Halloween in Yorkshire: What To See & Where To Go

It’s that time of year again when the pumpkins, masks and toffee apples appear. Halloween is everyone’s chance to dress up and have some spook-inspired fun. If you want to do something a bit more adventurous than trick-or-treating this year, there are plenty of local events to get involved in. Here are our favourites.

Family

Not everyone wants to be scared out of their wits. These events are suitable for ghouls of all ages to take part in.

Piglets Adventure Farm Pumpkin Festival

There’s a day’s worth of activities to behold at Piglets Adventure Farm. From a spooky haunted house tour in Mischief Manor to a ghostly maze, there’s something for everyone. Take in a show and watch the Magic Hatter do some tricks or listen to the witches’ tales. There’s also a free pumpkin for every child aged over 1 which they’ll get to choose after being driven by tractor to the pumpkin patch. Don’t fancy getting messy at home? Carve yours right here at the farm.

If you’re all spooked out, ensure to visit the rest of the farm where you’ll get to play in the various play areas, crazy golf, go-karts and barrel rides. And, of course, don’t miss the animals – especially the piglets!

When? – every weekend in October and every day from 21st October to 5th November

Burton Agnes Hall Spooky Woodland Trail

If you go down to the woods today… you had better prepare to jump! Burton Agnes Hall is hosting their annual trail around the ground’s woodlands. Visitors must solve a puzzle by following the clues, interspersed with spooky Halloween scenes featuring witches, ghosts and spiders. If you succeed, there’ll be a prize waiting in the gift shop.

The event is open from 11am-4pm so shouldn’t be too dark. Great half-term fun for the whole family.

When? – 28^th October to 5^th November

Halloween Trains – NYMR and Kirklees Light Railway

Take a trip on the most exciting ghost train of your life with North Yorkshire Moors Railway or Kirklees Light Railway.

If you have small children, NYMR will be the train for you with stories from unusual characters, scary songs and magical moments. The one-hour journey will be filled with tricks and treats, and all guests are encouraged to wear fancy dress. Yes adults, even you!

Kirklees Light Railway ghost train is a scarier affair and not suitable for souls under the age of 3. Prepare for a fright as you board this train into the unknown. Again, Kirklees are expecting full fancy dress. If you are good enough, you might even scare the ghouls away.

When, NYMR? – 26-28^th October

When, Kirklees? – 28, 29 & 31^st October

Stockeld Park Halloween Adventure

This park is filled with magic in every corner, from the enchanted forest to the illuminated maze. The witches in the forest will give a series of clues and stories. Don’t forget to get your invisible letter stamps to break the spell and reveal the magic word at the end.

Take part in one of Dragon’s Den winners, Sublime Science’s workshops to see some extra-terrestrial experiments take place in the forest. Places fill up fast so don’t miss out!

For those of you who are a bit more daring, venture into Stockeld’s Fright Night where the magic disappears, and the undead awaken. Your ticket entitles you to three horrifying experiences inside The Farm House, The Cabin and The Maze where you will be chased, trapped and terrified. This is not suitable for children under 12 – you have been warned!

When? – Until 31^st October. Fright Nights 27-31^st October.

Teens/ Adults

Fancy yourself as a horror movie buff? Why not put yourself in their shoes and be immersed in the terror yourself. The following attractions are not for the faint-hearted.

Scare Grounds Scream Park

Located on the aptly named ‘Hell Lane’, this is one theme park you will always remember. Your ticket will get you entry into the park’s various horrifying exhibits including The Slaughterhouse, Zombie Outpost, Ghost Town, Hotel Hell, D.O.A and Jack’s Big Top: Jumping Pillow. The latter is about the only joy you will be having, judging by the names (and descriptions) of the experiences!

The park was the winner of the Scare Awards 2017, so if you are really up for a fright, it will be right up your alley. Just don’t blame us for the nightmares.

When? – Every evening until 31^st October. Booking is required.

Hallowscream

If Scare Grounds was not enough, try your bravery at York Maze Hallowscream too. Featuring multiple attractions where you will meet zombies, killer clowns, circus rejects and slaughtering farmers. There are five attractions to work your way through… if you survive the first. Each exhibit is unique and has its own theme so there’s a chance you’ll meet your worst nightmare in at least one of them. And the characters aren’t confined to their houses – you might just meet them around the grounds.

When? – Until 31^st October

The York Dungeon

We could not talk about this holiday without mentioning The York Dungeon. This is one place you can expect a scare all year round. They have amped up the spook-factor by adding new surprises to their shows and giving the place a Halloween overhaul. So, even seasoned dungeon dwellers will be in for a surprise. It is open later than usual on Halloween, too!

Back by popular demand, they’re also offering a walking tour of York. This one is suitable for kids of 10 and over – perfect for families looking for a less scary evening of history and adventure.

Finally, the ghost cruise on the Ouse will take you back in time to some of the city’s most gruesome tales. Kill two birds with one stone with this boat tour filled with scary stories. Kids aged 6 and up can ride.

When? – Until 31^st October. Walking Tour, Ghost Cruse & Late Nights – 28^th & 31^st October.

So, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie who loves to be terrified or just want some frightening fun with your family, we hope you have a great Halloween!