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Halloween Events with No Booking Required
- There are lots of drop-in events at Ormesby Hall available (included with admission / National Trust membership) including a potions and poisons trail, witches dance, spooky storytelling and creepy crawlies from Kirkleatham Owl Centre - find out more and check timings here.
- 30 October - Visit Hexham Spook Night from 2pm-9pm. Drop-in event around Beaumont Street, Market Place and Abbey Grounds.
Expect:
*Frightful Fairground Rides
*Fearsome Food
*Fancy Dress Competitions
*Turnip and Pumpkin Carving
*Devilish Dancing
*Shocking Shop Windows
*Spooky Story-telling
*Pumpkin Trail
*Eerie Escape Room
Free to visit with no booking required but some activities are chargeable. Find out more here. - Alnwick's Halloween House. FREE to visit at any time from 6pm-8:30pm, 25-31 October. Just drop by and check out the fantastic decorations. No charge but they do raise £ for local charities if you can bring some spare change for a donation. Find out more / the address here.
- Ocean Beach Pleasure Park Halloween Half Term - find out more here
- Halloween Pumpkin Trail around North Tyneside. Download the FREE app and hunt for 30 Giant Pumpkin Characters around Tynemouth, Wallsend, Whitley Bay, North Shields, Cullercoats, Killingworth, Forest Hall and more. Runs from 9th - 31st October. Find out more here.
- Halloween Happenings Trail at Hamsterley Forest (includes a free hot chocolate at the end) - find out more here. You can also pick up a FREE Room on the Broom Autumn Activity Sheet.
- Preston Park Magical Creatures Event - find out more here
The following activities are included with regular museum admission / your annual pass and do not need to be booked. Simply drop in!Birds of Prey
The North Yorkshire Moors Birds of Prey will be visiting every day from 23 - 31 October. Come and meet the owls between 10am - 4pm.
Magical Creatures EventFind Six Magical Creatures (from 23-31 October) hiding in the Victorian Street and Museum. To capture them, you will need to:
*Make your own magic wand
*Create a magic potion to help send the magical creatures back home
*Print your own magic spell bookmarkPop-Up Pumpkin Patch
Admission to the Pumpkin Patch is included with your annual pass and no pre-booking is required. The patch opens on 23 October with a limited number of Pumpkins to pick and purchase for £3 each on the day. These are limited so please check Preston Park's social media to check availability.
Photo opportunities and wheelbarrows available. - Pumpkin Trail at Woodhorn Museum - find out more here
Additionally, there will be FREE Northumberland Folk take and make craft packs available for children to create their own Halloween mask at home. Find out more here. - Friday 29 October - FREE Community Halloween Parade leaving Sunderland Winter Gardens at 5:30pm. Find out more here.
- 30 & 31 October - FREE Monster Mash Bash at Manor Walks Cramlington. Enjoy a Makers and Bakers Market with lots of local treats, Spooky arts and crafts, walk-about pumpkin stilt walkers and Monster Mash dance classes and games. No booking required. Find out more here.
- 30 October - Halloween Night at The Floaters Mill, Houghton le Spring. No need to book, just pop by between 4-8pm. Expect spooky stalls and an epic outdoor laser show every 30 minutes. Find out more here.
- 31 October - Halloween at the Hall (at Seaton Delaval Hall). Expect spooky storytelling, a Halloween parade with Samba drummers, pumpkin bowling and more. Halloween dress up is encouraged. Find out more here.
- Land of Oak and Iron Pumpkin Trail. FREE with a suggested donation of £3 per child. Takes place across Half Term. Find out more here.
- Alongside the trail above, you can drop into the Land of Oak and Iron Heritage Centre on 26, 27 and 28 October between 11am-3pm for Halloween Potion Making and the chance to write your own spell with a quill. FREE with a suggested donation of £3. Find out more here.
- Spooky Museum Trail at Sunderland Winter Gardens across Half Term. Find out more here.
North East Halloween Events 2021
- Halloween Nights at Beamish
Here is what Beamish have to say.........
Join us for a petrifying Pit Village and creepy Colliery Yard evening experience as ghosts and ghouls descend on Beamish this Halloween.The 1900s Pit Village, 1900s Colliery Yard and Birch Wood will play host to creepy characters and terrifying tricks from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Friday, 29th, Saturday, 30th and Sunday, 31st October.
Tickets cost £10 for adults and £6 for children (3-16 years), under 3s go free. They will be available to buy on our website from 10am on Monday, 4th October.
Experience a spooktacular evening of tricks and treats with Halloween in The Pit Village.
Take a walk through Birch Wood where strange sightings have been spotted… Can you see something lurking? Best to pass through quickly… We’ve heard of horrifying hooded figures and ghost-like ghouls moving through the buildings in The 1900s Colliery and The 1900s Pit Village.
Are you brave enough to listen to the ghostly stories? There are rumours that the terrible tales are true… Be wowed at the fire show and take part in a family-friendly Halloween craft activity.
Creepy creatures are sure to have your skin crawling and bloodcurdling screams have been heard from Francis Street! Listen to terrifying tunes, plus, is that really you that you see in the mirror? Or someone else staring back at you? Visit our distorting hall of mirrors.
Creepy Catering
- Davy’s fish and chip shop
- Sinkers’ Bait Cabin
- Mine Managers’ Office
- Miners’ Institute
Ghoulish Gift and Goodies
- Terrifying treats and spooky sweets are available from the stall near Hetton Band Hall
- Beamish Beamers on sale at Entrance
- Museum Shop at Entrance
- Halloween Kids Workshops at Hauticulture, Royal Quays. These workshops take place on 23/24 October and 30/31 October and cost £4.99 per child.
Each child can make their own mini wreath, broomstick or wrist corsage to take home in these 30 minute sessions. Message Hauticulture on Facebook or Instagram to book your slot. I highly recommend a trip to Whitley Bay Pizza Company in Royal Quays afterwards. They also have a little Vegan/Veggie counter too. - 21, 22, 26 & 27 October Breakfast with Winnie & Wilbur at Seven Stories - find out more and book here
- 23, 29 & 31 October - Villainous Wizards Afternoon Tea at Seven Stories - find out more and book here
- 10 October - Fright Fest at North East Retro Den - find out more & book here
- Hardwick Park 'We're Going On A Pumpkin Hunt' with stories, crafts and a trail. Suitable for ages 2-5. On 13 & 16 October. Find out more and book here.
- Pumpkin Carving Workshops at Venue, Manor Walks. £5 per child including a pumpkin, carving equipment, juice and a muffin. Call 01670 704690 to book. 25-29 October. Find out more here.
- Half Term at Gutterball Bowling - find out more and book here
- 23, 29, 30 & 31 October - Children's Twilight Tour at The Scream Factory - find out more and book here.
- 23 - 31 October - Alnwick Garden Daytime Halloween Trail (included with regular admission / annual pass - just book a normal day ticket) - find out more here
- 23 - 31 October - Tynemouth Park Halloween Maze & Pumpkin Trail - find out more & book here
- 23 & 25 October - Halloween Family Fusing at the National Glass Centre (ages 6+). Find out more and book here.
- 23 October - Clara the Ghostbuster Crafts at Bowes Museum (included with admission). Find out more and book here.
- 23 - 31 October - Halloween Half Term Trail at Raby Castle & After Dark Trail (29 & 30 October) - find out more and book here
Credit : Raby Castle - 24 October - Haunted Halloween Market at The Biscuit Rooms Newcastle. 3pm-5pm will be child friendly with a visit from Jack and Sally from nightmare before christmas, trick or treat bags and face painting! Keep an eye on the official event here for announcements and tickets.
- 24 October - Little Horrors at Halloween at Head of Steam Darlington - no pre-booking required. Find out more here.
- 25 October - Fiendish Fusing at National Glass Centre (ages 6+). Find out more and book here.
- 26 & 28 October - Midnight Reflections Clara Meets Monet at Bowes Museum (included with admission). Find out more and book here.
- 26 & 28 October - Halloween Crafts at Discovery Museum (5 crafts including make your own ghost in a jar and pumpkin bag). Recommended for ages 5-12. Find out more and book here.
- 27 & 28 October - Halloween Glass Painting at National Glass Centre (ages 4+). Find out more and book here.
- 28 & 29 October - Hulla-ween Monster Mash at Theatre Hullabaloo (ages 0-5). Find out more and book here.
- 28 - 29 October - Hulla-ween Trick or Treat Disco at Theatre Hullaballo (ages 3+). Find out more and book here.
- 28 October - Neurodiverse friendly Hulla-ween Trick or Treat Disco at Theatre Hullabaloo. Find out more and book here.
- 28th October - Witching in the Woods at Ushaw. Witchcraft your own wand, spell book, broom and hat. Find out more and book here.
- 28 - 31 October. Alnwick Garden Scare Garden & Evening Event (over 13s only) - find out more and book here.
- 28 & 31 October - Ghastly Ghost Stories aboard Stephenson Steam Railway - find out more and book here.
- 29, 30, 31 October - Nature Fright Nights at WWT Washington. This after hours event (5-7pm) includes make-your-own lantern (bring a clean jam jar), a night time stroll with bat detecting, potion making, spooky stories, hot chocolate and a treat. Recommended for ages 4+. Find out more and book here.
- 28, 29 & 30 October - Trick or Treat Town at Morpeth Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club - find out more and book here.
- 29 October - Creepy Crafty Treat Bags at the National Glass Centre (ages 3+). Find out more and book here.
- 29 - 31 October. Spooky Woodland Walk at Belsay Hall (recommended for ages 5-12) - find out more and book here
- 29 October - The Big Science SLIME Party at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens. Find out more and book here.
- 30 October - Magic Andrew's Workshop at Bowes Museum. Included with admission. Find out more and book here.
- 30 October - Spooky Storytelling at Northumberlandia. Tickets include a complimentary hot chocolate for children. Find out more and book here.
- 30 October - Halloween Party at Anglers Arms Sheepwash - Pop in to buy tickets
- 30 October - Rainton Arena Kids Halloween Disco. Find out more and book here.
- 30 October - St Mary's Inn (Morpeth) Spooky Halloween Party - Pop in to purchase tickets
- 30 October - Spooky Family Fun Day at Bowes Museum. Find out more and book here.
- 30 October - FREE Lantern Parade at Bowes Museum. Find out more and book here.
- 30 October - Witches and Warlocks Event at Bowes Railway - find out more and book here
- 30 & 31 October - Family Fright Fest. Find out more and book here
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Credit : Psycho Path |
- 30 & 31 October - Illuminated Halloween Evening Trail at Ushaw Historic House - find out more and book here
- 31 October - Spooky Halloween Walk at Preston Park 4pm & 5pm walks are suitable for families with children under the age of 11 and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Solve the Halloween clues and unlock the magic!
7pm & 8pm walks are suitable for families with thrill-seeking older children (11+). This walk is not suitable for wheelchairs/pushchairs and takes you through some spooky woodland.
Find out more and book here (click on the 31 October on the calendar and then select your time slot. Please read t&cs / travel info before booking). - 31 October - Halloween Charity Abseil at Langley Castle (suitable for ages 10+) - find out more and book here.
- 31 October - Cruella Family Fun Halloween Evening at Clarion Hotel Sunderland. Email Sales@Hotels-Sunderland.com for more info and to book.
- 31 October - Trick or Treat Family Event at Whickham Chase Park - find out more and book here
- 23, 29, 30 & 31 October - Scream Factory (ages 14+) - find out more and book here
- Holmside Park - tickets released 1 Sept to subscribers. Sign up to their mailing list for first priority, check out their social media & website here for updates
- Retro Bay Cafe Halloween Weekend - find out more here
- Brocksbushes Pick Your Own Pumpkins - find out more here
- Dream Big Role Play Centre - Lots of events including Halloween Messy Play, Halloween Room on the Broom Special, Halloween Crafts, Halloween Party, Halloween Teddy Bear's Picnic and more - find out more and book here (scroll down to October)
- Lanchester Garden Centre - Lots going on including wizard school - find out more and book here
- Little Movers Halloween Specials (scroll down to October) - find out more & book here
- Adventure Valley Pumpkin Festival - find out more and book here
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Credit | Adventure Valley |
- Ghost Tours at Tynemouth Priory - find out more and book here (ages 16+)
- Whitehouse Farm Halloween Spectacular - find out more and book here
- Hall Hill Farm Spooky Half Term - find out more here
- Halloween Spooktacular at Dobbies (Birtley, Morpeth, Gosforth & Ponteland). Includes a hot meal./ afternoon tea, fancy dress competition, party games and dancing. Find out more and book here.
- Cruella's Masquerade Ball at Wallsend Memorial Hall - find out more and book here
- Halloween 'Room on the Broom' week at Owl Tree Cafe with themed crafts and sensory play for under 5s (daily during half term) - find out more and book here.
Sensory Play at Owl Tree Cafe - Zone 22 Little Monster Mayhem - find out more and book here
Credit : Zone 22 - Halloween at Fun Little Foodies Ponteland & Gosforth - find out more and book here
- Geo-Journey Halloween Special (explore traditions around the world) - find out more and book here
- Halloween Pop-Up Playtime at Ponteland and Matfen - find out more and book here.
Firework Displays
Halloween Day Trips from North East England
These events are a little bit of a drive but should be doable as a day trip.
- Spilman Farm Pumpkin Festival (Thirsk) - find out more here
Read our top tips for pumpkin picking at Spilman Farm and our review from last year here. - Halloween at Lightwater Valley (tickets need to be booked online but you can book on the day) - find out more here.
- Looking for a pumpkin patch? Check out this guide to pumpkin picking in North East England. I haven't updated it for 2021 yet but it will provide places to look.
- Halloween at Home? Check out our list of 31 Scary Halloween Movies to watch here.
If you know of any other Halloween Events in North East England, drop me an email on Sam@NorthEastFamilyFun.co.uk and I will add them to this post when I get a chance.
If you have found this post helpful, here are a few ways you can support North East Family Fun:
1 - Click here to sign up to our FREE monthly guide to what's on. This monthly email will feature lots of ideas for things to do for the month ahead plus exclusive deals.
2 - Join our Days Out Facebook Group here which includes lots of ideas for things to do - you can post your own recommendations too.
Ooh so much good stuff going on here. I like the sound of Witches, Wizards & Slytherin Day at Lanchester Garden Centre. We might head to Preston Park too as I really enjoyed their halloween event the other year. I'm quite torn as we would like to go away abroad that week too but the kids love halloween so I'm not sure!
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