Mon. Nov 18th, 2024

Halloween 2024: Fun events for the whole family

As autumn rolls in and the nights grow longer, Halloween 2024 promises to be a spine-tingling season at Merlin Entertainments attractions across the UK. From haunted houses and terrifying rides to family-friendly frights and spooky shows, Merlin’s top destinations have something for everyone this Halloween. Here’s your guide to the must-visit Halloween events at Merlin attractions this year.

Alton Towers Resort: Scarefest

Alton Towers’ iconic Scarefest returns for 2024, and it’s scarier than ever! Running throughout October, this year’s Scarefest features new scare mazes designed to push your fears to the limit. For families, there’s the “Freaky Fun Zone,” with spooky shows, character meet-and-greets, and a Halloween-themed CBeebies Land for the little ones. As the sun sets, the park takes on an eerie atmosphere with ghostly lights, haunting music, and night rides on some of the UK’s most thrilling coasters. Don’t miss the “Alton Ancestors,” who will be dancing through the park, bringing Halloween to life in a truly unique way.

Get tickets for Alton Towers Scarefest.

Thorpe Park: Fright Nights

Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights are back, promising the most intense Halloween experience in the UK. This year, the park introduces new scare mazes and scare zones, where guests can encounter the undead, mutants, and other nightmarish creatures lurking in the shadows. For those who dare, the park’s rides will be open after dark, offering a heart-pounding experience under the cover of night. The event also features live shows, including the popular “Creek Freak Unchained,” where the infamous Buckwheats are up to their old, horrifying tricks. Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights are not for the faint-hearted, making it the perfect Halloween destination for thrill-seekers.

Get tickets for Thorpe Park Resort: Fright Nights

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort: Brick or Treat

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort transforms into a spooky, but not too scary, destination for Halloween with its annual “Brick or Treat” event. Perfect for younger children, the resort is filled with Halloween decorations, LEGO® pumpkin patches, and special themed activities. Kids can take part in a haunted house-building workshop, embark on a spooky scavenger hunt, and meet Lord Vampyre and his friends in the “Haunted House Monster Party.” The event runs throughout October, with plenty of Halloween treats (and maybe a few tricks) along the way.

Get tickets for LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort: Brick or Treat

Chessington World of Adventures: Howl’o’ween

Chessington’s Howl’o’ween event returns with a mix of spooky fun for all ages. This year’s event features “The Forgotten Forest,” a mystical and eerie trail where guests can encounter magical creatures and uncover hidden secrets. Brave souls can venture into “Creepy Caves: Resurgence,” one of the UK’s scariest attractions, where the creatures within are ready to give you a fright. For families, there’s the “Spooktacular Show,” perfect for younger adventurers. Chessington’s rides will also be open late, so you can enjoy the thrills under the moonlight.

Get tickets for Chessington World of Adventures: Howl’o’ween

Warwick Castle: The Haunted Castle

Warwick Castle transforms into “The Haunted Castle” for Halloween 2024. This historic venue provides the perfect backdrop for a Halloween experience filled with ghost stories, eerie lights, and spine-chilling activities. Highlights include the “Castle Dungeon,” where you can encounter some of the castle’s most infamous residents, and the “Haunted Hollows,” a spooky woodland trail where the trees have eyes and the shadows move. For younger visitors, there’s a less scary “Witches’ Tower,” where kids can enjoy Halloween-themed storytelling and interactive fun.

Get tickets for Warwick Castle: The Haunted Castle.

Plan Your Spooktacular Halloween

With so many terrifyingly fun events happening at Merlin Attractions across the UK, Halloween 2024 is set to be a season of unforgettable scares and thrills. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or something truly terrifying, Merlin’s attractions have you covered. Be sure to check the event details and book your tickets in advance—these spine-tingling experiences are sure to be popular!

For more information and to secure your spot at these haunted happenings, visit the official Merlin Entertainments website. Have a spooky Halloween!

If you're thinking of buying something recommended by us, please go via the links on our pages. When you do this we may earn a fee which supports our editorially independent, family business.

By Beth Ashton

Beth Ashton is a leading expert in audience engagement and digital media strategy, currently serving as Chief Growth Officer at Bright Sites. With a dynamic career rooted in journalism and digital transformation, Beth has become a key figure in shaping how media organisations connect with and grow their audiences in the digital age. As Head of Audience Strategy at some of the UK's biggest newspapers, Beth oversaw the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that enhanced audience growth, retention, and engagement. Her approach combines deep insights into audience behaviour with creative content solutions, ensuring that media brands can not only capture attention but also build lasting relationships with their audiences. Beth is known for her forward-thinking approach to digital media, leveraging her expertise to drive significant growth across platforms. She has successfully led initiatives that increase audience interaction, optimise content distribution, and expand digital reach, all while maintaining a strong focus on the quality and integrity of content. Contact Beth at beth@parents-news.co.uk

Read next