In the UK, Halloween has transformed from a quaint holiday into a nationwide celebration, blending thrilling events, immersive scares, and family-friendly fun. From spooky parties to haunted houses, 2024 is brimming with options for Halloween lovers across all ages. Whether you’re craving an eerie adventure in historic sites, looking for theme park frights, or planning a family pumpkin-picking day, there’s something uniquely British about Halloween celebrations here. Here’s a roundup of some of the UK’s most exciting Halloween happenings this year.
1. Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights
Thorpe Park, just outside London, is pulling out all the stops for 2024’s Fright Nights. Known for its spine-chilling atmosphere, this event runs through October and features some of the UK’s most famous scare mazes and horror-themed roller coasters. Brave visitors can try scare zones with live actors or ride in the dark—ideal for adrenaline seekers aged 12 and up.
2. Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm
For a blend of scares and entertainment, Tulleys Farm’s Shocktober Fest in Sussex is a highlight. As Europe’s largest scream park, it offers scare mazes, street performances, and live music, all with a festival-like feel. Teens and adults will love its immersive themes, from circus horrors to haunted farms. Running from early October to early November, it’s perfect for a night out with friends.
3. Halloween Half Term at Dover Castle
For a more family-friendly experience, Dover Castle in Kent is hosting Halloween-themed activities throughout the October half-term. Children can join a spooky trail, solve ghostly puzzles, and enjoy stories from the castle’s haunted history, making it both fun and educational. It’s a gentler Halloween experience, making it great for younger kids.
4. Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures
Chessington World of Adventures is turning into a “spooktacular” playground this Halloween season. Families can enjoy rides in the dark, themed adventures in the Forbidden Forest, and special shows with ghostly performers. It’s family-friendly, but there’s still a bit of fright in the air for the brave-hearted.
5. Halloween at Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
A magical and mystical Halloween awaits at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Leavesden. This year, guests can hunt for Dark Marks projected around the set, see Death Eaters, and explore the Forbidden Forest under the cloak of darkness. It’s a thrilling chance for Harry Potter fans to immerse themselves in a world of wizards and dark magic.
6. Halloween Nights at Black Country Living Museum
The Black Country Living Museum in Dudley brings Halloween to life with its interactive “Scare Mine” and trick-or-treating around its historic village. This year’s highlights include ghost stories and performances suitable for children over 10. It’s a nostalgic way to celebrate Halloween while learning a bit about British history.
7. The Magical Woodland in Cheshire
For those seeking a scenic, non-terrifying Halloween, the Magical Woodland in Cheshire is offering an enchanting light experience in an autumnal forest. The trails are illuminated with Halloween-themed lights and feature displays inspired by everything from Ghostbusters to dinosaurs, making it a perfect evening for younger children or those preferring a gentler Halloween vibe.
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
