6 Best Places To Visit In Yorkshire This Halloween

Ah, Yorkshire. God’s own county. Bewitching throughout the year, but especially in late October, when the Autumn hues are on full display and the colder weather brings a rugged and windswept edge to its beauty. 

And of course, the weather won’t be the only thing giving you the chills, as there’s also a host of Halloween events going on across the UK’s biggest (and best) county. 

We’re only scratching the surface here, but you’ll find some great ideas for all ages and budgets. 

York

What better place to visit this Halloween than the most haunted city in Europe? If York’s ancient alleyways could talk, they’d have plenty of spine-chilling stories to tell. You can join one of the many ghost walks and tours that take you under the skin of the mysteries and legends that simmer through the old city.

Of course, it’s the perfect time of year to face the horrors inside York Dungeon, and York Maze hosts its award-winning Hallowscream event. And if you’re up for a truly weird and wonderful evening, why not try the Rocky Horror night at Carlton Towers, half an hour’s drive from York?

Celluloid Screams, Showroom Cinema, Sheffield

Do you like scary movies? From the 20th to the 23rd of October, Sheffield’s legendary Showroom Cinema hosts one of the best horror festivals in the world, Celluloid Screams. Say goodbye to your fingernails as you relive classic horror movies in all their gory glory, as well as getting a first look at the latest hair-raisers. 

You might even catch one of the iconic horror actors or directors who regularly make guest appearances at the festival.

Stockeld Park, Wetherby

This sensational estate is worth a visit all year round, but in the week leading up to Halloween, the forest is draped in spooky regalia and there’s all kinds of spooky stuff going on. There’s loads to do here, and for an extra fee you can brave the escape rooms in the haunted farmhouse, claimed to be one of the most haunted houses in Yorkshire. You can even pick up a pumpkin to decorate your house.

Whitby

From Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October, what seems like a picturesque seaside town is painted black as it plays host to one of the world’s oldest gothic festivals, the Whitby Goth Weekend. Get a taste of the dark arts at the gothic markets, where dozens of traders sell all manner of arcane artefacts. 

The Whitby Pavilion also hosts the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival, showcasing some of the world’s leading gothic and alternative music and art. 

As you’d expect from the place that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, there’s all sorts of ghoulish goings-on in Whitby at Halloween – the ancient abbey is a particular highlight.

Farmer Copley’s, Pontefract

Up until a couple of years ago, this place was little more than a muddy field full of pumpkins – now, it’s a proper farm festival. While a lot of it is geared towards families, there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy.  

Of course, you can pick a pumpkin or two to decorate your doorstep, and with over 100,000 of them grown here, you’ll be amazed by the variety you can find. Who knew you could get white, blue or stripy pumpkins?

But there’s loads more going on, and it gets bigger every year. In 2021 you could try your hand at archery, holding birds of prey and even axe-throwing. The stage had live music, falconry displays and magic shows, while food vans sold delicious grub made from the farm’s own produce. You could even wash it down with your tipple of choice, as the outdoor bar served beer, gin and wine. 

The incredible farm shop sells all manner of tasty delights, including specialities made using the farm’s pumpkins. However old you are, it’s a great place to get into the Halloween vibe. 

Yorkshire Scare Grounds Scream Park, Wakefield

This one certainly isn’t for young ones, or those afraid of things that go bump in the night. Set in an eerie forest, live actors, atmospheric sound and lighting, and moving sets combine to give you a night of thrills. With 5 themed attractions and 2 scare zones, there’s plenty to keep your hair raised and your blood curdled. 

2021’s event received mixed reviews, but with the new additions this year it could well be worth a visit. 

That brings our list to a close. Hopefully you’ve found somewhere to visit that’ll get your blood pumping this Halloween.

If you know of any more splendidly spooky places or events around Yorkshire then share them in the comments!

About the author

Matt started his blog after becoming a father for the first time. Writing down his experiences helped him to make a bit more sense of fatherhood and he hopes that by sharing his experiences other parents will find it useful, and at times, entertaining.
You can find Matt on Twitter.

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