Halloween and half term are just around the corner and there are some terrifyingly great events on offer around the country for all the family to enjoy. Check out our ghoulish list of 10 of the best spooky day trips and destinations…if you dare!
Spooktacular surprises at Warwick Castle
Jump in the car (and pack an extra pair of pants) as this year Warwick Castle transforms into the Haunted Castle between 23rd-31st October and has been labelled one of the coolest Halloween extravaganzas in the Midlands.
By day the Haunted House Walk-Through will have a trick or treat in every room, and with creepy characters lurking around every corner, the castle will be packed with spooky stories and frightening fun for all the family.
As darkness falls, tackle the shocking Scare Maze, and enjoy some wicked evening entertainment of live music, street food, drinks and performers. And for those (brave) individuals who want the ultimate fright factor, spend the night in the castle’s grounds…hope you’re not scared of the dark?
Halloween trail at Burghley House, Lincolnshire
If you’re local to us at Jaunt and are looking for some great family Halloween fun in the area, from 16th-31st October, Burghley House (one of England’s greatest Elizabethan houses) will be throwing its annual Halloween Trail. Visitors of all ages can get into the Halloween spirit by dressing up in their scariest costumes to follow the trail and discover hidden ghosts. This trail must be pre-booked but is an excellent opportunity to have some Halloween fun with the kids (and get those steps in!). The Garden Shed will also be open for a hot chocolate or coffee mid-way round, if you need a breather!
Dark Arts Halloween makeover at Harry Potter Studios, Watford
Love your Harry Potter? This Halloween the studios have been given a menacing makeover as the Dark Arts take over, dine and duel with the scary death eaters at the frightening Hogwarts After Dark experience at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
Fright Night at Thorpe Park
A classic fright-fest, which is this year celebrating ’20 Years of Fear’. If you get your kicks from spine-chilling scare mazes, why not pair it with a big dose of terrifying roller coaster rides for the ultimate adrenaline kick?! (All Fright Night experiences and attractions are recommended for age 13+). Take on some of the UK’s most thrilling rides in the dead of night, and then tackle the ‘Creek Freak Massacre Maze’, or ‘Platform 15 – end of the line’ maze for the ultimate 2021 Halloween experience, running 15th-31st October.
Lincoln Ghost Walk
If you’ve got a taste for the sinister and supernatural, why not join the Lincoln Ghost Walk? It’s been running since 1996, and if you want to learn about the history of Lincoln with a darker backdrop, this ghost tour promises you won’t be disappointed! It costs £6 per adult and £4 per child (12 and under), so if you’re looking for a spooky and interesting Halloween trip without breaking the bank, this might be one for you! Hope the ghost stories don’t keep you awake…
Loch Lomond Forester, Scotland
If you’re up North, fear not because there are some exciting Halloween events running for you too! The Loch Lomond Halloween Encounter is set in the depths of the woods, and all may not be as it seems as the woodland comes alive after dark… with ghosts, trolls and evil witches, this shuddering Halloween encounter is excellent for all the family (suitable for children 8+).
Scarefest, Alton Towers
Rivalling Thorpe Park’s ‘Fright Night’, Alton Towers has nailed it this year with a brand-new attraction ‘Trick O Treat Town’. This family friendly attraction will allow visitors to knock on the doors of ‘Spooky Avenue’ in the search of goodies…but beware…
The new maze ‘Darkest Depths’ will also be located on a ghost ship. Scarefest will be running 15th-31st October!
‘Brick or Treat’ Legoland Windsor
If you have littluns and don’t fancy being chased around a maze by masked individuals (we don’t blame you), LEGOLAND Windsor is bringing back its Brick or Treat event for 2021! Lord Vampyre’s Creepy Crypt Trail is a new family-friendly area where kids can hunt for treats, and there is also a new Harbour Show. Brick or Treat will be running 14th-31st October.
Halloween High Tea, The Grand Pacific, Leeds
If you are farrrr too classy to run around in costume for your sweet treats this Halloween, The Grand Pacific in Leeds is offering a High Tea with a mouth-watering savoury selection, alongside cakes including pumpkin macarons, s’mores, cinnamon scones, lemon tarts and more. The cocktails are extra, but nothing is more frightening this Halloween than missing out on a cocktail with the girls (amirite).
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
Get outdoors to an illuminated fire garden, watch flickering flames and stomp your way through the haunted woods with neon cobwebs, bubbling cauldrons, coffins that creek, creepy spiders and neon bats. Toast some marshmallows and have a hot drink to finish your adventure – a perfect one for the whole family!
