Halloween

Halloween Events 2021

Grab your broomsticks for a ghoulishly great day out at our Halloween events taking place across the country.

Kids and families can head to our historic places this Halloween half term with spooky storytelling and trick or treat themed trails at our castles, abbeys and houses.

Come nightfall, for those who are brave enough - dare to explore some of the country's eeriest castles and discover the darker side of history.

  • Spooky Half Term Events for Families

    Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at our historic places this half term. Follow the trail to solve creepy clues and listen to spooky stories. There’s a frighteningly fun fancy dress competition every day – just come in your scariest outfits to be in with a chance of winning a Hotel Chocolat treat.

  • Spooky Woodland Walks for Families

    Bring your family to join our ghost-hunting storytellers on a trip through the shadows. With well-told tales full of spooky, strange and silly goings-on, this Halloween walk is sure to get you into the spirit of the season. Suitable for children aged between 5 and 12 years old.

  • After Dark Events for Adults (16+)

    Join our storytellers as they guide you on a bone-chilling journey through the past. With tales of ghosts, supernatural sightings and horrors from history, this is not a night for the faint-hearted. These tours are suitable for those aged 16+. Don’t forget to bring a torch – things are going to get dark…

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The Origins of Halloween

  • A BRIEF HISTORY OF HALLOWEEN

    Many people herald carved pumpkins, trick-or-treating and fancy dress as an Americanised festival. But did you realise that most of these activities are rooted in European folklore and tradition?

  • The History of Costume in England

    Fashion Historian Amber Butchart explores the historical origins of costume and investigates the transition from aristocratic affairs to the popular parties we all love today.

  • WHY WE CARVE PUMPKINS

    Halloween would be complete without a pumpkin carved with a frightening face. But what’s the origin of this terrifying tradition? Prepare yourself for shocks and surprises!

Spooky Stories from History

  • WITCHCRAFT: EIGHT MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS

    From the Salem Witch Trials to the witches of Macbeth, the figure of the witch is embedded in our culture. The problem is that most of what we think we know is wrong. Professor Diane Purkiss debunks eight of the most common myths about witchcraft.

  • A HISTORY OF PIRATES OF ENGLAND

    Tales of swashbuckling pirates have been around for centuries, but beyond the thrills and spills of fiction, who were the real pirates? In this article, English Heritage's Senior Historian Paul Pattison reveals the unexpected faces of England's notorious pirates.

  • WHERE MARK HADDON FOUND HIS ‘GHOSTS’ AT THE YORK COLD WAR BUNKER

    We challenged seven leading contemporary authors, to visit our historic places for inspiration to craft an original ghost story for our new book ‘Eight Ghosts‘. Discover the inspiration behind Mark Haddon's story, inspired by the York CCold War Bunker.

How To Carve A Halloween Turnip

Why not carve a turnip this Halloween instead of a pumpkin? Find out where this old tradition came from and discover how to carve your own turnip to terrify the trick-or-treaters with this Halloween.

Watch on YouTube

Make your own: Halloween Mask

Explore an eerie house or creepy castle with your own Halloween mask inspired by mythical beasts and heraldry.

Download our guide (PDF)
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