Halloween and Bonfire Night in Britain
It’s spooky season in Britain. From haunting walks to chilling dungeon tours, autumn calls for a spot of ghost hunting. Delve below the surface to uncover Edinburgh’s darkest stories or start November off with a bang at London’s Alexandra Palace to mark Bonfire Night.
Whether you go searching for poltergeists or watch our skies come alive with vibrant firework displays, join Britain’s Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations for timeless tradition, fun and revelry.
The Real Mary King’s Close
Hidden beneath the Royal Mile, this secret warren of houses and shops dates back over 400 years. Renowned for its ghosts and spine-tingling tales, this is a glimpse of Scottish history you’ll never forget – with guided tours hosted by historic characters. You’ll get to dodge the cry of the gardyloo (the phrase used to warn passers by of slops chucked from upper windows) meet the Plague Doctor, and the poet who inspired Roburt Burns, and find the Foul Clenger who clears up the homes of plague victims. All set within a backdrop of murder… beware.
The York Dungeon
This spooktacular attraction brings 2,000 years of York’s history to life – with ten live-action shows, professional storytellers and atmospheric sets. It’s just like travelling through time! You’ll meet lots of ghouls and ghosts along the way, from the Vikings to Guy Fawkes. It’s great fun for all the family, while the darker “Dungeon Lates” are designed especially for over-18s.
Oxford Ghost Tours
Spook yourself silly on these hair-raising walking tours around Oxford. The city might look idyllic by day, but it is positively chilling after dark: you’ll explore some of its most notorious corners once the sun goes down, and hear lots of spine-tingling stories from your expert guide. From headless bishops to haunted pubs, the tours have just the right balance of history and hilarity – with plenty of hair-raising moments.
Halloween experiences in Britain
Halloween events in Britain
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
Blenheim Palace’s spooktacular dusk to darkness Halloween trail offers fun for all the family. Pass the spider tunnel, marvel at fire performers and look out for the faceless horseman. Pick up sweet treats and enjoy a hot toddy of hot chocolate along the way.
Howl’o’ween, Chessington World of Adventures
Fun for all the family, enjoy wild rides and spooky stays for little ones, plus the Vampire and Dragon’s Fury rides in the evening for the bravest of adventurers. This year, explore the new underground town of Enchanted Hollow and meet its resident animals.
Scarefest, Alton Towers
For some adrenaline fuelled spine tingling moments look no further than Scarefest. Dare to ride the Wicker Man in the dark and plunge into the abyss of Oblivion. Choose to escape from creepy live characters or opt for family friendly activities that bring Halloween to life.
Fright Nights, Thorpe Park Resort
It’s all-out terror at Fright Nights, with Scare Mazes, Scare Zone and spooky live shows. To up the exhilaration, take to the rides at night and experience the rollercoasters like never before. Can you make it out of the Survival Games, or escape the creepy maze?
Ffear Fforest Zip World, North Wales
With the eerie Welsh woodlands as your backdrop get ready to be scared at Zip World Betws-Y-Coed. Trundle through the maze of net walkways as creepy clowns stalk you, or stand atop a trapdoor that’s set to plunge you into darkness.
GlasGLOW, Glasgow Botanic Gardens
It’s lit at Glasgow’s Botanic Gardens for a Halloween spectacular filled with lights, a 60-minute outdoor adventure and Marshmallow Land, a tasty street food village. Be sure to swing by the GLOW bar for warming drinks.
Halloween at Tatton Park, Cheshire
For a spooktacular family-friendly time, head to Halloween at Tatton Park. Pick a pumpkin at the farm, boogie down to Halloween classics at the silent disco, enter the spooky maze and more. You can even try broom stick flying at the Old Hall, which once featured on the television show ‘Most haunted’.
Brick or Treat, LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
Prepare for a spooky takeover of LEGOLAND at the Monster Party. Celebrate the festivities of Halloween with a Monster Jam show and Monster Street – exclusively for the brave! From live shows to thrilling rides, explore Halloween at LEGOLAND.
Discover more spooky things to do in Britain
Bonfire Night experiences in Britain
Alexandra Palace Fireworks Festival, London
It goes off with a bang at Alexandra Palace’s firework extravaganza in London. Expect live music, tasty street food, a bonfire, and all-out fireworks. The 2022 event included a German Bier Festival with its very own Oompah band.
The Gunpowder Plot Experience, Tower of London
In the Tower Vaults under the Tower of London uncover the story of the Gunpower Plot. Ignite your senses as live actors and virtual reality scenes transport you back to London in 1605. From tales of rebels and smuggling to escaping the tower, there’s only one question…who can be trusted?
Fireworks Gala, Kenilworth Castle
In Warwickshire, the historic grounds of Kenilworth Castle glow with fireworks. Wander round stalls, pick up warming food and enjoy music as you explore this unique setting and its Elizabethan gardens.
Battersea Park Fireworks, London
See the skies of south London come alive with bursting lights and plenty of ‘oohs and aahs’ as Battersea Park celebrates Bonfire Night. Plus, there’s warming winter food and drink on offer, too.
Leeds Castle Fireworks Spectacular
It’s all out entertainment at the historic Leeds castle in the Southeast of England. Expect live music, adventure golf, street food and a firework extravaganza equipped with dazzling lasers and projections. A celebration for all the family, just remember to wrap up warm!
Fawkes Festival, Glasgow
Discover a fusion of Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations in Dean Castle Country Park, located a 30-minute drive outside of Glasgow. Get spooky and look up in awe as the skies light up for an extravagant firework display, alongside music and lights displays.
Bonfire and fireworks at Chatsworth House
One for all the family, Chatsworth House in the Peak District hosts a bonfire and firework display, coupled with spine-tingling entertainment. Tuck into a hog roast and sip on winter warmers, including mulled wine.
Bonfire Night in Britain
Bonfire Night is a celebration of a failed plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament in London. Back in 1605, a group of plotters had planned to destroy the buildings, with members of parliament and King James I inside. Their plan was thwarted when one of the plotters, Guy Fawkes, was discovered in a cellar beneath the Palace of Westminster, alongside 36 barrels of gunpowder. Fawkes was promptly arrested and tortured until he gave up the names of his co-conspirators. He was then tried for treason and sentenced to death.
Bonfire Night is celebrated on 5 November each year to mark the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. A popular children’s nursery rhyme, also commemorates the event:
“Remember, remember the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason, and plot.
I see no reason,
Why gunpowder treason,
Should ever be forgot…”
Bonfire Night is usually celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and sparklers. Traditionally, a dummy person is placed on top of a bonfire to represent Guy Fawkes. However, the practice is also thought to date back to the 13th century when it was seen as a way of driving away evil spirits.
The Yeoman of the Guard still search the cellars of the Houses of Parliament before it opens each November, a tradition dating back more than 400 years. One of the biggest bonfire celebrations is in the Sussex town of Lewes. However, one of the most spectacular events takes place in Ottery St Mary, in Devon, where village folk race around its narrow streets carrying flaming barrels of tar.
Bonfire Night is sometimes referred to as Guy Fawkes Night, taking the name of one of the plotters who attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605.
There are many ways to celebrate Bonfire Night in Britain. You can find firework shows and bonfire displays across the country, from larger festivals to local events. Celebrations are mostly outside so it is best to wrap up warm with hats, scarves, and gloves. Pick up a delicious hot chocolate or choose to toast marshmallows for a tasty way to stay warm.
