Free Halloween events North West 2026
School holidays can get expensive. I’ve pulled together this list of all the free Halloween events North West 2026 that I can find. I’ve included events that are free for National Trust, English Heritage or RHS members. I’ve also included a few events that whilst not free, they are very low cost. This post is part of my series of posts Halloween events North West.
I have done my best to make sure this post is up to date and accurate but please check the organiser’s website before travelling as events may be cancelled at short notice, details might be changed and mistakes happen. I have included links to the event organisers so you can check the up to date details and terms and conditions. Most of the events need pre-booking.
Make sure you find the guide to the specific region of the North West you want below and then click either the text link or photo and it will take you through to the full guide.
As always, I will be updating these guides right up to and October half term. Please do send me details if you have an event that I have missed. I can be reached by emailing info@northwestforkids.co.uk
If you love finding new family days out and events in the North West then you need to follow me on Facebook or Instagram. If you use Facebook you might like to join my Family Days out North West group.
Free Halloween events Manchester
Below are all the free and low cost Halloween events in Greater Manchester. If you’re looking for more events and are happy to spend a little more on 1 or 2 events, find my full guide to Halloween events Manchester here.
Free, Halloween in the city – 2026 details
Where: across Manchester city centre
When: 24th – 25th (monsters stay until 31st) October 2026
Cost: Free
Summary: Includes a giant rooftop Monster Invasion. With the return of the MCR Monsters, live performances and fancy-dress fun, plus spooky DJs, storytelling and the spectacular Walk the Plank Monster Party Procession.
Find full details here – Halloween in the City
Halloween heart trail at Fletcher Moss, Didsbury – details for 2026
Where: Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury
When: 23rd October – 3rd November 2026
Cost: £1 per sheet
Full details – Collect your sheet from the cafe and find the Halloween-themed hearts around the park.
Find out more here – Broad Oak Hearts Trail | Manchester
Diggle Scarecrow Trail – details for 2026
When: 23rd October – 1st November 2026.
Where: Trails available from Grandpa Greene’s, The Gate inn, The Diggle Hotel and Diggle Lock
Cost: £3 a trail
Further details – you can buy a trail sheet and have a spooky walk around the lovely village of Diggle trying to find all the amazing scarecrows.
Full details here – Diggle Scarecrow Trail
Halloween fun at RHS Bridgewater – Details for 2026
Where: RHS Bridgewater, Occupation Road, Off Leigh Road, Worsley, Salford, Greater Manchester, M28 2LJ
When: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: Included in admission fee
Summary: Spooky plants trail – interactive garden trail featuring scary-looking species, plants with legendary healing powers and poisonous plants with dark secrets.
Zoolab animal encounters – 27th & 28th October – booking required £5 per child
Spooky grass heads – 24th, 30th & 31st October, Drop in from 11am – 3pm,
Spellcraft – 26th & 29th October, 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, £3 per child; suitable for ages 7+ (must be accompanied by an adult). Booking required
Find out more here – RHS Garden Bridgewater / RHS Gardening.
Halloween pool party, Middleton Arena – Book now for 2026
Where: LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG
When: 31st October 2026, 3pm
Cost: £5 a ticket
Book here – Large pool – Halloween Pool Party- Large Pool – Your Trust
Halloween at Salford museum – Details for 2026
When: 27th – 30th October 2026
Clay ghosts and monsters, £3 per child – 30th October 2026 – booking required
Crafty ghosts and ghouls, £3 per child – 29th October 2026 – booking required
Junk monsters, £3 per child – 27th October 2026 – booking required
Spooky keyring, free – 29th October
Spooky story time and haunted house craft, free – 27th October
Book here – Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Halloween at Ordsall Hall – book now for 2026
When: 26th – 29th October 2026
Broomstick making – 26th October, £3 per child
Clay Faces – 28th October, £3 per child, booking required
Find the familiars trail – 25th October, £2 per child
Make a spell book, 27th October, £1.50 per child, booking required
Wand making, 29th October, £3 per child, booking required
Full details – October Half Term 2026 at Ordsall Hall
Free Creepy crafts, Stanley Square, Sale – details for 2026
When: 31st October 2026
Where: Market Walk opposite Specsavers in Stanley Square, Sale
Get creative with your very own Halloween pumpkin patch headband!
Children can use colourful paper, card and fun decorative shapes to create a fabulous headband filled with pumpkins, autumn leaves, vines and spooky Halloween characters in time for the 31st!
Dress to impress (spooky costumes welcome), put on your creative hat on and come and join us for an afternoon of ghoulish crafting and making.
Don’t forget to grab a town trail map from Bean & Brush too for the Halloween trail!
Tickets are free – You only need to reserve a ticket for participating children to guarantee your space. The session will last 45mins and are suitable for ages 3+
Book here – Creepy crafts
Free Haunted Pumpkin Patch trail – details for 2026
Where: Sale, maps available from Bean and brush Art cafe
When: 24th – 31st October 2026
Just a week before Halloween, all the pumpkins have been enchanted by a mischievous ghostly spell and are disappearing all over town.
Follow the Haunted Pumpkin Patch Trail and help bring the pumpkins back for Halloween!
Follow the map ticking off each pumpkin as you go.
Pick up your FREE trail map & activity sheet from Bean and Brush Art cafe Stanley Square and being your search.
Complete your sheet and collect your Halloween treat from Bean and Brush cafe.
The trail runs from 10am – 4pm.
Full details here – Free Haunted Pumpkin Patch trail
Halloween at Heaton Park – details for 2026
Where: Heaton Park
When: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Self-guided trail and see how many hidden horrors you can find around the park.
Slime making workshop – 26th October, Come and make some spooky slime to take home! Join us in the Classroom by the Stables Café between 10:30am and 12pm. Booking not required. Ages 3+. £1 per participant, pay on the door.
Campfire Tales with the League of Curiosity – 27th October, Embark on a magical journey of captivating storytelling, marvellous live music, and stupendous songs with the League of Curiosity’s ‘Campfire Tales’. The show lasts for approximately 30 minutes and is suitable for ages 5 years and over. £2 per ticket. Book here – Stories Around the Camp Fire with the League of Curiosity
Free Lantern Workshop – 27th October. Create and decorate your own FREE lantern, ready for the Lantern Parade at Heaton Park free family fireworks event on Saturday the 7th.
Hidden Horrors of Heaton РIntroduction to Microscopes Р28th October. Uncover the hidden world of Heaton Park using a microscope! What will you discover? This event is free and no booking is required, simply drop in to the Classroom (next to the Stables Caf̩) on the day between 10am and 12:30pm.
Introduction to Hill Walking Р29th October. Join the British Mountaineering Council for a family friendly introduction to hill walking. The day will include a classroom session and a guided walk around the park. Please bring comfortable walking shoes and waterproofs. Meet outside Stables Caf̩ at 9:50am.
Free Poppies for the Park Р30th October. In honour of Armistice Day, come and make a felt poppy for the Heaton Park poppy display. This event is free and all materials will be provided, join us in the Classroom between 10am and 2pm. Join us in the Classroom next to the Stables Caf̩, 12pm-1pm.
Find out more here – Heaton Park Halloween trail
Oldham Halloween trail – no details yet for 2026
When: 25th October – 2nd November 2025
Where: Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Market and the town centre
Free event. Find the Halloween items across Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre, Market and the town centre. Post your completed form in the box near Next.
Full details – Halloween trail
Spooky trains at Dragon Miniature railway – details for 2026
Where: Dragon Miniature Railway, Marple Garden Centre, Dooley Lane, Marple, Stockport, SK6 7HE
When: 27th, 29th October 2026, 11am – 8pm
£1.50 per ride, under 2s free
Full details – Spooky trains
Free Altrincham’s Count-Alty’s fantastic Halloween Trail – details for 2026
When: 26th October – 1st November 2026
Where: Collect your Trail Sheet from Everyman Altrincham, 74-78 George St, Altrincham, WA14 1RF (10am-4pm)
Halloween themed trail which invites families to explore Altrincham and discover a mischievous gang of vampires, black cats, cheeky bats, ghastly ghosts and scary spiders hiding in shop windows and unexpected places around the town.
Full details here – Altrincham Halloween trail
Little terrors trail at The Trafford Centre – details for 2026
When: 27th – 29th October 2026
Join Batty Beryl and Wingit Wanda for three days of free spooktacular fun, with a different Halloween craft each day and a 10-stop Little Terrors Trail. Find the hidden words, complete the spooky chant and collect a treat!
Orient Way/Main Dome, 11am-4pm
Full details here – Little terrors trail
Free Halloween crafts at Merseyway Stockport, details for 2026
When: 31st October 2026
Where: Merseyway Shopping Centre, 52 – 54 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1PD
From 11am to decorate your own trick or treat bag!
Full details here – Halloween crafts
Free Merseyday of the Dead, details for 2026
When: 24th October 2026, Merseyway – 12pm–3pm, Redrock – 5pm–7pm
Where: Merseyway Shopping Centre, 52 – 54 Great Underbank, Stockport SK1 1PD
Get ready to raise the dead and celebrate the living as Merseyday of the Dead returns to Merseyway and Redrock in Stockport this Halloween!
Expect a carnival of colour, spooky surprises and Halloween excitement. There’ll be a spooky trail, creepy crafts, live music, a Day of the Dead parade at Redrock and plenty of spooky fun.
Full details – Merseyday of the Dead
Bugs and Beasties Detective Trail, Lyme Park – free for National Trust members
Where: Lyme, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
When: 14th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: Free event. Admission applies. Free for NT members
Summary: Hunt for bugs and beasties around the house while discovering how we care for Lyme’s historic collections.
Step into the secret world of the insects and creatures that live at Lyme House. Follow our Bugs and Beasties Detective Trail to uncover where they hide, learn how they affect the objects in our care, and discover the ways we protect the house and its collections.
Then head to the Long Gallery, where you’ll investigate objects that have been nibbled, chewed, and damaged by mysterious beasties. Can you work out who the creepy crawly culprits are and solve the case?
Full details here – Bugs and Beasties Detective Trail
Doors to Hallowtide, Lyme Park – details for 2026
Where: Lyme, Disley, Stockport, Cheshire, SK12 2NR
When: 17th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: Free event. Admission applies. Free for NT members
Summary: Doors to Hallowtide is an interactive outdoor art installation by Stockport artist-curator Luca Sutton.
Follow a trail of decorated doors hidden across the Lyme estate, each inviting you to step through into a world of local folklore, history and imagination.
Open the doors as you travel through the woodland, gardens and parkland. Along the way, discover artwork inspired by local customs and uncover some of Lyme’s legendary ghost stories.
Full details here – Doors to Hallowtide
Secret Society skeleton activity, People’s History Museum – details for 2026
When – 1st October – 30th November
Create your own spooky skeleton mask, inspired by a mysterious painting. Family Friendly activity, suitable for ages 5-12 (under 12s must have an accompanying adult).
Full details here – Secret Society skeleton activity
Free Halloween events Cheshire
Below are all the free and low cost Halloween events in Cheshire. If you’re looking for more events and are happy to spend a little more on 1 or 2 events, find my full guide to Halloween events Cheshire here.
Free Spooky Saturday, macclesfield town centre – Details for 2026
When: 31st October 2026
Pumpkin Trail – more than 50 organisations have signed up this year from all over town – see how many you can find and then come back for your prize.
Marc Makes Comics will hosting be a spooky-special of Challenge Marc along Chestergate and Upper Market Place and if that gets you in the mood to create you can head to the Crafty Crypt with ArtSpace in the Grosvenor Centre.
Laura from Bubble-Beez will be helping you make your own cauldron bath-bombs but don’t get too distracted while making them because The Humber Monster will be patrolling Market Place, ready to gobble-up any little monsters they come across!
The Face Painting Queen will be with us, as always and older children and adults can sign up for a gruesome Macc-abre walking tour with Tina and Daisy at 3pm (child-friendly) and 5pm (adults only). Book your place on the tour at our eventbrite here!
All the activities on Spooky Saturday are free and don’t forget there will be free buses on the day on D&G routes 10, 19, 19A, and High Peak routes 14, 14A.
Full details here – Spooky Saturday
Teggs Nose country park Halloween trail – Details for 2026
Where: Buxton old road, Macclesfield, East Cheshire
When: 24th October – 1st November 2026.
Cost: Purchase a map from The Nose Coffee inside the Tegg’s Nose Visitor Centre, for 50p, and get searching around the top of the park. Once you’ve completed the trail come back to The Nose Coffee for 50p off your food and / or drink order.
Summary: Find the spooky visitors on posters displayed around the country park.
Full details here – Tegg’s Nose Country Park Halloween Trail
Brereton Heath Halloween Trail – details for 2026
Where: Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, Davenport Lane, Brereton, Congleton, CW12 4SU
When: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: free
Pick up a map from the outside dispenser and get searching around the park for the posters.
Full details here – Brereton Heath Local Nature Reserve Halloween Trail
Sally Scarecrow Trail at Quarry Bank – details for 2026 – Low cost for NT members
Where: Quarry Bank Mill, Styal
When: 8th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: Trail sheets £2.50, Admission required, free admission for NT members.
Summary: Help Sally Scarecrow on the trail around Quarry Bank. Spooky tours of the Apprentice House. Suitable for children 6+. Autumn indoor play space for little ones to have hours of fun, including craft activities and story-telling sessions. Daily activities on the Scarecrow Field. No need to book, just drop-in.
Full details here – Scarecrow Trail
Stranger Folk at Quarry Bank – details for 2026 – Free for NT members
Where: Quarry Bank Mill, Styal
When: 8th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: free, Admission required, free admission for NT members.
Summary: The app is designed for children aged 7-12 and can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google app stores. We’d encourage you to download the app ahead of your visit, although it can also be downloaded on arrival at the participating house (depending on the Wi-Fi signal).
Full details here – Stranger Folk
Spooky trail and Skeleton Walk at Snugburys Ice cream farm – Details for 2026
Where: Hurleston, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6BU
When: Open every weekend from 3rd October 2026
Further details – Spooky trail, skeleton walk and pumpkin patch. Expect ice creams, toasting marshmallows and snugpuds.
Free Entry. Walk-in visitors welcome. Pumpkins are charged by weight.
Full details here – Pick you own pumpkin at Snugburys Ice Cream, Nantwich
Knutsford pumpkin path 2026
Where: Knutsford town centre
When: 30th October 2026, 4-7 pm
Cost: free
Summary: Find the pumpkins hidden around the town centre in shop windows, each of which has a letter carved into it. You note down the letter on your entry forms and completed entry forms can then be posted into dedicated post boxes to enter a prize draw!
Enjoy lots of extra entertainment on the night including singing and dance performances, spooky characters available for photo opportunities, Halloween themed window displays, competitions and other activities.
Find out more here – Knutsford Pumpkin Path
Free Paper Pumpkin Trail at Weaver Hall Museum – 2026 details
Where: Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, 162 London road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8AB
When: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: Free
Summary: Pick up a trailsheet from our reception desk and see if you can spot all of our pumpkins on your way around the museum!
Full details here – Free Paper Pumpkin Trail
Free Spooky crafts at Grosvenor Museum – details for 2026
Where: Grosvenor Museum, 27 Grosvenor Street, Chester
When: 27th – 28th October 2026
Cost: Free
Summary: Make a spook-tacular model museum – will it be full of creepy crawlies, ghastly ghosts, or wicked witches?
Full details here – Free Spooky crafts at Grosvenor Museum
Free Spooky crafts at Lion Salt Works – details for 2026
Where: Lion Salt Works, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6ES
When: 28th, 29th October 2026
Cost: Free
Summary: Weave your way to Lion Salt Works, where you will have a fang-tastic time crafting creepy bats & spiders.
Full details here – Free Halloween crafts | Events
Free Spooky crafts at Weaver Hall Museum – details for 2026
Where: Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, 162 London road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8AB
When: 29th, 30th October 2026
Cost: Free
Summary: You’ll be the pick of the patch when you make your own paper pumpkin at Weaver Hall Museum.
Full details here – Free Halloween crafts | Events
Free Halloween at Lion Salt Works – details for 2026
Where: Lion Salt Works, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6ES
When: 30th October 2026
Cost: Free
Summary: Free spooky crafts, haunted stories and a trick or treat trail. Dress to spook. Suitable for age 4+
Full details here – Halloween at Lion Salt Works | Events
Museum Explorers, Halloween Explorers at Weaver Hall Museum – book now for 2026
Where: Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse, 162 London road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8AB
When: 28th October 2026
Cost: £5
Summary: 1hr Nature, Art, Science and Technology-based Activities.
Full details here – Museum Explorers, Halloween Explorers
Museum Explorers, Halloween Science at Lion Salt Works – book now for 2026
Where: Lion Salt Works, Ollershaw Lane, Marston, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6ES
When: 30th October 2026
Cost: £5
Summary: 1hr Nature, Art, Science and Technology-based Activities.
Full details here – Museum Explorers, Halloween Science
Free Halloween trail, Congleton town centre – details for 2026
Where: Congleton Town Centre
When: 24th – 31st October 2026
Explore the town centre, look for clues in shop windows and work out the spooky phrase. With more than 40 local businesses taking part, there’s plenty to discover!
Full details here – Free Halloween trail Congleton
Witchy Wednesday in Congleton Town Hall – book now for 2026
Where: Congleton Town Hall,
When: 28th October 2026
Cost: £2 per child
Pumpkin carving, face painting, creepy crafts, scary cake decorating, Halloween face painting and fancy dress.
Book now – Congleton Town Council
Pumpkin picking at Canal side garden centre, Nantwich – Details for 2026
When: Wednesday to Sunday, from 1st – 31st October 2026
Where: Canal side garden centre, Little Porters Hill Farm, Frith Lane, Wrenbury, Nantwich, CW5 8HQ
Cost: free entry
Pumpkin picking, spooky woodland trail walk. No need to book
Full details here – canal side garden centre
Bellis Brothers PYO pumpkins – book now for 2026
Where: Wrexham Rd, Holt Village, Wrexham LL13 9YU
When: 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th and then daily from 25th to 31st October 2026
Cost: £2.50 per person for the spooky maze, under 3s free. Pumpkins vary depending on side. Free parking but booking still required
Summary: PYO pumpkin and spooky maize maze (£2.50).
Book your free place here – Pick Your Own Pumpkins and Spooky Maize Maze
Wilmslow Halloween trail – details for 2026
When: 23rd October – 1st November 2026
Free to take part, with pumpkins hidden in shop windows, gargoyles to spot and prizes to be won.​
Full details – Wilmslow Halloween trail
Crewe Spooktacular – 2026 details
When: 24th – 31st October 2026
Take some time to wander and enjoy the spooky trail around Crewe, find the letters to make up the spooky words, and find Halloween jokes and treats to collect along the way. Complete one of the trails for your chance to win a £25 Crewe shopping voucher or complete all three areas to have the chance of winning £75 of Crewe shopping vouchers. Completed trails are to be handed in at Crewe Market Hall.
To launch the trail, Creative Crewe will be hosting a spooktacular crafts session at Crewe Market Hall on Saturday 24th October from 11am until 3pm. Create a trick or treat bag, perfect for starting the spooktacular trick or treat trail around Crewe and collecting some goodies.
Full details here – Crewe spooktacular
Halloween update to Room on the Boom trail at Delamere Forest
When – throughout October
Follow the trail through the forest to discover spellbinding stops filled with fun Room on the Broom activities and fascinating forest facts. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand along the way and collect special ingredients to complete the spell.
These trails are fantastic for families. They keep your children entertained on a short walk. There are large boards along the trail, filled with illustrations based on the book, fun facts and activities. Young children love how these trails bring their favourite books to life.
Packs cost £4 from the visitors centre.
Visiting this Halloween? Look out for magical cauldrons along the trail throughout October. Solve the clues and complete the crossword to earn a special sticker reward.
Halloween leaflets are £1.50, or free when you purchase a Room on the Broom trail pack.
Full details here – Forestry England Room on the Broom Trails
Free Halloween events Lancashire
Below are all the free and low cost Halloween events in Lancashire. If you’re looking for more events and are happy to spend a little more on 1 or 2 events, find my full guide to Halloween events Lancashire here.
Pumpkins in the park festival at Lowther theatre, Lytham – book now for 2026
Where: Lowther Pavilion, West Beach, Lytham St Annes, FY8 5QQ
When: 24th – 25th October 2026, 11am – 4pm
Cost: FREE. All day parking is available on Lytham Green for £5 per car.
Summary: Walkabout ghost stories, food and drink vendors, pumpkin crafts and carving, flash mobs, craft stalls and more.
Full details here as they are confirmed – Pumpkins In The Park
Halloween at Bradley Fold Garden Centre – book now for 2026
Where – Bradley Fold Garden Centre, Radcliffe Moor Road, Bradley Fold Bolton, Lancashire BL2 6RE
When – Selected dates from 3rd – 31st October 2026
FREE in-store Halloween Pumpkin Trail.
Halloween VR Ride – Selected dates from 3rd – 31st October. £5. Booking required.
All events can be booked here – Halloween at Bradley Fold Garden Centre
Pumpkin trail + free outdoor theatre show – Edgeside park – details for 2026
Where: Edgeside Park, Rossendale
When: 1st November 2026, 4:30 – 6:30pm
Cost: free
Summary: Bring down your carved pumpkins to Edgeside Park and create a community Pumpkin Trail the day after Halloween! Enjoy this magical, torchlit experience as you wander through the pumpkins on display!
Also includes free outdoor theatre show – Wizard & the mechanic.
Leave your pumpkins or put them in the provided bins at the end & they will be composted.
Full details here – Pumpkin trail
Halloween Pumpkin Festival, Samlesbury Hall – details for 2026
Where: Samlesbury Hall. Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston, Lancashire. PR5 0UP
When: 26th – 30th August 2026
Cost: Pumpkins priced individually, pumpkin hunt sheet and quiz available to purchase from reception.
Summary: The Hall’s beautiful courtyard will be turned orange, where you can pick up your perfect pumpkin to take home and carve. The Hall itself will be host to a pumpkin hunt and Halloween quiz through the spooky rooms, not forgetting of course the ghost room and the witches’ garret in the creepy attics.
Treats available in Maria’s Tea room throughout the week, an ideal cosy afternoon, or lunches in The Garden Room Eatery.
Fancy dress encouraged!
Pumpkins are available first-come-first-served.
Full details: Halloween Pumpkin Festival, Samlesbury Hall
Xplorer at Brockholes – details for 2026
Where: Brockholes nature reserve, just off Junction 31 of the M6, Preston, Lancashire, PR5 OAG
When: 24th October – 1st November 2026
Cost: £5.50 if booked in advance, £6.50 on the day
Summary: Explore Brockholes, find the markers, complete the challenge and have fun together! Brought to you in partnership with British Orienteering, Xplorer is the perfect outdoor activity to get the whole family outside in the fresh air together! There are certificates for those completing the challenge along with a sweet treat!
There are 2 courses available, one is pram-friendly and the markers are in number order in a circular route. The other course is more challenging and not pram-friendly. Families will need to use navigation skills to find markers across the reserve.
Book here – Xplorer at Brockholes
Spooky crafts at Gawsthorpe Hall – Details for 2026
Where: Gawsthorpe Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham, near Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 8UA
When: 28th October 2026
Join our Hallowe’en crafty fun have a go at making your own spooky woolly ghost to take home and keep. Explore the Hall and see if you can spot the bats hiding in the rooms. Why not come dressed up as your favourite witch, wizard or Halloween character and see if you can make us jump.
Included in admission to the Hall. £7 adults, children free. NT members free
Full details here – Halloween crafts
Halloween trail at Gawsthorpe Hall – details for 2026
Where: Gawsthorpe Hall, Burnley Road, Padiham, near Burnley, Lancashire, BB12 8UA
When: 31st October 2026
Cost: £2.50 per child
Summary: Are you brave enough to explore Gawthorpe Hall’s gardens and see if you can find the ghosts, pumpkins, black cats and witches hiding on the Halloween trail? Collect a trail sheet at the front of the Hall and set off to explore.
Full details – Halloween trail | National Trust
Billy Sparks Trick or Treat? Magic and gunge show at Bowland Country Park – book now for 2026
When: 29th October 2026
Where: Bowland Country Park, Chipping, Preston, Lancashire, PR3 2HB
Cost: £6 per child, £3 per adult
Packed into 45 minutes of high-energy entertainment, expect magic, comedy, tricks, treats and plenty of messy fun. There’ll be laughs, surprises, audience participation and, of course… GUNGE!
Designed especially for children and families, it’s the perfect Halloween treat for little ones looking for spooky half-term entertainment without anything being too scary.
Full details here – Billy Sparks Trick or Treat? Magic and gunge show
Family Halloween party at The Ashcroft – book now for 2026
When: 18th October 2026
Where: The Ashcroft, Whitworth Civic Hall, Whitworth, OL12 8DP
Cost: £2 per ticket
Summary: Halloween games and spooky disco, fancy dress encouraged.
Book here – Halloween Family Party
Halloween at Billy bobs Myerscough – Details for 2026
When: 26th September – 1st November 2026
Where: Billy Bob’s Parlour Ltd, North Planks Farm, Garstang Road, Myerscough, PR3 5AD
The pumpkins are arriving, the cobwebs are going up and there are some decidedly peculiar things taking shape behind the scenes.Also includes bounce house (£3.50 per child), haunted trail (£4.50 per child), Professor Nit Wit’s madcap lab (science, silliness and sweet treats), candy scramble (£3.50 per child). Pumpkins for sale, Halloween treats in the parlour and so much more!
Full details here – Halloween at Billy Bob’s!
Find our review of Billy Bobs here – Billy Bob’s Preston
Spooktacular Halloween Hunt at Bold Venture Park – details for 2026
Where: Bold Venture Park Scout Hut, Manor Road, BB3 2SN
When: 30th October 2026 – 5:30pm
A family event with hot chocolate, a spooky hunt, fancy dress and more!
Full details here – Halloween hunt
Free Creepy Before Christmas – details for 2026
Where: Affinity Lancashire
When: 24th – 31st October 2026
Meet the Creepy Before Christmas crew, including Jack Skellington, Sally and Oogie Boogie, and join in with Oogie Boogie’s Silent Halloween Bash and Glitter Goo Lab. Take part in the Spellbound Search, meet the spooky Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus, discover the School of Spells and Secrets, then say hello to Wednesday, Morticia and Thing from the Addams Family!
Full details here – Creepy Before Christmas
Free Halloween activities at Fishergate shopping centre – details for 2026
Where: Fishergate Shopping Centre, Fishergate, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8HJ
24th October, 11am – 3pm; Sing and dance with the Wicked duo, and decorate your very own trick or treat pouch, perfect for all those goodies!
28th October, 11am – 3pm; get crafty at this spooky mask workshop!
30th October, 11am – 3pm; Enjoy wizard training with the magical duo, decorate your very own witches hat and create a magical potion!
Full details here – Halloween at Fishergate
Free Halloween trail and activities, Heysham Nature Reserve – Book now for 2026
Where: Heysham Nature Reserve, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA3 2UW
When: 26th October 2026
Free but booking required.
Why not dress up and explore the reserve solving the scary clues, whilst joining in on games and making a skeleton or two.
All trail materials and direction are provided along with step-by-step instruction in making the crafts. This is a family session, and all children need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Refreshments will be available.
Book here – Halloween trail and activities, Heysham Nature Reserve
Wirey Halloween Workshop, Heysham Nature Reserve – Book now for 2026 – low cost
Where: Heysham Nature Reserve, Morecambe, Lancashire, LA3 2UW
When: 27th October 2026
£4 per family
This workshop led by Helen Yates from ‘Burning Light Arts’ will guide you through the process of creating your own pumpkin/skeleton or both sculptures. Your 3D wire creations will grow using various mediums and with no previous experience required this workshop is suitable for all skill levels
Book here – Wirey Halloween Workshop
Halloween update to Room on the Boom trail at Gizburn Forest – low cost
When – throughout October
Follow the trail through the forest to discover spellbinding stops filled with fun Room on the Broom activities and fascinating forest facts. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand along the way and collect special ingredients to complete the spell.
These trails are fantastic for families. They keep your children entertained on a short walk. There are large boards along the trail, filled with illustrations based on the book, fun facts and activities. Young children love how these trails bring their favourite books to life.
Packs cost £4 from the visitors centre.
Visiting this Halloween? Look out for magical cauldrons along the trail throughout October. Solve the clues and complete the crossword to earn a special sticker reward.
Halloween leaflets are £1.50, or free when you purchase a Room on the Broom trail pack.
Full details here – Forestry England Room on the Broom Trails
Free Halloween events Liverpool
Below are all the free and low cost Halloween events in Liverpool. If you’re looking for more events and are happy to spend a little more on 1 or 2 events, find my full guide to Halloween events Liverpool for families here.
Stranger Folk, Speke Hall – details for 2026 – Free for NT members
Where: Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD
When: 10th October – 12th November 2026
Cost: included in admission costs
Summary: Go on an immersive adventure inspired by British folklore with the free Stranger Folk app at Speke Hall. Designed for families with children aged 7–12 who like to play together, the interactive game features sneaky goblins, cunning boggarts and stranger folk who are appearing through the cracks in our world.
Full details here – Stranger Folk
The Sorceress of Speke and the Lost Familiars, Speke Hall – details for 2026
Where: Speke Hall, The Walk, Speke, Liverpool, L24 1XD
When: 12th October – 8th November 2026
Cost: included in admission costs, free for NT members
Summary: The Sorceress of Speke trail is back this autumn but oh.. her mischievous animal familiars have gotten lost!
Carefully explore the grounds to find 5 activities that once completed will spell out the Magic Word you’ll need to shout to reunite the Sorceress with her friends!
Full details here – The Sorceress of Speke and the Lost Familiars
Halloween Party at Liverpool ONE – details for 2026
Where: Liverpool ONE
When: 31st October 2026, 11am – 4pm
Includes a children’s fancy dress competition, drumming workshop, zombie dancers, free kids fun and spooky entertainment.
Full details here – Halloween Party 2026 – Liverpool ONE
Free Day of the Dead Dance Workshop – details for 2026
Where: World Museum, William Brown St, Liverpool, L3 8EN
When: 28th October 2026
Summary: Celebrate Day of the Dead with a Traditional Dance from La Huasteca at 11am and 2pm in our Treasure House Theatre on the first floor.
As part of our Day of the Dead celebrations and to accompany the beautiful altar on display at the museum, we invite you to experience a traditional dance from the Nahua region of La Huasteca in Northeastern Mexico.
Full details here: Free Day of the Dead Dance Workshop
Free Spooky Sudley, Sudley House – Details for 2026
Where: Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road, Liverpool, L18 8BX
When: 30th & 31st October 2026
Summary: Family friendly Halloween celebrations
Full details – Spooky Sudley | National Museums Liverpool
Little Liverpool Halloween Special – book now for 2026
Where: Museum of Liverpool, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DG
When: 20th – 31st October 2026
Cost: £2 per child
Join Winnie the spider and some of her friends for a spooktacular special in the Little Liverpool gallery at the Museum of Liverpool. Come and explore our dedicated children’s gallery with some added Halloween themed fun.
Little Liverpool spooky specials are for visitors aged up to age 6 and their parents/carers.
Book here – Little Liverpool Halloween Special
Free Books Alive! Southport – details for 2026
When: 24th – 31st October 2026
With a magical ‘The Jolly Postman’ Trail taking over the town centre, a packed ‘Festival of Stories’ at The Atkinson and Southport Library, and a town-wide Fringe Festival filled with book-themed events and activities, this totally free festival brings children’s stories to life in exciting new ways.
Families can explore immersive storybook scenes inspired by ‘The Jolly Postman’, enjoy events with leading children’s authors and illustrators, and discover creative experiences hosted by local businesses and venues across Southport.
Full details here – Books Alive! Southport
Free Halloween events Cumbria
Below are all the free and low cost Halloween events in Cumbria. If you’re looking for more events and are happy to spend a little more on 1 or 2 events, find my full guide to Halloween events Cumbria here.
Twig or treat trail, BeWILDerwood Lake District, Brockhole on Windermere – details for 2026 – low cost
When: from 1st October 2026
Cost: £3 per child
Visit all 6 character doors along the trail and listen to what each character has to say. Along the way, discover who has left a tasty treat with two mystery letters and who has left nothing but a pile of twigs!
Full details here – Twig or treat
Orrest Head Halloween Trail – details for 2026
When: 24th & 25th, 31st October and 1st November 2026
Cost: £2 per trail map
Take the Halloween trail through the woods, if you’re brave enough!
Make it to the end and there’ll be a TRICK OR TREAT waiting for you! Get cosy around the fire with toasted marshmallows. Tuck into some delicious hot dogs.
Warm up with your favourite Blacksmiths coffee & treats. And keep your eyes peeled… you never know WHO (or WHAT) might be lurking in the woods!
Costumes are VERY much encouraged!
Full details here – Halloween event
Stranger Folk at Wray Castle – details for 2026
When: 19th October – 22nd November 2026 (selected dates
The spirit and human worlds are colliding. Sneaky Goblins, cunning Boggarts and Stranger Folk are slipping through the crack to stir up trouble. Gather your team, harness the elements and seal the rift before the creatures take hold. This is a real-world adventure for silly grown-ups and spirited kids to play together at selected National Trust places. Families can work together using only one mobile phone to immerse themselves in a rich story of play and strange goings-on.
The adventure starts with a voice note from a mysterious Old Crone, who guides you. Will you answer the call and close the rift before mischief turns to mayhem?
Play for a fast-paced 20 minutes or make it a day-long adventure to pause for scones and pick up where you left off.  
The app is designed for children aged 7-12 and can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google app stores. We’d encourage you to download the app ahead of your visit, although it can also be downloaded on arrival (depending on the Wi-Fi signal).
Book here – Stranger Folk at Wray Castle
Halloween family crafts at Keswick museum – details yet for 2026 – low cost
When: 29th October 2026,
Where: Keswick Museum, Station Road, Keswick, Cumbria, CA12 4NF
Cost: £6 per craft
Join the learning team in the Crosthwaite Room to create your own Boo-tiful, spooktacular clay gargoyle – or whatever other creepy creation takes your fancy! Roll, shape, and paint your very own ghastly masterpiece and take it home at the end of the session.
Book here – Halloween Crafts — Keswick Museum
Pumpkin carving at Allan Bank – book now for 2026 – low cost
Where: Allan Bank, Grasmere, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9QB
When: 25th – 31st October 2026
Cost: £5 per child plus normal admission fee, free admission for National Trust members. Book essential
Summary: They’ll provide the pumpkins, clear out the inside, and have all the tools you need to carve them.
Book here – Pumpkin Carving
Reds Pumpkin Patch & Maize Maze, Langwathby – details for 2026 – low cost
When: 3rd -4th, 10th-11th, 17th – 18th, 24th and 25th October 2026. 10am – 3pm
Where: Langwathby, Opposite Great North Air Ambulance.
No booking, free entry, free parking. Pumpkins priced from £2 and then going up £1 per kg. Cash only.
Well-behaved dogs on leads allowed.
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and cold drinks will be available. Sweet and snacks available. Alpaca meet and greet.
Maize maze is back. Entry is £4 per person if you buy a pumpkin. £6 per person if you just want to do the maze. Under 2s are FREE.
Full details here – REDS PUMPKIN PATCH 2026
Halloween update to Room on the Boom trails at Grizedale and Whinlatter Forests – 2026 details, low cost
When – throughout October
Follow the trail through the forest to discover spellbinding stops filled with fun Room on the Broom activities and fascinating forest facts. Help Witch find her lost hat, bow and wand along the way and collect special ingredients to complete the spell.
These trails are fantastic for families. They keep your children entertained on a short walk. There are large boards along the trail, filled with illustrations based on the book, fun facts and activities. Young children love how these trails bring their favourite books to life.
Packs cost £4 from the visitors centre.
Visiting this Halloween? Look out for magical cauldrons along the trail throughout October. Solve the clues and complete the crossword to earn a special sticker reward.
Halloween leaflets are £1.50, or free when you purchase a Room on the Broom trail pack.
Full details here – Forestry England Room on the Broom Trails
Stranger Folk at Allan Bank – details for 2026
When: 3rd October – 1st November 2026
As the spirit and human worlds collide, sneaky goblins, cunning beggars and Stranger Folk are slipping through the crack to stir up trouble. Gather your team, harness the elements and seal the rift before the creatures take hold!\
The app is designed for children aged 7-12 and can be downloaded for free from Apple and Google app stores. We’d encourage you to download the app ahead of your visit, although it can also be downloaded on arrival (depending on the Wi-Fi signal).
Once you’ve downloaded the app, the adventure starts with a voice note from a mysterious Old Crone, who becomes your guide. She’ll direct you through a series of silly and magical tasks in the Allan Bank grounds to help find the Stranger Folk and decide their fate. Have you ever charmed a worm or wassailed a tree? Have a go and test your creative skills this October in this new game.
Book here – Stranger Folk at Allan Bank
Free Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny at Grizedale – 2026 details
When: 24th October 2026
Come and hear the ​brand-​new Gruffalo story​ from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler​ at our Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny event. And meet The Gruffalo too!
Gruffalo Granny storytelling sessions and Gruffalo meet-and-greets will be taking place at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of other fun, family activities on offer at Grizedale.
Fun activities – Forest crafts and Outdoor games (weather dependent)
Full details – Storytime with Gruffalo Granny
Free Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny at Whinlatter – 2026 details
When: 25th October 2026
Come and hear the ​brand-​new Gruffalo story​ from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler​ at our Welcome to Storytime with Gruffalo Granny event. And meet The Gruffalo too!
Gruffalo Granny storytelling sessions and Gruffalo meet-and-greets will be taking place at various times throughout the day and there will be lots of other fun, family activities on offer at Whinlatter.
Fun activities – colouring and Outdoor games (weather dependent)
Full details – Storytime with Gruffalo Granny
More things to do this October half term in the North West
Find all the pumpkin patches in our region here (there are loads!) – Pumpkin picking North West.
Find all the other October half term activities North West here.
Have you decided on your Christmas days out? If not I’ve rounded up all the best events in the North West for you here – Christmas Events North West.
Find all the bonfires and firework displays here – Fireworks displays North West.
