BROWSE OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HALLOWEEN 2025
The Best Halloween Activities & Family Events Near Ripon, Thirsk, Knaresborough & Beyond
Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween 2025 in North Yorkshire!
Whether you’re seeking family-friendly pumpkin picking, thrilling ghost walks, or eerie haunted houses, this guide covers the best Halloween activities across Ripon, Thirsk, Knaresborough, Bedale, Masham, and beyond. From magical lantern trails to creepy scarecrow hunts and immersive storytelling, North Yorkshire offers something for everyone this October. Discover top events, festivals, workshops, and spooky experiences perfect for all ages. Plan your autumn adventures with our ultimate list of Halloween happenings and make this season unforgettable with fun, frights, and festive fall fun throughout the heart of Yorkshire.
Family Halloween Trail at Ripon Museums
Enjoy a spooky trail where children can hunt for hidden bats and rats around the museum sites. On from 26th October to 3rd November.
Frightwater Valley Spooktacular at Lightwater Valley, near Ripon
Get ready for thrills and chills as Frightwater Valley returns this October on the 11th, 18th, 19th, and from the 25th to the 1st of November! This year’s theme is the Valley of the Clowns and it promises a frightfully fun experience for the whole family. Expect exhilarating rides, spooky surprises, and a park transformed into a Halloween wonderland.
Halloween Adventures at The Forbidden Corner, Leyburn
Step into a world of enchantment, mystery, and mischievous magic at The Forbidden Corner this October! From the 1st to the 31st October, the famous folly will take on a haunting new look with eerie decorations, creepy creatures, giant spiders, ghostly guests, and frightful surprises waiting around every twist and turn.
Halloween at Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
Discover a Halloween experience like no other at Mother Shipton’s Cave! Wander through themed displays, snap hauntingly good photos, and enjoy the autumn colours along the magical mile-long trail beside the River Nidd. Meet live actors inspired by a beloved gothic TV family, and refuel with hot dogs, pies, soup, and toasted marshmallows by the fire pits. Dogs are welcome throughout, except in the playground and gift shop (guide dogs excepted).
Halloween at Stockeld Park, Wetherby
Head to Stockeld Park this spooky season for a day packed with Halloween adventures. Follow the enchanted forest trail with the Woodland Witches, pick your perfect pumpkin, tackle the Monster Maze, or join the action in the thrilling Laser Zombie experience.
Halloween Outdoor Cinema at Harewood House, near Wetherby
Experience Halloween on the big screen under the stars at Harewood House! Choose between Beetlejuice (12A) on Friday 24th October or the family-friendly Hocus Pocus Spooktacular (PG) on Saturday 25th October. Bring your blankets, snacks, and spooky spirit for a magical movie night.
Halloween Trail at Swinton Estate, Near Masham
Follow the ghoulish clues to find your way through the eerie woodland of Swinton Bivouac, but be careful of some frightful familiar figures! £5 per trail sheet, to be collected from the Bivouac Café. Visit the Swinton Estate website for further information.
Halloween Trail at Thorp Perrow, Bedale
Enjoy a frightfully fun autumn day out at Thorp Perrow Arboretum! From the 4th October to 2nd November, explore the Halloween trail, marvel at the fiery autumn colours, and catch exciting bird of prey demonstrations amidst the seasonal magic.
Knaresborough Knightmares Halloween Ghost Walk
This spooky, 90-minute tour takes place on Wednesday 29th October 2025, at 7.00 pm, starting from Knaresborough Market Place. The walk features local ghost stories, tales of hauntings, and historical figures like Guy Fawkes, with all proceeds donated to local charities. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for under 16s and can be purchased in advance. Visit their website or Facebook page for more details.
Knaresborough Scarecrow Trail 2025
The Knaresborough Scarecrow Trail returns this October half-term with 24 spooky scarecrows hidden across town! Grab a £3.00 trail map from local shops including Knaresborough Pop Up, Painting Pots, Ye Olde Chemist Shoppe, and The Crystal Buddha, and see how many you can spot. A fun and family-friendly way to explore the town’s Halloween spirit!
Make Your Own Broomstick at Brimham Rocks, Near Harrogate
Calling all witches and wizards! Who needs a broom this Halloween?! In this hands-on workshop held between 10.00 am and 3.15 pm on 29th and 30th October, children can craft their very own broomsticks using the natural materials felled on Brimham Rocks’ moor. Ideal for imaginative play and autumn adventures, the broom workshop costs just £7.50 each. Recommended age is 7+ years and children must be accompanied by adults. Advance booking is highly recommended. Visit the National Trust website for more details.
Spooked Out! Family Ghost Trail at Ryedale Museum, Hutton le Hole
Find all the ghosts hiding amongst the museum between Saturday 18th October and Sunday 2nd November. Visit the Ryedale Museum website for further details.
Spooky Scarecrow Mystery at Harewood House, Near Wetherby
From 25th October to 2nd November, Harewood House is hosting a spooky Halloween adventure for children aged 7 years and up. Kids will enjoy following the clues to solve the puzzles hidden at each scarecrow, and uncover the culprit behind the haunting spell, with a prize given to those who crack the code.
Wizard Academy at Monk Park Farm, Thirsk
The much-loved Wizard Academy returns from 27th October to 2nd November, 10.00 am – 4.00 pm. Young witches and wizards can enjoy broomstick lessons, wand making, potion classes, and Squidditch! plus a full-day of farm activities.
Zoolab! Animal Encounters at RHS Harlow Carr
On Monday 27th to Friday 31st October between 11.00 am and 2.15 pm in bookable slots, you can get up close with some Halloween creepy crawlies and learn how they interact with the RHS pumpkins. Booking required. £2.50 per child. Must be accompanied by an adult. Visit the RHS website for more details.
Further Afield Halloween Activities
Dark Saga Tours by Jorvik Centre, York
Adults add a fright to their date nights with a Halloween adult-only tour. These immersive storytelling events occur around a recreation of Viking-age Coppergate.
Oktoberfest at Selby Market Place
On Saturday 18th October between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm, Selby Town Council are hosting their own FREE event, Oktoberfest, complete with pumpkin carving, face painting, children’s crafts, bouncy castle, fancy dress competition, food and drink vendors, and character interactions. Visit the Selby Town Council events page for further information.
Gentle Halloween at Dreamery Gardens, York
Experience the beauty of Dreamery Gardens as dusk turns to dark. Celebrate the season surrounded by lanterns, lights, and glowing torches illuminating the gardens and autumn grottos. Relax in the Dreamery Café Bar or join one of the enchanting guided lantern walks for a truly magical evening.
Ghosts in the Gardens, York
York BID’s award-winning Ghosts in the Gardens returns from Friday 19th September 2025, with nearly 60 ghostly figures taking over York’s gardens and green spaces. Created by Unconventional Design, these haunting sculptures bring the city’s history to life and attract thousands of visitors every year. This free, family-friendly trail is a perfect mix of spooky and spectacular!
Halloween at Murton Park, York
Enjoy a week of frightful family fun this October half term at Murton Park! Follow the Halloween Trail packed with creepy clues and surprises, and join the Murton Hag for eerie storytelling on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th October. On Thursday 30th and Friday 31st, take part in the thrilling ‘Vampire Hunter’ Interactive Experience, then get creative with Wand or Sword Making on Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November. A spellbinding week for all ages!
Halloween Cellar Tours at Temple Newsam, near Leeds
Dare to descend beneath Temple Newsam House for a spooky cellar adventure! Explore the dark, creaking passages and hear chilling tales hidden beneath this historic mansion. Suitable for ages 12 and up. (Please note: access is by staircase only.)
Halloween Painting at Rainbows Ceramics, York
Get crafty this Halloween at Rainbows Ceramics! Paint your own witches, ghosts, pumpkins, or Jack-o’-Lanterns and take home a handmade spooky keepsake.
Halloween Parties at Agility York
On Friday 31st October, Agility York hosts two frightfully fun parties: the Tiny Terrors Fancy Dress Party (9.30 am – 11.30 am) for little ones, and the Halloween Spooktacular (6.00 pm – 9.00 pm) for older children. Both events include access to the Ninja Warrior Agility Park, themed food, and a few ghostly guest appearances!
Halloween Workshops at Crafty Fox Kids Club, York
Get hands-on this half term with Crafty Fox Kids Club! Their Halloween-themed workshops run on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, featuring broomstick and wand making, potion brewing, upcycled Halloween crafts, and even building your own Emerald City. Perfect for creative young witches and wizards!
Hallowscream at York Maze
Winner of Best Scream Park UK, Hallowscream returns this October with five terrifying scare houses, live entertainment, themed bars, and plenty of tasty food stalls. A must-visit for thrill seekers, and not for the faint of heart!
Haunted Hall at Barley Hall, York
Step into one of York’s most atmospheric medieval buildings for an evening of ghostly tales and folklore. As part of York Ghost Week, Barley Hall invites families (ages 5+) to gather in the Haunted Hall for a night of spine-tingling storytelling and eerie legends. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
The Little York Ghost Hunt by York Ghost Merchants
Join the magical Little York Ghost Hunt each evening from Monday 27th to Thursday 30th October 2025 (6:00 pm–8:00 pm). As dusk falls, over a hundred miniature ghosts mysteriously appear around York Minster, and if you spot one, it’s yours to keep! Pick up a free map from The York Ghost Merchants from mid-October to guide your ghostly adventure.
Made in Yorkshire Halloween Festival, York
From 23rd to 31st October, Parliament Street comes alive for the Made in Yorkshire Halloween Festival. Browse handmade goods, meet local artisans, and take part in unique Halloween and autumn-themed workshops celebrating Yorkshire creativity.
Monster Mash Bash at Oxygen, York
On 24th October, kids can bounce, boogie, and get spooky at Oxygen York’s Monster Mash Bash! Enjoy two hours of open play, creepy games, music, prizes, fancy-dress fun, and tasty treats. Plus, take advantage of their half-term offer with five one-hour sessions for just £30.
Spooky Skeletons: Scarytales at Lotherton Hall, Aberford
Wander the twisted fairytale trail through the eerie grounds, gardens, and house at Lotherton. Encounter a host of playful skeletons who’ve taken over the estate, putting their own spooky spin on classic stories, from Snow White’s chilling brush with a poisoned apple, to Little Red Riding Hood’s dangerous path through the woods.
Story Craft Theatre presents ‘Bat, Cackle and Pop!’ at York Theatre Royal
Following their appearance at Queen Mary’s School, Story Craft are performing shows in York over half term. The play is set on Winifred the Witch’s birthday, and Winifred believes everyone’s forgotten her. Join the fun as the group whip up a magical cake with three spooky ingredients, meet silly ghosts and ghouls, try a spot of spell-making and even fly with BAT Airways. A fun, not-too-scary Halloween show for ages 3 to 8 years happening on Wednesday 29th October to Friday 31st October.
Leave a Reply