Free spooky days out this Halloween

Looking for a frightfully fun day out this Halloween that won’t cost a penny? You don’t have to break the bank to make magical memories this spooky season. We’ve rounded up some of the best free and family-friendly events happening across England this October half term.

South of England

• Halloween Fun – The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson near Portsmouth is hosting a range of events, including with face-painting, crafts and storytelling sessions from 25 October – 2 November. Booking ahead is a must, as parking is limited.
• Spooky Storytelling – at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery on 31 October: under 5s in the morning, over 5s in the afternoon.
• Kensington’s Halloween: The Playful Park of Peculiar  – Expect mysterious goings-on and eerie entertainment in the heart of London from 24 – 31 October.
• Brent Cross Town Halloween Trail – A free trail for all the family, perfect for little witches and wizards from 12 October – 9 November.

Midlands

• Spooktacular Half-Term Fun – Walsall’s parks will be hosting crafting sessions and creepy games from 25 – 30 October.
• Hinckley Halloween Event – The free Halloween event on 25 October includes pumpkin bowling, spooky stalls and more.
• Scooby Doo and the Haunted Carnival – Head down to the atrium at Resorts World Birmingham on 27 – 28 October for a fang-tastic free time with Halloween-themed games.

North of England

• Halloween in the City in Manchester on 25 – 26 October promises monsters, music and more – all free!
• Out of This World 2025 in Sheffield on 26 October is a free city centre event that celebrates all things otherworldly.
• Star Walk in the Ghoul Holidays at Trinity Walk, Wakefield, on 31 October and 1 November will see Cosplay legends from Wicked, Ghostbusters, Star Wars and Transformers, plus loads of superheroes and villains invade the shopping centre, so get into the spirit this Halloween across two full free days of fun.
• Pumpkin Trail around Huddersfield from 27 – 31 October, with prizes for keen-eyed spotters.
• Halloween Monster Trail around the charming market town of Skipton from 27 October – 2 November.
• Pop-Up Pumpkin Patch & Trail in Ripon on 30 October is a perfect half-term family day out.
• Hebden BridgeHalloween Window Trail – Look out for something magical (and mysterious!) coming to Hebden Bridge this Halloween from 18 - 31 October. Prizes to be won.
• The Ghosts in the Gardens installations dotted around the city’s parks and green spaces will add a touch of magic to your Halloween from 19 September – 2 November.

England-wide: explore with National Trust and English Heritage

If you’re a National Trust or English Heritage member, there’s a cauldron full of Halloween adventures included in your membership this year. From eerie trails to pumpkin-packed adventures, most activities are at no extra cost.

Even without membership, it’s worth keeping an eye out - local papers sometimes run free family entry offers.

Money-saving tip

• You can use Tesco Clubcard vouchers to buy English Heritage membership.
• If you’ve earned cashback with Quidco, you can convert it into a National Trust gift card to pay for entry.

The National Trust has even launched a brand-new “Stranger Folk” digital adventure, perfect for 7–12-year-olds, at sites including:

• Belton House, Lincolnshire
• Kingston Lacy, Dorset
• Blickling Estate, Norfolk

Find more National Trust Halloween adventures
Check English Heritage Halloween events

And don’t forget…

Wherever you live, your local council, library or shopping centre may also be hosting free Halloween events - from craft sessions to fancy dress parades. For instance:

• Walthamstow Library is holding a free Halloween craft session for kids.
• Cusworth Hall (Doncaster) is running The Cusworth Cases autumn trail for all the family.

Scare without the spend

You don’t need to spend a fortune to make this Halloween memorable. With a little planning - and maybe a few creative costumes made from what you already have - you can enjoy a bewitching day out completely free.

So grab your little ghosts and ghouls, and get exploring!