Halloween · Saturday 31 October 2026
Halloween events near Manchester
The 2026 halloween events season has finished. These were this year’s listings; we’ll update them for 2027.
On next in Manchester: Bonfire Night near Manchester · Santa’s grottos near Manchester · Christmas markets near Manchester
We’ve checked 13 Halloween events within 32 miles of Manchester. 12 have confirmed 2026 dates, 1 is still to announce. The first starts on Saturday 3 October (Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival).
10 are gentle enough for young children and 3 are proper scares with age limits. Where prices are published, entry runs from £10 to £29.25 per person, and 2 are free to get in. 9 ask you to book ahead and 3 let you turn up on the day.
On this weekend
Based on each listing’s first and last dates. Some run on selected days only, so check times before you set off.
- ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween Pumpkin Festival
Reddish Vale Farm, Reddish, Stockport · 5 miles from Manchester
- When
- Sat 10 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Times
- 10am–4pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: Saturday 10 October – Saturday 31 October 2026, 10am–4pm
Prices: Farm admission plus pumpkin price (varies by size); tractor rides, marshmallow toasting, corn cannon, fairground rides and animal feeding cost extra
Whole farm decorated for Halloween with pumpkin patch, animal interactions, air bouncers, indoor and outdoor play, and a nature trail. Early bird tickets for the midweek offer have sold out.
Parking: Free parkingUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: reddishvalefarm.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
The Pumpkin Patch After Dark
Cockfields Farm Park, Ashton-under-Lyne · 7 miles from Manchester
- When
- Fri 23 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Times
- 5pm–8pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: Fri 23, Sat 24, Thu 29, Fri 30 & Sat 31 October 2026, 5pm–8pm
Prices: Prices vary by date, shown at booking; one free pumpkin included per ticket
Organiser says this is an evening event, not a scare event, and suits children of all ages. Includes pick-your-own pumpkin, character meet-and-greets (Jack & Sally, the Sanderson Sisters), a spooky disco, animal encounters and a fairground carousel. Card payments only.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: cockfields.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival
Quarry Bank (National Trust), Wilmslow · 9 miles from Manchester · run by National Trust
- When
- Sat 3 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Times
- 10:30am–5pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Trail
Dates: Saturday 3 October – Sunday 1 November 2026, 10:30am–5pm
Prices: Standard garden and parkland admission applies (exact trail cost not confirmed on the page checked)
First-ever scarecrow trail here: hunt scarecrows ranging from 'big to small, scary to friendly' plus an autumn-themed play area, crafts and storytelling. Apprentice House tours also run 24 Oct-1 Nov, suitable from age 6.
Parking: Designated disabled parking on site; general parking cost not statedAccess: Designated disabled parking and a fully accessible disabled toilet; free entry for carersChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: visitcheshire.com Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Skellies and Wellies Halloween Trail
Tatton Park, Knutsford · 12 miles from Manchester · run by Tatton Park (Cheshire East Council / National Trust)
- When
- Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Trail
Dates: Saturday 24 October – Sunday 1 November 2026 (closed Mondays)
Prices: Standard garden and parkland admission applies; no separate ticket found for the trail itself
Search 50 acres of autumnal gardens for nine hilarious and haunting skeleton displays. Tatton also runs a separate ticketed pumpkin patch at the farm and a 7-11s Myth, Magic and Mystery workshop (29-31 Oct, £15pp) during the same period.
Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: tattonpark.org.uk Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween 2026 at Smithills Open Farm
Smithills Open Farm, Bolton · 12 miles from Manchester
- When
- Sat 17 Oct – Sat 31 Oct
- Times
- Farm open 10am–5pm; Fright Night from 5:30pm
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: Pumpkin Picking 17–18 & 24–31 October; Halloween Special 24–31 October; Halloween Fright Night 31 October only, from 5:30pm
Prices: Pumpkin Picking £6 per pumpkin plus farm admission; Halloween Fright Night £16 per person
Daytime Halloween Special (24-31 Oct) has a spooky sweet hunt, a decorated farm and a fancy-dress competition, suitable for all ages and pram-friendly. A separate evening Halloween Fright Night (31 Oct, £16pp, age 6+) adds haunted tractor rides and a themed woodland walk and is 'not recommended for sensitive children'.
Under-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: smithillsopenfarm.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
High Legh Pumpkin Patch Halloween Evenings
High Legh Pumpkin Patch, High Legh, near Knutsford · 14 miles from Manchester
- When
- Sat 3 Oct – Fri 30 Oct
- Times
- Varies by session, see dates_text
- Price
- Free entry
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Farm event
Dates: Sat 3 & Sun 4 October 10am–5pm; Friday evenings 9, 16, 23 & 30 October 5pm–9pm (candlelit); half term Mon 26–Fri 30 October 10am–5pm; SEN-friendly session Sat 10 & Sun 11 October 9am–10am
Prices: Free entry, no booking required; pumpkins start from £2 depending on size
Friday evening sessions are candlelit with torch-lit paths for picking pumpkins after dark. A golden pumpkin is hidden daily during half term for a prize. Dogs welcome on a lead.
Parking: On-site parking, accessible from the car parkAccess: Wheelchair and pushchair accessible directly from the car parkDogs: WelcomeUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: highleghpumpkinpatch.co.uk Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Fright Fiesta
Gulliver's World, Warrington · 16 miles from Manchester · run by Gulliver's World Resort
- When
- Sat 10 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Price
- Tickets from £19
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Spooky, not scary
- Type
- Theme park event
Dates: Saturday 10 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Family theme park (designed for ages 2-13) with a spooky street parade, Gilly's Spooky Dance Party, Monster Mansion Mine and character meet-and-greets. Organiser describes it as 'friendly frights' rather than genuine scares.
Parking: Free onsite parkingUnder-5s: Good for themChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: gulliversworldresort.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Farmaggedon
Farmer Ted's Adventure Farm, Downholland, Ormskirk · 30 miles from Manchester · run by Farmaggedon (Escapade)
- When
- See dates below
- Price
- From £25
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Extreme, adults only
- Minimum age
- 16+
- Type
- Scare attraction
Dates: Selected nights through October 2026 (see the booking page for each night); entry sessions at 6:45pm, 7:15pm and 8pm, last entry 9:30pm
Times: Entry 6:45pm/7:15pm/8pm, last entry 9:30pm; open until around midnight
Prices: Original Fear from £25; Facility Fear from £32; Fast Pass Fear from £34; Ultimate Fear from £39
Strictly 16+ scare attraction with five live-actor scare mazes plus live music and street food. The organiser warns it is not suitable for anyone averse to strobe lighting, bright lights or sudden loud shockwaves.
Parking: Free car parking included with all ticket typesUnder-5s: Not suitableChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: farmaggedon.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween at Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester · 32 miles from Manchester
- When
- Sat 17 Oct – Sun 1 Nov
- Times
- 10am–4:30pm (standard zoo hours apply)
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Event
Dates: Saturday 17 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Prices: Free with standard zoo admission (Halloween face painting costs extra); free for zoo members
Included with standard zoo admission. Features a Top Trumps trail around the Islands habitats and giant pumpkin sculptures around the grounds; visitors get an exclusive Top Trumps card to keep.
Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: chesterzoo.org Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Halloween in the City
Manchester city centre (Exchange Square, Manchester Arndale, Mayfield, Medlock Square), Manchester city centre · run by CityCo, on behalf of Manchester City Centre BID (sponsored by Swizzels)
- When
- Sat 24 Oct – Sun 25 Oct
- Price
- Free
- Booking
- Just turn up
- Scare level
- Made for young children
- Type
- Trail
Dates: Main weekend Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 October 2026; part of an 8-day monster trail across city landmarks
Free monster trail across city landmarks from Exchange Square and Manchester Arndale to Mayfield and Medlock Square, plus a sweet stop, bake-off competition, live storytelling, disco and a roaming procession.
Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: cityco.com Event details - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Farm of Terror
Animal Quackers Farm, Bacup
- When
- See dates below
- Price
- See prices below
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Extreme, adults only
- Type
- Scare attraction
Dates: Organiser confirms a 2026 return but has not published exact dates, full pricing or a minimum age on its own site as of 27 Sep 2026
Prices: General entry price not published; a Gold-ticket add-on for the Saw Torture Room costs £12.50 if paid on the day
Live-actor horror maze near Bacup, Lancashire, marketed for those seeking an intense scare. Dates, prices and minimum age not confirmed yet; check the booking page before travelling.
Parking: No on-site parking at the farm itself; visitors are directed to a shuttle bus from a Morrisons car park (Lee St, Bacup OL13 0AR)Checked Sun 27 Sept · source: farmofterror.co.uk Tickets - ✓ 2026 dates confirmed
Goostrey Graveyards Scare Park
Goostrey Graveyards, Cranage · 19 miles from Manchester
- When
- See dates below
- Times
- 6:30pm–8:30pm last entry
- Price
- From £29.25
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Scary (live actors)
- Type
- Scare attraction
Dates: October 2026; the organiser's own calendar shows dates but does not label which nights are Family vs 18+ (exact split not confirmed on the page checked). Doors from 6:30pm, last entry strictly 8:30pm
Prices: General admission £29.25 (incl. booking fee); Family Ticket £112.50; Golden Goose 18+ £31.50; Golden Goose Family £102.50
Brand-new scare park for the North West with five mazes (Shadowbound, Restless Waters, The Forgotten Fort, Toybox of Terrors, The Hunt). Runs separate Family Nights and 18+ Nights (ID required for 18+); tickets are non-refundable once bought.
Under-5s: Not suitableChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: goostreygraveyards.com Tickets - Awaiting 2026 dates
Heaton Park of Horrors
Zip World Manchester, Heaton Park, Manchester · 4 miles from Manchester · run by Zip World
- When
- Last year: 25–31 October 2025, 7:30pm–10:30pm
- Price
- From £10
- Booking
- Book ahead
- Scare level
- Spooky, not scary
- Minimum age
- 3+
- Type
- Scare attraction
Prices: From £10 per person plus a £5 booking fee per order (2025 pricing)
One-hour Treetop Nets session with a 'supernatural scavenger hunt', suitable from age 3. The venue says it returns 8 October-1 November 2026, but online booking is not open yet; confirm before travelling.
Parking: On-site parking bookable in advance, from around £3 per vehicleChecked Sun 27 Sept · source: zipworld.co.uk Tickets
Compare at a glance
| Name | Where | When | From | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halloween Pumpkin Festival | Reddish, Stockport (5 mi) | Sat 10 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | — | Book ahead |
| The Pumpkin Patch After Dark | Ashton-under-Lyne (7 mi) | Fri 23 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | — | Book ahead |
| Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival | Wilmslow (9 mi) | Sat 3 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | — | — |
| Skellies and Wellies Halloween Trail | Knutsford (12 mi) | Sat 24 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | — | Turn up |
| Halloween 2026 at Smithills Open Farm | Bolton (12 mi) | Sat 17 Oct – Sat 31 Oct | — | Book ahead |
| High Legh Pumpkin Patch Halloween Evenings | High Legh, near Knutsford (14 mi) | Sat 3 Oct – Fri 30 Oct | Free | Turn up |
| Fright Fiesta | Warrington (16 mi) | Sat 10 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | £19 | Book ahead |
| Farmaggedon | Downholland, Ormskirk (30 mi) | Selected nights through October 2026 (see the booking page for each night); entry sessions at 6:45pm, 7:15pm and 8pm, last entry 9:30pm | £25 | Book ahead |
| Halloween at Chester Zoo | Upton-by-Chester, Chester (32 mi) | Sat 17 Oct – Sun 1 Nov | — | Book ahead |
| Halloween in the City | Manchester city centre | Sat 24 Oct – Sun 25 Oct | Free | Turn up |
| Farm of Terror | Bacup | Organiser confirms a 2026 return but has not published exact dates, full pricing or a minimum age on its own site as of 27 Sep 2026 | — | Book ahead |
| Goostrey Graveyards Scare Park | Cranage (19 mi) | October 2026; the organiser's own calendar shows dates but does not label which nights are Family vs 18+ (exact split not confirmed on the page checked). Doors from 6:30pm, last entry strictly 8:30pm | £29.25 | Book ahead |
| Heaton Park of Horrors | Manchester (4 mi) | Awaiting 2026 | £10 | Book ahead |
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Common questions
Which Halloween events near Manchester suit young children?
Pick Halloween Pumpkin Festival, The Pumpkin Patch After Dark, Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival and Skellies and Wellies Halloween Trail and 6 others: they are made for families. Leave Farmaggedon, Farm of Terror and Goostrey Graveyards Scare Park for older children and adults; age limits start at 16.
When do Halloween events near Manchester open in 2026?
Confirmed so far: Quarry Bank Scarecrow Festival (Sat 3 Oct); High Legh Pumpkin Patch Halloween Evenings (Sat 3 Oct); Halloween Pumpkin Festival (Sat 10 Oct); Fright Fiesta (Sat 10 Oct); Halloween 2026 at Smithills Open Farm (Sat 17 Oct); plus 4 more on the list. Every listing shows the date we last checked it.
Are any Halloween events near Manchester free?
Yes: High Legh Pumpkin Patch Halloween Evenings and Halloween in the City are free to get in. The cheapest paid option is Heaton Park of Horrors at £10.
Do you need to book Halloween events near Manchester?
Book ahead for Halloween Pumpkin Festival, The Pumpkin Patch After Dark, Halloween 2026 at Smithills Open Farm and Fright Fiesta and 5 others. You can turn up at Skellies and Wellies Halloween Trail, High Legh Pumpkin Patch Halloween Evenings and Halloween in the City. Weekend slots go first, especially in the last fortnight of the season.
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