Halloween is creeping up fast… With the nights drawing in and ghosts lurking around every corner, it’s the perfect time to gather the family and enjoy some spooky fun.
Whether you’re looking for plump pumpkins, scary spooks, or simply keen to enjoy a little autumn magic, there are lots of fantastic Halloween events happening in and around Greater Manchester.
So, here are five spook-tacular events to delight all the family.
1. Pull on your wellies and pick your own pumpkin at Dunham Massey
- Where: Brookheys Farm, Dunham Massey, Altrincham.
- When: Weekends throughout October, last entry 3 pm.
If you’re looking for some truly wholesome fun, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Dunham Massey to pick the perfect pumpkin. Choose your preferred pumpkin-picking adventure: take the tractor and trailer shuttle or enjoy the Maize Maze.
Instead of ghosts and goblins, expect to see highland cows, sheep, goats, chickens and other friendly farm animals.
2. Get your scare on at the Skellies and Wellies Trail at Tatton Park
- Where: Tatton Park, Knutsford.
- When: 26 October – 3 November from 10 am to 5 pm.
Tatton Park gardens will come alive this Halloween… Enjoy a stunning walk through the 50-acre gardens. And keep your wits about you, as there are bone-chilling skeletons ready to tickle you silly with a fun joke.
Meanwhile, younger family members are invited to transform into little ghouls and goblins. Encourage them to dig out their best Halloween fancy dress and pull on their wellies, ready to join the bony brigade.
3. Discover a host of wicked plants and brew your own witch’s potion at RHS Garden Bridgewater
- Where: RHS Garden Bridgewater, Salford.
- When: 19 October – 3 November from 10 am to 5 pm.
RHS Garden Bridgewater invites families to enjoy an autumn day filled with spooky activities, perfect for all ages. From creepy crafts and a special Halloween trail, there’s something for everyone.
Walk the garden trail and spot the ingredients you need for a special potion to cast your own magic spell! Learn about beautiful but toxic flowers, insect-munching carnivorous plants, freaky fungi, and a wide range of plants you could use to brew your own magic spells and potions.
4. Make a splash at the Halloween Spooktacular fireworks display
- When: 26 October, gates open 5 pm fireworks display will start 8 pm.
- Where: Dorfold Show Ground, Nantwich.
The Alpha Omega Halloween Spooktacular 2024 is the largest firework display in the north west.
Before the “spellbinding” fireworks start, you can enjoy a whole host of other Halloween fun…
Don your best Halloween fancy dress and enter the competition to win “spookiest costume”. And brave the rides at the monstrous funfair – suitable for both younger children and fearless teens and adults.
There’s also a variety of additional entertainment for kids and adults with a scare maze, a Halloween party, and a “spooky witch” magic show.
Plus, of course, lots of mouthwatering food and drink to complete your night out.
5. Brace for full-on fear at Alton Tower’s Scarefest
- Where: Alton, Staffordshire
- When: Throughout October – Sunday 3 November.
For adrenalin-packed Halloween fun, travel a little further afield to Alton Towers. And discover a frightful world of spine-tingling Halloween attractions and sensational live entertainment.
With scare mazes, CBeebies Land Monster Ball, and all the usual fabulous rides, there’s guaranteed fun for all the family.
Halloween fright nights are designed for the bravest among us. The most daring visitors can “enjoy” head-spinning, hair-raising attractions under the cover of darkness – including the all new Nemesis Reborn, Wicker Man and The Smiler…
The question is: are you brave enough?
