The Spookiest Halloween Events to Boo-k Now
Spooky season is here again...
SPOOKYDOREI
29th September–5th November
Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden
lilidoreialnwick.co.uk
Lilidorei is getting into the spirit of Halloween as it becomes Spookydorei – introducing new lighting and sound effects. As visitors venture through the winding paths they’ll experience glowing lights, smoke machines and haunting sounds. Children are encouraged to dress up and go trick or treating with the Secret Keepers, and the best photographs taken beside a clan house will win family tickets to visit again at Christmas.
PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS
1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 20th–31st October
Brocksbushes Farm, Corbridge
brocksbushes.co.uk
With 90,000 pumpkins of various shapes, sizes, colours and varieties, Brocksbushes Farm is a must-visit this October. Grab a wheelbarrow and head to the pumpkin patch, where you’ll find 20 varieties of pumpkin and squash waiting to be picked, before taking them to the carving tent to get creative. The pumpkin patch will also feature interactive games such as pumpkin bowling, carnival rides and face painting.
MISCHIEVOUS MOG HALLOWEEN TRAIL IN THE DEER PARK
7th October–5th November
Raby Castle, Staindrop
raby.co.uk
Mischievous cat Mog has got her paws on the sorcerer’s magical hat, and she’s causing mayhem in the Deer Park! Can you help the witch find Mog and their hat? On your trail around the Deer Park, find the missing words and solve the riddles to help the witch. The Mischievous Mog Trail will be open daily from 10am–4pm throughout October Half Term and is included with your general Deer Park ticket.
Read More: Discover the Unique Faith Museum Now Open in Bishop Auckland
HALLOWEEN MONTH
Throughout October
Life Science Centre, Newcastle life.org.uk
Life Science Centre are dedicating the whole month to Halloween this October. There will be a range of spooktacular activities to take part in such as the chance to make and take home a moving cardboard monster, trick (or treat) your senses in the Experiment Zone and find the life-sized skeletons hidden around the centre. Alongside these special Halloween events, there will be the usual fun in the Play Zone, live shows, hands-on activities in Wow Zone and the region’s biggest planetarium to explore.
FAMILY FRIGHT FEST
14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th October
Lintz Hall Farm, Burnopfield
psycho-path.co.uk
Family Fright Fest have teamed up with Metro Radio once again for a fun day out for the whole family. Visitors can experience a whole world of Halloween adventure including spooky stage shows, a fun scare maze, fancy dress prizes, a pumpkin patch, fairground rides, arcade games and a parade to end the day. Scares and shows are designed for all age groups from one-12 years of age, meaning there’s something for everyone, and a huge street food village featuring some of the North East’s finest foodies means you can make a day of it.
HOCUS POCUS IN CONCERT
25th October
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gatesheadsage
theglasshouseicm.org
Beware: this show may put a spell on you. One of the best Halloween movies of all time, see Disney’s Hocus Pocus on the big screen with the sounds of the Royal Northern Sinfonia. Three witches, known as the Sanderson sisters, attempt to steal the life essence from the town’s children so they can have eternal life. But they’ll have to get past Max, his younger sister, his new girlfriend and a boy who’s been turned into a cat first. WIN! To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets to Hocus Pocus in Concert, enter our competition at livingnorth.com.
HALLOWEEN EVENINGS
27th, 28th & 31st October
Beamish
beamish.org.uk
A spooktacular evening of tricks and treats awaits at Beamish as the museum is transformed into the Un-Living Museum of the North. Keep an eye on their socials for this year’s events, but if last year’s are anything to go by you can expect witches, wizards and ghosts, terrifying treats in the sweet shop and frights at the fairground with equally terrifying tunes. As always, tickets will sell out fast.
HALLOWEEN AFTER DARK TRAIL
27th October–4th November
The Plotters’ Forest, Raby
raby.co.uk
Dress up in your most spooktacular outfits and get into double the trouble this October in The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle. As the sun sets, experience an illuminated after-dark trail when the magical inhabitants of The Plotters’ Forest take on a life of their own. Discover scary spiders and beware of the witches and wolves as you collect creepy clues. Follow the trail and answer all the questions to receive a Halloween treat. Dressing up is encouraged and don’t forget to bring a torch! This trail is aimed at younger children and is particularly suitable for ages 11 and under.
Read More: Smash-hit Shows and All the Best Events to Book This Autumn
HALLOWEEN HALF TERM
28th October–5th November
Warkworth Castle
english-heritage.org.uk
Gather round at Warkworth Castle for tales from their spooky storytellers and solve the creepy clues in their Halloween Quest. There’s plenty to keep your little ghosts and ghouls entertained this Halloween.
THE BAT WITH NO BITE
28th October–4th November
Northern Stage, Newcastle
northernstage.co.uk
In a cobweb covered attic, above a dark and dusty house, a series of spooky surprises unfolds and the coffin lid is lifted on a secret that is best kept out of the sunlight… because you can count on vampires to keep their mouths shut… or can you? Watch The Bat With No Bite at Northern Stage, a fang-tastic Halloween treat for little vampires aged seven and under. This is a Halloween treat you can really sink your teeth into… Ah ha ha…
THE FAMOUS SCARYCROW TRAIL
30th October–5th November
Ford & Etal
ford-and-etal.co.uk
This popular trail has been running for more than 15 years with weird and wonderful Scarycrows around the villages. You’re the judge of which is best. Pick up a score sheet from one of the village shops or download the trail map from Friday 27th October, then hand in the sheet at the same venues when you’ve completed the trail. The winning Scarycrow will be announced at the end of the week. The Scarycrows are created by locals and donations for the score sheet will go to Radio Borders Cash 4 Kids to help disadvantaged children in North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
SPILMANS PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
1st, 7th, 8th, 13th–15th, 20th–22nd, 24th–31st October
Spilmans Farm, Thirsk
spilmans.co.uk
With 125,000 pumpkins (plus white pumpkins, gourds and squashes) ready to be picked, Spilmans Farm is a must-visit this month. Explore the 25-acre pumpkin patch, collect a wheelbarrow, fill it with pumpkins and take them to the carving barn to get creative. New for 2023, Spilmans also have an exciting live stage show, Fright Delight, and the Flying Spilman barrel train, as well as the usual Bale Mountain to climb on, giant pipe to roll along, corn cannon, pumpkin slingshot, tractor rides, fairground rides and spooky characters hanging around the farm.
ILLUMINATED WHITBY ABBEY
21st–31st October
Whitby Abbey
english-heritage.org.uk
Whitby is an obvious place to spend Halloween and this spooky season visitors can see Bram Stoker’s inspiration in a new light as Whitby Abbey is illuminated – a perfect photo opportunity. The story of Dracula will also be brought to life with a twist within the abbey ruins and if you pop by on Friday 27th October, your visit will coincide with Whitby Goth Weekend.
EVENING STORY FAIRY WALKS
October Half Term
Northwood Trail, Nunnington
northwoodtrail.co.uk
England’s Fairy Sanctuary is a mystical place all year round and it’s celebrating Halloween with magical evening lantern walks and storytelling from Professor Howland’s collection of true fairy histories and mythologies. The guided lantern walks are aimed at children of all ages who want to be involved in Halloween without being too frightened. On your arrival you’ll be greeted with a glass of (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) punch, then following the trail you’ll visit the autumn grotto and the fairy museum.
HALLOWEEN AT THE FORBIDDEN CORNER
21st October–5th November
The Forbidden Corner, Leyburn
theforbiddencorner.co.uk
A whole host of spooky characters are taking over The Forbidden Corner this Halloween. Visitors are invited to find the missing skeleton bones and they’ll receive a spooky prize if they do. Complete the Halloween quiz and win the fancy dress competition for even more treats (or tricks).
THE CURSE OF HALLOWEEN
21st–25th October
Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Doncaster
yorkshirewildlifepark.com
Step into a realm where the air crackles with an enchanting chill. Yorkshire Wildlife Park invites you to embark on a spine-tingling adventure into the heart of darkness, where thrills and chills await the whole family. With all the fun of Yorkshire’s walkthrough wildlife safari, plus some spooktacular Halloween surprises, it’s perfect for the whole family… if you dare!
HALLOWEEN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CINEMA
27th–31st October
Castle Howard Estate, York
castlehoward.co.uk
Having featured in a number of film and TV productions such as hit series Bridgerton, Castle Howard is the perfect backdrop for a magical cinema experience and they’ve got a spooktacular line up of Halloween films planned for October. There’ll be scarily good showings for all ages, including The Lost Boys, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice and Scream. Bring a cosy blanket to wrap up in and enjoy a frighteningly fun selection of Halloween classics, before getting something to eat and drink from the food stalls and on-site bar.
Read More: TV and Culture Guide: What to Watch, Read and Listen to this October
HALLOWEEN GHOST TRAIN
28th–29th October
Whistlestop Valley, Huddersfield
whistlestopvalley.co.uk
Are you brave enough to take a ride on the Whistlestop Valley Ghost Train? On the evening of your visit, you’ll be booked onto a specific train which will transport you from Clayton West Station to... Who Knows Where! The time you select when making your booking is the time your train departs from the station so don’t be late or the ghouls will get you! The journey lasts approximately one hour, and you will be scared so do be careful when booking for younger children (not suitable for under 5s).
WILLIAM’S SPOOKY ADVENTURES
28th–31st October
William’s Den, Wold Hill, Hull
williamsden.co.uk
At William’s Den they’re brewing up all kids of bewitchingly brilliant fun and games for the whole family. Head over to the purpose-built Trick-or-Treat street, bring your most chilling moves to the Monster Mash Disco dance floor, try not to lose your head in a round of Scarecrow Golf, and take a trip to the sweet apple workshop. William’s Den’s indoor and outdoor playscapes will also be open to play all day, before you pick up a pumpkin to take the magic home with you.
HALLOWEEN ADVENTURES AND ACTIVITIES
28th October–5th November
Castle Howard, York
castlehoward.co.uk
Castle Howard’s award-winning Adventure Playground, Skelf Island, will come alive with spook-tastic adventures this Halloween. Children can take part in sword fighting, pirating and broomstick combat workshops led by the mischievous Castle Howard Skelves and families can try an outdoor escape room trail with puzzles to solve.
PSYCHO PATH
29th September–31st October
Lintz Hall Farm, Burnopfield
psycho-path.co.uk
An immersive horror experience like no other, Psycho Path is always a popular fright night with disorientating mazes, outdoor trails in the dark and abandoned wastelands (all of which feature terrifying characters waiting around every corner), as well as indoor shows, bars and street food to keep you fuelled. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever with 10 scary experiences to survive. If you don’t mind being chased with a chainsaw or stumbling around in the dark this one’s for you (we promise it’s fun). Read our review of this year’s event at livingnorth.com.
SCREAM FACTORY
6th–31st October
Kirkleatham Museum
screamfactory.co.uk
Tickets are selling fast for the North East’s award-winning, largest and scariest Halloween Haunt, Scream Factory (as featured on E4 and Gogglebox). From cursed mines to creepy clowns and toxic zones, there’s plenty to spook you if you’re brave enough to head inside. Last year saw their biggest featured attraction to date with 18 rooms of terror inspired by Strangest Things, and this year there are three brand new attractions to look forward to.
THE HORROR CAR WASH
16th October–1st November
Rainton Arena, Houghton
raintonarena.co.uk
The Horror Car Wash offers a sinister experience without even leaving your car. Ghosts and ghouls pop up throughout the wash, with special effects to make you scream and there are four zones to survive – Scream, Halloween, Zombie Apocalypse and Circus. Good luck, you’re going to need it.
MURDER WITHOUT A CLUE: A TREEHOUSE MURDER MYSTERY
28th & 29th October
The Alnwick Garden
alnwickgarden.com
You’re invited to a cocktail party at Beverley Black’s treehouse but it seems the host is missing – maybe murdered. Don your detective hat and join in with this Cluedo-style game to work out whodunnit, where and with which weapon. Come dressed in the style of your favourite Cluedo character and see if you can solve this murder.
HALLOWEEN EVENING TOURS
31st October
Newcastle Castle
newcastlecastle.co.uk
Alongside their screenings of scary movies this autumn, Newcastle Castle is running its Halloween Evening Tours of the Castle Keep – one of the city’s spookiest buildings! Those who are brave enough to join can explore the dark halls and passages and learn the secrets of the building, before heading to the roof of the Keep to enjoy the spectacular views over Newcastle.
UNCANNY: I KNOW WHAT I SAW
1st & 2nd November
Northern Stage, Newcastle
northernstage.co.uk
Do you believe in ghosts? Join Danny Robins, creator of the smash hit paranormal podcasts Uncanny, The Battersea Poltergeist and The Witch Farm and award-winning West End play 2:22 – A Ghost Story, for an investigation into the paranormal. This show will immerse you in new, real-life stories of the supernatural, from ghosts and poltergeists to UFO sightings and other strange encounters as these tales are brought to life on stage by Danny and his team of experts. Read more about Danny, the UK’s go-to ghost guy, at livingnorth.com.
DUNGEON LATES
Selected Dates In October
The York Dungeon
thedungeons.com
The York Dungeon is opening into the darker hours of the night as the infamous Dungeon Lates return. The York Dungeon Lates combines theatre, special effects and storytelling with humour and surprises for an after-hours experience which will make you laugh, scream or both. Warning: these adult-only events sell out fast!
SCREAM FACTORY
6th–31st October
Kirkleatham Museum
screamfactory.co.uk
Tickets are selling fast for the award-winning Scream Factory (as featured on E4 and Gogglebox). From cursed mines to creepy clowns and toxic zones, there’s plenty to spook you if you’re brave enough to head inside. Last year saw their biggest featured attraction to date with 18 rooms of terror inspired by Strangest Things, and this year there are three brand new attractions to look forward to.
YORKSHIRE SCARE GROUNDS SCREAM PARK
6th–31st October
Hell Lane, Wakefield
scaregrounds.com
Claiming to be Yorkshire’s biggest and scariest Halloween destination, this haunted house-style attraction on Hell Lane in Wakefield features live actors, authentic sets, atmospheric lighting and moving props. There are various attractions in which to face your fears along a set route (so the brave will travel through each themed area one after another). Attractions include Krampus, the Clown Clinic, a corn field and vampires – the stuff of nightmares if you ask us.
HALLOWSCREAM
13th October–4th November
York Maze
yorkmazehallowscream.co.uk
Time travel to a dystopian future, enter the fun house if you dare, peek inside
the den of iniquity, meet the human/robot or brave the Necropolis (new for 2023). With side shows and entertainment designed to cause a fright, no one’s safe at York Maze this Halloween. Watch your back, Corny the Clown and other restless souls are always just around the corner…
CELLULOID SCREAMS
19th–22nd October
Showroom Cinema, Sheffield
celluloidscreams.com
What’s your favourite scary movie? Grab
the popcorn, because Showroom Cinema is celebrating Halloween with three days of the best classic and contemporary horror movies. That includes The Chapel, Hellbound: Hellraiser II and The Origin. So if you’d rather get a fright from the comfort of a cinema seat, book your full festival pass, day pass or individual film tickets now.
SCAREOWEEN
26th–31st October
Sewerby Hall & Gardens
sewerbyhall.co.uk
Sewerby Hall and Gardens is joining the fun this Halloween with its first ever scare attraction event – Scareoween. This new walk-through scare attraction is an experience for brave families with live performers and special effects, immersing anyone who’s brave enough to enter within a ghost story inspired by local history. We’ve got high hopes as this production has been designed and produced by AtmosFEAR! Scare Entertainment – Europe’s biggest scare entertainment company.
