As the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, Burton is gearing up for a spooktacular celebration of all things eerie. Halloween is just around the corner, and whether you’re a thrill-seeker or planning something a little less chilling with the kids, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season. Here’s your guide to what’s on in Burton this Halloween.
Screamfest at National Forest Adventure Farm
Screamfest is back and it’s bigger, scarier and more intense than ever. Known for delivering some of the best frights in the Midlands, the event is not one for the faint-hearted. Featuring six scare mazes including the brand new ‘Mutation Damnation’ and two terrifying scare zones, this is Burton’s ultimate Halloween experience.
Expect live music, fire breathers, street food stalls, fairground rides and a licensed bar. You’ll also find flash mob dance performances and walkabout scare actors lurking in the shadows. Running for 14 nights from Friday 10 October to Saturday 1 November, the event draws more than 30,000 visitors each year.
This year’s attractions include the alien apocalypse tractor trailer ride Area 52, the clown-infested Freakout Resurrected, the chilling Insomnia, zombie chaos at Hillbilly Joe’s Zombie Zoo and the intense psychological terror of Hellcatraz. With its mix of indoor and outdoor scares across 40 acres, Screamfest promises a night you won’t forget.
Burton Gaol Ghost Walk
31 October, 7pm to 8pm
For something with a historical twist, take part in the Burton Gaol Ghost Walk. This spine-chilling tour delves into the haunted history of Burton with tales of the Holy Grail, Peaky Blinders, Mary Queen of Scots and more.
The tour includes a visit to Burton Gaol, once a prison and now the Royal Oak pub. Dating back to the 1270s, it has a dark past filled with chilling tales of murderers, witches and even a ghostly priest. Locals once called it “Helle” thanks to the dreadful conditions inmates endured. Expect a few surprises along the way as you uncover Burton’s haunted heritage.
The Dolls House at Escape Time Burton
For fans of puzzles with a side of panic, Escape Time Burton offers a creepy challenge inside its Dolls House themed escape room. In this adult-only experience, you have 60 minutes to solve the mysteries and escape before your nerves give out.
Designed to test your brain as well as your bravery, the room is strictly 16 and over. It’s not suitable for pregnant guests or anyone with heart conditions. Prices start at £25 and booking ahead is essential.
Crafty Attic at Helen’s Bake House and Tea Rooms
Running from Monday 27 to Friday 31 October, Burton’s new Crafty Attic is perfect for little ones who love to get creative. Located in Helen’s Bake House and Tea Rooms, children can pick up craft kits and make pompoms or tassels to hang on the community yarn tree. Drop in any time during half term to take part and contribute to this growing town artwork.
Pumpkin Village at the National Forest Adventure Farm
If pumpkins are more your thing, head over to Burton’s Pumpkin Village. Inspired by the world’s best pumpkin patches, this autumnal attraction offers acres of pumpkins in all shapes and colours. From multi-coloured and star-shaped to warty and weird, there’s something for every doorstep display.
Alongside pumpkin picking, there’s live acoustic and country music, street food, seasonal stalls and even a bar. The event is dog-friendly, so the whole family (paws included) can enjoy the fun. Open on selected October dates from 10am to 4pm.
Bat Discovery at Calke Abbey
Over at Calke Abbey, families can explore the secretive lives of bats with a special Halloween bat trail. Use your bat-detecting skills to find ten hidden bats around the Stableyards and Pleasure Grounds. Afterwards, descend into the Spooky Tunnel and navigate its twists and turns while spotting strange creatures in the shadows. A perfect mix of spooky and educational for curious young explorers.
Spooktacular Light Walk at Conkers
Last but not least, Conkers is hosting its Halloween Spooktacular Light Walk. Brave the haunted woodland trail, jump aboard the ghost train or get comfy in the 4D cinema for a fright-filled short film. There are crafts, lights and themed decorations throughout the park to keep everyone entertained.
Whether you’re searching for ghostly tales, terrifying mazes or something the whole family can enjoy, Burton is the place to be this Halloween.
Wrap up warm, grab your pumpkins and get ready for some frightful fun.
