The week of 21 September 2026 marks the final full week of September, and the UK theme park season is beginning to transition towards Halloween.
Several parks continue to operate reduced September schedules, while Alton Towers gets ready for the return of Scarefest this weekend. Here’s what’s happening across the UK’s theme parks this week.
Scarefest Begins at Alton Towers
One of the biggest events of the UK theme park Halloween calendar begins this week.
Alton Towers Scarefest starts on Saturday 26 September 2026, with the resort transformed for Halloween.
The 2026 event features spooky attractions, Halloween entertainment, family-friendly activities and the chance to experience some of the resort’s major rides in the dark.
Scarefest runs on selected dates from 26 September until 1 November 2026, with the first dates being 26 and 27 September.
Alton Towers’ opening calendar shows the resort staying open until 9pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September for Scarefest.
Thorpe Park Closed on Wednesday
Thorpe Park will be closed on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
The park is otherwise continuing its September operating schedule this week.
Drayton Manor Closed Monday to Thursday
Drayton Manor Resort will be closed for four consecutive days:
- Monday 21 September
- Tuesday 22 September
- Wednesday 23 September
- Thursday 24 September
Visitors planning a midweek visit should take these dates into account.
Chessington Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Chessington World of Adventures will be closed on:
- Tuesday 22 September
- Wednesday 23 September
The park continues to operate on its scheduled opening dates around these closures.
LEGOLAND Windsor Closed on Wednesday
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort will be closed on Wednesday 23 September 2026.
Visitors planning a trip this week should check the resort’s opening calendar before travelling.
Paultons Park Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Paultons Park will be closed on:
- Tuesday 22 September
- Wednesday 23 September
The park continues to operate on its scheduled opening days around these dates.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Closed Tuesday
Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be closed on Tuesday 22 September 2026.
The resort is also preparing for another evening event later this week.
Twilight Thrills Returns to Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Twilight Thrills returns to Blackpool Pleasure Beach on:
Saturday 26 September 2026
The event gives visitors the chance to enjoy the rides and attractions as the evening draws in, creating a different atmosphere from a standard daytime visit.
With Halloween season also beginning at Alton Towers on the same day, Saturday 26 September is set to be an important date in the UK’s autumn theme park calendar.
Check Ride Closures Before You Visit
September is also a key period for planned ride maintenance, with individual attractions potentially unavailable even when the wider theme park is open.
For all the latest ride closures and availability, visit our dedicated page:
UK Theme Park Spy – Ride Closures & Availability
Check All Theme Park Closures
For a full list of upcoming theme park closures, including September closure dates, visit:
UK Theme Park Spy – Theme Park Closures
It’s worth checking both pages before travelling, particularly during September when many parks are operating reduced schedules.
What to Watch This Week
- Drayton Manor closed 21–24 September
- Chessington closed 22–23 September
- Paultons Park closed 22–23 September
- Thorpe Park closed 23 September
- LEGOLAND Windsor closed 23 September
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach closed 22 September
- Alton Towers Scarefest begins 26 September
- Twilight Thrills at Blackpool Pleasure Beach – 26 September
- Check ride closures and availability before travelling
With Scarefest beginning at Alton Towers on Saturday, the UK theme park season is now firmly moving into its Halloween period. There are also several weekday closures to be aware of, making it particularly important to check opening dates before heading out.
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