7 Spooky Halloween Day Trips From London

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 53 months ago

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7 Spooky Halloween Day Trips From London
Fright Nights at Colchester Zoo

Pumpkin trail at Winkworth Arboretum, Surrey

National Trust-owned Winkworth Arboretum is at its best in autumn, the towering trees turning various shades of red and yellow. Half term offers even more reasons to visit, as a pumpkin trail sees grinning gourds dotted about all over the place, with kids invited to follow the trail to solve a mystery. Alternatively, take your own pumpkin along (here's where to get one) and get some help with carving it into a lantern.

Winkworth Arboretum, 19 October-3 November.

Fright Nights at Colchester Zoo, Essex

For five evenings, Colchester Zoo stays open late for family-friendly Fright Nights. Explore the zoo as it gets dark, and see some of the animals in a new light. Watch a UV light show, join the witches of the craft coven to make your own potions, and venture into the pirate's cove.

Colchester Zoo, 26 October-2 November.

Halloween at Paultons Park, Hampshire

Paultons Park, the Southampton theme park which is home to Peppa Pig World, has family-friendly fun going on all Halloween. Peppa Pig and George Pig get dressed up in their special Halloween outfits, the farmyard barn has special, ghoulish activities, and The Legend of Paulton's Manor is a stage show telling the story of the Spirit Squad as they track down the Creepy Gatekeeper.

Paultons Park, 26 October-3 November.

Spooky afternoon tea at Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire

Children and adults are catered for at Waddesdon Manor's spooky afternoon tea. Once you've finished exploring the beautiful house and landscaped grounds, head to the restaurant to tuck into spooky snakes, eyeball cupcakes and ghost meringues. Kiddies are served ham and cheese sandwiches, while adults get more sophisticated treats such as pumpkin and blue cheese tartlet.

Waddesdon Manor, 26 October-3 November.

Torchlit Tour of Brooklands Museum, Surrey

The fantastic Brooklands Museum on the London-Surrey border stays open late for a Halloween version of its torchlit tours. Begin with a meal, then go behind the scenes at the transport museum and former race circuit, hearing some eerie stories from its past.

Brooklands Museum, 31 October. Age 12+.

Wisley After Dark, Surrey

Are you brave enough to take a wander through the meandering grounds of RHS Wisley as darkness settles in on Halloween? Follow a tour guide on a walk through the gardens, hearing tales of the venue's history as you go. Don't worry, you'll get out alive... probably.

RHS Wisley, 31 October.

Howletts Halloween run and kids' trail, Kent

Howletts Animal Park hosts a fundraising 5k run through its grounds, with a Halloween twist. Don your best spooktacular costume (optional) and run past the animal residents to raise money for the Aspinall Foundation's conservation projects.

A Halloween kids' trail takes place on the same day — it's a fun run for kids (under 13) meaning that younger members of the family can get involved in raising money to help their favourite animals too.

Howletts Animal Park, 3 November.


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Last Updated 16 October 2019

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