Halloween

October is a great month for events in Nottinghamshire - and you’re sure to feel a shiver run down your spine with these frighteningly fun festivities happening at Halloween. There’s no better place to be as ghosts, ghouls and all things ghastly emerge from their hidey holes and the dark tales of the city's history are revealed. So get ready to scare yourself witless while discovering haunted hotspots, exploring creepy caves, and hearing terrifying tales of murder and mischief.

Coronavirus: At the time of publication, all events listed are going ahead as planned, but we recommend planning ahead and checking on the websites or social media accounts of individual attractions for changes to opening times, advance booking requirements and available facilities before you travel. Remember that group numbers are limited to no more than six people. Please postpone your trip if you’re feeling unwell, wash/sanitise your hands regularly, wear a face covering when required, pay attention to one-way routes and practice social distancing to ensure everyone can enjoy a spooky but safe Halloween!

City Centre Capers
 

The National Justice Museum have several frighteningly good events happening this year. Budding ghostbusters will adore the Kids Ghost Hunter Tours taking place on various dates from Friday 22 to Sunday 31 October, where the bravest souls can help the Ghost Hunter catch the pesky ghosts causing mischief and mayhem throughout the museum. Those who can handle bigger scares should book tickets for the spine-tingling Condemned tour (over 18s only) where you'll be following in the footsteps of those who were condemned at Nottingham's county gaol, hearing twisted tales and horrible histories along the way. 

No Halloween would ever be the same without watching at least one scary film. Get yourself tickets to Mayhem Film Festival 2021 at Nottingham's finest indie cinema Broadway taking place this year between Thursday 14 - Sunday 17 October which showcases the best in horror, sci-fi and cult cinema, through feature films, short films and special events.

Why not try something different this year and book your place on the Thriller Writing for Beginners short course at Nottingham Trent University from 5 October - 10 November 2021? This six week workshop will help you understand the thriller genre and turn your initial idea into a well-written, accomplished piece of work you can be proud of.

Creepy Castles & Macabre Mansions
 

The county’s castles and grand stately homes may be beautiful and peaceful by day, but they take on an altogether creepier atmosphere at night. Even the bravest of sceptics will be feeling the fear as they encounter the exciting events happening over Halloween.

Who needs Hogwarts when you've got Nottingham Castle? It's Halloween at the Castle this 29 - 31 October, with 'Abramelin's Academy of Arcana', an amazing and interactive School of Wizardry! The kids can join wizard Abramelin and his mystical friends as they entertain, educate and fascinate in the oldest of the mysterious arts!

Head to Rufford Abbey Country Park this for a fun outdoor family-friendly and Totally Spooky Halloween trail. Find your way through the woods and solves the puzzles as you go... It's all the Halloween fun without having anyone jumping out at you! For a fantastical day out this Halloween half-term, explore Bolsover Castle on their brand-new adventure trail inspired by Cressida Cowell’s bestselling Wizards of Once series. Will you find the ingredients for the Spell to get rid of Witches and uncover the location of the Cup of Second Chances? 

Children will love Halloween at Belvoir Castle from Saturday 16 to Sunday 31 October 2021 - More information to follow!

Terrifying Tours & Tales

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? Starting at Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk is one of the city’s most popular experiences and you are bound to be entranced by the rich tales of Nottingham's haunted history. From one spooky walk to another, join Nottingham’s ghost ‘Ezekial Bone’ on a private tour as he haunts the cobbled streets of the atmospheric Lace Market, telling frightful tales of Guts & Gore. Looking for creepy encounters in the middle of a corn field? The freaky Corn Evil will be roaming around Notts Maze, will you make it out of the labyrinth without so much as a squeal?  

Frightful family fun

Little ones will love the Frights of Abraham (24 - 31 October) at the Heights of Abraham. Uncover the enchanted witch's grotto, colourful scarecrow displays at the summit and in the wild woods, try tasty Halloween treats in the cafe and go on a treasure hunt to find 13 magical black cats for younger guests.

We will update this page as more Halloween events will be announced in the coming weeks.

For even more Halloween events in Nottinghamshire please see the list of events below.