Spooky activities to enjoy in the UK for Halloween 2025

There's no better time than Halloween to enjoy a good spook! If you're heading on a getaway this October and looking for seasonal activities, we've got you covered. From spine-chilling ghost stories to hair-raising horror mazes, there's something for everyone to embrace the spirit of the season this Halloween. 

North Devon

The Woman in Black at Queens Theatre, Barnstaple

12.1 miles/25 min from Golden Coast
Tuesday 28th October - Saturday 1st November

The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story is descending over Barnstaple this October. As one of the most successful and longest-running shows in West End history, this gripping production tells the tale of Arthur Kipps as he engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell the terrifying tale that has cursed him since his youth. With phenomenal performances, an eerie atmosphere and superb illusion, you’re guaranteed a truly spine-chilling show.

Recommended age: 12+

Descend into Darkness at Watermouth Castle

7.4 miles/19 min drive from Golden Coast
Friday 17th October - Saturday 1st November

Get ready to be spooked as you set foot in a haunted castle with a twisted maze of horrors! With thrills, chills and lots of laugh out loud moments, this scare event is perfect for lovers of horror, thrill-seekers and anyone looking for a good scare! You’ll journey through themed areas as live actors lurk in the shadows, ready to give you a fright.

Recommended age: 12+

Ilfracombe Harbour Ghost Tour

5.1 miles/13 min drive from Golden Coast

For believers in the paranormal, history lovers or those looking for a spooky experience to embrace the Halloween season, there’s nothing like a ghost tour! Discover a hidden side of Illfracombe’s history through tales of the spirits that haunt the streets and pubs. Groups are capped at fifteen people, so you’ll be able to fully enjoy the eerie atmosphere. Are you brave enough to embark on the tour?

Recommended age: 7+

North East England

Chillingham Castle Ghost Tours

6.8 miles/13 min from Riverside

Boasting some of the highest levels of paranormal activity in the country, Chillingham Castle is the perfect place for a spine-tingling spooky experience this October. You’ll journey through the castle at night, exploring the most haunted areas and grounds as your guide tells you more about the castle’s grizzly history and the ghostly inhabitants who still reside there. Will you spot the frail figure in the pantry, or hear the murmurings of the voices in the chapel?

If you want to turn the spook factor up another notch, you can embark on a ghost hunt where you will take part in ‘hands on’ ghostly investigations.

Recommended age: General ghost tours are 16+, but there are family tours available. Ghost hunts are 18+.

Alfgred the Anglo-Saxon Doctor

15.9 miles/29 min drive from Riverside
Monday 27th - Wednesday 29th October

Bringing a santastic blend of history and gory horrors, Alfgred the Anglo-Saxon Doctor will be heading to Bamburgh Castle this October, ready to demonstrate how she would treat battle wounds and illnesses. If you want to learn more about the gruesome Anglo-Saxon ways, this will be right up your street. Be warned that the demonstration will include blood, guts and gore (fake of course!)

Recommended age: 6+

Gruesome Tour of Hexham

20.9 miles/42 min drive from Heather View

Head out to explore over 1,000 years of Hexham’s history, uncovering some of the darkest and most gory parts on this gruesome tour. Your guide will lead you to significant sites, telling the tales of the market-square massacre, brutal punishments given for even trivial offences, the macabre contents that gave drinking water its ‘distinct’ flavour, and more. It’s the perfect way to learn more about Hexham’s gory past while embracing the chilling season.

Recommended age: 7+

Durham Ghost Walks

22.3 miles/40 min drive from Heather View

A ghost tour is the perfect activity to learn a little history and embrace the spooky season, and Durham has plenty of eerie tales to discover. Starting in the market place, you’ll explore the city, hearing more about Durham’s most notable events and characters, and those who never left. With a range of tours available, from family-friendly walks to tours of Durham’s most haunted bars, there’s something to give everyone a great time.

Recommended age: 6+ (some tours are 18+)

Murder Mystery Evening at Derwent Manor

12.4 miles/23 min drive from Heather View
Friday 17th October

Put on your detective cap and head to Derwent Manor for a thrilling night of mystery. Simon and Beth Scarrey settle into their new neighbourhood by throwing a Halloween Party, but they soon discover they’re not the only ones living in their newly inherited gothic mansion. As a storm brews outside and talk of ghosts, ghouls and vampires arises, the evening takes a murderous turn.

Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes as you embark on an evening full of suspense and laughter while you work to uncover the truth behind the crime, all alongside a delicious dinner.

Recommended age: 12+

Psycho Path Scare Maze

19.1 miles/37 min drive from Heather View
Monday 27th September - Saturday 1st November

For horror fans, those searching for the perfect Halloween activity, or anyone looking for a fright, Psycho Path Scare Mazes are the ideal experience. With a range of mazes to tackle, from a creepy Dolls House to a hair-raising Hunt, as well as a fabulous end of night show and many other activities on offer, you’ll have a thrilling evening like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.

Recommended age: the event is strictly 13+ (13-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult and cannot be left unattended at any time)

South West Scotland

X Escape Rooms

25.9 miles/43 min drive from Viewfield Manor

Taking on an escape room is a great test of skill, bravery and teamwork, and X Escape has two rooms that are perfect for the Halloween season. Do you dare venture into the haunted hospital? Or perhaps you’d rather work as an exorcist facing a dark, demonic force? With multiple rooms, intense puzzles and immersive scares, this is the ultimate experience for spooky season.

Recommended age: 16+ (there are also family-friendly rooms available which are recommended for 7+)

Gothic Glasgow Ghost Tours

25.9 miles/41 min drive from Viewfield Manor

Join sinister host Vincent for a thrilling walking tour of Glasgow where the ghostly, creepy and unexplained history of the city will be revealed. Delving deep into tales of ghosts, Dracula and notorious murders, alongside a captivating approach to storytelling, this experience promises an entirely new look into Glasgow’s darker past. The perfect eerie activity for lovers of anything spooky.

Recommended age: 14+

Horror Con Scotland

16.4 miles/28 min drive from Viewfield Manor
Friday 31st October - Saturday 1st November

What better way to celebrate spooky season than heading to Scotland’s scariest convention? Horror Con is a bold, immersive event designed to thrill, inspire and unite horror lovers from all over. With immersive scare zones, special guests, live panels with industry experts, themed photo ops, live performances, marketplace stalls and much more, it’s the perfect day out for any horror fan!

Recommended age: All ages welcome on 1st November but recommended minimum age is 12+. 31st October is 18+

South East Scotland

Edinburgh Ghost Bus Tour

33.3 miles/52 min drive from Thurston Manor
37.8 miles/59 min drive from Pease Bay

For something a little different, why not hop on Edinburgh’s Ghost Bus Tour for a bit of spooky sightseeing? On your journey, you’ll encounter top attractions in the city, including Edinburgh Castle, The Old Town, Greyfriar’s Kirk, The Royal Mile and more, all while hearing chilling tales of Edinburgh’s haunted history. Will you be brave enough to step onboard?

Recommended age: 6+

Edinburgh Ghost Tours

33.1 miles/53 min drive from Thurston Manor
37.8 miles/59 min drive from Pease Bay

Discover Edinburgh’s darkest side by heading out on one of the many ghost tours on offer. Whether you listen to gory stories on the family-friendly tour or brave the Underground Vaults, one of the most haunted sights in Scotland, it’s the ideal activity for all to enjoy this October. There are even special Halloween tours to fully immerse yourself in the spirit of the season.

Recommended age: there are various tours for different ages. Some tours are 18+ due to darker themes.

Edinburgh Dungeons

33 miles/48 min drive from Thurston Manor
37.7 miles/54 min drive from Pease Bay

If you’re looking for a fright-filled adventure through Scotland’s past, The Dungeons are the place to be. Taking you through an immersive experience with live actors telling some of Edinburgh’s most gruesome and grizzly tales, it’s the ideal way to learn more about the city’s dark past. Learn all about wicked witch trials, the ghoulish souls occupying Edinburgh Castle, the chilling tale of Burke and Hare and much more on this thrilling journey.

Recommended age: 8+

Haunted Newhailes House

28.8 miles/33 min drive from Thurston Manor
33.5 miles/39 min drive from Pease Bay
42.2 miles/54 min drive from Coldingham Bay
42.5 miles/54 min drive from Scoutscroft

Home to the influential Dalrymple family for nearly 300 years, Newhailes House has had more than a fair share of spooky stories. From whistling in the corridors and footsteps in empty rooms, not to mention the occasional shadowy figure, the house has well earned a reputation for being haunted. Embark on a spine-chilling tour of Newhailes where you’ll hear tales of hauntings as you explore the house and its eerie atmosphere for yourself.

With a family-friendly tour containing fictional tales and another for adults to explore the real-life hauntings in the house, there’s something for all to enjoy. You can also enjoy a Halloween Trail and Halloween Afternoon Tea at Newhailes House this October.

Recommended age: 7+ (kids edition) 18+ (official tour)

Central Scotland

Hell House at Kirriemuir

26.1 miles/40 min drive from Ballintuim
29.4 miles/50 min from Erigmore

Saturday 25th October

After a year buried in silence, this fantastic scare attraction has clawed its way back for another season of frightful fun. Where the air is thick with fear and nothing is ever quite what it seems, you’ll encounter live scare actors, twisted creatures and the terrified screams of those who didn’t make it out. Dare to enter, but be warned… the Hell House isn’t for the faint of heart.

Recommended age: 13+