Don’t travel by ghost train this Halloween. Instead, hop aboard the TransPennine Express network and enjoy a smooth journey to the best Halloween events across the North of England and Scotland. And if you need a little inspiration, here are seven horrible happenings in towns and cities near you.
Chester Le Street
Back for a third year, this immersive experience at Beamish Hall is more bloodcurdling than ever. Raising the stakes for 2019, it plays on that classic fear – the clown! – with the ancient woodland of Beamish Valley transformed into a derelict circus where the Ringmaster and his face-painted freaks lurk in the shadows. Featuring special effects, pro actors in Hollywood-standard costumes and new features including claustrophobia tunnels, terror mazes and the hall of mirrors, this is the most nerve-shredding night out in the North East.
Glasgow
Start your Halloween early with a full day of spooky cinema in the heart of Glasgow. It might only be a short hop from the train station but the basement of Blackfriars Bar is a location plucked straight out of a slasher movie – and the perfect venue for screening a medley of indie horror films from the world’s best up-and-coming directors. With previous films screened at Glasgow Horror Festival going on to award-winning glory – including Cruel Summer and Dogged – this is a world-exclusive chance to peek between your fingers at the releases that will soon be terrifying the planet.
Manchester
Manchester has maxed out on Halloween celebrations this year. Take a stroll through the city centre from 26 October and you’ll spot some of the North’s most imaginative free attractions, whether that’s a giant octopus erupting from a rooftop or a gaggle of witches handing out goodies on the Trick Or Treat Trail. Take your kids to St. Ann’s Square for the street theatre of Dr Mancenstein’s Mad Science Castle, join Grimm Rita’s Creepy Carnival along New Cathedral Street and hit Market Street for sick beats from DJ Ghostman and MC Pumpkinhead.
Sheffield
Step off the train and you might notice something strange about the Steel City this Halloween. Follow the costumed crowds of stormtroopers and Chucky dolls and you’ll find yourself at Out Of This World: an annual “celebration of all things out of the ordinary” where sci-fi, magic and horror fuel a fantastical day out. With live music, special guests, movie-themed props and fairground rides, it could be just the ticket for younger kids who aren’t ready for the gore-factor of other Halloween events.
York
As the year-round epicentre for all things spooky in the North East, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that The York Dungeon will be pulling out all the stops this Halloween. Test your bravery at eleven interactive live shows, including a visit to the Plague Doctor and the brand-new Curse Of The Witch experience, inspired by the notorious executions of the 17th century. After all that you might need a stiff drink at the Dungeon Tavern to calm your nerves.
Edinburgh
If you fancy something more sophisticated than the usual ghosts and ghouls this Halloween, follow the flaming torches to the top of Calton Hill and celebrate the Celtic New Year at a festival that feels like The Hobbit crossed with The Wicker Man. There’ll be bonfires, acrobats, live drumming and fire-dancing but the main event is an immersive dramatic performance, as a cast of fantastical creatures face off in a battle that represents the changing of the seasons. It’s anything but your average Halloween.
Newcastle
Imagine a nightmarish version of Cirque Du Soleil and it would probably look a little like Twisted Circus. Take your seats beneath the big top at Newcastle’s Riverside and brace yourself for a Halloween show dubbed “terrifying” by The Daily Telegraph, as the crazed cast perform everything from body stapling and pierced weightlifting to the infamous Bed Of Blades. Just don’t forget that costumes are a must for entry – whether you come as a full-on Frankenstein or just slip in a pair of fangs.
Make it a Halloween to remember – book an Advance ticket to see all the spooktacular events across the North and Scotland.
