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.
Pumpkin Picking
Arguably the best Halloween activity there is...we've found a fabulous spot to ensure you pick the finest, most impressive pumpkin around! Stop by Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins this October, set in the rolling Nottinghamshire countryside a few miles north of Nottingham. This family-run 'Pick Your Own' has 1000's of pumpkins and squashes for you to choose from in October, and in the summer, thousands of sunflowers which you might have already seen on our must see reccommendations!
Thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds are grown, and there are loads of varieties and colours, so you will have loads of fun picking the pumpkin that’s just right for you! There will also be some great photo opportunities! There is no need to book for Pumpkin Picking, and it is free entry.
City Centre Capers
A fan of horror/thriller films? Then look no further than The Mayhem Film Festival, back for it's 20th year at Broadway Cinema, between 17th - 20th October. With a mix of premieres, previews, classics and Q&As, there is something for every fan of horror, sci-fi and cult cinema in this year's programme.
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. A storytelling tour around the Castle Quarter of the city, you will hear about the Cursed Galleon of Ye Olde Trip and Nottingham's only pirate. The walk then sets off up Castle Road, skirting the bottom of Nottingham Castle's ramparts and walls. Along the way, you may hear tales of Queen Isabella's screams, the mysterious 'Lady in the Light' and the Human Pin Cushion.
Or why not create your own ghost walk at one of Nottinghamshire's Haunted Hot Spots? We've rounded up the top 10 haunted places across the County, ready for you to explore them this spooky season! To read about the top haunted spots in Nottinghamshire according to Haunted magazine, click here.
Frightful Family Fun
Looking for creepy encounters in the middle of a corn field? Check out Tricker Treat Maze Farm at Notts Maze. You can expect a scavenger hunt, pumpkin carving, spooky stories around the fire, face painting plus various craft options along with our Halloween crow count and a spooky scavenger hunt to complete as you walk through the Maize Maze. Be on the lookout for chilling characters who might just cross your path as you journey through the maize maze. What eerie encounters await you?
Over at the Halloween Trail at Belvoir Castle you can embark on a spooky Halloween trail, navigating eerie twists and turns, encountering surprises, and indulging in festive delights along the way through the Dooms and Gardens.
Enjoy a Family Halloween Half Term week at Conkers from Monday 28th October - Friday 1st November. They have a range of activities planned to blow away your Autumnal Blues, offering a super range of family-friendly craft and ranger-led activities, all in keeping with their Halloween theme!
Included in the price of admission, their offer includes: creepy sensory trails, spooktacular shows in their Amphitheatre, Rickety Rackety Conkachoo Train, a Witches Potion Scavenger task list & much more! Booking in advance is truly recommended to avoid disappointment.
Scary Scenes
Venture into the darkness of the woodland in the heart stoppingly scary experience Halloween Scare Fest at Belvoir Castle. Face your greatest fears and experience true terror throughout the Belvoir estate.
Take on the Zombie Hoards this Halloween at Meetspace VR; the city centre multiplayer, free-roam, virtual reality arcade. Or dare you take on their Frightfest immersive Escape Room experience where you are literally a part of the action! House of Fear or House of Fear, Cursed Souls, are both available to play with teams of either 2 or 4.
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.