Spooky season is upon us with plenty to do here in Nottinghamshire. You’re sure to feel a shiver run down your spine with these frighteningly fun festivities happening at Halloween. To help you decide where to get your thrills, this year tourism chiefs at Visit Nottinghamshire have rounded up some of the top things to do in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire over the next few weeks.
City Centre Capers
Ghost of the Gaol – National Justice Museum
On now – Saturday 19th November 2022 (selected dates listed below) | 6pm – 7pm
National Justice Museum
Tickets £11.95 full price and £10.95 concessions
The National Justice Museum has been voted one of the ‘most haunted buildings’ in the UK! Here’s your chance to walk in the steps of those who were condemned, imprisoned and executed here over centuries. Uncover eerie tales and learn of the paranormal experiences within this historic building.
Over 14s only. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult due to the adult themes of the tour.
Thursday 13th October – Sunday 16th October | 2022 | Various times
Broadway Cinema
Treat yourself to a scary film at this year’s Mayhem Film Festival. The festival returns this autumn to Broadway Cinema, Nottingham to showcase the best in international horror, sci-fi and cult cinema, with the festival’s 18th edition planned to run for four days from Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 October.
Halloween Decorating with Doughnotts
22nd, 23rd and 24th of October
Doughnotts Nottingham, 14 King Street
Tickets: £15
This event is perfect for those with younger children. The sessions run for two hours upstairs in their decorated seating area. Children will be able to decorate 3 doughnuts during the session with spooky and sweet decorations!
Tickets should only be purchased for your kids.
Terrifying Tours & Tales
The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk
Every Saturday evening at 7.00pm
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Where better to get in the mood for spooky season than to take Nottingham’s Original Ghost Walk? The Original Nottingham Ghost Walk is a storytelling tour around the Castle Quarter of the city. It is easy walking, about 1/2 mile long and takes approximately 90 minutes to 2 hours. Gather together to hear about the Cursed Galleon of Ye Olde Trip and Nottingham’s only pirate. Then set off up Castle Road, skirting the bottom of Nottingham Castle’s ramparts and walls and hear more if you dare.
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th October | 2022 | 12pm & 2.30pm
Creswell Crags
Tickets £12 per person
This Halloween, travel back to a time of superstition and witchcraft, and discover the 17th century secrets of Robin Hood Cave. Your ghostly guide will lead you into the Gorge and around the cave, describing their world of plague, fear, and poverty, and explain why they carved protective symbols into the rock all those years ago. Suitable for adults & children aged 8+.
Frightful Family Fun
Saturday 22nd, Sunday 23rd, Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th, Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October 2022 | 10am – 2pm
Notts Maze
This isn’t your usual day out at a farm! there will be pumpkin carving, spooky stories around the fire, face painting plus various craft options along with our Halloween crow count and a spooky scavenger hunt to complete as you walk through the Maize Maze. The East Midlands official Ghostbusters will be guarding the area to make sure all the spooky creatures are kept in the maze. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult over 18. For each pre-booked child ticket, we will offer a complimentary pumpkin. Please note there will be a maximum of three pumpkins per family ticket.
Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins
Open for pumpkin picking from 14th October 2022 – 31st October
Oaks Lane, Oxton, Southwell
Free Entry
Set in the rolling Nottinghamshire countryside a few miles north of Nottingham, this family-run ‘Pick Your Own’ has 1000’s of pumpkins and squashes for you to choose from in October, and in the summer, thousands of sunflowers! Little Schnauzer Coffee Company and Rocket Dogs will have pop up eateries at the event, serving delicious food and drink. Pumpkin picking will last until the 31st of October.
Scary Scenes
Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th November | 2022 | 8pm – 1am
Wollaton Hall
£45
This magnificent iconic venue is truly a ghost hunter’s treat. The provenance of this site is superb along with its paranormal activity which spans centuries. Ghostly sightings and paranormal activity has been reported for many centuries. The ghost hunt will investigate the cellars, Tudor kitchen and many rooms within the hall. 18+
Ghost Hunt at Holme Pierrepont Hall
Friday 18th & Saturday 19th November 2022
Holme Pierrepont Hall
Tickets £38
This fabulous historic haunted hall is tucked away in the countryside yet so close to the city. An evening of ghost hunting here is truly remarkable and starts with a guided tour of the hall by the ancestral owner followed by 3 investigations in 3 separate areas. Guests will be trained on the use of detection equipment and will use them throughout the event. Hot drinks are provided during breaks. One of Nottingham’s hidden gems of a haunted location.
Halloween Ghost Hunt at Newstead Abbey
Saturday 29th & Sunday 30th October | 2022 | 8pm – 1am
Newstead Abbey
£49
This iconic, gothic building is a true testament for ghost hunters seeking something paranormal especially at Halloween. With an incredible provenance and ghostly sightings over the centuries, this venue is a must for all those interested in the paranormal. The event will include a whistle stop tour of the venue, three investigation sessions in different areas of the property, training and handling of detection kit and warm refreshments throughout the event.
Friday 28th October – Monday 31st October 2022 | 5pm – 10pm (last entry 9:45pm)
Hickings Lane
Tickets: from £7
As October comes upon us so does Halloween at Hickings. This year the grounds of The Community Centre in Stapleford are being transformed into a Spooky Maze with Flesh Eating Zombies. Stroll through the Spiders Lair, and then on to the Witches Walkthrough followed by Clowns. The maze will be twice the size, with twice the jump scares! With Scary Kids Rides, Scary Games, Face Painting, Spooktacular Bouncy Castles and Slides and much more.
Something Different
Halloween Felt Pumpkin Workshop at Hanwell Wine Estate
Saturday 29th October 2022 | 9:45am – 1:15pm
Hanwell Wine Estate
Tickets – £67
Join Hanwell Wine Estate for a relaxing session learning how to make a hand felted pumpkin using wool fibres and the dry needle felting method. Spend time relaxing and enjoying time just for you. The exceptionally talented tutor Rachel will guide you through the felting process and the handling of the wool fibres to create your own unique 3D pumpkin! All tools, materials and refreshments are included.
For more ideas an inspiration about what to do in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire this October and beyond, go to the Visit Nottinghamshire website.
It’s in Nottingham Halloween Festival
Various locations in the city centre
October half term & beyond
Cost – Free
The Nottingham Halloween Festival is coming to the city centre for October half term and beyond. Are you ready for some spook-tacular family fun? With giant rooftop monsters, face painters, a spider school, Batman and his Batmobile, and sweet stops around the city, there’s something for everyone this Halloween half term. To find out more visit the It’s in Nottingham Halloween Festival page here.
Posted on 13 October 2022
