NEWWhat’s Happening at UK Theme Parks This Week (Week of 19 October 2026)

Halloween season is continuing across the UK’s theme parks this week, with frightening scare mazes, family-friendly Halloween shows, rides after dark and special seasonal entertainment taking centre stage.

The week of Monday 19 October also sees more visitors preparing for the October half-term holidays, with several parks extending their Halloween programmes and offering themed experiences for families and thrill-seekers.

From Alton Towers Scarefest and Thorpe Park Fright Nights to LEGOLAND Windsor’s Brick or Treat, here’s what’s happening at UK theme parks this week.

Alton Towers Scarefest Continues

Alton Towers Scarefest continues throughout this week, with the Halloween event running on selected dates from 16 October through to 1 November 2026.

Visitors can experience a mixture of terrifying scare mazes, family-friendly Halloween attractions and live entertainment, alongside the opportunity to enjoy selected rides in the dark.

One of this year’s new additions is Final Exhibit, which joins other scare experiences including COMPOUND and Dark Hollow. Visitors looking for a more relaxed Halloween experience can also enjoy seasonal entertainment around the resort.

With October half-term approaching, visitors should check the official calendar before travelling, as Scarefest operates on selected dates.

Official information: Alton Towers Scarefest

Thorpe Park Fright Nights Returns for More Halloween Thrills

Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights continues this week as the resort celebrates 25 Years of Fear.

The event returns from Thursday 15 October and runs on selected dates through to 1 November, bringing scare mazes, scare zones, shows and rides after dark.

The headline new addition for 2026 is Tenement, a scare maze that takes visitors into a sinister residential building where something has gone terribly wrong.

Thrill-seekers can also experience rides including Hyperia and SAW – The Ride after dark, adding another dimension to the Halloween event.

Fright Nights is aimed at visitors looking for a more intense Halloween experience. Check age recommendations and ticket packages before booking.

Official information: Thorpe Park Fright Nights

Chessington World of Adventures Brings Back Howl’o’ween

Families can enjoy more Halloween entertainment at Chessington World of Adventures this week as Howl’o’ween continues.

Running on selected dates from 17 October until 1 November, the event combines Halloween-themed shows, spooky attractions and rides at dusk.

Highlights include Dr Frankenfun’s Haunted House Party, Rising Flame: Shadows of the Tomb and the Enchanted Hollow: Trick or Treat experience, which offers families a magical adventure filled with friendly characters and seasonal surprises.

Visitors can also explore the Stone Watchers: Vampire’s Lair scare zone and meet Marshall and Skye in their Halloween costumes in the World of PAW Patrol.

Howl’o’ween offers a mix of family-friendly entertainment and spookier experiences, making it an option for families visiting during the autumn holidays.

Official information: Chessington Howl’o’ween

LEGOLAND Windsor’s Brick or Treat Continues

LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is continuing its Brick or Treat Halloween event, with the next dates running from 17 October through to 1 November.

The family-focused celebration features Halloween-themed LEGO models, seasonal entertainment and activities designed for younger visitors.

Lord Vampyre’s House Party returns for 2026, giving families the chance to join the LEGO Monsters for a Halloween celebration. Visitors can also explore the resort’s rides and attractions while enjoying the seasonal decorations.

With more than 55 rides and attractions available across the resort, Brick or Treat offers a Halloween day out aimed at families with younger children.

Visitors should check the official calendar for available dates and ticket information before making plans.

Official information: LEGOLAND Windsor Brick or Treat

Paultons Park Halloween Spooktacular

Paultons Park continues its Halloween Spooktacular during October, bringing seasonal decorations, family entertainment and spooky experiences to the Hampshire theme park.

The event includes Ghostly Manor and other Halloween-themed activities, giving younger visitors the opportunity to enjoy the season without the focus being entirely on intense scare attractions.

Visitors planning a trip this week should check the park’s opening calendar carefully, as Halloween Spooktacular takes place on selected dates and some attractions may have different operating arrangements.

Ride availability update: Paultons Park lists Sky Swinger as closed for maintenance from 12 to 18 October. Visitors should check the latest ride availability information before travelling, rather than assuming every attraction will be operating.

Official information: Paultons Park Halloween Spooktacular and opening times.

Drayton Manor’s Blazing Halloween Continues

Drayton Manor is continuing its Blazing Halloween event, which runs until 1 November 2026.

The event combines family-friendly Halloween entertainment with themed attractions and seasonal shows.

Visitors can follow the Trick or Treat Trail, collect sweets at themed locations and enjoy appearances from Rory and Lory. The Revenge of the Haunted Express offers an additional spooky experience, while the Thor vs Loki Fire Show brings action and fire stunts to the park’s Vikings area.

The end-of-day lake show combines water jets, lighting, animations and fire effects to provide a spectacular finish to the visit.

Drayton Manor’s end-of-season fireworks are scheduled for 31 October and 1 November, so visitors planning a later Halloween trip may want to keep those dates in mind.

Official information: Drayton Manor Blazing Halloween.

Lightwater Valley Prepares for Movie Mayhem

Lightwater Valley’s Frightwater Valley: Movie Mayhem returns on Saturday 24 October, with the Halloween event continuing on selected dates through to 31 October.

The movie-inspired event features character encounters, trick-or-treat doors, live entertainment and a scare maze for visitors looking for something more frightening.

DJ Scream’s End Credits dance party adds a lively finish to the experience, bringing together Halloween music and entertainment.

Important opening information: Lightwater Valley’s official calendar lists the park as closed from Monday 19 to Friday 23 October, reopening for Movie Mayhem on Saturday 24 October. It is also scheduled to open on Sunday 25 October.

Visitors should check the calendar for the latest opening arrangements and ticket availability.

Official information: Lightwater Valley events and opening calendar.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Remains Open

Blackpool Pleasure Beach continues its autumn season this week, with its official calendar listing the park as open from Monday 19 October.

The published schedule shows opening at 10am and closing at 6pm from Monday 19 through Friday 23 October. The park then lists extended opening hours of 10am to 9pm for the Halloween dates on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October.

Visitors can enjoy the park’s rollercoasters, family attractions and Nickelodeon Land, subject to daily ride availability.

Opening times and individual attraction hours can change, so check the official calendar before setting off.

Official information: Blackpool Pleasure Beach opening times and prices.

Looking Ahead: Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach

Although its main October half-term programme starts later in the week, Pleasure Beach Great Yarmouth is also worth keeping an eye on.

The park’s advertised half-term season begins on Wednesday 21 October, with selected opening dates through to 1 November. Its programme includes Halloween entertainment, a pumpkin trail and the new family show A Little Trouble Brewing on selected dates.

A drone and light show is planned for Sunday 1 November, providing another event for visitors planning a trip later in the school holidays.

Official information: Pleasure Beach Great Yarmouth.

What to Look Out for This Week

Here are the main theme park highlights for the week of 19 October 2026:

• Alton Towers: Scarefest continues on selected dates, with scare mazes and rides after dark.
• Thorpe Park: Fright Nights continues with Tenement and other scare experiences.
• Chessington: Howl’o’ween brings Halloween shows, trick-or-treat experiences and rides at dusk.
• LEGOLAND Windsor: Brick or Treat continues with family-friendly Halloween entertainment.
• Paultons Park: Halloween Spooktacular continues on selected dates; check ride availability before visiting.
• Drayton Manor: Blazing Halloween continues with spooky attractions and seasonal shows.
• Lightwater Valley: Movie Mayhem returns on Saturday 24 October, with the park also scheduled to open on Sunday 25 October.
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach: The park is scheduled to open throughout the working week, with longer hours at the weekend.
• Pleasure Beach Great Yarmouth: Its October half-term programme begins on Wednesday 21 October.

Plan Your UK Theme Park Visit

Halloween remains the big attraction across the UK theme park industry this week, with options ranging from family-friendly events to more intense scare mazes and rides in the dark.

With October half-term approaching, some parks will be busier than usual on selected dates. Opening days, event schedules and ride availability can vary, so visitors should check each park’s official website before travelling and book tickets in advance where appropriate.

Keep checking UK Theme Park Spy for the latest theme park news, ride availability updates, closures and seasonal events throughout the October half-term period.