York is known for the amazing Halloween events thrown every year, this is our ultimate guide to what’s on. The Kilnwick Percy Resort in Pocklington offers luxurious accommodation, from hotel rooms for short stays to two storey lodges for full holidays, surrounded by 180 acres of the stunning Yorkshire Wolds. Home to a popular golf course and the Glasshouse Restaurant, as well as being ideally placed to explore the local and area only a short trip into York city centre, The KP Resort is the place to be this Halloween.
the ghost bus tours
Where: Exhibition Square / When: Tues – Sun (all year) / Times: 6pm start
One of the best ways to celebrate Halloween and explore the historic city of York, there will be creepy and spooky fun for the whole family from the only company that offers theatrics on their fabulous sightseeing shows. This comedic spooky tour will show all that York has to offer, including the ghouls, ghosts and dark horrors of the amazing city.
York castle prison
Where: York Castle / When: every day, all year round / Times: 9:30am – 5pm
The prison has been a site of justice and incarceration in the city for over 1000 years! You can visit the Castle Prison all year round, but it feels extra spooky during Halloween and with the spirits closer to our realm, who knows what you might see! You’ll learn all about the life inside the prison as it was back in history and find out how important the castle really is. The 18th Century courthouse is still used today, with holding cells for those awaiting trial on serious criminal charges.
the velma celli show
Where: The Basement / When: 31st Oct / Times: 7:30pm Start
Velma Celli is a fabulous and international cabaret star who will be taking to the stage to perform a whole host of hit songs in every style of music, from jazz to Beyonce, you’ll also be delighted with the Queen’s hilarious impressions (you may recognise Britney Spears, or the ultimate diva, Cher herself). Velma Celli has starred in various musicals, including hit shows such as Rent, Cats and Chicago, as well as being called to play himself in Eastenders, and playing opposite Danny Dyer in Lucy Rose’s music short Nebraska. A show not to be missed.
original ghost walk of York
Where: The King’s Arm Pub / When: Every Night / Times: 8pm Start
Believed to be the first exclusive ghost walk anywhere in the world! Join in on this fantastic ghost walk tour where you’ll learn all about the history and mystery surrounding this stunning and historic city. Listen to the spooky stories on your tour, learn about the sad tale of the Lost Boy, or about the ex-serviceman who was obsessed with his bagpipes in the Piper’s Tale. You’ll see York like never before on this fantastic tour!
pumpkin festival
Where: Piglet’s Adventure Farm / When: 27th Oct – 4th Nov / Times: 10am – 5:30pm
This amazing adventure farm is a firm family favourite and the annual Pumpkin Festival is always popular! Every child will get a free pumpkin when you visit, along with lots of spooky events and attractions to enjoy. Venture into Mischief Manor where the ghastly estate agents are happy to give you the tour of this spooky abode! Can you find all the ghosts hiding in the mysterious maze? Enjoy shows from the Magic Hatter’s wizard alter-ego, where he will need help hatching a dragon egg, he’ll show how to float a phoenix feather and so much more! Take some quiet time at the Trick or Treat Tales, where the storytelling witches will put you under their spells and entrance you with their spooky story tales!
october half term
Where: Beningbrough Hall / When: 21st Oct – 5th Nov / Times: 10:30am – 5pm
Have a real hoot and discover everything there is to know about magical owls this half term at Beningbrough Hall. Search the picturesque grounds for the 14 brand new sculptures in honour of the ‘Oh Wise Owl’ exhibition’s launch. There will also be a chance to get up close and personal with these magical creatures, as well as spooky storytelling, creepy crafts and the annual, popular fancy dress costume parade.
halloween by day
Where: York Maze / When: 21st Oct – 1st Nov / Times: 10am – 5pm
The Halloween By Day event at the famous York Maze is catered to family fun, with over 20 Halloween attractions, shows and rides, as well as every child getting a free pumpkin! Make sure to visit Farmer Tom’s Scare Crow Centre, where you’ll meet the owls, hawks and reptiles, as well as a whole host of creepy crawlies. Venture into the Witch’s Grotto and listen to her spooky stories, join the Ghostmania ride by jumping on a tractor ride and help to scare all the ghosts out of the maze! Don’t forget the fabulous haunted maze treasure hunt and the 3D labyrinth of crawl tunnels in the Mystery Mineshaft Maze. This is a family friendly event, but once the sun goes down a whole new live scare experience begins, for the brave (and adults) only!
The KP Resort is the place to be this Halloween, perfectly placed to explore and discover all the spooky happenings in York. Be surrounded by the magical woodland and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Wolds on your Halloween holiday.