Looking for exciting things to do in Yorkshire this Halloween? Unlike the days of simple Trick or Treating with a makeshift costume, today’s youngsters are truly spoiled for choice with a fantastic array of Halloween events at various attractions and venues across the region. October weekends are now brimming with seasonal activities designed to delight the whole family.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up some of the most popular Halloween events in Yorkshire, perfect for celebrating the spooky season and making unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Get ready for a Halloween filled with fun, excitement, and festive cheer!
The Best Halloween Events in Yorkshire For Families
Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival
Where: Ravensknowle Farm, Pontefract Road, Pontefract WF7 5AF
When: 28th September – 31st October
How much: From £6 per person
Farmer Copleys, one of Yorkshire’s best farm shops, runs a brilliant Halloween event each October and it’s set to return this month with more seasonal fun for all the family. Farmer Copleys Pumpkin Festival will run until October 31st with a variety of activities on offer, including pumpkin picking opportunities. Once you’ve chosen your pumpkins from an impressive 250,000 grown right there on the farm, enjoy rides, live shows, storytelling sessions, archery, dog parades, multiple photo opportunities and much more.
SPOOKS! at Thornton Hall Farm
Where: Thornton-in-Craven, Skipton BD23 3TS
When: 5th – 31st October
How much: £12.95 for adults, £14.95 for children, £9.95 for children under 2, FREE for under 1s (weekend online tickets)
Thornton Hall Farm has much to offer this season, particularly for little ones. From October 5th, admission tickets for Thornton Hall Farm will include access to the farm’s newly revamped rustic pumpkin patch. Pumpkin picking and carving will be available alongside the usual offerings of animal petting, pony grooming, soft play (time slots must be selected when booking online tickets) and outdoor fun throughout October.
For the ultimate Halloween experience at Thornton Hall Farm, we recommend booking tickets for their annual award-nominated SPOOKS! event which runs from Saturday 12th October. Get messy with slime workshops, watch spooktacular live shows, explore the weird and wonderful rooms of brand-new Mischief Manor and partake in an interactive adventure on Trick or Treat Street. Tickets sell fast so get in quick!
Pumpkin Picking at Cannon Hall Farm
Where: Bark House Lane, Cawthorne, Barnsley S75 4AT
When: 12th – 31st October
How much: £14.95 per person, FREE for children under the age of 1
Cannon Hall Farm rose to fame following its appearance on Channel 5 show ‘5 on The Farm.’ It’s one of the best farm parks in the county with numerous adorable animals to meet, a whole host of play opportunities for children and an excellent farm shop where you can source some award-winning produce. If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids this Halloween, a visit to Cannon Hall Farm between October 12th and October 31st 2024 should be high on your list of options. Each child with a paid ticket will be able to pick their own pumpkin (any size) from a patch of almost 10,000 and there will be expert carvers on hand to assist in transforming them into a lantern. Each child will also be given a spooky quiz sheet which can be exchanged for a treat from the farm’s resident witch once completed.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, Cannon Hall Farm has an exciting new addition for Halloween 2024. The VR Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Ride will take you on a virtual reality adventure during which you’ll encounter all kinds of ghoulish creatures.
The Pumpkin Festival at Birchfield Ice Cream Farm
Where: Oakmount House, Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4JS~
When:
How much: FREE entry to the pumpkin patch. Pumpkins priced from £2.50 to £12.
The Pumpkin Festival at Birchfield Ice Cream Farm near Harrogate is by far one of the most recommended Halloween events in my part of the county, partly because it’s one of the best value for money. Running from the last weekend in September until the end of October, the event enables visitors to grab a wheelbarrow and explore three fields of pumpkins. There are thousands of pumpkins ranging in price from £2.50 to £12 and you don’t have to book prepaid tickets – just turn up and pay for the pumpkins you want to take home.
You’ll find various photo opportunities scattered around the fields and should you wish to, you can pay for full entry to the farm which costs just £7.95 for adults and children over 2. This will also give you access to Birchfield’s underwater-themed maize maze which is fantastic fun for all ages.
Pumpkin Festival at Piglets Adventure Farm
Where: Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, Towthorpe, York YO32 9ST
When: 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 26th – 31st October
How much: £14.95 for adults, £15.95 for children, FREE for children under 1 (online prices)
Piglets Adventure Farm in Towthorpe will be running its annual pumpkin event across various dates in October and each child with a paid ticket will receive a FREE pumpkin which they can carve on-site or at home.
Tickets for this Halloween event include full access to the farm and its year-round attractions as well as entry to the Mysterious Maze. Little monsters can seek out the Gruesome Ghouls of York and their deadly poisons hidden amongst the maize and there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities, so this one is well worth donning your creepiest costumes for!
Pumpkin Festival, Pumpkin Nights and Firework Extravaganza at Spilmans
Where: Church Farm, Sessay, Thirsk YO7 3NB
When: 28th September to 31st October
How much: Pumpkin Festival and Pumpkin Nights – £6.50, Fireworks Extravaganza £9.00, Pumpkin Picking Only – £5.50. Each ticket includes a £4 pumpkin voucher. FREE entry for children under the age of 2.
Spilmans, a family-run farm that opens its doors for seasonal events, is renowned for its popular Pumpkin Festival. Running from late September to 31st October, this Yorkshire farm grows a staggering 125,000 pumpkins, gourds, and squashes. Each 2024 ticket holder will receive a £4 pumpkin voucher on arrival.
In addition to the usual spooky walk and carving barn that so many families look forward to, this year’s festival includes exciting new features like the Wizfords Academy of Witches and Wizards live show and a Halloween fancy dress disco. For a truly magical experience, book a Pumpkin Night ticket to pick pumpkins by moonlight, enjoy live music, and savour offerings from a pop-up bar and street food stalls.
The festival also offers pumpkin picking from 16th to 18th and 22nd to 24th October, with the farm shop and café open on these dates. Don’t miss the grand finale—the annual live orchestrated fireworks display on 27th October, a highlight of the Spilmans Pumpkin Festival.
Pumpkin Picking, Spooky Afternoon Tea and Skelves of Skelf Island Performance at Castle Howard
Where: Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA
When: Various dates from 1st October until 3rd November
How much: Access to the pumpkin patch and the live show is included with standard admission tickets. Tickets for Spooky Afternoon Tea start at £34.95 for adults and £14.95 for children. Reduced prices are available for members.
This Halloween, Castle Howard is offering an array of spellbinding events alongside the return of its popular PYO Pumpkin Patch at the Castle Howard Garden Centre. Now in its fourth year, the pumpkin patch will be open from 1st to 31st October, with entry included in all tickets, making it the perfect spot to pick your pumpkins and enjoy the autumnal atmosphere.
For a spooky treat, book tickets for Castle Howard’s exclusive Spooky Afternoon Tea, available on the 12th and 13th of October. Created by Great British Bake Off star Helen Garcia, this special tea features a selection of delectable themed treats served in the elegant Grecian Hall. Those attending on the 12th will also have the chance to meet Helen herself during an intimate Q&A session—a rare opportunity for baking fans.
From 30th October to 3rd November, the magic continues at Skelf Island, where the mischievous Skelves will perform a brand-new play at the Skelf Island Adventure Playground. Perfect for families, this lively performance will add an extra element of fun to what is always, a great day out at Castle Howard.
Whether you’re in the mood for pumpkin picking, an afternoon tea with a spooky twist, or enjoying some family-friendly entertainment, Castle Howard offers a wonderful selection of Halloween activities for all ages
Hocus Pocus at Mother Shipton’s
Where: Prophecy House, Harrogate Rd, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
When: 26th October – 3rd November
How much: From £36 for groups of up to 5 people. £10 per additional visitor
This Halloween, Mother Shipton’s is bringing the magic of Hocus Pocus to life with a thrilling event running from 26th October to 3rd November. The historic attraction will be transformed into a Halloween wonderland, complete with live actors portraying characters from the Hocus Pocus films and enchanting displays that are sure to capture young imaginations.
Watch as the spooky characters brew potions and cast spells, then step into the cave, believed to be the birthplace of a real witch. Don’t miss the famous Petrifying Well, where everyday objects mysteriously turn to stone. With dates selling fast, book your tickets soon for this magical Halloween experience!
Let’s Go Halloween at Yorkshire Wildlife Park
Where: Hurst Lane, Doncaster DN9 3QY
When: 31st October to 2nd November
How much: Online prices at the time of publishing (limited time 40% discount): Adults from £20.39, Children from £17.39, FREE for children under 3
Yorkshire Wildlife Park is hosting its spooktacular Let’s Go Halloween event, offering a thrilling mix of spooky fun and wildlife adventures! Running from 28th to 31st October, the park will be transformed into a Halloween haven, with themed activities and attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Have a scream on fairground rides, watch terrifyingly good live shows, and encounter costumed characters as you explore the park’s wild habitats. Kids can get creative with Halloween crafts, while everyone can enjoy the festive atmosphere and seasonal treats available throughout the event.
With the perfect mix of wildlife and Halloween excitement, the Let’s Go Halloween event at Yorkshire Wildlife Park promises a memorable day out for visitors of all ages. This popular event is set to be a hit!
Pumpkin Trail at Bolton Abbey
Where: Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6EX
When: 19th – 31st October from 9 am until 5 pm. Last admission at 4 pm.
How much: Access included with the estate’s standard car park fee
The popular Pumpkin Trail is returning to the Bolton Abbey estate on the 19th of October and will run until the 31st. The wonderful, family-friendly Halloween-themed trail is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs and is packed with photo opportunities. Beginning at the Cavendish Shop, follow the giant pumpkins to navigate your way through Strid Wood. During your walk, you’ll stumble across a number of wooden boxes, each containing a special clue to help you solve the quiz. Pre-booking for the Riverside car park is strongly advised and quiz sheets can be collected from there upon arrival.
Trick or Treat Street at William’s Den
Where: Castle Farm, Wold Hill, North Cave, Brough HU15 2LS
When: 25th – 30th October 2024
Prices: Early bird (available at the time of publishing): Adult – £16, Child £16, FREE for children 0-3. General sale- Adult £18, Child £18, FREE for children 0-3.
William’s Den is back with its one-of-a-kind Trick or Treat Street, one of the most unique Halloween events in Yorkshire for families with children aged 3 to 12. Running from 25th to 30th October, this interactive adventure lets kids explore eight magical locations, meet quirky characters, and solve the mystery of “who dennit?” Families can also enjoy pumpkin picking at the Denville Pumpkin Patch, indulge in street food and live music at the Village Square, or upgrade their tickets to include unlimited adventure play.
This fun, imaginative event offers a safe space for children to enjoy the magic of Halloween without the frights. With both daytime and after-dark options, there’s something for everyone. Early bird tickets are available now, so grab yours and get ready for a spooktacular time at William’s Den!
