The changing of leaves, an autumnal breeze, pumpkin spice flavoured treats… The autumn months are approaching, and that means only one thing – it’s time to start planning your Halloween in Essex! As always, there’s a plethora of amazing activities and events taking place throughout the spooky season in our county, from haunted hotel stays to themed afternoon teas and terror trails for the brave. We’ve compiled the ultimate guide for making your Halloween in Essex frighteningly fantastic.

Colchester Zoo Shriek Week & Trail of Terror

The popular Colchester Zoo Shriek Week is back – a favourite Halloween event in Essex amongst locals and tourists, from 26^th of October to 3^rd November, head to this top attraction for a week filled with ‘fang-tastic’ Halloween themed activities for the family to enjoy. Little ones can transform into their favourite ghoulish characters with the Face Painting Station before hopping on board the Lost Madagascar Road Train for a spooky story time around the lake.

If you’re feeling brave, venture to the zoo one evening on the 18^th, 19^th, 23^rd, 25^th, 26^th, 28^th or 30^th of October and challenge yourself to the Trail of Terror! With scares waiting in the shadows, and something unexpected waiting around every corner, you can expect an eery experience full of frightful screams (and laughter from your friends). If you need a break from the jump scares, just head to one of the Safe Zones to refuel with delicious food and drink!

Movie Nights, Sweet Treats, & ‘Terror-ific’ Tunes at Down Hall

There’s some great ghoulish fun to be had at Down Hall this Halloween in Essex. Their A-Live From The Lawn event on Friday 25^th October is free to attend (£10pp deposit for tables over 6) – chill out on the Terrace and listen to the spine-tingling soundtrack from their resident DJ whilst enjoying chillingly good cocktails and scrumptious bites. Alternatively, indulge in their themed Halloween Afternoon Tea, available from 25^th October to 1^st November, sinking your fangs into an array of sweet treats from £40pp (50% off for kids!). If a classic Halloween movie night is your favourite thing about the spooky season, gorging yourself on popcorn and candy, book a ticket from just £10 for their Halloween Cinema on the Lawn from Saturday 26^th to Sunday 27^th October.

Monstrous Mountfitchet Castle Events

If you’re local to or travelling to the Uttlesford area, you won’t be short on thrilling Halloween activities and events. Mountfitchet Castle will be hosting a wonderful Halloween Pumpkin Trail in Essex – search for hidden pumpkins around the castle and House on the Hill museum for a chance to be in with a prize for completing the trail! For the brave, enter the Haunted Manor to get your heart racing…

A Night at the Saffron Walden Museum

Grab your torch and head for Saffron Walden Museum at Night on 31^st October from 6pm-8pm. Complete the twilight riddle trail with the help of your friends and challenge yourself to their fun moonlight activities! Perfect for families looking unique Halloween events in Essex this year. Take part for just £2.40 per child – regular museum admission still applies.

Halloween Half-Term & Spooky Woodland Walks at Audley End

There’s something for everyone this Halloween at Audley End House & Gardens – throughout October half-term, 26^th October to 3^rd November, gather your little monsters and head to this wonderful heritage site in Essex for a ghoulishly good day out! Use creepy clues to solve quests, listen to spooky stories and more. For nature lovers who want to join in on the Halloween spirit, book on to one of the Spooky Woodland Walks, taking place on 26^th, 27^th and 31^st October. This family-friendly walk takes you through the shadows of Audley End’s beautiful grounds as your listen to ghost-hunting storytellers divulging tales of strange goings-on…

Murder Mystery Dinner at Little Eastern Manor

From London’s West End to Essex, the outstanding interactive experience of the Pumpkin Patch Murder will be taking place on Halloween night at Little Eastern Manor in Dunmow. A fantastic Halloween night out in Essex for adults, enjoy a delicious 2-course meal whilst you become a detective and solve the mystery with your tablemates – can you catch the killer? Tickets are selling fast for this one, so be quick!

Trick or Treat Half-Term Hunt at Romford Shopping Hall

If you’re looking for Halloween themed things to do this October half-term, Romford Shopping Hall have got you covered with their scarily fabulous Trick or Treat hunt! Stop by the shops, collect goodies including toys and sweets, and maybe bump into a spooky animatronic or two. Don’t forget to stop by at Jungle Hair for a temporary tattoo and facepainting to make sure you look the part – fancy dress from both big and small monsters is always encouraged!

Haunted Bedroom stay at Talliston House & Gardens

Appearing in Airbnb’s Top Ten Halloween Stays (globally!) year after year, the Haunted Bedroom at Talliston House & Gardens is a must for lovers of all things creepy and horror. The unique property will be festively adorned with creepy décor from 14^th October to 3^rd November, so be sure to book within those dates for the full Halloween experience. What will you hear within the walls of the Haunted Bedroom at night if you dare to stay?

Hedingham Castle Brightworth’s School of Magic

This is the perfect Halloween event in Essex for kids - it’s time for the young witches and wizards to take their place in the class of 2024 at Brightworth’s School of Magic! Every day from 27^th October to 2^nd November, Hedingham Castle will be opening their doors twice a day for budding witches and wizards to take part in specialist subjects, from Magic Wands to Potions and Mystical Spells. This all takes place inside the Magical Castle Academy – costumes allowed, and sorcery themed outfits strongly encouraged. Brightworth accepts students aged from 3 to 10, but older kids and parents may also learn a spell or two!

Southend Halloween Parade & Frightening Fun at Adventure Island

Join the seaside town of Southend-on-Sea for a spectacular festive parade on Saturday 26^th October! Free to watch and to participate in, the Southend Halloween Parade is a wonderful way to get into the spooky spirit with friends and family. Adorn your costume – whether witch, ghost, or ghoul – and take part in this spooktacular Halloween event in Essex.

One of Essex’s top attractions Adventure Island will be full of great Halloween characters, entertainment, and trick-or-treating this October half-term for their Fright Fantastic week. For thrilling rides, ghoulish games and more, head down to Adventure Island!

To find out more about what’s on in Essex this Halloween, head to our events page here.