October in Wales is undoubtedly the scariest month of the year as Halloween celebrations get underway, and Wales is no different.
It’s not just the trick-or-treaters you need to watch out for, there are so many organised Halloween events in Wales this year that even thinking about what to do can be a scary task.
That’s why I’ve put together this handy guide with all of the top events and experiences taking place. I’ll begin with those that are running throughout the month then I’ll share some of the one-off events and parties taking place closer to Halloween.
Note: If you're just looking for some family-friendly pumpkin patches, I have a separate guide to the best places for pumpkin picking in Wales.
Map of Halloween Events
Halloween Events Throughout October
1. Terror Mountain
Terror Mountain is a Halloween experience just outside of Aberystwyth where you’ll head into a Victorian mine full of live-action spooky surprises that will leave you feeling jumpy for a while.
There are five unique attractions across the site including a ghost hunt, a thriller theatrical show, ouija boards, a horror show audition that you can take part in, and a spooky maze full of surprises. There will also be a BBQ, café, and an onsite bar.
I recommend that you book online as many dates are already starting to sell out. Tickets are between £33-£36 when purchased online ahead of time. The event runs from 6pm - 11pm, it’s a good idea to book an earlier entry slot to ensure you have time to do all of the activities before closing.
This promises to be one of the spookiest Halloween events in Wales so it’s not recommended for anyone under 12.
2. Escape Alive at Gwyrch Castle
Escape Alive is a brand new event at Gwyrch Castle this year, run by Escape Records. The event is running every night from 21st – 30th October where you can expect fairground rides, fairground rides and games, extreme performers, and the Gory Grounds scary trail. There will also be street food and Halloween films.
There are two sessions each night, a family session from 4pm - 7pm which is slightly tamer and suitable for any children over the age of 5, then the twilight session from 7pm - 11pm which will be scarier and suitable only for those aged 14 and over.
The cost for the family session is between £7.50-£15 per person whilst the twilight session is £20-£25 per person. Find more information and ticket booking here.
3. Spookwood at Greenwood Family Park
From the 23rd – 31st October, Greenwood Family Park has a bit of a makeover to become Spookwood with Halloween decorations and you’re encouraged to come in a spooky costume.
There’s a Halloween show run by Merlin the Wizard himself where you get the chance to practice your own magic spells. Look out for the monsters in the creepy woods and haunted passageways, you may need to help the park rangers round them up!
Of course, there are all the usual Greenwood attractions so you can make a full day of it including rollercoasters, water rides, soft play areas, mazes, and more.
There is no dedicated Spookwood ticket, you’ll get access to all of the Halloween activities with a general admission ticket to the park which starts at £16 for those 1m and over (free under 1m). Keep in mind that it’s cheaper if you book online more than 14 days in advance.
4. Pumpkin Fest at Manorafan Farm Park
Manorafan Farm Park are running both daytime and evening Halloween events in October.
During the day, visit Pumpkin Fest where the park will be holding activities such as pumpkin picking and carving, trick-or-treat shows, and a slime lab. All of the usual park activities will also be open where you can meet the animals, enjoy play areas, and more.
The daytime ticket costs £14.95 for adults and £16.95 for children which includes full entry to Manorafan Farm Park where there will be scarecrows and other creepy characters roaming freely. Pumpkin Fest will be running on 21st - 22nd and 28th- 31st October. Find details about the daytime event here.
However, if you’re looking for something with an even spookier twist, head to Pumpkin Fest Nights.
In the evening, there will be a spooky Halloween Trail, a monster shooting range, fire shows, live entertainment, and more. Plus the pumpkin patch will be illuminated for twilight picking and carving.
The night ticket costs £9.95 for adults and children, but doesn’t include the main park attractions as these will be closed in the evening. Pumpkin Fest Nights will be running on 20th- 21st and 26th - 30th October. Find more information about the evening events here.
5. Fonmon Castle Scare Trail
Fonmon Castle might be best known for its dinosaurs, but in the lead-up to Halloween, you can join their scare trail with spooky walks, magicians, owl handlers, themed shops, and skeleton gardens.
The highlight of the night is the scare run where you’ll be chased through a maze and things will jump out at you. This is designed for adults and can be quite scary.
If you’re a little too jumpy for this, there is a less scary horror-themed garden walk and a kids Halloween story trail. Of course, the dinosaurs will be getting in on the fun too, you can join them for a spooky walk in the woods.
The event is packed for activities and runs from 5pm – 9.30pm each night between 14th - 31st October. Tickets are £14.50 and must be booked online here.
6. Ffear Fforest at Zip World Fforest
Zip World’s Fforest site near Betws-y-Coed in North Wales opens up after dark for the few weeks leading up to Halloween, taking the scare factor of their alpine roller coaster to a whole new level.
Re-branded as the ‘cursed coaster’, it becomes very eeerie as you zoom through the quiet woodlands at night. If that wasn’t enough, you can then head to their underground trampoline park where the nets have been taken over by clowns.
Both of these activities are included in the Scarefest night pass which starts at £33 per person.
For an extra charge on top of this, there are additional activities including the Halloween paintball range where you will be let loose through the forest with a paintball gun and ammo to shoot at targets as they pop up.
Both the Skyride and Plummet 100ft drop will be open during the event for an extra fee.
Ffear Fforest is running 7.30pm - 10.30pm every evening from 12th October – 1st November. You’ll need to book online here.
7. Monsters of the Mine at Zip World Tower
Monsters of the Mine is another event from Zip World, but this one is at their Zip World Tower site in South Wales.
The event takes place evening between 13th October – 1st November when all of the site’s usual activities now have a spooky twist too.
This includes the Terror Coaster, a two-seater self-controlled roller coaster through an old coal mine, the Cursed Climber, a 3-story obstacle course with a spooky twist, and the Fear Flyer where you’ll zip across three zones with monsters below you.
Phoenix, the world’s fastest seated zip line, will also be open which becomes even more exhilarating in the dark. There will also be hot and cold food as well as cocktails from the bar.
There are four different night passes to choose from depending upon which activities you want to do, these start at £25 per person and can be booked online here.
8. Great Welsh Pumpkins Festival at Gower Fresh
Throughout October, Gower Fresh is one of the best places for pumpkin picking in Wales with no charge to visit from opening on 4th October.
However, between 28th - 30th October when Halloween is nearning, they host their Great Welsh Pumpkins Festival with a site access pass costing just £5 per car (up to 4 people).
Over these 4 days, there will be lots of family-friendly activities across the site including music and performances, the RolyPoly Scary Fun Party, and the Mad Scientist Farm Lab Interactive Show (extra £9.95 per person).
Of course, PYO pumpkins will still be running and you’ll have the chance to carve them using carving tools and patterns in their barn for an extra £8 per person.
You’ll need to book your site access pass online well ahead of time (they are already selling out). You’ll have a dedicated entry time slot which can be anywhere between 9.30am – 3.30pm. Find out more here.
9. Cosmeston Halloween Festival (dates tbc)
Comeston Medieval Village was abandoned in the 14th century but has been brought back to life as one of Wales’ leading open-air museums.
Now, as part of the Comeston Halloween Festival, you can visit the village after dark and be led on a guided tour by some of its former residents including the coffin maker. Expect spooky special effects and you may even encounter witches and witch hunters en route.
The details for 2023 have still not been confirmed but I will update this article once they have.
10. Halloween Nights at St Fagan's National Museum
Between 29th – 31st October, St Fagan's National Museum (near Cardiff) is running Halloween Nights. You’ll be allowed to enter the museum after dark where you’ll find lots of spooky visitors from Welsh folklore.
You can also expect ghost stories, face painting, and workshops including lantern-making, potions, and creepy crafts. At 8.30pm, the burning of the wicker man takes place which is a traditional celebration of the summer turning to winter.
The event runs from 6pm - 9pm each night and costs £11 for adults and £14 for children. The price includes all activities mentioned above as well as one ride at the fairground.
There will also be food and drink available as well as the Makers Market. Find out more and book tickets here.
Other Halloween Events in Wales (by date)
Outdoor Cinema Spooktacular at Margam Country Park (21st October)
Adventure Cinema will be screening Hocus Pocus on a huge outdoor screen at Margam Country Park on 21st October. Gates will open at 5.15pm for a spooky soundtrack, with the film starting at 6.30pm. Book tickets here.
Hawarden Estate – Nos Galan Gaeaf (28th October)
A celebration of Nos Galan Gaeaf, the Welsh “spirit night”. Enjoy food, performances, and a big bonfire. Costs £35 per person which includes food from expert chefs and one drink. This is adults-only. More details here.
Pumpkin Carving at Parc yr Esgob (28th October)
Parc yr Esgob (Bishop's Park) near Carmarthen will be offering pumpkin carving workshops for families with carving tools, stencils, and experts to give you a helping hand. Choose from 3 sessions throughout the day at 10am, 11.30am, or 2.20pm. The price is £7.50 per child and includes the pumpkin. Find all of the booking links here.
Little Monsters Halloween Afternoon Tea at Llanerch Vineyard (28th and 29th October)
A frightful afternoon tea at Llanerch Vineyard. Enjoy themed sandwiches, scones, cakes, and teas in the beautiful countryside scenery of the vineyard. Tickets should be booked ahead for 28th or 29th October.
Spooktacular Afternoon Tea and Film at St Donat’s Castle (28th and 29th October)
The eerie St Donat’s Castle will be celebrating Halloween with a child-friendly afternoon tea in the castle followed by a screening of Casper (28th Oct) or Hocus Pocus (29th Oct). The events take place at 2pm with tickets starting at £17.95 per person including the food. You can book tickets here.
Hawarden Estate – Children's Party (29th October)
Celebrate Halloween in their pumpkin-filled courtyard at The Farm Shop with fancy dress, games, treats and campfires with marshmallow toasting. There are two sessions 10am -12pm or 2pm - 4pm and it costs £10 per child (adults free). This party is aimed at under 8’s but all are welcome. More details here.
Zombie Trail at Pembrey Country Park (30th October)
Pembrey Country Park are hosting their Zombie Trail again on 30th October where you’ll have to conquer the spooky woodlands to win a medal.
There will be 6 time slots to take on the trail between 5.30pm - 7.30pm. The earlier slots will be a little tamer if you don’t want too much of a scare. It costs £8 per person and can be booked online here.
Related Questions
What are the best Halloween events in North Wales?
The best Halloween events in North Wales in 2023 are Escape Alive at Gwyrch Castle, Ffear Fforest at Zip World Fforest, and Spookwood at Greenwood Family Park.
What are the best Halloween events in South Wales?
The best Halloween events in South Wales in 2023 are Monsters of the Mine at Zip World Tower and the Fonmon Castle Scare Trail.
Published: 17 September 2023