Blazing Halloween Begins at Drayton Manor as Five Rides Remain Closed

Drayton Manor has officially kicked off its Blazing Halloween celebrations, bringing spooky family entertainment, Halloween attractions and spectacular seasonal shows to the Staffordshire theme park.

Running from 9 October to 1 November 2026, Blazing Halloween offers visitors a chance to enjoy a frightfully fun day out, with activities for younger guests and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

However, visitors planning a Halloween trip should be aware that five rides and attractions are currently listed as closed on Drayton Manor’s official ride availability page.

What to Expect at Blazing Halloween

This year’s Blazing Halloween features a range of seasonal activities, including the return of the popular Haunted Express experience.

The Revenge of the Haunted Express invites brave visitors on a ghostly journey through the park’s eeriest corners, with creepy creatures, shadowy figures and spooky surprises along the way. The experience costs £5 per person, with separate tickets required.

Families can also take part in the new Trick or Treat Sweets Trail, visiting themed locations around the park to collect sweet treats. Younger visitors can enjoy Halloween-themed Thomas Land balcony shows, alongside Rory’s Day of the Dead Disco and Boo Bash entertainment.

Over in the Vikings area, the Thor vs Loki Fire Show promises fiery action, while the end-of-day lake show combines water jets, lights, fire and Halloween-themed effects.

The celebrations will reach their grand finale on 31 October and 1 November, when Drayton Manor plans to stage its end-of-season fireworks displays.

With family entertainment, spooky experiences and seasonal shows, Blazing Halloween gives visitors plenty to look forward to during the October half-term period.

Drayton Manor Ride Closures: Five Attractions Currently Unavailable

Although Blazing Halloween is underway, five rides and attractions are currently listed as closed on Drayton Manor’s official ride availability page.

The closures are:

• Air Race – Closed for the season.
• River Rapids – Scheduled to reopen in 2027.
• Harold’s Helicopter Tours – Closed for maintenance.
• Maelstrom – Closed for maintenance.
• Blue Mountain Engines – Closed for maintenance.

The closures affect a mixture of thrill rides and family attractions, including rides in Thomas Land.

River Rapids is not expected to return until 2027, while Air Race is listed as closed for the remainder of the season. The other three attractions are listed as being closed for maintenance, with no reopening dates specified on the ride availability page.

Ride availability can change, so visitors should check the official website before travelling.

More Halloween Fun Still Available

Despite the current closures, Drayton Manor’s ride availability page lists numerous other attractions as open during the main season, including Stormforce 10, The Wave, Gold Rush, Accelerator and The Haunting.

Thomas Land also has a selection of attractions listed as available, giving families with younger children plenty of options alongside the Halloween entertainment.

Visitors should remember that ride availability may change because of weather conditions or operational requirements.

Planning a Visit to Drayton Manor This Halloween?

Blazing Halloween runs until 1 November 2026, with the end-of-season fireworks scheduled for 31 October and 1 November.

Anyone planning a visit should check the park’s opening calendar, ticket information and latest ride availability before setting off. The Revenge of the Haunted Express and Trick or Treat Trail may involve additional purchases.

For more theme park news, seasonal events and ride updates, keep checking UK Theme Park Spy.

Ride availability and event details were checked against Drayton Manor’s official website at the time of writing and may change.