With Halloween on the horizon, whether you are planning to celebrate with family, friends or independently, there are plenty of scarily good things to do in the North. We’ve put together a list of our favourite Halloween spooktaculars from Hull to Manchester, York, Lincoln and more. All are easily accessible using the Northern network and did you know that by swapping your journey from car to train you could reduce your carbon footprint by a whopping 78%*!
Halloween Activities in York
A city famed for its connections to spook and the supernatural, York is the place to be for fun-filled Halloween events suitable for kids and adults alike.
A 15 minute walk from the train station will take you to Museum Gardens where, until 12 November, the Ghosts In The Gardens return. From noble knights to monks and even animals, the eerie sculptures add even more ghosts to the city this autumn.
If you fancy a real fright then head to York Dungeons until 5 November to face the Grey Lady and hear one of York’s most infamous tales. Set in York Theatre Royal, you will learn about the forbidden love of a young nun and a nobleman. When Mother Superior discovered the romance, the nun was imprisoned in a windowless room for eternity and her spirit remains in the walls of the theatre. It’s said that on the opening night of a new show, she will appear!
An adults-only event, the York Dungeons also host Dungeon Lates every Saturday until the end of October. The Dungeon Lates combine theatre, special effects and thrilling storytelling with humour and wit to keep you entertained – you won’t know whether to laugh or scream!
Halloween Activities in Hull
Heading to Hull and looking for a fright night of true terror? Visit Haunted Hull Halloween Annisons Funeral Parlour! Not for the faint hearted, this over 18s event is a 20 minute walk from the train station and promises to be a night you won’t forget in a hurry!
If Steampunk is your thing, then you’re in luck. The Hulloween Steampunk Festival is coming to the city from 20-22 October and has something for everyone. From talks and tours to the Steampunk market and Immortal Ball, join in the fun for a spooktacular Halloween activity you’ll want to revisit next year.
Families with a penchant for arts and crafts will love A Great Halloween Adventure 28-31 October at Hull Truck Theatre. Tickets are £6.50 per child and the activity is followed by an interactive play that makes use of whatever you have made.
Halloween Activities in Manchester
Manchester’s going all out for Halloween this year and well worth hopping on the train to visit if you love this ghoulish festival.
As All Hallows’ Eve approaches, dare you join the MCR Monster Trail? Running 25 - 31 October, Manchester will see the biggest-ever monster invasion, with 16 giant inflatable monsters taking over rooftops and streets across the city centre – an unforgettable event for all ages.
If you’re looking to be entertained the weekend before Halloween (28-29) check out Halloween in the City. Not only will you get to see the MCR Monsters, you’ll be entertained with live performances and activities across the city – and don’t forget to dress-up to win spot prizes.
A three minute walk from Manchester Victoria, you’ll find the Monster’s Rock! Party Procession with spooky music, stilt walkers, giant skeletons and monster puppets - this family-friendly activity is sure to put a smile on your face.
Whizz down a Hell-ter Skelter on New Cathedral Street into a pit of smoke and flames, or head to St Ann’s Square to be entertained by the Carnival of Monsters with roaming circus performers as you peruse the stalls full of Halloween-themed treats.
Get into the spooky spirit and strap on your skates in your best fancy dress – Skate Manchester is back and is reopening just in time for Halloween, this time with a giant, realistic spider in the centre of the rink. This frightfully fabulous Halloween experience is available to book online with a limited-time code of SCARESKATE to get 10% off your ticket.
Halloween Activities in Bradford
Are you looking for Halloween activities to enjoy with your little ones? Bradford has some great ideas! Head to Tickles Music Hall for its Kids Halloween Party on 28 October where children of all ages can dress up in their favourite costume and have plenty of spooky fun with their friends.
A six-minute walk from Bradford Interchange, The Broadway Bradford is hosting a free pumpkin carving workshop on 27 October from 11am-3pm. Get into the Halloween spirit and pick up a free pumpkin to make your own or sit back and relax while the team complete a giant pumpkin carve – but who will carve the most creative pumpkin?
Halloween Activities in Newcastle
Are you a dog lover? Then head to the Pug Pup Up Café on 22 October for a Halloween spooktacular! The café is welcoming all pugs and pug crosses for a safe and secure afternoon of fun. There are plenty of photo ops in this specially themed event with unlimited puppuccinos and treats for all of your four-legged friends.
A place of intrigue and mystery, The Escape Key is hosting special Halloween events throughout October which promise to offer a selection of spine-tingling themed escapes. With four options to choose from; Witch, Plague, Electricity City and Armageddon, there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Pop on your headphones and monster stomp the night away at a Spooky Silent Disco on 31 October at the Discovery Museum. Perfect for families with children from four and up, dress in your creepiest costume to dance the afternoon away. There is even a craft and costume competition too!
Halloween Activities in Doncaster
If fancy dress is your thing then head to the city centre on Saturday 28 October for Doncaster's Biggest Halloween Party Ever which will be the most epic fancy dress party Doncaster has ever seen. With prizes in every participating venue for best dressed male and female, it’s time to gather together your friends, family or even colleagues to take part in what promises to be a night for the record books.
Looking for something a little more zen? The Glass Strawberry is hosting a terror-ific Halloween themed Afternoon Tea from 22 - 31 October. Recently awarded one of ‘The Best Afternoon Teas’ in the country by The Times, it is recommended you book early to avoid disappointment.
Do you love board games? Then head to Bake Battle and Roll Board Game Café, just an 8 minute walk from the train station, where you can play their spooky board games with likeminded people on 29 October from 6-10pm – fancy dress is encouraged!
Halloween Activities in Lincoln
Take Halloween celebrations at your own pace and explore the Lincoln Pumpkin Trail from 21 October to 5 November as you follow the historic city streets, stopping off at some fabulous local businesses along the way. You can download a trail map from Visit Lincoln or pick one up at the Visitor Centre – good luck, you may even win a prize!
Keep an eye out for the marvellous Monster Invasion which comes to Lincoln on 23 October. There will be eight monstrous giants around the city which become illuminated as night falls. Can you find them all?
Halloween Activities in Leeds
Celebrate Halloween in style at Flight Club 28 - 29 October for a special brunch full of devilish delights. Dressing up is very much encouraged – you may just be in with a chance of winning a spooktacular prize. The Halloween brunch completes with an hour of Social Darts where you can unleash your competitive side.
Do your little ones love to dance? An 10 minute walk from the station, Pryzm is hosting Raver Tots on 21 October – a Halloween special, fancy dress, family dance party. With fun effects throughout the show including confetti blasts, parachute games, giant balloons, bubbles and more, your little ravers are sure to love it.
If you love to get creative, then the Halloween Paint and Sip pop up at the Alchemist is a sure-fire winner. From 7.00-9.30pm on 25 October you can unleash your creativity and Paint The Scream with a glass of vino in hand. A themed playlist will help you immerse in the experience while you get involved – all art supplies are included - and your canvas is yours to keep! Or if shopping is more your thing, take it easy on 28 October and enjoy the Halloween crafts at Leeds Kirkgate market. Hosted by Bee-Crafty Markets, you find over 40 stalls full of spooktacular buys.
Are you feeling inspired? When it is time to book your Halloween terror-ific trip remember that you can save up to 65% by booking advance purchase train tickets with Northern. Available up to 8 weeks before travel, you can even get a last-minute bargain by purchasing 5 minutes before your trip!
*Data from https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint - comparing one person driving in a medium petrol car vs. taking a train. Further information available at https://www.northernrailway.co.uk/sustainable-public-transport
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.