46 Halloween days out in the UK with kids

As the nights draw in, it’s time to embrace all things spooky, from ghosties and ghoulies to things that go bump in the night, with the best Halloween days out in the UK. UPDATED FOR 2026

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From the most haunted places in the UK to spine-chilling family attractions, you can embrace pumpkins and witches with younger kids, dial up the terror for teens or explore somewhere suitably spooky.

Along with fearsome inspiration for creepy days out year-round, there are more Halloween events in 2026 too including special trails at some of the UK’s biggest attractions – so if you’re ready to do some light ghostbusting, check out my top Halloween days out with kids.

For more ideas of things to do at Halloween in London with kids, check out this post

Haunted historic houses and castles

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland 

Chillingham Castle has been called Britain’s most haunted… and if you visit with older teens, there are evening ghost tours to see if you can spot any as well as some family ghost tours during school holidays.

The 13^th century Northumberland castle has a ghost which haunts the inner pantry – possibly a victim of poisoning, begging for water – while two invisible men can be heard talking in the chapel.

Or you can stroll into the dungeon and the torture chamber as you explore the castle… definitely not for the faint-hearted.

For more things to do in Northumberland with kids, check out this post

Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire

Another contender for the terrifying title of the UK’s most haunted castle – staff at Bolsover Castle keep a ghost book as visitors have so many experiences to record, including eerie lights, screams and a little boy who holds the hands of visitors…

Keep your eyes open for Sir Charles too, the former owner whose ghost is said to wander the corridors, as well as exercising your other senses. The smell of horses can still be scented coming from the riding school… where no living horse is usually to be found.

You can also stroll along the restored wall walk, which reopened around 10 years ago for the first time in almost 250 years, and ponder the fact that the castle itself stands on an ancient burial ground.

There’s some Halloween fun for families for 2026 as well, with storytelling and a trail to follow from Oct 24-Nov 1.

Warwick Castle, Warwick

The perfect Halloween day out with younger kids, Warwick Castle’s usual inhabitants (think princesses and falconers with their birds of prey) are joined by the witches of Warwick for Halloween, as part of the Haunted Castle events.

There are a series of extra attractions from October 24 to November 1, from spooky schools to the Haunted Hollows trail through the grounds, as well as shows throughout the day.

Escape from mysterious mazes, watch out for the headless horseman, and enjoy the castle’s spooky makeover, as well as watching the Witches of Warwick live show and the Grave Diggers stage show, including a chance to sing and dance during the interactive performances, and shiver at some frightfully good stories.

Prebooking tickets for the Haunted Castle events is recommended, with discounts if you book in advance

If you’re visiting with older kids teens, there’s also the special Castle after Dark events, on October 24 and October 29-31, recommended for age 10+ – with two new thrilling scare attractions and a frightful festival of entertainment in the courtyard, this isn’t one to keep toddlers up late for!

And because reality is often far more gruesome than fiction, there’s also the Horrible Histories maze to discover. Not forgetting the fearsome Castle Dungeon: also recommended for age 10+ and you don’t get your money back if you run away early!

Halloween at Hampton Court Palace 

It’s hard to beat a haunted royal residence at Halloween, head down to Hampton Court Palace for an eerie experience from Historic Royal Palaces.

At Hampton Court Palace, this Halloween families can discover the many dark secrets of Henry VIII’s notoriously haunted palace. With creepy sound effects and eerie projections, the palace and gardens will be transformed with the help of a few enchantments and there are ghosts to encounter around every corner.

Check out the eerie new outdoor trail in the Wilderness, keep an eye out for the ghost of William Shakespeare, listen to some spooky storytelling in William III’s apartments, then enjoy some ghoulishly good treats in the cafe.

This hair-raisingly fun experience is suitable for all ages, and runs from October 24-November 1. Included in entry.

There’s a discount on tickets for Hampton Court Palace if you book through my link using code MUMMYTRAVELS6

Buckland Abbey, Devon

Sir Francis Drake went down in English history for his victories over the Spanish and three-year circumnavigation of the globe on the Golden Hind – but according to legend, his spirit is not a happy one and he haunts his Devon home at Buckland Abbey.

Tales also say his ghost rides across Dartmoor in a black coach driven by headless horses, pursued by baying dogs – whose spectral barking is deadly to living dogs. Just one of many ghoulish legends to discover on Dartmoor with kids.

For something less spine-chilling, you’ll also discover that a string of fearsome sea monsters playing tricks on each other around Buckland Abbey – watch out for the Kraken, leviathan, Sirens and more from October 10-November 1.

Not far away Berry Pomeroy Castle in Totnes has two female ghosts of its own – a white lady and a blue lady if you want more Halloween days out in Devon.

Corfe Castle, Dorset

This dramatic ruined fortress has a long history of murder, war and terror going back over a thousand years. In the grounds of Corfe Castle, Anglo-Saxon prince Edward the Martyr was supposedly killed on the orders of his stepmother Queen Elfrida, who wanted her own son to take the throne.

It later held a string of prisoners of King John, as well as being a prison for Edward II – before the king himself was murdered (elsewhere).

But the ghost said to walk the castle dates from the Civil War, when treachery meant the Roundheads were able to smuggle their own soldiers inside the royalist stronghold, winning the castle before blowing part of it up.

A headless woman in white still stalks the walls and battlements of the Dorset ruin.

Discover more about the castle’s character with the half-term Halloween fun this autumn, including a quest filled with mystery and superstition from October 24-November 2 – plus the return of the teddy bear zip wire to give someone else a few thrills!

Check out our review of a day out at Corfe Castle with kids

Ham House, Surrey

Ghostly ladies are ten a penny but there aren’t quite as many historic houses that can boast a ghostly dog as Ham House can. Add in mysterious cold spots, ghostly footsteps and a 17^th century looking glass which some people refuse to stare into for fear of who (or what) might gaze back.

A woman in black has also been spotted on the stairs of the house, while a lovelorn nobleman is thought to scream here – you might even smell pipe smoke, the favourite of the Duke of Lauderdale… who has been dead for well over three centuries.

There’s also the Cabinets Unlocked sensory trail running during half-term, from October 24-November 1.

Longleat, Wiltshire

Enjoy some ghostly goings on at Longleat House with a few spooktacular adventures inspired by Shaun the Sheep’s latest adventure, The Beast of Mossy Bottom, from October 24-November 1.

Or you can also join one of the ghost tours running during half-term, sharing some of the supernatural stories from the house’s 450 years of history.

Discover the tale of the Grey Lady, said to walk the corridors searching for her lover, along with a few other scares – designed to be entertaining, they’re not for the faint-hearted, and only for 13+. Runs from October 23-November 1 and can be booked as an add-on to general entry.

Croft Castle, Herefordshire

One of England’s most haunted houses, this ancient property comes complete with eerie legends of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomens, including tales of its most famous spirit, Owain Glyndwr, who helped Wales wage a war of independence against the English in the 15th century… unsuccessfully.

There’s also a special haunted half-term children’s trail at Croft Castle near Leominster, running from October 24-November 1, where meet the Grey Lady, track the Black Dog and discover the Green Man as you solve a series of puzzles.

Cawdor Castle, Nairn, Scotland

The setting for Shakespeare’s play Macbeth, Cawdor Castle has had a genuinely bloodsoaked past – even if Macbeth himself had no connection with the site.

One story tells that witches cursed the castle after the playwright used one of their spells in his play, while there are also stories of a woman in a blue dress who haunts Cawdor.

Possibly a kidnapped heiress, whose wealth led to countless deaths in the struggle to control her fortune, possibly an earl’s daughter whose romance with the son of a rival family led to her father chopping off her hands as she hung from a castle window.

Not far from Cawdor Castle is another chilling spot – Culloden was the site of the last battle in Britain, where ghosts of soldiers from the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie are said to appear on the anniversary of the battle, which took place on April 16, 1746

Stirling Castle, Stirling

Another ghostly lady stalks this castle – but unlike the white and grey ladies drifting eerily around other fortresses, Stirling Castle’s ghost is pink.

People report a faint scent of roses in the air before she appears, with competing stories as to whose unquiet spirit she is: a noblewoman who died from a broken heart after her knightly love starved to death here or a victim of grave robbers seeking her body…

For more haunted castles and houses, check out this chilling collection from the National Trust for more Halloween days out 

Haunted Halloween trails & illuminations

Halloween with English Heritage – nationwide

For more spooky fun, English Heritage has a series of special Halloween events for kids around the country, with plenty of chances to get families outdoors.

You’ll find spooky storytelling and ghoulishly good trails at sites around the country, with creepy clues to follow as you explore.

Halloween at Raby Castle, County Durham

Raby Castle in County Durham has a string of Halloween thrills to enjoy, including pumpkin painting and a trail in the Plotters’ Forest with eerie spiders, wicked witches, and creaking skeletons to look out for as you collect some creepy clues. From Oct 3-Nov 1.

Not forgetting the after dark trail through the Plotters’ Forest on select dates from October 24 -31, aimed at kids aged 11 and under – just for an added frisson of terror… plus hot chocolate in the Coach Yard afterwards.

Check out the Halloween trail at High Force waterfall nearby too, gathering hidden letters at each sksleton stop to solve a spooky riddle

Halloween at Kew Gardens

The Royal Botanic Gardens have been famous for their Christmas light trail for years, and Halloween at Kew Gardens is starting winter off with a shiver once more, back for its third year.

Follow the eerie illuminated trail as it leads you through haunted woods, where legendary creatures lurk and fire performers light up the night. Beware Dracula hiding in the darkness, see the Headless Horseman ride and explore a brand new cursed tomb – if you dare.

Survived the scares? You’ll also find also marshmallows to toast, and hot chocolate and hot toddies to drink.

Timed entry slot on dates from October 16-November 1, perfect if your kids have an earlier half-term than most London schools.

Moors Valley, Dorset/Hampshire

The family-friendly illuminated trail is returning to Moors Valley again this autumn, transforming the woodland with a few eerie encounters, immersive scenes and spooky surprises.

As darkness falls, you’ll find towering skeletons standing watch over the forest, discover hungry plants in the carnivorous forest and uncover the secrets of ancient forest rituals, hidden deep in the trees.

Watch out for the Demon Barber as you explore past flickering lights and atmospheric installations. From October 23-November 1.

Halloween trail at Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire

There are few places spookier than Whitby in North Yorkshire, the place where Bram Stoker’s stories of Dracula began – and plenty of Halloween activities if you’re braving a visit.

As well as a Halloween trail at half-term (from October 24-November 1), you can also see the Illuminated Abbey lights from October 23-31, with a chance to spot Dracula himself in the glowing abbey ruins.

Watch out for a ghostly nun in the ruined abbey as you explore too…

Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade at Bewilderwood Norfolk & Cheshire

You’ve never been short of fantastical creatures and hints of magic at Bewilderwood, but the Norfolk and Cheshire family attractions have an added temptation for Halloween, with the Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade.

And this year, there’s a chance to stop at different character doors and say ‘Twig or Treat’ to some of the Bewilderwood characters for a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience.

Opening up paths which you can’t normally explore, and a glowing light trail, it’s designed to be spooky not too scary, as well as not keeping little ones out too late.

Runs on October weekends and during half-term from October 24-November 1, with scheduled time slots for the different activities. Plus it’s all included in your day ticket.

Halloween at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire

There’s a special Halloween trail at Blenheim Palace again, newly designed this year, from October 22-November 1 with flickering flames in the fire garden, grinning pumpkins aglow and fantastic fire artists performing.

The historic palace in the Cotswolds will have its famous grounds transformed once again, so you wander through the illuminated woods filled with giant cobwebs and brave the medieval dungeon, a cursed tomb and a pagan ritual site.

There are treats to enjoy along the way too, including hot toddies and devilish hot chocolate, and marshmallows to toast.

If you visit during the day, you’ll need a separate ticket – check out my review of a day out at Blenheim Palace with kids for more of its family attractions

Sudeley Castle

There are some fun Halloween events for all ages at Sudeley Castle, including a seasonally spooky daytime trail, as well as a hauntingly good immersive experience.

The Pumpkin trail around the castle grounds and through the historic rooms runs from October 26-November 1, taking you to all the secret corners and hidden nooks as you try to spot them all.

Keep an eye out for Tudor ghosts and enjoy some storytelling with the Wise Woman on October 31 itself, plus some indoor owl experiences on weekdays during half-term (additional ticket required).

Enchanted Forest, Pitlochry, Perthshire

The Enchanted Forest in Perthshire is celebrating its 25th event this year, and the emphasis (as ever) is on a magical experience rather than spooky scares – it’s one of Scotland’s most popular Halloween events, with more than 800,000 people visiting over the past two decades.

As you wander through the autumn woodland of Faskally Wood near Pitlochry, this year’s Enchanted Forest sound and light show takes you outside time to discover a secret 25th hour where clocks misbehave, minutes drift and the ordinary rules of reality begin to unrave

Expect spectacular light installations and immersive soundscapes, all inspired by the magical idea of an extra hour hidden in time itself. From October 8-November 8.

GlasGLOW, Glasgow

Are you ready to trick andtreat…. with a difference! Head to Glasgow’s botanic gardens this Halloween for GlasGLOW, where there’s a brand new 60-minute sound and light show.

This year, the Zombie Zoo gives you a chance to meet the misunderstood residents of this unusual human zoo in a 60-minut outdoor adventure, from live feeding demos to decontamination tunnels, all with plenty of dead friendly zombies along the way.

Fortunately there’s always Marshmallowland to add a few more treats along with any tricks. Runs from October 16-November 1.

Fearsome family activities and attractions

The Dungeons, nationwide

Whether you’re in London, York or Edinburgh (not to mention Alton Towers and Warwick Castle), you can terrify yourself with a trip to the Dungeons – with live actors whisking you through 1,000 truly alarming years of history, plus plenty of special effects and rides to get your heart racing even faster.

Not for younger kids – there’s plenty to make adults jump – each location has areas themed to suit its own history too.

The London Dungeon, for example, brings you face to face with the Great Fire and Sweeney Todd, although this Halloween, you’re transported back to Victorian London, when an ancient curse has fallen on the city.

Too terrifiying for your younger ones? Try the Little Peasants city walking tours from the York Dungeons on dates from October 24-31, to discover York’s darker side…

For more things to do this Halloween in London with kids, check out my terrifyingly tempting picks

Take a ghost walk

I’ve taken a few ghost walks in UK cities but easily the best (and spookiest) was the Ghost Hunt of York.

The city was one of the first to start ghost walks, and with its long (and often violent) history, there are plenty of ghosts to go around. 504 separate hauntings, allegedly, from Roman legionnaires to a lost boy and a lonely piper.

For more ghost walks, you can find tours in London, Portsmouth, Southampton, Oxford, Norwich, Cambridge, Bury St Edmunds, Lincoln, Nottingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Cardiff among others as ideas for Halloween days out – some are only suitable for teens so always check restrictions before booking.

Jump on the ghost bus

For a ghost tour with a difference, hop on board London’s Ghost bus tour – it’s family friendly (although best for around age 7+), as you cruise on the ‘orrible omnibus’ to the West End, around the city and south of the river.

There are spooky facts about some of London’s best known landmarks, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, with a creepy conductor providing the commentary.

Set abroad the only Necropolis Bus left, the sole survivor of a 19th century private funeral bus service – painted midnight black – the rest were destroyed in a mysterious fire. If you don’t already have shivers down your spine, you’re sure to by the time you step off…

There’s also a ghost bus tour of Edinburgh and York if you’re visiting either city.

Check out my review of the Ghost Bus Tour of London – with kids, or without

Take a Halloween ghost train

Check out the various heritage railways around the UK and you’ll find many transforming their usual routes with some spooky steam engine fun and Halloween ghost trains during October.

Buy a ticket for the Halloween trains on the East Lancashire Railway – if you dare! – with vampires and bats on board… even if they’re more likely to sing to you, and teach you magic than scare you right out of your wits.

Or for a magical journey, try the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s Wizard Week trains with owls swooping, illusions to be seen and a terrifying treasure hunt.

The Severn Valley’s Ghost train is back again for 2026, and the Peak Railway has two separate Halloween-themed journeys.

in Wales, you could board the Bala Lake Railway’s Halloween trains on October 30 and 31 too.

Mary King’s Close, Edinburgh

One of the dark, mysterious lanes leading off the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, Mary King’s Close was bricked up during an outbreak of the plague – and is said to be the most haunted place in the city.

Almost the entire narrow medieval street remains and it’s now a museum that you can tour.

It’s hardly surprising that you might find ghosts here – almost all the inhabitants of one house died of plague, while another includes a cell where the doomed Mary Queen of Scots once spent a night.

Old Operating Theatre, London

If you’re looking for blood and gore this Halloween, London’s Old Operating Theatre is an eye-opening experience with a look back at genuine medical and surgical practices of long ago.

Set in the attic of an 18^th century church of the old St Thomas’s Hospital, it’s the oldest surviving surgical theatre in Europe and takes you back to the days before anaesthetics, when 150 medical students might have crammed in to learn

This Halloween, swap the mythical monsters for a genuinely chilling look at the origins of surgery before antiseptics and anaesthesia. Best with older kids..

Bodmin Jail, Cornwall

After a major multimillion pound overhaul, Bodmin Jail has been sharing some of Cornwall’s most haunting histories year-round since it reopened in time for Halloween a few years ago.

But there are a string of added Halloween events, including the Go Darker Heritage tour, the Haunted Gallery and the Ghost walk for 12+.

Plus all the usual spine-chilling sides to the historic jail. The Dark Walk gives visitors a first-hand experience of what life in the remote 18^th and 19^th century prison would have been like on the edge of the moor. Discover tales from the jail’s most infamous prisoners, plus child criminals along the way too.

Bodmin jail is recommended for 8+, and there is an opportunity to skip parts of the ‘Final Drop’ – the only working execution pit in the UK at the end of the visit. This is one place where Halloween feels very real…

Warner Bros Studios in Leavesden – the Harry Potter tour

If you want to guarantee wizards and witches this Halloween, you can always head to Hogwarts – or the next best thing, at The Making of Harry Potter tour in the Warner Bros studios near London.

Previous special Halloween events have included A Celebration of Slytherin, looking at the house which turned out more dark wizards than any other, while this year the focus is once again on the Dark Arts, from September 16 to November 8.

Along the way, you can also spy some of the creatures which appeared in the wizarding world, as well as trying your hand at flying a broomstick: probably the closest you can get to magic within half an hour of the capital!

Needless to say, tickets book up well in advance for this London Halloween day out, so it’s worth planning ahead if you’ve got your heart set on this magical Halloween – check out my tips for finding tickets to the Harry Potter Studio tour.

For more ideas of days out for Harry Potter fans, check out these magical suggestions too…

The Halloween Adventure, Stockeld Park, West Yorkshire

There’s something for the whole family at Stockeld Park this Halloween, whether you simply want to pick a pumpkin – for a small charge – or fancy having your socks scared off.

Watch out for the Woodland Witches in the Enchanted Forest, who’ll be teaching the arts of wand-waving, potion-mixing and spell-casting, before braving the monster maze – the 2 miles of paths in the magical maze get a Halloween twist this autumn.

Events run on October weekends and October 24-November 1, 2026. Fancy dress is encouraged and the spookiest attire wins a prize.

Halloween in the City, Manchester

Check out the free festival of frightful fun as Manchester turns into a monstrous playground with Halloween in the City from October 25-26.

And look out for the MCR monsters as well, from October 24-31, celebrating their 10th birthday with live performances, party games and fancy-dress fun, plus storytelling, spooky DJs, a birthday bake-off and the spectacular Walk the Plank monster procession.

As night falls, the city will glow eerie green as iconic buildings light up in spooky style, while thousands of pumpkin lanterns will once again line the town’s shopping streets too.

Want more monsters? There will also be eight gigantic inflatable monsters dotted around Lincoln, invading rooftops from Castle Hill down to the university, lighting up at night to make a glow-in-the-dark adventure trail around the city centre. From October 26-November 1

The Tudor House, Southampton

There’s a week of all things spooky at Southampton’s historic Tudor House this autumn, including a string of family-friendly activities from October 26-31.

Head to Wizard school on October 26 and 27 for some wand-making, as well as crafts, gruesome games and ghost-hunting on October 30 at the Halloween at Tudor House event.

Trick or Treat Street, William’s Den, Yorkshire

What do you get when you combine storytelling, a few challenges to solve and some trick or treating? The fun interactive Trick Or Treat Street Halloween event at William’s Den in East Yorkshire.

Back from October 24-31, there are daylight and after-dark sessions, taking place in the fields in front of the attraction.

Halloween at the Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse, Blackpool

There’s a chance to meet the Witch from Room on the Broom – celebrating 25 years this year – with a brand-new interactive show for Halloween at The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse in Blackpool.

Room on the Broom Dance Party invites families to join in the magical adventure, plus more Halloween celebrations, run from September 2-November 2.

Check out what we thought in my review of The Gruffalo & Friends Clubhouse

Ghostly great outdoors

Great Wood, Blickling, Norfolk

If you go down to the woods today, you might just discover a Tudor ghost. Anne Boleyn was born at Blickling in Norfolk and it’s said her father Sir Thomas Boleyn haunts the Blickling estate, cursed for failing to stop Henry VIII executing her.

Wander through the misty forest and you can also see the 18^th century Mausoleum, built to commemorate the 2^nd Earl of Buckingham.

If you’re in the area in spring, you might even spy Anne Boleyn herself, who’s said to appear on the anniversary of her execution on May 19, riding up to the house in a coach drawn by a headless horseman, with her own head on her lap…

Look out for the Stranger Folk trail, that’s full of old magic, with sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts and Stranger Folk. Runs from October 3-November 8.

Read my review of a (ghost-free) day out at Blickling Hall with kids here

Wenlock Edge, Shropshire

Stretching for 18 miles between Ironbridge and Craven Arms in Shropshire, Wenlock Edge juts high above the landscape – the perfect spot for tales to make your spine tingle.

Wander past the gnarled and twisted tree trunks of the ancient woodland to get yourself into suitably spooky mood then watch out for legendary figures whose spirits may wander.

13^th century highwayman Ippikin made his home here, and might still walk to protect his ill-gotten gains. Or watch out for Major Smallman, whose efforts to escape capture during the Civil War saw him gallop his horse off the Edge, down a 200ft drop – he survived but his ghost is said to have returned.

More prosaically, you might spot National Trust volunteers getting into the spooky spirit for any Halloween events too.

Go pumpkin picking

Even the youngest kids can get into the spooky spirit with this Halloween day out – a spot of pumpkin picking at a local farm.

There are countless spots around the country but Windmill Animal Farm in Lancashire has a whopping 20,000 pumpkin plants every year. It’s always a sell-out, so do book ahead: from October 10-November 1.

You’ll find a new Spooktacular event for 2026 at Piglets Adventure Farm in York this year, including a voucher for a small pumpkin, plus pumpkin carving tent, in case you’re not sure what to do once you’ve picked yours. Not to mention a spooky trail, bat walk, mad scientists show and more.

Cammas Hall Farm, near Bishop’s Stortford in Hertfordshire, has more than 80 types of pumpkin and squash in its pumpkin patch this year, as well as Halloween characters, wicked walkways and the terror tunnel (for 12+) to get you thoroughly spooky.

Secretts in Surrey has a daily fancy dress competition and pumpkin themed activities as well as its giant field, while in Berkshire, Wasing Estate adds some extra style to picking your own – the PYO pumpkin and Woodland trail starts with a life-sized fairytale pumpkin carriage, before wandering through the woodland, picking your pumpkin to take home to carve.

Enjoy a magical pumpkin patch at Cattows Halloween Farm in Leicestershire, including a circus, harvest ride, Halloween disco and bonus dinosaur trails.

Or head to west Wales and Pembrokeshire Pumpkin Farm in Moylgrove, where there’s a spooky bale trail, plus a pumpkin patch for picking.

Terrifying theme parks

Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort

You’re guaranteed to emerge with your heart racing after a visit to Alton Towers Scarefest, on various dates from September 26 to November 1, including the UK’s two main half-term weeks.

There’s the chance to meet Amigos in the Afterlife, inspired by Dia de los Muertos celebrations with its bright colours – and thankfully some friendly spirits to guide you back to the world of the living after you accidentally pass into the afterlife. Expect challenges and tricky characters along the way (for age 6+).

As well as being able to board your favourite rides at dusk or after dark, there are experiences just scary enough for younger visitors – Trick’o’Treat Town with Haribo, for example, while the littlest can head to CBeebies Land for the Monster Ball.

The Alton Ancestors are pushing back their gravestones to emerge for a Halloween disco too, or ride The Curse at Alton Manor, while older kids can get their chills with the live-action scare maze, Edge of the Forest, and the Dark Hollow Scare Zone.

If you’re looking for more Halloween days out with teens, check out Fright Nights at Thorpe Park for some seriously scary fun

Chessington World of Adventures Howl’O’Ween

With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, Chessington’s ‘Howl’O’Ween’ Halloween event is always a good one for families – and tickets include access to the full theme park and zoo entry.

With adventures for little pumpkins and older thrill-seekers, trick or treat experience, Enchanted Hollow, is back again, where the animal residents unleash their mischievous streak with a few cheeky tricks along with the treats as you explore.

The terrifying scare zone, Stone Watchers: Vampire’s Lair is back; cross the line and the Stone Watchers come to life, ready to ward out any evil spirits – are you brave enough to sneak through?

There are some fun shows and interactive experiences, including Dr Frankfun’s Haunted House Party, or watch mummified monsters come to life to summon their leader, not to mention rides at dusk. Runs from October 3-4, 10-11 and 17-31, as well as November 1, separate ticket required for Enchanted Hollow.

Brick or Treat at Legoland Windsor

The Lego Monsters are taking over, with the return of Brick or Treat to Legoland Windsor. And that’s only the start of the Halloween themed fun at the theme park, which is being transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland from October 10-11 and 17-31 plus November 1.

Last year’s new show is back, and Lord Vampyre’s House Party is sure to get everyone dancing, or watch the Monster Jam show, brave the Haunted House Monster Party and more spooky surprises. You can even get your groove on while you’re on the rides, with a disco on The Dragon.

Plus all the usual fun, and some great themed Lego builds to be found. Prebooking is highly recommended during half-term.

For more ideas of the best things to do at October half-term in London with kids, check out my top picks

Spook-fest at Crealy Theme Park, Devon

Spook-fest is back at Crealy Theme Park in Devon, with some new ways to get your heart racing for 2026.

Brave the rooms at the Creaky Hotel walk-through experience for a string of spooky surprises, while the fearful scarecrows are back hiding in the Scarecrow Maze. Or venture into Buddy’s Spook Maze and enjoy the Halloween Sooty Show and Magic and Misfits Illusions show.

There are more option for little ones like dancing at Buddy’s Trick or Treat doors, and the chance to add on a trick or treat trail.

As usual, you can always rely on your day being so packed, you’ll hardly have chance to feel terrified! Runs from October 10-11, 17-18 and 23-31 – plus there’s a free return visit on November 1 for anyone who visits Spook-fest.

Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park, Sussex

If you’re looking for family-friendly thrills for younger kids, Drusillas Park in Sussex keeps things the right side of spooky during Halloween Shriek Week, promising more spooky props than ever.

Decide if you’re brave enough to venture into the Spider’s Den (where you’ll discover spiders are actually amazing, and very misunderstood). And watch out for the Sugar Skull Witch who’ll be roaming as you explore too! Runs from October 24-November 1.

Spooky Spectacular at West Midlands Safari Park

There’s a monster mast-up to enjoy at West Midland Safari Park for this year’s Spooky Spectacular – with the movie monster’s trail and torchlight tours of the Land of the Living Dinosaurs.

Or keep an eye out to see if you can spot everyone’s favourite monsters around and about on one of Patch and Mitzy’s Spooky Walkabouts.

Plus there’s Patch’s Pumpkin Show and more family fun, not forgetting some crazy crafts. From October 10-November 1, 2026.

Fairground Frights at Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach, Norwich

Fairground Frights at Great Yarmouth’s Pleasure Beach won an award for ‘best scare entertainment’ after it launched in 2020, and is back for more fearsome fun with a six-night run in 2026.

Taking place from October 25 to 31 (excluding October 27), the experience will include ghoulish characters and spooky surprises – not to mention the Haunted House and a firework display to end the season on the final night.

Not recommended for under 10s, the event includes unlimited access to all scare mazes and rides.

Spooky villages

Eyam Historic plague village, Derbyshire

Walking into pretty Eyam in the Peak District national park, you wouldn’t immediately think of tragic events and dark history – but for 14 months from 1665, the entire village was locked in quarantine after a flea-infested bundle of cloth brought the Black Death.

By the time the plague ran its course, more than two-thirds of the population of 350 had died.

There are plaques outside some cottages commemorating those who died, as well as a small museum to visit and the boundary stone where villagers left money for food from surrounding, plague-free villages.

For another deserted medieval village, head to North Yorkshire and Wharram Percy – abandoned for more than 500 years, it’s still one of the best preserved in Britain. 

For ideas of more things to do in Yorkshire with kids, check out my top picks

Pluckley Village, Kent

At first glance, Pluckley could hardly be more picturesque – a pretty church, old-fashioned cottages, winding lanes running alongside streams. And, according to the Guinness Book of Records, at least a dozen ghosts, making it the most haunted village in Britain.

From the spectre of a highwayman at Fright Corner to the white lady and red lady which both haunt St Nicholas church and churchyard, along with a phantom coach and horses, you shouldn’t be short of spirits.

Don’t forget to placate the living though, as the village residents often have their fill of ghost-hunters around Halloween.

PIN FOR LATER: THE BEST HALLOWEEN DAYS OUT IN THE UK

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Main image/Pumpkin patch/pumpkins/Whitby Abbey/York Minster/Edinburgh lane courtesy Depositphotos, Bodmin Jail courtesy Bodmin Jail, Monster Parade courtesy of Halloween in the City, all others copyright MummyTravels

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