It’s a bumper blog today with a HUGE 23 things to do in Essex this Halloween. I really couldn’t omit any of them and with October Half-Term just beforehand, many venues are taking the opportunity to stretch out those Halloween celebrations.
Complaining? Me… no! I love Halloween and it’s a great excuse to make pumpkin soup and eat lots of sweets.
So grab a cuppa and take your time to read and do your research in advance. You have a few weeks to decide what days out to try and with a little bit of planning, you’ll be able to squeeze in lots! You’ll be the most popular mum and dad ever (well maybe for Halloween!).
Pumpkin Carving
Things To Do in Essex This Halloween
Every weekend from Saturday 24 September plus Monday 24 October to Sunday 30 October – 10am to 4pm
Pumpkin Patch – Green Lane, Aldham, Colchester.
No need to book – just show up and join in the fun! Pop your wellies on and enjoy choosing your very own pumpkin!
There are lots of games including a maize trail, “pump-kin” bowling and you can pick your own multi-coloured Halloween corn.
More Info – http://www.foxesfarmproduce.co.uk/the-pumpkin-patch/
Sunday 16 October – 11.30am to 5pm
Spooky Halloween Fun – Gardens of Easton Lodge, Great Dunmow
The last open day of the year with guided tours throughout the day. Some spooky fun with a Halloween children’s trail.
More Info – http://www.eastonlodge.co.uk/events/content/public-open-day-spooky-halloween-fun
Thursday 20 to Monday 31 October – 6.30pm to 10.30pm
The Cursed – Wat Tyler Country Park, near Basildon
Only suitable for those 14 and over (with parents/guardians), this event is not for the faint-hearted . This is the largest fight night experience in Essex so do be prepared! Note a children’s daytime event also takes place at the same venue.
More Info – www.thecursed.co.uk
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October – 11am to 4pm
Gothic Falconry – Audley End House and Gardens
Witness graceful hawks, elegant owls and fearsome falcons in flight as our expert falconers demonstrate the art of training, exercising and hunting with birds. Hear revealing tales of gothic tragedy and superstition whilst these amazing birds swoop overhead.
More Info – http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/gothic-falconry-Aud-22-10-2016/
Saturday 22 October to Sunday 30 October – 10am to 5pm
Halloween Pumpkin Trail – Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted.
All of the normal fun at Mountfitchet Castle but with a fun Halloween Pumpkin Trail. Will you find them all?
More Info – http://www.mountfitchetcastle.com/your-visit/special-events
Saturday 22 to Monday 31 October – from 10am
Halloween Special – Audley End Miniature Railway.
Take the spooky train ride into the woods of the Audley End Estate to visit the Witches at their Haunted House! You’ll meet the Witches themselves, receive a special treat and watch them perform.
More Info – https://www.audley-end-railway.co.uk/events/halloween-special
Saturday 22 October – 10am to 12noon
Nature Club Halloween Trail – Danbury Country Park, Danbury.
Brave a themed trail around the park, getting yourselves in a spooky mood ready for Halloween . Why not come in costume? You can book in or turn up and follow signs from the Lakes car park. Ideal for 7-11-year-olds.
Saturday 22 to Monday 31 October – 9.30am to 5pm
Shriek Week – Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo’s Shriek Week is set to return this October half term for some frightfully good fun for all the family!
Experience plenty of Halloween themed displays and activities with tales of the crypt and a tour of the ‘Panic Rooms’. Little ones will also be able to enjoy the festive fun with daily magic shows and the chance to mix up their own positions and spells with the good witches in the ice cream parlour!
Note fright nights are also taking place during the same week for older visitors.
More Info – www.colchesterzoo.org
Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October – 10am to 5pm
Spooky Halloween Festival – Old MacDonalds Farm, Brentwood.
With different arts and crafts and stories planned each day, plenty to keep the whole family busy. There is a new haunted house and you can take a ride on the scary ghost train.
More Info – https://omdfarm.co.ukhalloween_festival
Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October – 9.30am to 5.30pm
Boo at the Zoo – Tropical Wings Zoo, South Woodham Ferrers.
With a free pumpkin for every child, a great family day out in Essex. Along with the normal zoo fun, there is pumpkin carving and a little horrors trail. Watch out for those Beastly Bugs!
More Info – http://www.tropicalwings.co.uk/
Sunday 23 October – 2pm
Pumpkin Plod – Haven House Children’s Hospice, Woodford Green.
Pumpkin Costumes only for this family packed event. With 2k and 5k walk option, you can start the afternoon with face painting, Bailey’s hot chocolate, sweets and other refreshments that will be on sale. You’ll receive a free pumpkin themed goody bag upon arrival with walks starting at 3pm.
A night time BBQ will be waiting for you at the end of the walk, along with a pumpkin to take home.
More Info – https://www.havenhouse.org.uk/Event/pumpkin-plod
Monday 24 October – 10am to 4pm
Harry Potter: Page to Stage – Thameside Theatre, Orsett Road, Grays.
An extra date has been added – be quick to book this chance to enter the incredible universe of Harry Potter in a wizarding workshop. Packed with new and exciting magic classes for the kids to learn charms, create magical potions and play Quidditch. Children will also create choreography to the mystical theme tune and recreate some of the most iconic scenes from the films. There may even be an appearance from the sorting hat!
More Info – https://www.thurrock.gov.uk/events/harry-potter-page-to-stage
Monday 24 to Sunday 30 October – 11am to 4pm
Spooky Stories – Audley End House and Gardens
With a fab fancy dress costume, start planning your best outfit now! Chilling storytellers reveal the terrifying truth behind the bedtime fairytales and you can have a go at our creepy crafts and try your hand at carving your very own petrifying pumpkin too.
More Info – http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/spooky-stories-Aud-24-10-2016/
Monday 24 to Sunday 30 October – 11am to 3pm
Spooky Fest – Wat Tyler Country Park, near Basildon
A haunted house, toy house and carnival atmosphere with live actors. With no need to book, you can turn up on the day and enjoy special effects and confusing routes. All children will receive a treat bag at the end.
More Info – http://www.thecursed.co.uk/kids/
Monday 24 to Friday 28 October – 10am to 5pm
Pumpkinfest – Barleylands, Billericay.
Lots of Halloween fun with indoor activities too (in the case of bad weather). Children will receive a free pumpkin and under 2’s go free!
From pumpkin carving to Halloween biscuit decorating and gruesome games, you can’t miss this week of Halloween fun! Note there are also two fright nights planned during the week with lots of U and PG-rated fun!
More Info – http://www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk/news/halloween-afternoon-tea/
Wednesday 26 October – 10am to 4pm
Make a Spooky Wand – Essex Police Museum, Chelmsford
Cast a spell when you make your own witch or wizard wand this Halloween! All ages welcome.
More Info – http://www2.essex.police.uk/museum/events/
Wednesday 26 October – 11am to 12.30pm
Heroes and Villians Halloween Disco – Epping, Essex.
With prizes for the best-dressed guest, a fab party hosted by the most Sleepy Princess in the kingdom and the evil sorceress. A fun packed Halloween themed workshop, full of games, adventure, singing and dancing.
More Info – http://www.mylittleprincessparties.co.uk/heroes-and-villains-halloween-disco-epping-essex
Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 October – Drop in sessions, 11am – 1pm & 2pm – 4pm
Spooky Skeletons – Saffron Walden Museum.
With drop in sessions throughout the two days, you can make your very own glow in the dark skeleton.
More Info – http://saffronwaldenmuseum.swmuseumsoc.org.uk/whats-on/events/
Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October – 11am to 4pm
Spooky Fun – Cressing Temple, Braintree.
A family day out for all the family. From face-painting to puppet shows and storytelling, this is a popular local event. Look out for the ghostly trails and broomstick riding for some Harry Potter style fun!
Remember your fancy dress costumes!
More Info – http://www.visitparks.co.uk/events/spooky-fun/
Saturday 29 October – 7.15pm
The Nutty Professors Halloween Disaster Trail – High Woods Country Park, Colchester.
Suitable for ages 7 and up, spend the evening in the amazing setting of the Park at night. Solve the clues to find escaped zombies and find the secret formula to save the world from the nutty professor!
More Info – http://www.highwoodscountrypark.co.uk/event/the-nutty-professors-halloween-disaster-trail-october-2016/
Sunday 30 October – 10am to 4pm
Spooky Science & Magic – Museum of Power, Langford.
Lots of hands-on children’s activities with storytelling and wacky demonstrations. Note the miniature steam train will be open for rides (for an extra charge).
More Info – http://www.museumofpower.org.uk/Events.html#HALLO
Monday 31 October – from 3.30pm
Halloween Afternoon Tea – The Angel Inn, Stoke By Nayland.
Why not dress up for an afternoon of fun with lots of spooktacular treats for the Little Monsters? The Angel Inn, Well room will be transformed into a spooky setting for a fabulous feast.
More Info – http://www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk/news/halloween-afternoon-tea/
Monday 31 October – from 3.30pm
Halloween Afternoon Tea – The Angel Inn, Stoke By Nayland.
Why not dress up for an afternoon of fun with lots of spooktacular treats for the Little Monsters? The Angel Inn, Well room will be transformed into a spooky setting for a fabulous feast.
More Info – http://www.angelinnsuffolk.co.uk/news/halloween-afternoon-tea/
Still Looking for Things to Do in Essex this Halloween?
If you are still in need of some inspiration, why not have a look at our previous blog on 15 Free Family Days Out in Essex but I’ll be back in the next few days with more half-term ideas and an October round-up.
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