Halloween weekend is fast approaching. Pumpkins are being carved. Ghost stories are being practiced. Costumes are at the ready. But what if you want to escape somewhere altogether different this 31st October? Well, there are some seriously spine-tingling destinations in the British Isles that are sure to spook and scare. This list offers 10 top suggestions for your Halloween trip, ranging from wild Scottish glens to haunted attractions in the Big Smoke. Of course, you’ll need to check what the COVID-19 restrictions are, wherever you plan to go. For extra safety, chat with the Eddy Travels AI assistant and explore the best hotels with disinfected rooms.
1. The London Dungeon, London
The London Dungeon bills itself as “The Home of Halloween”. Located down on the side of the winding River Thames in the heart of the English capital, this scary attraction promises a glimpse of the underbelly of the city. You'll encounter the shadowy figure of Jack the Ripper and delve into a medieval torture chamber. There are also adrenaline-pumping rides that will get the heart a-racing. Special events are always organised for the spookiest day of the year, but you'll probably need to book ahead.
You’ll have to follow social distancing while navigating the ghostly London Dungeons. What’s more, guests who have pre-booked tickets but can’t travel due to coronavirus restrictions can call up to rearrange their trip for any time before the end of the year.
Tickets to The London Dungeon start at 24 GBP per adult. Look no further and book your tickets to The London Dungeon here.
2. Glencoe, Scotland
Glencoe is said to be one of the most haunted parts of the Scottish Highlands (and a great Halloween place too). Its history is certainly macabre enough – there was a bloody clansman massacre here in 1692 that left 38 people dead! The ghosts of Clan Macdonald who were killed purportedly still roam the hillsides. Talking of the hillsides…it's a truly atmospheric place to usher in November. Ice-capped fells and cloud-ringed peaks loom on both sides. Thankfully, you can just ask our Eddy Travels AI assistant for somewhere cosy to snuggle up.
3. Blickling Hall, Norfolk
Another scary attraction to explore during your Halloween weekend is the Blickling Hall. Grand and imposing Blickling Hall sits between the rolling fields and oak woodland of Aylsham in Norfolk. It’s a handsome stately home that has a history of more than 500 years to its back. However, it’s best known as the birthplace of one Anne Bolyen - the first wife of Henry VIII. Her gruesome end is famous, but lots of people don’t know that her ghost is said to wander these grounds. And what grounds they are...filled with creaking gates and shadowy forests. Who knows what else you’ll find?
It should be easy to stick to social distancing measures in the sprawling grounds of Blickling Hall. However, be sure to bring along your mask and pre-book your tickets online.
Family tickets for Blickling Hall start at 25 GBP. Individual entry is 10 GBP.
4. Edinburgh, Scotland
It shouldn't be hard to get the goose bumps going in Edinburgh for your Halloween weekend. The famous Old Town of the Scottish capital oozes Ye Olde World character. Fire-warmed pubs with cosy nooks and crannies are everywhere. So are dagger-like church spires and Gothic castles high on the fells. There are special events on all across the city, from family pumpkin carving at the Conifox Adventure Park to night walks through the National Museum of Scotland. From whisky tasting tours to hidden city gems, find the best attractions in Edinburgh to spend a great weekend in one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities.
5. The Lake District, England
There is no doubt that Lake District is one of the best places to go to for Halloween. Escape from the chaos of the city for a Halloween weekend in the midst of some of England's most celebrated countryside. Cue the Lake District, a vast land of craggy peaks, sylvan valleys and quaint towns made of slate and grey stone. A haven for hikers in the summer, the national park takes on a spookier tone when autumn swings around. For example, storytellers offer haunting readings at the Wordsworth House in Cockermouth. Meanwhile, the kids are sure to love the potion making and Halloween crafts at Muncaster Castle. Discover amazing attractions in The Lake District here.
6. Scare Kingdom, Blackburn
Scare Kingdom is the UK's largest Halloween-themed attraction. It's actually open year-round, but really comes into its own as the 31st of October approaches. There's a total of seven individual scary experiences to get stuck into on the big day. They range from the telling of ghost tales in the Manormortis Victorian-era mansion to the Psychomanteum Scared STIFF tour that's been created for over 18s only!
Scare Kingdom is limiting capacity for guests because of the coronavirus right now. You’ll also be asked to wear a facemask for the duration of your visit and stick to your social bubble.
Tickets for Scare Kingdom's Halloween Season events start at around 20 GBP per adult. Extra charges may apply for certain attractions.
7. Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
The Kenilworth Castle has over 900 years of history to its back, making it a perfect place for a short but exciting Halloween break. Ruined towers and turrets and vast Elizabethan gardens converge on the site, meaning it's already pretty scary to behold. During the Halloween break UK weekend, the aged fortress hosts some spooky events for the whole family. Come to hear tales of local Warwickshire witch hunters, go on supernatural scavenger hunts, and dress up in your scariest costumes.
You’ll have to pre-book tickets to Kenilworth Castle to secure entry during the Halloween weekend. It’s just one of the restrictions in place because of COVID-19, along with social distancing and extra hand-sanitising stations.
Tickets for Kenilworth Castle on Halloween start at 13.90 GBP per adult and 8.40 GBP for children of 5-17 years.
8. Loch Ness, Scotland
The legend of the elusive monster that lives in Loch Ness is known all around the world. Why not spend your Halloween weekend searching for your own glimpse of the beast known as Nessie? It's not just about looking for a tail or a head to bob above the water, though. It's also about exploring the atmospheric surroundings of the Great Glen deep in the Scottish Highlands. So, be sure to add in a pitstop at the fairy stones of Tomnahurich Hill and the lichen-dotted tombs Boleskine Graveyard. Find all the top things to do in Loch Ness region here.
9. Alton Towers, England
Alton Towers is one of England's premier theme parks and surely one of the best Halloween attractions in the UK. It might be better known for high-octane rollercoasters than spooky night-time activities, but Halloween changes all that. On the 31st, guests are invited to join the Scarefest. It sees the resort open until late, so you can ride the twisting loop-de-loops in the dark for added terror. There are also scary mazes and dark ghost houses to get stuck into – if you dare!
The rides and slides of Alton Towers are open. However, guests are asked to download the NHS Test & Trace app and use the on-site QR codes to check in. You’ll also need to wear a mask to hit the rollercoasters! Get your ticket to the Alton Towers now before it’s too late!
A one-day pass for adults in Alton Towers costs around 38 GBP. Tickets for the Halloween Scarefest start at 44 GBP for children and 53 GBP for adults.
10. Bodmin Moor, Cornwall
Bodmin Moor spreads over a whopping 80 square miles in the very heart of north Cornwall. A rugged and wild land, it rises to craggy tors and drops to grassy valleys that trickle with streams. It's also considered to be one of the most haunted parts of the country. Ghost hunters regularly frequent the trails to see if they can get in touch with the “other side”. You could choose to spend your Halloween weekend snuggled up in Jamaica Inn. But don't get too comfy – it's known to be inhabited by the spectres of time-forgotten smugglers and highwaymen!
Ancient inns with ghostly inhabitants, medieval castles with haunted halls, theme parks that promise a spook or two – there's loads on offer to those planning a Halloween weekend, UK style. For help finding accommodation where you can chill after being scared, just ask our Eddy Travels AI assistant and find the best hotel deals in seconds!