Spooky Season Returns!
With the days getting shorter, the weather getting colder and those lazier summer days quickly becoming a distant memory, a bit of fun is what we’re all in need of! Thankfully, just as daylight saving time strikes, Halloween is here to save the day. Get into the spooky swing of things with our carefully curated list of events; whether you’re looking for a haunted house, a terrifying day out, or just a scarily tasty snack, we’ve got you covered. And for those of you who feel that autumn isn’t just for frights, you can check out our October Events Guide for all things non-spooky too.
Pumpkin Season
There are lots of farms which welcome visitors to come and pick their own pumpkins. You could come to Tatton Farm to search for your perfect pumpkin from 22 – 30 October. Dunham Pumpkin Patch at Dunham Massey opens each weekend starting October 1 and then daily from October 22 to 30. Some farms even run Halloween festivals, like Reddish Vale Farm in Stockport, 8 -30 October, where finding your own pumpkin is just part of the fun. Or you could just walk along the Spooky Pumpkin Garden Trail at Lyme Park, running 15 -31 October, to discover spooky stories about the place.
Ghostly Mansions
This is the time when ghosts and witches come back to their old haunts.
On the 22, 23, and 27-30 October, the Sorcerer returns for a Wizards’ Gathering at Tattton’s Old Hall. Come and help defeat the evil Sorcerer Dimitri, who has been banished from the village. You’ll need to listen carefully to characters who share magical secrets before you venture into the unknown. Learn to do the finest spellcasting in the land, not to mention advanced broomstick lessons for every young wizard.
Or would you dare to take Torchlit Tours at Little Moreton Hall from 28 – 30 October, and make it through the Hall lit only by flickering candles and torchlight? Along the way, you’ll discover what the Tudors believed about evil spirits and how they protected themselves.
Why not follow a ghoulish guide on a terrifying tour full of surprises at the Apprentice House at Quarry Bank, from 22 – 30 October. Will you hear scary noises, or maybe even see a ghost?
Outdoor Adventures
Mysterious sightings are reportedly occurring at Walton Hall, Warrington on 29 October, and Quarry Bank and Arley Hall & Gardens on 30 October. An expert team of paranormal scientists have been summoned to investigate… but they need YOUR help! Come and bring your little spook-sleuths to a hilarious supernatural expedition with immersive storytelling, magic, dancing, games and fun for the whole family.
Halloween in the City
For the whole week of the 25-30 October, Manchester City Centre will be bursting with paranormal activity. Inflatable monsters are back on top of various buildings. Expect to hear killer bands and scary DJs at the Monsters Rock! Music Festival. Take part in dance parties and costume balls, as well as the Monsters Rock! Procession. Ghouls will take over Manchester Ice Rink in Cathedral Garden, where there’ll be Halloween-themed music and lighting for added effect. On top of all that, you can also take part in the annual Fancy Dress Challenge. Find the details of all the activities here.
Cooking
On a quieter note, you could treat your little ones to a visit to 20 Stories’ Halloween decorating masterclass for kids at Spinningfields on 27 October, led by Head Chef Dario Carvalho and Head Pastry Chef Andrew Macdonald. Your monsters will help make the cookie dough, as well as shape it into spooky designs, after which they’ll be let loose on four of their very own Halloween cookies to decorate.
Day Out
After last year’s success, Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is back at Arley Hall & Gardents from 15 October till 4 December. Come for a nighttime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Universe of Harry Potter™ books and films. Explore the sounds, lights, and special effects that bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life.
SpookFest is also back at the Trafford Centre, 14 – 30 October. Expect to see the Spooktacular Big Top Circus, Halloween movie screenings, scary characters, funfairs and ghost rides, and plenty of other activities.
The Halloween Ghost Train is back to haunt the East Lancashire Railway on from 27-29 October. Get your scariest outfit on and jump aboard. Help the Monster Squad banish the ancient railway curse. Make some new fiendishly freaky friends who are dying to see you… like Count Brian the Vampire, Veronica the Witch, a Zombie called Bob, and more curious creepers. All of them are working together to break a terrible curse. There will be tricks, treats and fun for the whole family. There are even some tuneful terrors that cannot wait to sing you some spine-chilling songs, and might even trick you into joining them!
