October half term and Halloween in York are packed with family-friendly activities, spooky events, and magical adventures. Whether you're looking for a pumpkin patch or a ghostly trail, York has something to offer for everyone this Halloween season. Here’s your guide to the top events, complete with locations and dates.
1. Ghosts in the Gardens
- Location: York City Centre Gardens
- Date: Throughout October 2024
Explore the haunted gardens of York, where ghostly sculptures lurk among the greenery. This free event takes you on a chilling journey through some of York’s most beautiful gardens, where history and hauntings blend together. Ideal for a daytime stroll, this self-guided trail is perfect for those who want a spooky experience without the frights.
2. Hocus Pocus at Mother Shipton’s
- Location: Mother Shipton’s Cave, Knaresborough
- Date: 21st October – 5th November 2024
Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough, just a short drive from York, transforms into a magical Halloween haven. Follow a bewitching trail filled with spells, potions, and enchanting scenes. With witches, goblins, and spooky surprises, it's a fantastic half-term activity for children and families looking to immerse themselves in Halloween magic.
3. Pumpkin Picking at The Balloon Tree
- Location: The Balloon Tree, Gate Helmsley, York
- Date: October 2024
For a traditional autumn outing, head to The Balloon Tree, a charming farm shop and café with a large pumpkin patch. Pick your perfect pumpkin, wander through the farm’s fields, and enjoy delicious seasonal treats in the café. The Balloon Tree is a local favourite for families looking to enjoy the crisp autumn air and engage in some pumpkin-carving fun.
4. The Little York Ghost Hunt
- Location: York City Centre
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
This family-friendly ghost hunt through York’s city centre allows children to explore the city’s haunted spots with a playful twist. Armed with a map and clues, kids can hunt for hidden ghosts across various locations in York. It’s a fun and interactive way for little ones to engage with York’s spooky past, minus the scares.
5. PHOENIX at York Minster
- Location: York Minster
- Date: 23rd October – 27th October 2024
PHOENIX is a stunning sound and light installation that illuminates York Minster in a breathtaking spectacle. Though not specifically Halloween-themed, this event transforms the Minster into a magical, otherworldly space, perfect for families looking for an awe-inspiring visual experience during the half-term break.
6. Halloween at The Hole in Wand
- Location: The Hole in Wand, Coppergate, York
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
York’s magical mini-golf venue, The Hole in Wand, gets a spooky makeover for Halloween. Kids and families can navigate the wizarding-themed course, encountering witches, goblins, and eerie surprises along the way. This event is a perfect mix of magic and mystery, offering plenty of lighthearted fun for all ages.
7. Halloween Fun and Pumpkin Patch at Castle Howard
- Location: Castle Howard, near York
- Date: 21st October – 5th November 2024
Castle Howard’s magnificent estate is the setting for a range of Halloween activities, including a pumpkin patch, spooky trails, and immersive experiences. Families can wander the grounds, meet costumed characters, and take part in eerie adventures while soaking in the beauty of one of Yorkshire’s most famous landmarks.
8. Potions Academy
- Location: Barley Hall, York
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Learn the art of potion-making in this magical workshop at Barley Hall. The Potions Academy invites children and families to brew their own bubbling potions in a wizarding setting. Guided by professional wizards, participants will get hands-on experience in potion-making, creating their own magical concoctions to take home.
9. Halloween on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Location: Pickering Station, North Yorkshire Moors Railway
- Date: 28th October – 31st October 2024
Climb aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a spine-tingling Halloween journey. This special event includes ghostly tales, spooky decorations, and costumed characters on the train, making for a thrilling ride through the scenic countryside. It’s a unique experience for families looking for a mix of Halloween fun and vintage travel.
10. Dig after Dark at JORVIK Dig
- Location: JORVIK Dig, St Saviourgate, York
- Date: 26th October – 29th October 2024
At Dig after Dark, aspiring archaeologists can experience a late-night dig at this hands-on attraction. Explore ancient artefacts and uncover the eerie mysteries of York’s past, all while learning about the city’s rich history. It’s an educational and spooky adventure for kids and families looking to uncover some of York’s darkest secrets.
11. Dark Skies Fringe Festival 2024
- Location: Various Locations, Yorkshire Dales
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
For those who love stargazing and eerie landscapes, the Dark Skies Fringe Festival offers the chance to experience Yorkshire’s night skies in all their glory. While not directly Halloween-themed, the festival’s late-night events and dark sky observations create a magical atmosphere perfect for an autumn night out. Events will be held at various locations throughout the Yorkshire Dales.
12. Hallowtween at York Maze 2024
- Location: York Maze, Elvington Lane, York
- Date: 28th October – 5th November 2024
Hallowtween is the ultimate Halloween event for kids aged 10 to 15, offering thrills without the scares. York Maze becomes a haunted playground where brave adventurers can navigate spooky mazes and challenges, all designed to create a fun but not-too-frightening experience. With interactive elements and costumed characters, it’s a great event for older kids looking for some spooky fun.
13. York’s Chocolate Story Trick or Treat Trek
- Location: York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Join the Trick or Treat Trek at York’s Chocolate Story, where you’ll embark on a sweet adventure through York’s chocolate history. Families can learn about the city’s confectionery past while collecting delicious treats along the way. It’s a fantastic mix of education, indulgence, and Halloween fun.
14. Illuminated Abbey at Whitby Abbey
- Location: Whitby Abbey, Whitby
- Date: 25th October – 31st October 2024
Whitby Abbey, known for its links to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, will be lit up in a stunning display of light for the Illuminated Abbey event. Visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins after dark and enjoy storytelling, live performances, and the eerie beauty of the abbey’s dramatic illumination. It’s a perfect way to experience one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks during Halloween week.
15. The Kirkgate Ghost Count
- Location: York Castle Museum, Kirkgate, York
- Date: 21st October – 31st October 2024
Explore the Victorian streets of Kirkgate at York Castle Museum in this ghostly treasure hunt. Families can wander through the dimly lit, atmospheric museum, searching for hidden ghosts while learning about Victorian life in York. It’s a fantastic way to mix education and Halloween fun for children and adults alike.
Conclusion
When planning your visit to York for the October half-term and Halloween festivities, book your accommodation with Pass the Keys, which offers a variety of well-equipped properties to suit all types of travellers. From cosy city centre apartments to spacious family homes, you’ll find the ideal spot for your stay. Simply visit the Pass the Keys website: www.passthekeys.com/york