Every October, we all find ourselves searching frantically for the best Halloween events the UK has to offer. Whether you’re desperate for half-term activities with the kids or simply want to celebrate the most frightful time of the year in a big way. Fear not – there are countless ways to indulge this spooky season.
Discover the most spine-tingling bookings available; from family-friendly favourites to genuinely scary nights out; from lowkey activities to big blowout events; from Scotland all the way to Cornwall; there’s something for everyone this Halloween.
Halloween Ghost Tour, Edinburgh 
Immerse yourself in real-life horror stories with one of Edinburgh’s famous ghost tours. For spine-tingling tales of treason, torture, and betrayal, book yourself into a special Halloween tour around Edinburgh’s old town to truly get yourself in the mood for the spookiest night of the year. Warning - this eerie event is sure to frighten even grown-ups with dark and adult content, so don’t bring the kids!
Alton Towers Scarefest, Stoke-On-Trent
If you’re looking for the best haunted house UK event, look no further than the biggest theme park in the UK. Now in its 15th year, the Alton Towers Scarefest event runs through October and with easy access from Stoke-On-Trent train station, giving you every opportunity to get in on the fun. Ride the scariest rides in the dark of night, find your way through mega mazes, scream all the way around haunted houses, and feel the adrenaline pumping as you encounter ghouls and ghosts – at one of the best Halloween events in the UK.
Horror Film Classics, Manchester
Halloween season is upon us, and that means one thing - snuggling up to watch spooky films and drink hot chocolate! Make an event of it with Manchester’s Backyard Cinema, where you can catch a plethora of classic Halloween flicks throughout autumn. Grab your popcorn and wear your comfiest clothes to settle in for an evening of frightening films. Whether family favourites are your thing or you prefer to jump out of your skin with fright, there are plenty of options to celebrate Halloween on the silver screen.
Make Your Own Halloween Decorations, Hull
Get into the witching spirit in a truly creative way – join Lucy and Emily in sculpting and painting spectacularly spooky decorations in the Toile Workshop at the Humber Street Gallery. This year the best haunted house ornaments can be homemade! Perfect for all abilities – whether you’re a creative soul or an artsy amateur. Sculpt ghosts, ghoulies, pumpkins, and more; get inspired to create in the heart of Hull’s cultural quarter.
Historical Horror at Kenilworth Castle, Coventry
Anyone with kids will know that the best October half-term days out are educational AND fun! Keep your little monsters entertained with a wealth of historical activities and Halloween performers at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden. English Heritage are running Halloween Quest events in partnership with the Beano, featuring beloved characters like Dennis the Menace and Gnasher. Situated in the beautiful castle and grounds at Kenilworth making it an extra special occasion. With plenty of room on the grounds for running and playing, as well as special spooky offerings, Beano fun, and ghost stories to enjoy. This is a Halloween adventure that is perfect for teaching kids something new.
Drag Brunch, Cardiff 
It might be Halloween, but these queens slay all year round! DEPOT’s Bougie Drag Brunch returns with a spooky twist, so prepare for spine-tingling entertainment. With a DJ, a whole host of the UK’s best drag performers, and a variety of delicious food options, what more could you ask for from Cardiff’s bougie drag venue? Featuring queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, this truly is an event worth booking in advance with your besties for some grown-up Halloween fun.
Halloweden at The Eden Project, St Austell
Visit the Eden Project by twilight… if you dare! The Eden Project in Cornwall has long been one of the UK’s favourite destinations for family days out and interesting learning opportunities. It’s no surprise their Halloweden event is sure to be extra thrilling with an educational spin. With pumpkin displays to match their horticultural focus, fireside storytelling, weave-a-web workshops, as well as a torchlit trail through the rainforest, this is a Halloween experience you won’t find anywhere else in the UK.
This Halloween, get involved with some of the adventurous, arty, and downright eerie events the UK has to offer. With spooky options all around the country, rely on CrossCountry Trains to help you find your way there.
If you're planning a trip to one of the best Halloween events in the UK, don't forget to book an Advance ticket via our website or our Train Tickets app. You can also find information on how to get cheaper train tickets via our special offers page. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
The UK is bursting with fun activities. Whether you're visiting one of the best places to find fossils in the UK, the most famous landmarks in the UK, or the best indoor ski slopes in the UK, you can always travel by train. CrossCountry has services running up and down the country to ensure you can get to the places you need to be.
Written by Julia