The best Halloween events in the UK to get spooky

For four nights only, Europe’s largest Halloween festival is taking over the City of Derry with all the terrifying festivities you could dream of. The city’s streets are set to transform into a spooky wonderland with decorations and lit by jack-o'-lanterns. But the decor is just the start; there’s activities galore including ghost tours, haunting stories, music, aerial performances in the streets as well as fireworks. However, if that doesn’t tempt you, there’s also a world-renowned parade that brings Halloween to life through illuminations. 

October 28-31, parade on October 31 at 7pm. City of Derry, Londonderry. Free. 

No Halloween is complete without a trip to a theme park fright-night and what better place is there than FEAR scream park which was voted the UK’s Best Scream Park in 2022 at the Scare Awards (yes, it’s a real thing). This multi-sensory spine-chilling event returns once again and includes their infamous fire show, thrilling rides, street entertainment and an immersive dining experience – ensuring that you’re surrounded by terror both inside and on the streets. They even do a toned-down family friendly option for younger Halloween fans. 

October 10-November 1, Pixash Lane, BS31 1TP. From £16.99. 

Tamworth’s friendlier and more personal answer to Alton Towers is pulling out all the stops to chill you to the bone this spooky season. Over Halloween, Drayton Manor will get a chilling transformation full of jumpscares, ghostly rides and scary surprises, with a huge host (or should we say ghost) of events on offer throughout the month. 

October 25-November 2. Drayton Manor Resort, Drayton Manor Drive, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B78 3TW. From £29.50 per person. 

One to truly test your sanity is Newsham Scream Park, set in none other than an abandoned, derelict orphanage and asylum. Creepy little girls with dolls? No, thank you. However, if you are brave enough to enter the haunted Newsham Park Hospital, you’ll be able to explore the eerie halls and isolated rooms alongside three immersive attractions. You’ll find us in the courtyard enjoying some street food and live music, away from anything lurking in the shadows.

October 10-November 1, 6-10.30pm. 3A Orphan Drive, Liverpool, L6 7UL. £35.45. 

If you’re looking for something more family-friendly (or just something that won’t give you nightmares for the foreseeable future), head to Hirsty’s pumpkin patch for a creepy carving session. Around the fun park, there will also be plenty of attractions including a mega corn maze, a barrel train, zip wire, and an autumnal hay bale mountain. What could be more perfect for the Instagram grid than a harvest-vibe to match the pumpkin-spiced latte season?

October 18, 19, 25, November 2, 10am-4pm. Hirsty's Family Fun Park, Hemsby, NR29 4NL. Adult £8, under 2s £7, 3-16 year olds £14.  

Creep down to Alderford Lake for a Halloween escape room experience that is sure to leave you feeling spooked. Under the veil of darkness, scare-seekers are taken by boat to the island on the lake where troubled souls have been left to fester. You’ll need to solve some troubling mysteries in order to escape the island and free yourself from this hidden hell. However, if you’re not quite feeling brave enough to tackle Nightmare Island, the lake is also hosting Spooky Island; full of smaller frights and some unexpected twists and turns. 

October 24-26, 6-9pm. Alderford, SY13 3JQ. From £16.15.