Halloween events around Nottingham — 7 spooktacular things to do
Spooky trails, nature workshops, outdoor cinemas, and more...
It’s the season of all things spooky, and there are plenty of bewitching Halloween events around Nottingham this month.
I have curated this list with a mixture of family friendly activities, workshops, and outdoor fun. These have been narrowed down based on the quality of what they offer, the uniqueness of them, and how good value for money they are.
If you’re looking for October events that will keep you and your loved ones thoroughly entertained, these 2025 events are all worth checking out. For more things to do in Nottingham, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
7 things to do around Nottingham this Halloween
By Eve Smallman
1. Nottingham Halloween Festival
When: October 25-November 2
Where: Various venues around Nottingham
How much: Free-£2.35pp
It’s in Nottingham’s Halloween Festival is set to fill the city centre with scarily good fun. Its famous rooftop monsters are returning (October 25-November 2), with some new creatures to spot around shops and businesses. It is also hosting a Monster Mash at Nottingham Castle (October 31, adult £2.35pp, £1.35pp child), with a DJ, free face painting for kids, spooky games, and food and drink stalls. This will also feature the eerie walkabout Strolling Bones Parade, with lively skeleton puppets.
Do if: You’re looking for family-friendly fun during half-term and on Halloween itself in the city.
2. Spooktacular Halloween
When: October 11-12, October 18-November 2
Where: Sundown Adventureland, Retford
How much: £20pp in advance, £24pp on the door, under 90cm children free
The theme park for under 10s will be transformed into a family-friendly land of witches, spiders, and skeletons over half-term. Head out on the ‘Scream Team’ trail, where you’ll be able to find ghouls and monsters, collect stamps, and collect an edible prize at the end. Once you’ve done that, you can join in with Halloween fun and dancing at the Four Seasons Arena. Plus, there are over 30 rides, attractions, and play areas at the park to enjoy.
Do if: You have little ones that you’d love to take on a spooky adventure for the day.
3. Halloween Outdoor Cinema
When: October 17-19
Where: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham
How much: £17.37pp, £25.21pp premium
Is there anything cosier during October than snuggling up and watching a scary film? At the striking Wollaton Hall, you can do just that and see Scary Movie (October 17), Hocus Pocus (October 18), and Beetlejuice (October 19). Bring your own spooky snacks (jelly worms and chocolate eyeballs, anyone?) or pick up hot food and drink on-site. Don’t forget your blanket for staying warm/hiding under.
Do if: You’ve been thinking about having a Halloween cinema night.
4. Halloween at Belvoir Castle
When: October 18-November 2
Where: Belvoir Castle, Grantham
How much: Castle, gardens, and playground admission £23.40pp adult, £9pp child
While this is in Grantham, it’s a 35-minute drive from Nottingham and offers a brilliant mix of activities. Families can follow the ‘Go Bats for Belvoir trail’ through the Adventure Playground, take part in seasonal craft sessions inside the castle, and explore the pumpkin patch in the Animal Farm. For those who love a scary tale, you can also join special Halloween tours run by the castle’s expert tour guides and find out about the ghosts that roam the halls at night.
Do if: You’d like to have a whole host of Halloween fun at one of the area’s best castles.
5. Halloween / Samhain Nature Celebration
When: October 26
Where: Rushcliffe Country Park, Nottingham
How much: £27.80pp
Wild and Wonder are hosting this nourishing afternoon that’s all about celebrating Halloween / Samhain in terms of its place in nature’s calendar. The event will be split into three sections, with a guided wander through the park, forest bathing meditation complete with a cup of freshly foraged tea, and Halloween nature crafts with natural materials. Make sure to bring a mat, blanket, and mug, as limited spares will be available to borrow on the day.
Do if: You like the idea of having a spiritual time relaxing in the outdoors.
6. Ghosts and Echoes
When: October 31
Where: National Justice Museum, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Led by poet and playwright Ben Macpherson, this fascinating free workshop will look at the themes of punishment, death, and memory using the concept of death masks. You’ll delve into the National Justice Museum’s records of mugshots, before making death masks for characters and writing their final moments and last words in silly, sweet, and even spooky ways. This workshop is suitable for all ages.
Do if: You’d enjoy doing something on Halloween that’s educational yet creative.
7. Nottingham Dark Side Halloween Tour
When: October 31-November 2
Where: Starts at the Left Lion
How much: £15pp
Uncover dark secrets from Nottingham’s past during this chilling tour. You’ll be guided in the footsteps of Luddites, rioters, body snatchers, and condemned prisoners across a range of time periods. Tour highlights include Nottingham’s bloody riots, the last public execution at the Shire Hill, and the cholera-ridden slums of Narrow Marsh. Each tour lasts an hour and a half, and the tours are for over 16s only.
Do if: You love finding out about our city’s remarkable history (or simply love gory history!).
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