Halloween season is in full swing at UK theme parks, with scare mazes, spooky family entertainment and rides after dark taking centre stage. This week, several of the UK’s biggest Halloween events return, while other parks prepare for the October half-term rush.
Here’s what’s happening at UK theme parks this week, including Halloween events, opening dates and ride maintenance updates.
Alton Towers Scarefest Returns This Weekend
Alton Towers Scarefest returns from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October 2026.
The resort’s popular Halloween event features terrifying scare mazes, family-friendly Halloween attractions, live entertainment and extended ride hours after dark.
Visitors can experience scare attractions including COMPOUND, alongside the new-for-2026 Final Exhibit and other Halloween experiences.
Families can also enjoy seasonal entertainment, making Scarefest an option for visitors looking for Halloween fun without the more intense scare attractions.
Scarefest runs on selected dates until 1 November 2026.
Official information: https://www.altontowers.com/explore/events/scarefest/
Thorpe Park Fright Nights Continues
Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights: 25 Years of Fear continues this week, with the next dates beginning on Thursday 15 October.
The event celebrates 25 years of Fright Nights with scare mazes, scare zones, live shows and thrilling rides after dark.
The headline addition for 2026 is Tenement, a brand-new scare maze joining the event’s returning experiences.
Fright Nights runs on selected dates from 15 October through to 1 November 2026.
Visitors should check ticket availability and age recommendations before booking, particularly if planning to experience the scare attractions.
Official information: https://www.thorpepark.com/explore/events/halloween-fright-nights/
Chessington Howl’o’ween Returns at the Weekend
Families can enjoy more Halloween fun at Chessington World of Adventures when Howl’o’ween returns on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 October.
The event features Halloween shows, spooky characters, rides at dusk and the Enchanted Hollow – Trick or Treat experience.
Visitors can also explore the World of PAW Patrol and look out for Halloween-themed character appearances.
Howl’o’ween runs on selected dates through to 1 November 2026, making it a popular option for families looking for a less frightening Halloween day out.
Official information: https://www.chessington.com/explore/events/halloween/
Brick or Treat Returns to LEGOLAND Windsor
The Halloween celebrations continue at LEGOLAND Windsor with Brick or Treat returning from Saturday 17 October.
The family-friendly event features spooky LEGO models, Halloween entertainment and appearances from the LEGO Monsters.
Highlights include Lord Vampyre’s House Party and the Monster Jam show, alongside the resort’s rides and attractions.
Brick or Treat runs from 17 October to 1 November 2026 during this part of the season.
Families planning a visit should check the official calendar for operating dates and ticket availability.
Official information: https://www.legoland.co.uk/explore/special-events/brick-or-treat/
Halloween Spooktacular Continues at Paultons Park
Paultons Park’s Halloween Spooktacular is underway, having started on 9 October.
Families can enjoy Halloween decorations, seasonal entertainment, spooky surprises and Peppa Pig World dressed for the occasion.
The event also features Halloween activities in VALGARD: Realm of the Vikings, with themed entertainment and interactive challenges.
The Halloween season runs until 2 November 2026.
Official information: https://paultonspark.co.uk/halloween/
Blazing Halloween at Drayton Manor
Drayton Manor’s Blazing Halloween continues this week following its opening on 9 October.
The event combines family-friendly Halloween entertainment with rides, themed activities and seasonal shows.
Highlights include the Trick or Treat Trail, appearances by Rory and Lory, the Revenge of the Haunted Express and the Thor vs Loki Fire Show.
Visitors can also look forward to an end-of-day lake show, with fireworks scheduled for selected dates later in the Halloween season.
Blazing Halloween runs until 1 November 2026.
Official information: https://www.draytonmanor.co.uk/events/halloween
Frightwater Valley Returns on Saturday
Lightwater Valley is preparing for another day of Halloween entertainment with Frightwater Valley: Movie Mayhem returning on Saturday 17 October.
The event brings a movie-inspired Halloween theme to the park, with character encounters, trick-or-treat doors, a live scare maze and a dance party hosted by DJ Scream.
The event is designed to offer a mix of family fun and scarier experiences.
The published event dates include 17 October and 23–31 October, with additional October dates available on the park’s calendar.
Official information: https://lightwatervalley.co.uk/index.php/events/view/frightwater-valley-presents-movie-mayhem
Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Autumn Visits
Blackpool Pleasure Beach continues its autumn operating schedule this week.
The park’s published calendar lists opening hours of 10am to 5pm from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, although individual rides and operating times can vary.
The resort’s main Halloween opening dates follow later in October, when guests can enjoy longer evenings and seasonal entertainment.
Check the official calendar before travelling, as opening times and ride availability can change.
Official information: https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/opening-times-prices/
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Prepares for Fairground Frights
Halloween preparations are also underway at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, where Fairground Frights returns later this month.
The event runs from 24 to 31 October, excluding Monday 26 October.
The Halloween experience includes scare actors, scare mazes, themed rides and live entertainment. It is recommended for guests aged 10 and over.
Although the event does not begin this week, visitors planning an October half-term trip can start looking at tickets and dates now.
Official information: https://pleasure-beach.co.uk/
What to Watch This Week
- Alton Towers Scarefest: 16–18 October
- Thorpe Park Fright Nights: returns from 15 October
- Chessington Howl’o’ween: 17–18 October
- LEGOLAND Windsor Brick or Treat: returns from 17 October
- Paultons Park Halloween Spooktacular: continues until 2 November
- Drayton Manor Blazing Halloween: continues until 1 November
- Lightwater Valley Frightwater Valley: 17 October
- Blackpool Pleasure Beach: autumn opening schedule continues
- Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach Fairground Frights: begins 24 October
With more Halloween events returning this weekend, theme park fans have plenty of reasons to plan a visit. Remember to check each park’s opening calendar and ride availability before travelling, especially as seasonal schedules and maintenance closures can affect your day out.
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