20 Halloween & October Half Term Events in North East England

This post is an advertisement. Please always double check info with venues direct when booking and heading out as details can change. 

Please also check out the following posts: 

• A Guide to pumpkin picking in North East England  (will be updated for 2025 soon)
  
  

 

Scarefest at Alton Towers

Scarefest at Alton Towers runs on selected days and nights from 27 September  - 2 Novemner. 

Visitors can enjoy the return of 'Amigos in the Afterlife' walk through experience (recommended for ages 6+) and 'Trick or Treat Town' with Haribo and Maom where you'll find treats aplenty when you knock on doors in witchy woods. 

There will be a Monster Ball in CBeebies Land, spooky shows with Halloween character meet and greets, The Alton Ancestors, The Curse of Alton Manor and more..... 

The park is also open on selected dates in the evenings where you'll find a live-action scare mazes, rides in the dark, dark hallow & burial ground scare zones, compound and Alton Towers Mine tours.

Book daytimes and evenings here: Alton Towers Scarefest Tickets 

Or why not extend your visit and stay over during half term? Half term breaks are available from £81pp and include free breakfast, free extraordinary golf, free car parking and more. 

Book an October short break here: October Half Term Breaks at Alton Towers 

*Age and height restrictions apply for some activities so do check

Halloween in Amsterdam with DFDS 

HALF PRICE MINI CRUISES TO AMSTERDAM ARE BACK

DFDS is offering half price mini cruises from Newcastle over October Half Term if you book before 25 September.

You can check prices yourself for other dates and here: https://prf.hn/l/aWLOooX

Not sure what to expect or need ideas for things to do? Amsterdam offers lots of Halloween fun including Ripley's Believe it Or Not and the Dungeons (English speaking tours available). This post has loads of info from food options on board to transfer times and things to do with kids plus video walk throughs: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2024/01/how-to-spend-5-hours-in-amsterdam-with.html

Halloween Spooktacular at Whitehouse Farm 

Running on selected dates ( across October, Whitehouse Farm Spooktacular is a full day out with loads of activities included. Visitors can enjoy all of this fun included with their ticket: 

• Spooky Magic Shows 
• Witches and Wizards School 
• Fancy Dress Competition
• Indoor Pumpkin Patch (one free pumpkin per paying child)
• Pumpkin Carving Station
• Walkway of Terror 
• Storytime with Winnie the Witch

Plus all of the usual Whitehouse Farm Fun including small animal handling, crazy critter encounters, bird of prey meet & greet, interactive Meerkat talk, groom a goat/pony, indoor soft play, castle catapult, jumping pillows, feed the animals, go kart track and adventure playground. 

Find out more and book: Book Halloween at Whitehouse Farm  

Dracula at Seaton Delaval Hall 

🎃 What to expect from Seaton Delaval Hall this Halloween......

🦇 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐤: 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚 - Booking essential

📅 30 Oct – 2 Nov | ⏰ Timed slots 6:00–8:30pm

💀 Tickets from £8 (including members)

This Halloween, step inside the shadows of Seaton Delaval Hall as Bram Stoker’s Dracula comes to life, after dark.

Groups will be led on an immersive walk-through experience, complete with scares, surprises, and ghostly effects. Actors and soundscapes bring the story to life as you follow Dracula’s chilling journey, encounter his victims, and join the desperate race against time.

Once the story draws to a close, discover if Dracula’s curse is still lingering, before enjoying a well-earned marshmallow by the firepit. Guided element approximately 60 minutes, plus free time to enjoy refreshments and soak up the atmosphere of the Hall in a different light.

Who knows, maybe the bats will even come out to play!🩸Recommended for ages 9+, read guidance before you book.

Book this after-dark experience here: http://bit.ly/3VRxkvi

👻 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦: 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚 𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 - drop in event

📅 25 Oct – 2 Nov | ⏰ 11am–4:30pm

Suitable for all ages and included with NT membership / admission

Explore the Basement brought to life with theatrical installations, soundscapes, and trails inspired by Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Follow the trail, discover the Lost Wing graveyard, and dress up on the West Wing stage.

🎃 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐥 - drop in event

📅 Fri 31 Oct | ⏰ 2pm–5pm

Included with NT membership / admission.

Costumes, carved pumpkins, and creepy fun! Join us for our annual celebration of all things spooky as the hall celebrates Halloween. With competitions for best dressed, best carved pumpkin — and this year, a fangtastic new category: Best Dressed Vampire!

Then take part in the annual Halloween parade through the grounds.

North East National Trust 

Make the most of your National Trust membership and enjoy some of the drop-in activities they have planned over October Half Term including a Dracula Trail at Seaton Delaval Hall, Broomstick & Spider Trails at Wallington and a Smugglers & Shipwreck Trail at Souter Lighthouse. 

Check what's on here: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/family-friendly

Monster Week at Ormesby Hall 

Ormesby Hall will be celebrating Monsters across October Half Term. All activities are included with admission or National Trust membership but this year, you do have to pre-book a timeslot on selected dates to avoid overcrowding. 

The house will feature haunting decorations (enter if you dare!) and from 28-31 October, visitors can enjoy a Frankensteins School of Monsters show performend by The Walking Theatre Company. 

After the show, why not enjoy Ormesby Hall's Outdoor Halloween Trail and Monster Mask making in the stables? 

You can also visit Ormesby Hall in the evening when the ghosts and ghouls come out to play......

• Daytime drop in dates : 25, 26, 27 Oct and 1, 2 Nov
• Daytime pre-book dates: 28, 29, 30, 31 Oct
• Evening pre-book dates: 28, 29 Oct 

Find out more / book: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/north-east/ormesby-hall/events

FREE Entry Pumpkin Patch with FREE Pumpkin Express Tractor Rides at Laverock Hall Farm 

If you're looking for a fantastic value pumpkin patch with guaranteed locally grown pumpkins and would like to support a local farm, Laverock Hall Pumpkin Patch near Blyth is for you.

Open for 3 weekends in October (but do check their page before you visit) 
 11th & 12th
 18th & 19th
 25th & 26th

You can expect: 

 no pet dogs allowed for hygiene and safety
 only pay for what you pick
 free car parking
 free pumpkin express tractor rides
 no booking - come when suits between 10 and 3!
 30+ different varieties of pumpkin
 starting price from 50p for a mini
 coffee/refreshment van on site
 loos on site
 secateurs to hire  but feel free to bring your own, or twist off the ripest ones!
 we are fully outdoors so may be weather dependent - check our page before coming please!!
 postcode NE24 4HE

Find out more / check for updates: https://www.facebook.com/Laverockhallfarm

Halloween Evenings & Hocus Pocus at Beamish 

Halloween Evenings at Beamish take place on 27, 29 & 31 October this year. Pre-booking is essential and please note, evening events are not included with your Beamish Unlimited Pass. 

There's lots of spooky fun around every corner with walkabout acts, entertainment, music, spooky treats for sale and plenty of surprises as you see the museum in a whole new light. Find out more and book: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/halloween-evenings-2025/

Or if Beamish evenings aren't for you, why not book the ultimate halloween cinema experience and enjoy a special screening of Hocus Pocus in the 1950s Grand Cinema on 1 or 2 November? (charges apply). Find out more and book: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/hocus-pocus/

FREE - Luminarium Visits Blyth 

Step inside Myriad, a brand-new Luminarium by Architects of Air, and discover a world of colour and light. This giant structure will be taking over Blyth Market Place from 25 - 28 October. Open to all and wheelchair accessible. 
 
These huge, inflatable sculptures are full of winding pathways, gentle curves, and glowing domes that fill the space with a magical rainbow of sunlight.

It’s a calm, joyful, and exciting place to explore, perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking for something different to do. Feel the colours, follow the paths, and lose yourself in the wonder of this unique experience. Book a FREE timeslot to enjoy (coming soon). Find out more: https://www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk/whatson

FREE Blyth Halloween Parade & Crafts 

Blyth is going all out for Halloween this year. From spooky decorations to vibrant Day of the Dead traditions, there's something for the whole family. Join daily drop-in workshops to make paper skulls for the parade.

 

Then on Friday 31 October at 3pm, bring your creations to life in a magical community parade with costumed dancers, live music, and a themed parade trolley. Free, family friendly, and full of fun. 

Find out more: https://www.greatnorthumberland.co.uk/whatson

Spooky Science & Meet the Dinosaurs at Life Science Centre 

This October Half Term, visitors can enjoy lots of fun at Science at Life as Spooky Science and Dinosaurs take over the centre. All activities and shows are included with admission and the event is fully indoors and accessible. 

From 25 Oct - 2 Nov, you can enjoy: 

- Meet the dinosaurs with Teach Rex in their interactive show which pieces together their timeline (book a timeslot on arrival)

- Examine real minibeast specimens and trick or treat your senses in the Experiment Zone (7+) 
- Create a spooky shadow lantern in the Making Studios 
- How easily can you be tricked? Find out in a brand new FAKE Science Show 
- Enjoy a Bump in the Night Dome Show 

& lots more...... 

Find out more and book ahead here: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/scary-science-this-october/

Science at Life Halloween Late Night Opening 

Are you looking for an indoor family activity to enjoy on Halloween? For one night only (31 Oct), Science at Life is open until 7pm. Perfect for families who would like to enjoy Halloween in an accessible, warm and cosy environment. 

Opening from 12noon-7pm, your ticket includes all of the usual Life fun plus: 
-Dinosaur Guests Teach-Rex 
-Bump in the Night Dome Show
-Hands-On Slime Science 
-Spooky Disco
-Yucky Feely Wall 

Book your ticket: https://www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/halloween-special-late-night-opening/

Spot's Birthday Party at Northern Stage 

If you're looking for a non-Halloween event for little ones this October Half Term, Northern Stage has you coverered. 

This sounds super adorable! Book now for October Half Term (29 Oct - 2 Nov)

Recommended for families with children aged 2+ but all welcome

Every ticket comes with a FREE party hat and a chance to meet Spot after the show

Each show has integrated Makaton making it accessible for non-verbal children

Every performance is relaxed and children are encouraged to sing and dance along, and not worry about sitting still

Performances are 50 minutes with catchy songs, dancing and interactive games

Book your tickets here: https://northernstage.co.uk/whats-on/spots-birthday-party/

About the show:

With integrated Makaton, catchy songs, dancing and lots of interactive party games, this is going to be the best birthday party ever!

Based on the beloved Eric Hill classic Happy Birthday Spot, the nostalgia of Spot is brought to life on stage in this brand-new adaptation that's a perfect introduction to theatre for children – full of charm, love and the magic of the picture books.

Little ones are encouraged to sing and dance along with Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile, Helen the Hippo and Sally and Sam, Spot’s parents, to say a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY SPOT!

You can watch a YouTube trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ON7YvPHfaI8

Stay for lunch in the theatre's CafeBar - their children's menu is served from 11.30am and kids lunchboxes available for £5 (reserve a table online)

Horror Car Wash 

Experience a Terrifying Car Wash with LIVE Scare Actors and plenty of surprises.

😱DARE You Enter The Scariest Car Wash In The North East........

👻Expect ghosts and ghouls popping up throughout the wash, and special effects providing a terrifying atmosphere.

😲Scream inside your car while Spooky Characters clean the outside

🚘Don’t forget to keep the doors locked and the windows up if you want to survive!

❌There is no age limit, as all visitors are expected to remain in their vehicles at all times throughout the event. It’s simple, fun, and there will even be friendly ghouls on site at all times to provide safety directions for all involved.

🚘£23 per vehicle. Only 1 ticket needed per vehicle!

📍 Sunderland Live Arena

Book now for selected dates in October: https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Durham/Sunderland-Live/Horror-Car-Wash/40491476/#tickets

FREE Ford & Etal Scarycrow Trail 

The famous Scarycrow Trail is back for it's 18th year! Taking place across Ford & Etal in Northumberland. 

📍Drop in between 27 Oct & 2 Nov. Pick up a trail map & score sheet from one of the village shops. Rate the scarecrows, return your scoresheet and then watch for the winner to be announced at the end of the week 
🐶 Dogs on leads welcome and the trail is fully accessible for puschairs and wheelchairs 
❤️ It's free to take part but if you can, donation buckets are available and this year the trail is collecting for Cash for Kids 
☕️ Why not make a day of it and pop into a local business or attraction while you are there? There's loads to do! Read our guide to visiting: https://www.northeastfamilyfun.co.uk/2022/05/15-things-to-do-at-ford-etal.html

Thorp Perrow Halloween Trail 

The Thorp Perrow Halloween Trail runs from 4 Oct - 2 Nov this year. It's dog friendly (keep on leads) and a fab autumn walk for all ages.

How to book instructions:

1 - Visit the Thorp Perrow website

2 -Scroll down the homepage until you see 'Halloween Trail Book Tickets' - click this button

3 - Click Book a date

4- Click Arboretrum Admission

5- Click Thorp Perrow

6- Add whatever tickets you need (adults / child / family etc....)

7- Then scroll down and add a Halloween trail to your order (it's the last option). You only need a trail for those who want a map / small gift

Select the date you want (make sure it's within the trail opening dates)

You do not need to book ahead - you can turn up and pay on the door (unless they are mega busy which they will post about). Find out more and book: https://www.thorpperrow.com/

Hexham Spook Night 

👻 FREE Entry Event

📅 SAVE the Date : Sat 25 Oct 2pm-9pm

📌 Hexham Town Centre

Hexham Spook Night returns for 2025. This is always a popular event with a fab atmosphere and reviews. I recommend getting dressed up for this one.

Spooky activities include:

🎃 Pumpkin Carving

👻 Spooky Storytelling

🕷 Creepy Windor Displays

🧙‍♀️ Fancy Dress Competitions

🎠 Halloween Fun Fair

🎬 Scary Movies

& more!

Charges apply for some activities. Most activities are drop in but some do require booking. Keep an eye on their page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064615274816

Hallowtween at York Maze 

Are your kids too old for Halloween Discos but too young for the big horror events? If so, Hallowtween at York Maze is for them. 

Suitable for ages 10-15 years (with their grown ups),  guests are invited to walk through 4 horror houses - if they dare! 

There are no live actors inside the houses for Hallowtween but you will find walkabout characters outside. You can also enjoy live street theatre, meet the Halloween owls, stage shows and more. 

We did this when our kids were tweens and loved it. The kids thought it was hilarious how scared I was. 

Find out more and book: https://www.hallowtween.co.uk/