Although the UK doesn’t celebrate Halloween with the same fanfare as the USA, it doesn’t mean that it’s not a great place to be on October 31st.
Dust off your witch’s hat, get your broomstick out of the attic, rinse those vampire fangs and start honing your prosthetic-application skills, Halloween is here once again and there are more family Halloween events than ever before.
For some, Halloween in the UK occurs in or around half term. If you are struggling to find things to do in half term, we have found many great events, including free half term activities and things to do with kids over half term, to make it easier for you!
Halloween Events for Kids
Where to go Pumpkin Picking
A popular October tradition in the United States and Canada is picking your own pumpkin and it’s getting more and more popular in the UK each year. This isn’t just a Halloween event for kids, but a great family Halloween event. If you want to start this tradition and were wondering where to go pumpkin picking, we have found two of the best!
Secretts hosts an annual Pumpkin Festival where you can pick your own pumpkins and then have a warm drink in the cosy café. As well as picking your own pumpkin there are also a range of activities on offer for everyone to enjoy – a completely fun family Halloween event.
- When: 26-31st October
- Where: Secretts of Milford
One of the most renowned UK pumpkin patches is Foxes Pumpkin Patch and Maize Maize. They have been growing and harvesting pumpkins for over 10 years and now let customers pick their own perfect pumpkin directly from the field! All you need to do is put on your wellies and enjoy an unBOOlievable family Halloween event.
- When: every weekend from 28th September & 19th-31st October (weekdays included)
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2w_2T6Hnva/
Cadbury World Halloween Spooktacular
A frightfully wonderful family Halloween event is occurring at Cadbury World. With plenty of Halloween themed family entertainment and prizes for those dressed in their spookiest outfits, this is the perfect Halloween event for kids. There is plenty of opportunity to dance, scream, sing along and have fun, frights and chocolate delights!
- When: 20th October-4th November
- Where: Cadbury World
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpSCVbRljfj/
BeWILDerwood
BeWILDerwood is a huge, award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. Open from March-November, it would be ‘ghoulish’ not to visit this unique place around Halloween. With many Halloween events for kids, the enchanting world of BeWILDerwood is a superb day out. With face painting, boat rides, arts & crafts, storytelling and parking included in your ticket price, this will be an awesome family Halloween event.
- When: Various dates
- Where: BeWILDerwood
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfYOm2gFAD/
Halloween Events for Teens
Shocktober Fest
Tulleys farm fright night is a world-famous event that is a must-visit Halloween event for teens and families. The most popular ticket, the X-Scream, gives you access to each of the 10 haunts, along with Street Theatre and the live music stage. Since 2008, Shocktober Fest has repeatedly won the title of the UK’s No.1 Halloween Attraction and is a big competitor of the Horror Nights at Universal Studios!
- When: Various dates
- Where: Tulleys Farm
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1PAlS7ggc2/
Scaresville
Expect an hour of thrills and spills, scares and dares as you cross to the Other side and traverse the woods, buildings, and parkland of the Haunted Village. Scaresville is one of Britain’s top scare attractions and 2018 winner of prestigious Screamie Award; an ideal Halloween event for teens.
- When: Every night from 02/10-02/11
- Where: Kentwell Hall
Hallowscream
Experience over an hour of pure adrenaline as you scream your way through York Maze Hallowscream. York’s most terrifying event is returning for another year. With five haunted houses each offering a unique experience, as well as side shows and more entertainment, will you and your friends be able to cope with the eeriness of York Maze Hallowscream?
- When: Every night from 02/10-02/11
- Where: York Maze
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2y8xufAqcY/
Halloween Fright Nights
One of the most fangtastic things to do in half term is experience Halloween at Thorpe Park by going to one of their Halloween Fright Nights. Prepare to push your fear endurance to the limit and survive 8 horrifying scare attractions this October including two brand new terrifying live-action horror experiences. Thorpe Park Fright Nights are a fun family Halloween event and/or Halloween event for teens because you can first have a day out at the theme park before the sun sets and things start getting spooky!
- When: Various dates
- Where: Thorpe Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2o6K79AnTz/
Did you know that other countries in Europe also have Halloween Fright Nights?
Halloween in Holland is one place where the scares shouldn’t be underestimated! Perhaps the most popular event is Halloween Fright Nights at Walibi Holland theme park. Like Thorpe Park, Walibi Holland has created a frighteningly superb environment with scary entertainment. At Walibi Fright Nights you are guaranteed to have a terrifyingly entertaining night of fear and fun. Walibi Holland also presents Halloween Spooky Days. This is a daytime event just for monsters aged 12 and under, thus a fantastic family Halloween event.
- When:
- Halloween Spooky Days: Various dates
- Halloween Fright Nights: Various dates
- Where: Walibi Holland
It is important to mention that all these events are purposefully scary and not for the light-hearted and so it is up to you to decide whether you, or any member of your party, will not be able to handle it.