Halloween can be one of the most thrilling times of the year, offering a perfect opportunity to embrace all things spooky. With October half-term aligning with the festivities, families across the UK can look forward to a variety of activities and events at locations across the country to celebrate.
From immersive horror mazes to wholesome pumpkin picking in the countryside, there’s something for everyone. As Halloween grows in popularity, with nearly 50% of people celebrating in some form and around 20% saying it’s their favourite annual celebration, it’s essential to plan your spooky adventures in advance. Whether you’re heading out for a family-friendly day trip or seeking spine-chilling thrills, join us in looking at our top picks this Halloween.
Top Halloween Events in the UK
- Alton Towers Scarefest, Staffordshire
- Warwick Castle’s Haunted Castle, Warwickshire
- The York Maze, Hallowscream, North Yorkshire
- Blenheim Palace Halloween Festival, Oxfordshire
- Newsham Scream Park, Merseyside
- Pumpkin Picking at Kenyon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Festival, Cheshire
Alton Towers Scarefest
Alton Towers is a must-visit for thrill-seekers during the Halloween season. Every year, the park transforms into a haven of horror for its annual Scarefest event. The award-winning event takes place from the 11th October up until the 3rd November, giving you plenty of time to visit.
For the older thrill-seekers, you can test your bravery on adrenaline-fuelled rides or make your way through a live action scare maze, if you dare! There’s no shortage of scary attractions to keep you on edge.
For families and the younger Halloween enthusiasts, there are many less intense experiences on offer, including the CBeebies Land Monster Ball and Patch’s Halloween Party, featuring spooky street performers and live entertainment for younger visitors.
Find out more about Alton Towers Scarefest here.
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Warwick Castle’s Haunted Castle
Warwick Castle becomes the ultimate Halloween destination with its Haunted Castle event, running from 26th October to 3rd November. By day, families can enjoy a range of child-friendly activities, including spooky storytelling and haunted walks through the castle’s historic grounds. As night falls, the atmosphere shifts with spine-chilling scares across thrilling scare attractions within the castle and grounds, including scare mazes, the chance to encounter the castle dungeon and the Festival of Frights featuring fearless firebreathers and other exciting entertainers.
Whether you’re a history lover or just after a Halloween thrill, this event is the perfect combination of horror and heritage. Discover more about Warwick Castle’s Haunted Castle here.
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The York Maze, Hallowscream
If you’re a horror lover after an award-winning Halloween experience, look no further than Hallowscream. Open on select nights from 11th October to 2nd November, this legendary event has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s top scare attractions, offering terrifying mazes based on various horror themes each year. From sinister clowns to zombie rednecks, the mazes are packed with surprises that will leave you screaming.
This event is best suited for groups of friends or hardcore horror fans; definitely not for the faint-hearted, it guarantees an unforgettable experience. Explore Hallowscream’s terrifying mazes here.
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Blenheim Palace Halloween Festival
For a frighteningly good time, visit Blenheim Palace’s Halloween Festival, running from 25th October to 3rd November. Throughout the event, the Palace grounds are illuminated with themed trails, perfect for children and families that aren’t looking for full-on scares.
There’s spooky storytelling, interactive activities and enchanting decorations that capture the essence of the spooky season. The event is ideal for families looking for a lighter, but still festive, way to enjoy Halloween. Find out more about Blenheim Palace’s Halloween Festival here.
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Newsham Scream Park
For the thrill-seekers, searching for intense, immersive scares, Newsham Scream Park is the ultimate Halloween destination. Located in a former hospital and orphanage in Liverpool, this Grade II listed building has a growing reputation as one of the most haunted former asylums in the country.
Running from 17th October to 2nd November, this event features multiple scare zones and mazes with live actors ready to deliver high-intensity horror. From disorientating mazes to terrifying jump scares, it’s a must for hardcore horror fans looking for an extreme experience. Discover more about Newsham Scream Park here.
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Pumpkin Picking at Kenyon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Festival
For a more traditional Halloween activity, head to Kenyon Hall Farm in the Cheshire countryside for a day of pumpkin picking. With a huge pumpkin patch with thousands of pumpkins grown every year, families can wander the fields in search of the perfect pumpkin, enjoying the many photo opportunities along the way.
After you’ve picked your pumpkins, you can enjoy seasonal treats from the café and explore the cosy farm shop filled with local produce. This wholesome autumnal experience is perfect for families looking to embrace the more charming side of Halloween.
Advanced booking is required for this event, running every day up to 31st October. Find out more about Kenyon Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Festival here.
@dayinsure This is your sign to go pumpkin picking this autumn 🎃✨🍂 📍 @Kenyon Hall Farm Entry to the Pumpkin Festival is just £2.95 per person (advance booking required) and parking is free 🚙✨ Perfect for a low spend day out 💸 There is a massive selection of pumpkins, with many unique photo opportunities throughout the pumpkin patch 📸 And once you’ve chosen your pumpkins, you can relax in their cozy cafe with some tasty treats 👻 #pumpkinseason #pumpkinpicking #halloween #autumndayout #pumpkins #pumpkinfestival #lowspendchallenge #cheapdayout ♬ Halloween ・ cute horror song – PeriTune
Planning your visit
When planning your Halloween festivities, it’s important to consider how you’ll get to your chosen destination. Many of the best Halloween events are located in rural areas or places where driving is the easiest option. If you’re borrowing a larger vehicle to accommodate your family or friends, having the right car insurance is essential. Temporary car insurance can make borrowing a car for the day or weekend much simpler. To learn more, check out this useful blog on having the correct insurance when borrowing a car.
Find temporary car insurance with Dayinsure
For a hassle-free Halloween adventure, take out temporary car insurance to get you to your chosen event without any tricks! With cover available from just one hour up to 30 days, there’s flexible options to suit your needs.
Find out more about our temporary car insurance here, and get a quote today to cover you for your upcoming Halloween road trip.
