Halloween Events in the UK 2025: Top Picks for Spooky Fun
When October rolls around, the UK transforms into a playground for ghosts, ghouls, and thrill-seekers alike. From eerie castles and candlelit tours to laughter-filled pumpkin trails and late-night horror screenings, Halloween events in the UK promise something for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a family day out or hunting for the scariest experience you can find, 2025’s line-up is packed with unforgettable celebrations across the country. In this guide, we round up the very best Halloween events and share tips to help you make the most of your spooky season.
The Best Halloween Events in the UK for 2025
As October approaches, towns and cities across the UK come alive with eerie lights, creepy music, and creative costumes. Here are some of the most exciting Halloween events worth adding to your calendar this year.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: At LEGOLAND Windsor’s “Brick or Treat”, selected dates from 4 October to 1 November 2025 promise a fang-tastic day out for families. The park is reimagined with LEGO® Monsters, themed shows, interactive trick-or-treat stops and over 55 rides & attractions. It’s a true Halloween events for kids — think spooky fun without the full horror.
Hever Castle: Running from 18 October to 2 November 2025, Hever Castle’s “Halloween Half Term Fun” offers a gentler spooky escape ideal for families. Enjoy the “Bones & Giggles Trail”, themed crafts, and autumn-filled grounds in the castle’s beautiful gardens.
York: York brings its haunted heritage into a family-friendly light throughout Halloween. With ghost-themed trails, special events for kids and an autumn half-term packed with activities, the ancient city makes spookiness accessible to all ages.
Haunted Houses, Scare Mazes & Immersive Horror Experiences
Walsall Scare Maze: With live actors, advanced special effects and a themed story each year, the attraction is built for those who want jumps, tension and immersion. Two standout features: the main maze with its long route and varied pacing, and the “Enola” experience — an adults-only (18+) sub-event described as extreme and psychologically intense.
Tulleys Shocktober Fest: Held at Tulleys Farm in West Sussex, Shocktober Fest returns for 2025 as one of Europe’s largest scream parks. With multiple haunted mazes (10+), street theatre, live music, themed food & bars, it’s a full-on festival of horror. Recommended for ages 16+, and under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Warwick Castle: During the day it hosts “The Haunted Castle” featuring over 15 live shows and themed mazes. After dark, “Castle After Dark” ramps up the scares with mazes, fire-breathers, live music and street food in the castle courtyard. It’s a great option if you want to mix historic atmosphere with a haunted experience.
Ghost Tours and Historic Hauntings
Dover Castle: For those drawn to atmospheres steeped in history and mystery, Dover Castle offers an unforgettable experience. The fortress has been witness to centuries of conflict—from Norman times through WWII—and with that legacy comes plenty of ghostly lore. On selected nights you can join organised ghost-hunt events that explore its shadowy passages and hidden chambers beneath the surface.
Chillingham Castle: Often described as Britain’s most haunted castle, Chillingham Castle is rich in dramatic history and paranormal reputation. The medieval fortress is home to tales of the “Radiant Boy” in the Pink Room, unexplained lights, disembodied cries and long-running ghost tours and hunts.
Halloween Festivals and Parades
The London Dungeon: Located in central London, The London Dungeon goes full-tilt for Halloween 2025. The attraction blends chilling theatrical storytelling, live actors roaming the courtyard, and themed scare zones that bring London’s darker past to life. Expect ominous characters, old London alleyways reimagined for fright, and high-energy performances.
Derry Halloween: Held in the historic city of Derry, this four-day festival (late October 2025) is one of Europe’s largest Halloween celebrations. The walled city centre becomes a maze of live street theatre, circus performances, fireworks over the River Foyle and a grand costume parade. With community flair and thousands of attendees, it offers big-scale fun for older kids and adults alike.
Late-Night Horror Film Screenings
Rooftop Film Club: For a chilling yet scenic Halloween evening, Rooftop Film Club in London hosts an October lineup of horror classics and family-friendly spooky flicks alike. Their “Final Girl Fridays” series highlights iconic scream queens, while other listings range from grown-up thrillers to lighter seasonal fare.
Prince Charles Cinema: In the heart of the West End, Prince Charles Cinema is a cult institution for genre lovers. For Halloween 2025 they’re running their “HorrOctober” season: think mystery horror movies each week, plus all-nighters of non-stop fright.
Genesis Cinema Whitechapel: Located in East London, Genesis Cinema Whitechapel rounds out the late-night horror trio. Their Halloween season features classic and new horror screenings, often with host introductions, themed cocktails, and a vibrant community atmosphere.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Halloween Experience
To make sure your night goes smoothly and you enjoy every eerie moment, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your spooky adventures this season.
Check Age Guidance Carefully
Before booking, take a moment to review the age recommendations for each event. Some Halloween attractions are designed for adults or older teens, while others cater to families and younger children. Checking in advance helps you choose the right experience for your group and avoid any surprises at the entrance.
Book Early
Popular events like Tulleys Shocktober Fest, The London Dungeon and Derry Halloween sell out weeks in advance. Check booking dates in early September and sign up for newsletters to catch early-bird offers or time-limited discounts.
Dress for the Weather
October nights can be chilly, especially in outdoor venues or castles. Layer up, wear waterproofs, and don’t forget comfortable shoes — you’ll likely spend hours walking or queuing. If costumes are allowed, go for practical ones that keep you warm while still fitting the spooky vibe.
Bring a Portable Power Station
If you’re carrying lights, fog machines, or other Halloween decorations, having a portable power station can make everything run smoothly.
The EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station offers 2–6kWh of expandable capacity and up to 3100W of power, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings or as a reliable home backup.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
For something lighter, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus + DELTA 3 Smart Extra Battery delivers 1800W of output with a 3600W surge. It’s quiet, easy to carry, and perfect for keeping your lights, music, and spooky setups going all night.
EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus + DELTA 3 Smart Extra Battery
Stay Nearby
If your event runs late, book nearby accommodation or set up a cozy glampsite. Bring glamping accessories like fairy lights, soft blankets, and a portable heater to stay warm and comfortable. Turning your overnight stay into part of the experience makes your Halloween adventure feel like a mini getaway.
Capture the Moment
Photos are a must, but some events restrict flash or filming inside scare attractions. Check the rules before snapping away. And if you’re visiting historical sites, keep an eye out for “no photography” zones to help preserve the setting.
Conclusion
October’s crisp evenings bring the perfect setting for all the Halloween events happening across the UK. With tickets sorted, warm layers ready, and your plans in place, you’re all set for a night to remember. To keep your lights glowing and phones charged throughout the festivities, bring along the best portable power station for a worry-free experience that lasts well past the final scare.
FAQs
What is the biggest Halloween event in the UK?
One of the largest and most high-profile Halloween events in the UK is Fright Nights at Thorpe Park Resort in Surrey. It runs on selected dates in autumn (for 2025, from early October into November) and features define-the-night attractions: multiple scare mazes, horror-themed live shows, roaming actors, and rides operating in the dark. The scale of production and range of attractions—covering different levels of fear and all-age experiences—make Fright Nights widely regarded as the UK’s ultimate Halloween theme-park event. Book early and check age restrictions if you’re attending.
What is there to do in Dorset for Halloween?
Dorset offers a rich mix of spooky-themed events across the county, combining countryside charm with Halloween fun. For example, the county hosts Halloween trails at places like Minterne Gardens (17–31 Oct) featuring giant bats and eerie spiders. Other attractions include the “Terror Trail” at Dorset Adventure Park (1 Nov) beneath the shadow of Corfe Castle—an immersive haunted forest walk for those seeking serious chills. For families, there are pumpkin-picking farms, craft sessions, and gentle trails in woodland settings. With this variety, Dorset caters to both younger children and more adrenaline-seeking visitors.
Where can I take my kids for Halloween in Kent?
Kent is a fantastic choice for family-friendly Halloween outings. For example, at Quex Adventure Farm Park in Thanet, children can enjoy a “Trick or Treat Trail” through spooky woods, visit a pumpkin patch and hop aboard a themed ride—all tailor-made for younger age groups. The county also offers budget-friendly events for families, such as autumn trails, crafts, and themed activities under £5 at venues like Brockhill Country Park. With a friendly vibe, Kent provides many safe, fun-filled Halloween options without full horror scares—ideal for younger kids and families.