TOP TEN: best Halloween events for 2018

Looking for last-minute ideas on how to celebrate Halloween? Here’s our guide to some of the spookiest events across the UK…

From haunted castles and ghost walks to wizarding lessons and underground adventures, there’s plenty of frightful fun to be had this Halloween.

1. See spooktacular fireworks at Bleinheim Palace

On 3 November, see pyrotechnics illuminate the Great Court alongside frightful light projections. The eerie evening will include plenty of thrills and chills with loads of terribly exciting paranormal activities.

Watch a witch take to the sky on a broomstick as she ‘flies’ across a trapeze, discover a levitating gargoyle human statue lurking amongst the crowd and be wowed by terribly tall Halloween stilt walkers featuring skeletons, zombies and even the Grim Reaper himself!

2. Wander through a Creepy Crawly Trail at The Lost Gardens of Heligan

On 31 October, head to the Estate at nightfall for an adventure with the Hallows of Heligan. Help them find their lost treasures for a trick or treat. Until 4 November wander through the gardens to discover the creepy crawlies that have made Heligan their home.

Try your hand at making a Dream Web to hang above your bed to keep the ghouls at bay or dare to make your very own unique bug headdress.

3.Listen to ghostly tales at Hever Castle & Gardens

Learn all about the the ghosts of Hever in the Ghost Catcher’s Lair, follow the pumpkin trail in the grounds or create a ghost puppet in a free creepy craft workshop.

With prizes for the scariest costumes, a visit to Hever Castle this weekend (26-28 October) is sure to be spine-tingling fun for all the family.

4. Watch a thriller at the Natural History Museum

Open air film screenings producer The Luna Cinema has partnered with the Natural History Museum to bring pop-up cinema to one of the most unique locations in London this Halloween.

Two nights of classic Halloween films will be shown on Sunday 28 October and Monday 29 October. Film fans will be able to choose from a selection of Halloween-themed thrillers including Silence of the Lambs and Ghostbusters to watch inside the majestic Hintze Hall, home to the iconic 25-metre skeleton of ‘Hope’ the blue whale suspended in the air.

5. Take an eerie tour of the Old Hall at Tatton Park

Visit Tatton’s secluded Medieval building, where haunted souls are said to roam. Join in ghoulish activities in the ancient grounds, and hear spine-tingling tales of haunted happenings.

There’s a children’s trail to find ingredients for the witches’ magical potion, spooky storytelling and lots of ghostly games in one of the most haunted buildings in the country.

6. Dare to enter the Spook Zone labyrinth at Alnwick Gardens

Until 31 October, there’s a seriously scary time to be had at Alnwick Gardens. Immerse yourself in The Spooky Trail around the garden or venture through the labyrinth at night if you dare.

Kids can also make magic wands, stink bags and potions.

 

7. Watch haunted Warwick Castle come alive

Enjoy Warwick Castle’s biggest ever Haunted Castle event until 4 November. See the new wondrous witches show, wind your way through the Horrible Histories maze or watch the spectacular Fire Joust, while experiencing over 1000 years of jaw-dropping history at this medieval castle.

8. Learn some sorcery at Kentwell Hall

Kentwell’s School of Sorcery is open until 28 October if you want to learn a bit of magic. From a magic and potion class to fairy identification, wand making and a broomstick challenge, you’ll learn all about being a witch or a wizard and collect stamps to add to your report card for when you visit the headmaster.

Or if you’re brave enough, visit Scaresville (until 4 November), the haunted village that’s just been recognised as Best in the UK at the industry’s SCARE awards.

9. Go on an underground ghost tour of Edinburgh’s most haunted vaults

Tread the quieter closes and wynds of Edinburgh’s Old Town, full of ghoulish tales. Then descend into the Blair Street Underground Vaults to hear all about the city’s most sinister side: body snatchers, torture, murder, hangings.

The eerie tour will run until 31 October.

10. Take a ghastly tour of Dolaucothi Gold Mines

Discover 2,000 years of history and a few skeletons in the cupboard as you venture underground at the abandoned Carmarthenshire gold mine.

Learn all about what life what like for those that worked in the mines as you wander through the darkness!

Credit: Mike Richards/National Trust

Do you have any spooky suggestions for Halloween in Britain? Tweet us @BritainMagazine