Whether you love it or loathe it, Halloween is just around the corner, meaning it's time to brush off the synthetic wig, polish your broomstick and have some fun come the witching hour. From spookctacular club nights and themed dinner parties to quirky quizzes and theatre shows, there's something for all ghosts and ghouls this Halloween season. Luckily, we’ve done the hard work for you to help you make the most out of the last October weekend with our guide to the best events and things to do this Halloween.
Take it to the dancefloor in London
Halloween season is the best opportunity to throw a huge party – who doesn't like dancing in a neon-illuminated room full of strangers dressed in creepy costumes, right? Every year, clubs compete against each other by putting together their own take on a Halloween-themed entertainment with immersive shows, thematic drinks, decor and dress code, of course. There are hundreds of parties happening all over (and outside) London, so we're mentioning just three key events we think are worth checking out. The Trapped in Wonderland tells the story of Alice being locked away forever and going mad in Wonderland, your synthetic wig can be shaken back and forth at the Magic Garden rave or you can set off on a nigh cruise across the river Thames from Westminster Pier with the Zombie Pirate Ship.
Manchester's immersive theatre experience
As it usually goes, Halloween-themed shows, horror movies and themed gigs are happening all over the country, so you might be tempted to go to more than just one. However, Halloween Hex Night in Manchester offers visitors something a little bit extra this year. The Grange Theatre is opening itself up for the spooky season to provide an immersive, walkthrough horror attraction. With two different walkthrough events, a bar and live musical entertainment, these immersive experiences combine horrible frights with creepy storytelling and the finest hospitality to make for a night out that will live long in the memory.
Pumpkin picking in Birmingham
Nothing beats a bit of family fun spent on the farm picking your own pumpkin from a pumpkin patch, and then later carving it to create a spooktacular lantern. Save yourself a trip to the local supermarket and instead travel down to the Lower Drayton Farm just outside of Birmingham to get lost in a sea full of orange dots. This is the largest pumpkin patch in the local area, spawning over 12 acres, so there's no chance you won't find your perfect match here. Pumpkins R Us is another great place for a day out, offering varieties of pumpkins to choose from as well as an on-site café for refreshments and Halloween shop to pick up your festive decor. Turn this casual trip to a fun experience by having a themed photoshoot in the fields.
Spooky history in North Yorkshire
For the outdoorsy types who already have a carved pumpkin or two on their balcony, haunted walks, zombie hikes and graveyard adventures might be the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the crispy weather. History enthusiasts will love walking up to the Whitby Abbey as it gets bathed in dramatic illuminations for Halloween. Casting dark light on its history, the Illuminated Abbey allows visitors to explore the gothic splendour of the ruins, watch live performances and enjoy hot drinks and street food from one of the vendors. Make sure to wrap up warm though.
Bristol's Carnival Of The Dead
It wouldn't bee the spooky season without the annual Day Of The Dead celebrations – a holiday celebrated mostly in Mexico and in other countries by people of Mexican heritage as an remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. The Carnival of the Dead in Bristol is one of the many parties created in the holiday's name, organised by Bristol's biggest night club set across three rooms, PRYZM Bristol. You can expect colourful floral arrangements, neon skeleton figurines, spooky sound effects and piercing LED lights as well as resident DJs playing all night.
Be prepared for this year's Halloween-themed celebrations and events (and the chilly weather, of course) with our Halloween outfit guide.
