Trick or treating may be off the cards this year, but you can still get your spook on at one of these spooktacular Halloween events
Pumpkin Picking
Pumpkin picking is a seasonal staple for any Halloween afficionado worth their salt, so you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a family-friendly pumpkin patch ready to welcome you this Halloween. Open throughout the half term – 23 until 31 October – Pumpkin Jim’s new patch in Ickleton has many varieties of pumpkin to pick from, from delicious squashes to impressively large carvers for those seeking a spooky doorstep showpiece. There’s also a covered children’s play area, where there will be a range of fun children’s activities on offer. Entry to the pumpkin patch is free – as is parking. More event information can be found on the website. pumpkinjimspatch.co.uk
Harry Potter at the Grand Arcade
This Halloween, the Grand Arcade’s atrium will be playing host to Dumbledore and Hogwarts’ famous sorting hat. Starting from 10am, visitors will be able to sit under the live hat to find out their Hogwarts house, whether it’s Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. You’ll also get to meet Dumbledore, the greatest headmaster that Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has ever had! There will be five 30-minute sessions running throughout the day, from 10am, 11.15am, 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.15pm – make sure to arrive on time so as not to miss out! grandarcade.co.uk
Cambridge Ghost Tours
Learn the supernatural secrets of the city’s most haunted streets and buildings with Black Shuck Cambridge Ghost Tours. Led by a team of theatre professionals with backgrounds in history, the alternative guided walks explore the macabre folklore of both town and gown, showing a darker side of some of the city’s most famous sights. There are three different tours to choose from: the bewitching Wickedness & Witchcraft tour, the more theatrical Colleges & Corpses tour, and the classic Haunted Cambridge tour – all of which start and end at Great St Mary’s Church in the centre of Cambridge. Find out more about the tours over on the website, cambridgeghosttours.com
ScaresVille
After winning a slew of awards in 2018 and 2019, ScaresVille is back this year to bring you yet another thrilling live action experience. Kentwell Hall’s annual Halloween event presents an evening of spine-tingling entertainment as you explore the haunted village of ScaresVille in the darkness, encountering all manner of scream-worthy scares along the way. This year’s event will be slightly adapted to ensure that everyone is safe, but still promises to be an immersive experience. ScaresVille is open from 9 October to 7 November. Tickets can be purchased from £26.45 and are available via the ScaresVille website. scaresville.co.uk
Halloween Special at Audley End
From 24 October to 1 November, you can catch the Halloween Special at Audley End Miniature Railway. This immersive spook-tacular will take you deep into the ancient woodland, where you will meet witches and wizards and their playful pumpkin friends, as well as hearing all of the mystical secrets of the woods from Herbert the haunted, talking house. The Halloween Special promises a day of spooky fun for all the family, and is suitable for children of all ages. Dress to scare, and we’ll see you there! Head to Audley End’s website to book your tickets. audley-end-railway.co.uk
Ghostly Punting Tours
Feeling brave? Rutherford’s ghost punting experience may be just the ticket if you love all things eerie. Those who dare to board will hear some of Cambridge’s most sinister stories, taking a trip through the haunted College Backs and exploring the dark side of the city. This spooky adventure isn’t without its creature comforts, though; you can snuggle up beneath toasty blankets and enjoy a glorious hot chocolate while you listen to the scary stories from your cosy nest on the River Cam. The ghostly punting tours are available to book in advance by calling 01223 322200. For more information, head to Rutherford’s website. rutherfordspunting.com
