9 family-friendly Halloween events

The London Dungeons are the true home of Halloween, with year-round jumps, frights and chilling stories about the capital’s perilous past. But for the whole month of October, the Dungeons get an even more ghoulish addition to accompany their collection of haunting tales, rides and characters – an exclusive Halloween show. We’d steer clear of trying one of Mrs Lovett’s pies, if we were you.

If you’re based in the north, both Blackpool and York Dungeons have their own morbid makeovers, with plenty more nightmarish stories of happenings closer to home. 

Visit one of Britain’s most haunted castles for Halloween this year. Taking place over two weekends, the castle hosts an array of weird and wonderful activities, from the Monster Cabaret (with spine-tingling fire-juggling tricks and acrobatic displays), to The Scary Maze. Little devils will love the Ghostly Grotto, with face painting, lantern making and drumming workshops, while aspiring witches and wizards may prefer learning about spells, potions and charms at the Witching Hour. 

Scary story fans big and small (from as little as 5 years old!) should get their hands on tickets to this London-based tour, which recounts the haunted history of some of the city’s most famous attractions, including The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. On board a lovingly restored 1960s Routemaster bus, you’ll be treated to one of the best comedy-horror theatre experiences on two wheels, with tales of royal executions and devious spirits. 

Ideal for families with small children, the Blackpool Tower Ballroom Halloween Party is more treat than trick. With all of the Halloween atmosphere without the scares, you can expect a spooky UV light show, fancy dress competitions, sweet surprises and killer dance routines to keep everyone entertained. If you’re worried about your tiny terrors staying up past their bedtime, then settle for a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach where Nickelodeon Land offers plenty of fearsome fun, with freaky face painting and unlimited rides.

Paulton’s Park puts the ‘happy’ in ‘Happy Halloween’, at their friendly yet frightful fun fest. Meet Peppa Pig as she rocks her spookiest costume, visit the Big Boo Barn for some eerie farmyard fun and attempt to count the 10,000 pumpkins dotted across the park! The highlight of the day though is The Legend of Paultons Manor stage show, which follows the Spirit Squad as they try to throw the best Halloween party ever. This singing and dancing extravaganza is not to be missed.

Still no Hogwarts letter? Well Haddon Hall’s Little School of Sorcery is the next best thing. Here, budding witches and wizards will have a variety of games and activities that will put them in good stead to get their Sorcerer’s wings. They’ll be concocting potions, decorating wands, constructing broomsticks and modelling hats. And, on Saturday and Sunday, you’ll get the chance to meet a certain snowy owl who’s had a starring role in several Harry Potter films!  

Head down to Whirlow Hall Farm, on the outskirts of Sheffield, for a frightfully fun-filled afternoon. Pick your own pumpkin from the farm’s very own pumpkin patch, then carve and decorate it with help from on-hand volunteers. Get stuck in with slime making and other crazy science experiments, or up close with creepy crawlies and critters. On top of that, there’ll be ghost hunt trails, street food and a petrifying parade (it’s not that scary, we promise!) of monsters marching to the vibrant sounds of the University of Sheffield’s samba band.

Lord Vampyre has plenty up his sleeve this Halloween at Legoland Windsor. Little monsters from far and wide can sink their teeth into Monster Rocker’s Dance Party; follow the Brick or Treat trail; build their own Lego pumpkin; and lots more. Make sure to pay a visit to the Creepy Cobweb Castle, and join Lord Vampyre himself at the Haunted House Monster Party Ride – it’s fang-tastic!

These famous Somerset caves open their doors for some ghostly fun this October half term. You’ll encounter costumed characters – like the Witch of Wookey Hole who’ll be handing out a free treat to every child – and a very special Halloween Circus Show, where you’ll get a chance to try out some tricks for yourself. Afterwards, embark on a Spooky Cave Tour, where you’ll come across a mysterious mirror maze, gory cheese tasting and a decked-out Halloween grotto.