Halloween Days out in Essex

Halloween Days Out in Essex 2022

Looking to entertain the kids for Halloween Half Term in 2023? Whether you’re interested in the classic pumpkin picking experience to Halloween festivals, Spooky Parties, Alpaca Trekking Adventures to Eerie Train Rides, we have got you covered. I’ve compiled a selection of some of the most fun and unusual Halloween Days Out for the Family in Essex:

Barleylands Halloween Fest and Spooky Nights

Barleylands Farm Park are running Halloween Fest every day from Saturday the 21st to Sunday 29th of October. This year they have lots of fun activities planned for a hauntingly good half-term,including singing, dancing and a spellbinding story time with Witch and Cat. There will also be pumpkin decorating – your little ones can pick a pumpkin from our paddock to decorate, ready for Halloween! There will be a spooky walk through labyrinth, a ghostly trail, as well as all the usual farm favourites.

Spooky evenings are running 26th to the 28th October, packed with thrills, spills and chills for tots to young teens.  A brilliant Skittleman disco, toddler fairground rides, spooky walks and safe trick or treating around The Village. Tickets must be pre booked online. See our review from a previous visit to Barleylands Spooky Nights. Tickets from £17 per person. Under 2’s are £3.

Location: Barleylands Farm Park & The Village, Barleylands Road, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD.

Marsh Farm Halloween Festival

Marsh Farm Halloween Festival in South Woodham Ferrer’s are having lots of spooky fun for Halloween at the farm, activities include:

🧟 Spooky Walkaround Entertainment
🎶 Glastokids Spooky Show
🎃 Pumpkin Village Included. Free Pumpkin to the value of £3 per full paying child.

👻 Children’s Trick or Treat Hunt
🕺 Witches Wiggle Disco
🚂 Ride the Train
⛱️ Sand Pit Fun
🤪 Adventure Play

⛳ Crazy Golf
🐷 Adorable Animals
🎠 Carousel, Tea Cup and Galloper* Rides
🍔 Restaurant & Takeaway Food and Drink

🤪 Outdoor Play
🏰 Bouncy Pillows
😀 Soft Play

Running from 14th & 15th and 21st to 29th October 2022 and tickets must be prebooked. They are: £17.99-19.99 per person, toddler (6 months to 2 years) – £5.

Location: Marsh Farm, Marsh Farm Rd, South Woodham Ferrers, CM3 5WP.

Wyvern Wood

WyvernWood, St. Osyth Road, Alresford, Colchester, CO7 8AP. Wyvernwood is an immersive outdoor adventure park in a beautiful and magical setting on the outskirts of Alresford, near Colchester, that offers a unique experience like no other in the UK. Can you help reverse the curse of the wicked witch this Halloween? Running from the 21st to 29th October.

Adventure Park, Spooktacular Activities, Fire Breather, Fairytale Face Painting, Magic Show, Fancy Dress, Scary Snacks, Terrifying Treasure. Tickets are £14.88.

Location: Wyvernwood, St. Osyth Road, Alresford, Colchester, Essex, CO7 8AP.

Wild Forest Obstacle Activity Centre

Nuclear Races at Wild Forest Obstacle Activity Centre, are holding a Halloween Pumpkin Patch Pick and Play 90 minute sessions.

Beat the Nuclear Wall | Climb Walls & Cargo Nets | Swing on the Rings | Hang Out on the Monkey Bars | Take on the mud jump course. Plus a free pumpkin to take home.

It is £23 per child, book online.

Location: Parsonage Farm, Kelvedon Hatch, Brentwood, Essex CM15 0LA.

Old Macdonalds Farm & Fun Park

Old Macdonalds Farm Halloween Festival are running their Halloween Festival from 21st to 31st October 2023.

Activities include:

• Haunted House
• OMD Magic School
• Roller Coaster
• Scary Stories with Miraiker
• Ghost Trail
• Pumpkin Patch with free pumpkin for each child
• Free Halloween Tattoos
• Creepy Crawly Meerkat Feeding and Talks
• Animal Talks with Sunny the Owl

Tickets must be prebooked online. Adult – £19.50 discounted to £16.57 if booked at least 7 days before, Child (2-15) – £20.00 (discounted to £17 when prebooked). Under 2’s are FREE. Concessions also available.

Location: Weald Road, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5AY.

Audley End Miniature Railway

Audley End Miniature Railway in Saffron Walden Essex. Train ride through the woods to visit the witches and their monster friends, a gift for every child, perform spells with William the Woodland Wizard, Adventure Play Area. See our full review of Audley End Halloween Train here.

Running from 21st October to 31st October, 2023. Must Book online.

Ticket info: Adults and Children over 92cm – £17.00
Child Under 92cm – £8.50
Child under 1 Year – Free
Carer of disabled – Free

Location: Audley End Miniature Railway, Audley End Road, Audley End, Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 4JB.

Epping Ongar Railway

Epping Ongar Railway, Ongar Fright Week, 5 spooky ghost train events during 25th to 28th October.

Take a ride on the steam hauled ghost train from North Weird. Before boarding, dare you collect an activity pack from our spooky porter? During the journey, watch out for spooky characters on board who will scare and entertain in equal measure. On arrival at Ongar, look out for the ghosts as you follow the ghost hunt, and admire the gruesome graveyard, and why not enjoy a calming hot chocolate or other refreshments from the Buffet Stop cafe? There may be theatrical smoke and other effects too. Tickets are £16 per adult and £10 per child. Tickets must be prebooked. Refreshments available and toilet facilities.

Location: North Weald Station CM16 6BT.

North Weald & District Miniature Railway

North Weald & District Miniature Railway are running Halloween Spooky Specials on 22nd, 27th & 28th October.

Before it’s dark is suitable for all ages and after darkness it gets spookier, with special effects, smoke machines and spooky characters! Children also each receive a bag of sweets. Tickets must be booked online and are £4 each.

Location: Harlow Garden Centre, Canes Lane Hastingwood CM17 9LD

Southend Halloween Parade

Its the 3rd annual Southend Halloween Parade on Saturday 28th October 2023. A frightfully fun (and free) evening of music, dancing, amazing costumes and huge light up puppets at this spooktacular parade… and don’t miss the fireworks finale! 

At Southend Seafront, 6 -7:30pm.

Hasty’s Adventure Farm

Pumpkin Week runs at Hasty’s Adventure Farm from Saturday, October 21, 2023 – Sunday, October 29, 2023..

Location: Hastys Adventure Farm, West Rd, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1AG.

Thurrock Garden Centre

OCTOBER HALF TERM Children’s Events at Thurrock Garden Centre.

• Halloween Party with Ash-Lee Entertainment on Monday 23rd October.
• Spooktacular Buscuit Decorating with The wallace kitchen on Wednesday 25th October.
• Spooky Slime Making Sessions with Essex Slime Company on Thursday 26th October.
• Frightfully Exciting Party with Party Monsters Children’s Entertainer on Friday 27th October.

Visit Thurrock Garden Centre website to book.

Location: Thurrock Garden Centre, South Road, South Ockendon, Essex, RM15 6DU.

Spookyfest Halloween Family Fun

Spookyfest is at Crouch Valley Showground. Entertain the Kids in the newly revamped Halloween Marquee and be met by spooks, ghouls, dancing clowns and creepy crawlies. Don’t forget to dress up in your Halloween Costumes and join the fun. The price includes two crafts, trick or treat street (FNAB), spooky story, creepy crawlies and a disco. Activities:

Pick your very own munchkin pumpkin from our patch and plant up with a spikey succulent ready for Halloween.

• Hear all the gossip and tittle tattle from the wicked witch of Spooky Fest!
• Decorate your very own Halloween decoration to spooky your family and friends.
• Dance, jive and jig to the creepy music with your favourite Halloween characters.
• Rats, frogs, lizards and scorpions, snakes and spiders too, will you be brave enough to meet the critters?
• Knock, Knock, who’s there? Only for the bravest children a trip into the spooky street.

Tuesday 24th October until Sunday 29th October 11am till 4pm. Tickets are £15 per child and £4 per adult.

Location: Crouch Valley Showground, A1245 Rayleigh, Essex

Animal Experiences

Eden Oasis Animal Experiences

Eden Oasis Animal Discovery Halloween Experience runnning Monday to Friday Half Term.

🎃 90 minutes of Halloween fun
🦨 Meet spooky bugs, mammals and reptiles
🐍 Themed arts and crafts
🪳 Fear challenge
👶🏽 Toddler specials

It is just £12.99 for adults and children! Only 18 spaces per session. Everyone in attendance will require a ticket. Book online. Parent and toddler special – 18th, 20th & 31st October.

Location – Howe Green, Chelmsford, CM2 7TB.

All Things Alpaca – AWAITING INFO FOR 2023

All Things Alpaca in Chelmsford are offering lots of Spook-tastic activities with all of of their farmyard friends this October half term including: Alpaca Trekking, Mini Beasts, Animal Meet and Greets and Junior Farmer experiences. Prices start from £5 and you need to book in advance.

Location: Lathcoats Farm, Beehive Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 8LX.

The Ramblers Riding Club

The Ramblers Riding Club in Leigh on Sea is hosting a Spooky Fun Day on 25th October as 10-12pm and 1pm & 3pm. Pony ride & grooming, Small animal petting, Halloween arts and crafts, Pumpkin carving, Cupcake decorating and ghost hunting. Booking is required, £32.50 per person.

White Elm Petting Farm – AWAITING INFO FOR 2023

White Elm Petting Farm in Bicknacre, Chelmsford is having some Halloween fun on the Farm. Play their spooky Halloween games to win a sweet treat! Your farm entrance also includes entry to the indoor play barn and outdoor play area. There is also a tea room on site, garden centre shop and shopping village. Open every day in half term except Tuesday 25th October.

The Petting Farm is online booking only, with 2 sessions each day either 9am to 12.30pm or 12.30pm to 4pm.

Call of the Wild Zoo

Call of the Wild Zoo in South Woodham Ferrers are having a week of Halloween fun! From the 23rd – 31st October. The fun includes: filled with tantalizing BBQ delights, a colourful colouring competition, wickedly good face painting, a pumpkin patch and a jaw-dropping fancy dress competition. Tickets can be booked online via their website.

Location: Call of the Wild Zoo , Wickford Road, Woodham Ferrers CM3 5QZ.

Museums

Museum of Power

Halloween at the Museum of Power in Langford, near Maldon, running from Wednesday 25th to Sunday 31st October 2023.

• Bug Hunt – join Essex Wildlife to find the bugs and creepy crawlies in the grounds.
• Autumn Arts and Crafts – have fun painting, hiding and finding rocks around the Museum grounds.
• Exciting engineering – can you build the strongest bridge or tallest newspaper tower? A prize will be given to the bridge that is strongest and the tower that reaches the highest heights.
• Professor Dean the Steampunk Scientist and Magician will be here as well as Royal Society of Chemists & Let’s Get Crafty Walk in activities, Miniature Railway & Astaria Model Village open on Thursday 26th October ONLY.

Note that the Museum is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. Normal Museum entry prices apply: Adults £7.00, Concessions £6.00, Children (5 to 15) £3.50 and Children under 5 £1.

Location: Museum of Power, Langford, Essex CM9 6QA.

Southend Planetarium

Explore the Moon at Halloween at Southend Planetarium. Shows are running at 2pm throughout the October half term week, 25th – 29th October, with the shows on the 26th – 29th having a spooky Halloween twist.

Tickets are £8 each and all children must be aged 7 or above.

Call us at Central Museum on 01702 212345 to book tickets!

Location: Central Museum, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6EW.

Prittlewell Priory, Southend

Prittlewell Priory are hosting the following events:

Fright at the Museum

A spook-tacular event which includes face painting, Halloween themed craft activities, a Halloween trail, and spooky shorts. This event is running Wednesday 25th, Thursday 26th & Friday 27th October! Each day has three different time slots you can choose from. Whilst there is no end time to your tickets we ask you to please be mindful of other visitors with later entry times. Feel free to dress up in your favourite Halloween costumes!

Tickets are £5 per child and 1 adult goes free with every ticket. Visit here to book.

On the 27th October they are showing the cult classic Beetlejuice. Check out their facebook page.

Location: Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6NB.

Victourian Spooktacular

Have you ever wondered what the Victorians thought about death? Now is your time to find out!

Visit Southend Museum’s Prittlewell Priory in the Victorian parlour on the 26th & 27th October to explore the customs and traditions surrounding death during the Victorian period.

Your ticket also includes a hot drink after your tour! Tickets can be purchased here.

They recommend this tour for 11+ due to the content focusing heavily on death and dying, but we welcome adults to use their discretion if younger children would like to attend.

Location: Priory Park, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS2 6NB.

Chelmsford Museum

Chelmsford Museum are hosting a hauntingly fun half term activity Spooky Shadows and Frightening Familiars. Where you learn more about witchcraft with some spooky puppet making!

There are activities for all ages in a two-hour craft making workshops. Kids can enjoy:

– Colouring in paper finger puppets (suitable for ages 2+)
– Creating shadow puppets and playing with our shadow puppet theatre to test them out! (suitable for ages 4+)
– Making cardboard tube puppets inspired by witch’s familiars (suitable for ages 6+).

There are also opportunities for dressing up, anyone already dressed in a frightening costume are welcome!

Everyone attending the session will need to book a free place, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be booked on their facebook page.

Location: Oaklands Park, Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 9AQ.

Pumpkin Patches

We are spoilt for choice with some fabulous pumpkin picking patches in Essex, check out our list of some of the best places in Essex to pick you own pumpkins and get that perfect pumpkin photo:

Scotts of Southend Pumpkin Picking Barn

At Scotts of Southend Pumpkin Picking Barn this Halloween season you can enjoy picking your pumpkins in style and away from the cold and mud! They have added a Halloween VR Ride, which is brand new or this year.

Free entry and free parking. Open 1st-29th October Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm & Sundays 10am to 4pm.  Indoors, weather proof & flat floor surface.  Pick your own pumpkins and gift area. Access to toilets and restaurant.  They also have the Ghost Busters visiting us on the 14th & 21st Oct.

They also offer Halloween Afternoon Tea packages for you to choose from and Special Twilight evenings that include the afternoon tea. Running 27th & 28th October. See our review of the Pumpkin Barn at Scotts of Southend.

Location: Inside Scott’s of Southend Garden Centre SS4 1LQ.

Cammas Hall Farm

Cammas Hall Farm at Hatfield Broad Oak, you can pick your own pumpkin, enjoy a tractor and trailor ride, get lost in their Maize Maze, face painting or maybe make your own Halloween mask. Don’t forget to stop off for a Halloween treat in their Tea Barn. Their Wicked Walkways are great fun! You can read a review of our previous visit to Halloween at Cammas Hall Farm here.

Pumpkin Patch & Halloween Experience runs from 30th September to 29th October. First entry 9am and last entry 4pm and booking required.

Ticket price is for admission only and includes the following:
🎃 Entrance to the pumpkin patch yet with over 40 varieties of pumpkin and squash to choose from.
🧙 Interaction with our fabulous Halloween characters.
😈 Wicked Walkway with haunting props and surprises (slightly spooky and super scary options to cater for all ages and sensibilities!).
📷 Lots of photo opportunities! We have some amazing backdrops and scenes set.
🌾 20% discount on entry to the Halloween themed Maize Maze open 10am with last entry at 3pm (7pm when the pumpkin nights are running). Tickets to be purchased on arrival – no pre-booking available. At this time of year the maze is not suitable for buggies so please bring a baby carrier. Please note that it may be necessary to close the maze if the weather has been bad and conditions are unfavourable.

Tickets need to be prebooked in advance. Free car parking, catering and toilet facilities available. Sen sessions are 9am & 9.15am Sunday 8th October and 8.30am & 8.45am Monday 23rd October.

Location: Cammas Hall Farm Needham Green, Hatfield Broad Oak CM22 7JT.

Foxes Farm – The Pumpkin Patch

Foxes Farm The Pumpkin Patch at Basildon, SS15 4ER or Colchester, CO6 3PR. At The Pumpkin Patch in Essex you can expect over 15 different pumpkins and squash varieties. Activities include:

• Pick your own pumpkin patch.
• Ready cut pumpkin picking from the field
• Straw bales sofa
• Bale mountain
• Obstacles
• Scavenger Hunt game
• Lots of photo opportunities
• Wheelbarrows

There is also catering and toilet facilities, hand sanitiser stations and car parking available on site. Event village with food stalls, face painting, and more photo opportunities including Fergie tractor and swing. Lots of traditional games including tug of war, drainpipes, giant twister, welly swinging and mini tractors in the field of fun!

Opening dates: Opens 30th September – 9am-5pm with last entry at 4pm. For full dates check their website. They also offer Twilight tickets.

Tickets range are £5.00 per person or £16 for 4 tickets. Visit their website to book your slot.

Location: Basildon, SS15 4ER or Colchester, CO6 3PR.

Hurleys Pumpkin Forest

Hurley’s Pumpkin Forest is a pumpkin farm and patch. It is based at Battlesbridge, Essex and is located just off the Rettendon Turnpike on Woodham Road (the old Woodham to Wickford road). Running weekends 7th/8th, 14th/15th plus open daily from 18th to 31st October.

Entry to the pumpkin farm and pumpkin patch needs to be pre-booked. Bookings can be made on their website, entry is £10 per car at peak times and £5 off peak. At the farm you only pay for the pumpkins that you want to buy and any special additional activities you may want to purchase on the day. Pumpkin Crafts & Maize Maze additional costs. They also offer twilight tickets.

Location: Hurleys Pumpkin Forest & Christmas tree farm, Woodham Road (Old Road), Battlesbridge, Wickford, Essex, SS11 7QL.

Pumpkin Village at Marsh Farm

The Pumpkin Village & Halloween shopping experience is next door to Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex.

With a pick your own pumpkin experience and plenty of photo opportunities. There is a Halloween shop for spooky treats, along with catering and toilet facilities available. Entry is £2.99 to £5.99 per person and tickets must be prebooked. Free parking and timed entry slots to the Pumpkin Village, customers can enjoy a visit to the Pumpkin Village from 28th September to 31st October. Pumpkin Village Nights are available.

Location: Marsh Farm Rd, Chelmsford CM3 5WP.

Hatter’s Farm Pick your Own Pumpkin

Hatter’s Farm is based in Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford, CM22 6NPP. With over 25 varieties of pumpkin available. As well as pick your own pumpkin, they have plenty of other activities from the Pumpkin Cannon to the Maize Maze.

They are open on the 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, and 21st to 29th of October, giving you plenty of time to explore our fields and other activities.

Pumpkin Nights event will be open on the 21st to 24th and 26th to 29th of October. If you want to get the best pumpkin picking photos then we recommend visiting sooner rather than later! Tickets are £1 per person.

In addition to the pumpkin picking, there will also be:

•  Pumpkin Cannons
•  Maize Maze
•  Spooky Marquee
•  Pumpkin House
•  Nature Trail
•  Food and drinks
•  Loads of photo opportunities
•  Toilet facilities
•  Free parking

Location: Hatter’s Farm, Takeley, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 6NP.

Skylark at Prettyfields Vineyard

Sky Lark at Prettyfields Vineyard in Ardleigh, Essex have a Pumpkin Patch & Spooky Vineyard Trail running from 21st – 29th October 2023. Time slots are 9am to 1pm and 1pm to 4.15pm everyday.

Pop along to Skylark this Halloween season and pick your favourite pumpkin from the patch in their vines. They have pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and colours to carve, cook, or decorate with! Take part in the spooky vineyard trail, enjoy some food & refreshments on the terrace, including spider cookies, scary cupcakes and Halloween hot chocolate. Take part in the Pumpkin Carving Competition on Instagram to win free cake for a year, along with other prizes for second and third place.

Tickets include:

• Pick your own pumpkins
• Spooky Vineyard Trail
• Trail games
• Scavenger hunt
• Use of wheelbarrows
• Free parking
• Toilet facilities

Location: Prettyfields Vineyard, Dead Lane, Ardleigh, Essex, CO7 7PF.

Cobbs Farm

Pick your own Pumpkins at Cobbs Farm in Goldhanger, Maldon CM9 8BQ. No booking required. Open from 21st October to Sunday 31st October Oct, 10-4pm.

Family friendly event to pick you own pumpkin this half term. A real working farm that open’s its gates for a few days every year for a fun chance to search the vast pumpkin patch to pick perfect pumpkins. They have a large range of edible squashes to try.

Location: Cobbs Farm, Maldon Road, Goldhanger, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8BQ.

Otto’s Pumpkin Patch

Otto’s Pumpkin Patch in Braintree has Pick Your Own Perfect Pumpkin. Choose from a variety of pumpkins and squashes of all shapes and sizes. Booking is a must!

• Trailer rides*
• Decorated faraway forest with an interactive quiz
• Games area
• Giant art board
• Hot and cold refreshments available, picnics are also welcome
• and lots and lots of stunning photo opportunities.

Opening Times:

Saturday 30th September – Sunday 1st October
Friday 6th – Sunday 8th October
Friday 13th – Sunday 15th October
Friday 20th – Sunday 29th October (Half Term)

Located at Otto’s Pumpkin Patch, Long Green, Cressing, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8DL.

Lathcoats Farm

Lathcoats Farm Beehive Lane, Galleywood, CM2 8LX. Their Pumpkin Festival includes a Pumpkin Patch, Halloween Trail, Outdoor Games, PYO Apples and more starts 14th October. They also have a farm shop and and The Bee Shed Cafe on site.

Tickets £1 and you can book online.

Fobbing Farm Shop

Fobbing Farm Shop in Fobbing, Stanford-le-Hope have a pumpkin patch and halloween activities to enjoy. Adventure around their pumpkin picking patch whilst enjoying lots of photo opportunities with our scary Fobbing Ghosts, Ghouls and witches. Have fun with the singing Pumpkins and look around the Halloween shop. Their event is running:

• Friday 20th October 4pm – 8pm
• Saturday 21st October 10am – 8pm
• Sunday 22nd October 10am – 5pm
• Friday 27th October 10am – 8pm
• Saturday 28th October 10am – 8pm
• Sunday 29th October 10am – 8pm
• Monday 30th October 10am – 8pm
• Tuesday 31st October 10am – 8pm

£3 per child (ADULTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO BOOK). *Pumpkin is not included in the fee.

Location: Fobbing Farm Shop – Gables Farm, SS17 9HT.

PYO Pumpkin & Squash Patch at Sarah Green’s Organics family farm 

The PYO Pumpkin Patch at Sarah Green’s Organics family farm is a free event pumpkin patch opening 30th September. They have so many stunning varieties of Pumpkins & Squash, games and refreshments. Opening every weekend in October 10am-3pm and October half term.

Address: Mark farm, Tillingham, Essex, CM0 7SP.

At Farmer Scotts, their pumpkins are grown in a 35 acre field during the summer months and harvested ready for you to pick throughout October and ready for Halloween.

Explore the pumpkin patch whilst you try to find your perfect pumpkins with the rolling Essex countryside as your backdrop. There are a range of pumpkins for you to pick, big oranges ones, medium white ones or even small ugly ones! Take full advantage of the fun photo stations and farming props to get that essential Instagram pic.

Take a well-earned rest in our refreshment area where you will find food and drink to refuel. Why not browse the gift shop to take home a souvenir that you visited Farmer Scott’s Pumpkin Patch. Plenty of free parking. £5 entry includes a pumpkin or a hot drink.

Location: Chequers Rd, Brentwood CM14 5RB.

Calcott Hall – AWAITING 2023 INFO

Calcott Hall in Brentwood have Spooky Halloween Pumpkin Picking and Carving from Tuesday 25th to Thursday 27th October. There will be Face-painting and creepy cupcakes. You can also go Sweetcorn picking in the Spooky Corn patch.

No need to book Just turn up. Small extra charge for Carving £3.00 but saves you all the mess!

FARMER SCOTTS PUMPKIN PICKING

Forest, Parks & Outdoors

Wat Tyler Country Park – AWAITING INFO FOR 2023

Wat Tyler Country Park in Basildon have a wonderful schedule of activities for October Half Term:

Pond dips can be surprisingly spooky! With see-through phantom-midges and leeches in the ponds, you might even catch a ‘ghost’ or a vampire: for real! Mon 24th and Tuesday 25th October 2022 11.30am Price: £5.25 per child. Age suitability: 3+.

Spiders ‘n’ Bats: Get crafty and make a model spider and bat to take away. Mon 24th and Tuesday 25th October 2022 2:30pm. Price £7.25 Age suitability: 2+.

Soft Archery – Mon 24th and Tues 25th October, 1pm. Thurs 27th and Fri 28th October at 11am. Price: £5.25 per child. Age suitability: 5+ though catapults are available for young children.

Belchamps Scout Activity Centre

The Haunted Pumpkin Patch at Belchamps Scout Centre is running 23rd – 27th October 2023.

Follow a map and a set of clues around the centre to find the haunted pumpkin patch. Lots of bridges to cross, fields to explore and woods to navigate in this fun adventure for all the family. Just £5.50 per child and adults are free. Every child will get to take home their own pumpkin.

Refreshments available. Book online.

Location: Holyoak Lane, Hawkwell SS5 4JD.

Essex Wildlife Trust

Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park are running a Pumpkin Trail.

Hanningfield Reservoir are running Spooky Spells and Pongy Potions, Spooky evening in Nature

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre are running Wild Nights Out, a Halloween Potion Party

Belfairs Woodland Centre are running Halloween Wood Sessions, Creepy Crawlies & Brilliant Beasties

Langdon Nature Discovery Park are running Halloween Spooktacular sessions, wild evening out, Langdon Spooky Storytime,

Thameside Nature Discovery Park in Stanford-Le-Hope are running Spooky Science Sessions, Woodland Magic

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park are running Spooktacular Fun Sessions, Wicked Woodland Fun

Naze Nature Discovery Park in Walton on the Naze are running Naze Messy Magic, Pumpkin Carving, Creepy Creatures Trail

Tiptree Heath Nature Reserve are running Spooky Forest Fun Sessions

Ingrebourne Nature Discovery Centre in Hornchurch are a running Halloween Potion Party

Thorndon Nature Discovery Centre in Brentwood are running Woodland Magic

Halloween Parties & Shows

Marks Hall Estate Halloween Party

Visit Marks Hall Estate to keep the kids entertained this Halloween at the Creepy Coach House where you’ll find the spookiest disco around. There’ll be spooky songs, luminous lights, gruesome games, prizes, and creepy characters. Make sure you put on your best Halloween costume and head to the Creepy Coach House for an evening of frightening fun!

Date: 27 Oct – 27 Oct 2023 – 5pm – 6.30pm – £7.50.

Location: The Coach House, Markshall Estate, Coggeshall, Essex, CO6 1TG

Cromwell Manor Halloween Party

Cromwell Manor in Pitsea is holding their Halloween Party for under 7’s (although older children are very welcome).

Running on 24th October at 10am to 4pm, promising spooky crafts, party games, trick or treating, haunted door, apple dipping and a free pumpkin. Tickets are £10 per child and can be purchased on their website.

Location: Cromwell Manor, Pitsea Hall Ln, Pitsea, Basildon SS16 4UH.

Thames Chase Halloween Fancy Dress Party

Thames Chase have a frightfully good time in store for you. Join Little Legs for a Halloween Fancy Dress Party on Tuesday 24th October at 11am-1pm or 2pm to 4pm. Filled with party games, disco, mischief, mayhem and everything in between. The cost is £12 per child, and this includes unlimited juice and a lunch box supplied by The Thames Chase Forest Centre Tearoom. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Suitable for children aged 2-11 years.

Booking via the Thames Chase Visitor Centre: 01708 642970,

Location: Thames Chase Forest Centre, Broadfields Farm, Pike Lane Upminster, RM14 3NS.

Tots World Halloween Disco

Tots World at Walton Hall Farm in Stanford Le Hope are running a Halloween Disco on 27th October. Three time slots availae on the day.

• A Halloween disco with Party Monsters entertainment UV Style, includes:
• Soft play
• Role play
• UV Disco
• Games
• Magic
• Puppet show
• Craft
• Treat no tricks
• Goody bag
• And much much more

Under 6 months free with paying sibling, Child ticket 15.50, adults £1.50. All adults attending must purchase a ticket. All adults are guaranteed a seat. Tickets to be booked online at Tots World.

Location: Walton’s Hall Road, Linford, Stanford-le-Hope, SS17 0RH.

Harry Potter & Wednesday Musical Theatre Workshop

Standout Theatre Company are hosting a Harry Potter & Wednesday Themed Musical Theatre Workshops at James Hornsby School in Laindon on 26th October.

Drama & Singing workshop for those Harry Potter fans aimed at ages 6-16 years. Kids will spend the morning performing the most Iconic scenes from Hogwarts, followed by Halloween themed drama games and lots of fun and a creepy craft element too! Each performer will get to take home a trick or treat bag.

£20 per child, book online.

Looking for ideas free and cheap family days out in Essex?

Looking for a free Halloween Witch/Wizard Cutfile for Halloween crafting.

Thank you for reading ‘Halloween Days Out in Essex!’