Halloween

October is all set to be a month of exciting festival fun, with something for everyone to enjoy - but you’re sure to feel a shiver run down your spine, as we prepare for the hauntings and horrors of Halloween. 

There’s no better place to be than Nottinghamshire – as ghosts, ghouls and all things ghastly emerge from their hidey holes – so get ready to scare yourself witless, while discovering haunted hotspots, exploring creepy caves, and learning about terrifying tales of murder and mischief.

Halloween comes to the heart of the city, as a giant pumpkin arrives in Old Market Scare, where you can enjoy UK's biggest mobile Ghost Train, visit the walk-through Haunted House and hear scary stories to make your skin crawl, from Friday 26 - Wednesday 31 October.

On Wednesday 31 October, discover more of Nottingham city centre with your family for FREE. Trick or Treat your way around a fun map from It's In Nottingham, to hunt out the hidden spooky characters and take part in craft activities, ghost stories and games. Families are encouraged to start at the Nottingham Tourist Information Centre off Market Square for an official welcome and to collect their map. Treat bags will be handed out which will be filled with goodies as you make your way around the trail. Tailor your own trail and visit as many stops as you like. You can pick up your map at the Nottingham Tourist Information Centre or download it here.

The county’s castles and grand stately homes may be beautiful by day, but they take on an altogether creepier atmosphere at night. Even the bravest of sceptics will be shaking in their boots, as they hear their footsteps echoing off the stone walls, and see dark shadows moving.

If you dare, why not book onto one of the Ghost Hunts taking place at some of Nottinghamshire's oldest and most haunted attractions, and embark on a quest to discover some paranormal activity? The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk is one of the city’s most popular experiences. Starting at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, you’ll be entranced by the haunted tales all around you. From one spooky walk to another, join Nottingham’s ghost ‘Ezekial Bone’ as he haunts the cobbled streets of the atmospheric Lace Market, telling frightful tales of Guts & Gore. Finally, the executioner’s wife - Madame Parboiled - will take you on a journey around Nottingham's most haunted buildings. Join her Meet the Ghosts of Nottingham's Industrial Museum Tour and Meet the ghosts of Wollaton Hall - you won't be disappointed.

There’s certainly no shortage of horrible history smeared across the walls of the National Justice Museum, where countless crooks and criminals met an abrupt end, swinging from the gallows. Character-led tours run right through the half term break and are perfect for introducing kids to the grislier side of law and order in Nottingham. Their seasonal Terror and Ghost Tours offer an even murkier and more devilish journey of Nottingham’s terrible tales. If you'd like to find out more about National Justice Museum's Terror Tour read our blog where we talk about our recent experience taking part in this bloodcurdling tour. And if your little ones are avid ghost hunters as well there's a special tour running at National Justice Museum this Halloween - Kids’ Ghost Hunter Tour - it's perfect for any little explorer. 

Be prepared to run, as you hear a fluttering in the darkness… is it bloodthirsty vampire bats? No, it’s the beautiful butterflies at The Tropical Butterfly House. Don’t be fooled, though, the Halloween Spooktacular will offer plenty of thrills and chills, with everything from pumpkin carving crafts, ghoulish tractor trailer ride through the freaky forest to haunted house.

You could even dress up drop dead gorgeous for the Murder Mystery Night at Hart’s Restaurant in the historic city centre, or get competitive and win excellent prizes by entering their Pumpkin Art competition!

For some slightly milder Halloween fun Twinlakes, Conkers and Gulliver’s Kingdom are all hosting child-friendly spooky events, including Rats, Bats & Cats trails and trick and treating galore!

No Halloween would ever be the same without watching at least one scary film either in the comfort of your own home or at one of the venues in Nottinghamshire that open their doors for special spooky screenings. Grab some friends and head to National Civil War Centre for an evening of suspense while watching Sleepy Hollow or celebrate Halloween early this year and get yourself tickets to Mayhem Film Festival at Broadway taking place this year between 11^th and 14^th October.

With so many creepy events taking place in Nottinghamshire this Halloween, you’re sure to be quaking with fear and excitement, as the Halloween in Nottingham fun reaches a bone chilling climax.

For even more Halloween events in Nottinghamshire please see the list of events below. If you're out and about this Halloween use #SpookyNotts on Twitter to tell us all about your Halloween adventures in Nottingham.