Halloween Events In 2024
From family-friendly pumpkin festivals to terrifying scare mazes designed to give you sleepless nights, Halloween in the UK offers a fantastic variety of events that aren’t all for the faint-hearted.
Whether you're looking for a heart-pounding experience or a magical evening, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Halloween. However, to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun, make sure to check event details ahead of time and secure your tickets as many dates sell out far in advance.
