Best Events for Halloween in Cheshire – Cheshire is bursting with frightfully successful ways to keep the kids entertained during the October half-term school holiday. Here are the highlights and for more info and ideas go to www.visitcheshire.com.
Ghostly footsteps in Chester
Little ones can go on the hunt for Chester’s ghosts on a new tour aimed at children aged 4-11 years, seeking out spooky corners including the Dark Row. The 40-minute journey around some of the city’s chilling locations will include treats and even some tricks to play. Departs Chester’s Visitor Information Centre, Northgate, on the afternoon of 29 October. Call 01244 405340 to book.
Mummy’s the word at Macclesfield’s Silk Museum
The Silk Museum is marking the centenary of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun with a programme of events titled #Tut100 – Macclesfield has connections with Ancient Egypt through the local Victorian adventurer Marianne Brocklehurst. Children’s workshops, 22-29 October, include learning to decipher hieroglyphics and making a board game inspired by Ancient Egyptians. Go to https://macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk/whats-on
Hunting timelords in Chester’s Rows
And kids can also delve into the past on the free new Time Travelling Treasure Hunt through Chester’s Rows. These unique walkways that line the city’s main streets will be the hunting ground for a mysterious society of time lords who are threatening to lock Chester in a pocket in time. As youngsters solve clues to get hold of the secret password, adults can tune in to the free new Discover The Rows audio tour, The Time Travelling Treasure Hunt is available at the Visitor Information Centre.
Fearsome flavours at the Ice Cream Farm
The Missing Family Escape Room returns to the Ice Cream Farm for Halloween, 23-31 October, with a mystery to solve to unlock the door before time runs out. There’ll also be a Halloween flash mob on 30 October and Chester author Darron Rodgers doing spooky book readings on 31 October. There are soft toys to win by guessing the body parts in the jar, and, in the world’s largest ice cream parlour here, scoops of the new Toffee Apple flavour will be served in take-home Halloween character mugs. Go to https://www.theicecreamfarm.co.uk/news/halloween-and-half-term-october-2021
Sparking imaginations at Storyhouse
Young minds are sure to be fired up at the WayWord Festival, 24-30 October, when Poet in Residence Benjamin Zephaniah, former children’s laureate Dame Jacqueline Wilson and others host events at Storyhouse and libraries across Cheshire West and Chester. Go to www.storyhouse.com
Poisonous pursuits at Chester Zoo
A lost spell using powerful natural poisons provides the perfect excuse for an adventure around some of the indoor habitats at Chester Zoo, until 31 October. The Halloween Trail will reveal interesting facts about six different species along the way, including spiders and reptiles, with a little help from augmented reality on phones or tablets. Go to https://www.chesterzoo.org/lunas-lost-spell/
Lights fantastic at Magical Woodland
Magical Woodland, near Northwich, returns for autumn with a Halloween theme – and a few roaming dinosaurs. Garlands of twinkling lights, dancing tunnels of borealis-style lasers, and flying lanterns will light the way through the trees, until 31 October. Plus, new interactive features will allow everyone to take part in creating the spectacle. Go to https://www.magicalwoodland.com
In the spirit at West Cheshire Museums
Kids can join in spooky drop-in craft activities to make creepy masks, crawly spiders and more at Grosvenor Museum in Chester and Lion Salt Works (pictured) in Northwich, 24-31 October. The squeamish can instead design and make a Roman coin at Lion Salt Works or find out about Victorian chores at Northwich’s Weaver Hall Museum. Entrance to West Cheshire Museums is free as are many of the events. On 26 October, Weaver Hall Museum will give everyone, of all ages and sizes, the chance to find a new outfit without spending a penny at the Sustainability Clothes Swap. Go to www.westcheshiremuseums.co.uk
Pumpkin picking at Bolesworth
Bolesworth Castle, near Tattenhall, will be channelling the spirit world in the great outdoors with a Halloween themed Maize Maze. There’ll also be sessions to make wish-catchers and bubble wands and the possibility of picking pumpkins to eat or carve, too. Open on selected dates until 30 October. Go to https://bolesworth.com/pumpkin_picking
Cat-like tread at Dunham Massey
Mog the Forgetful Cat returns to Dunham Massey, near Altrincham, until 16 November, leading the way through the grounds of this historic property to teach little ones about the creatures who live here. The favourite feline, created by the late Judith Kerr, will show cat-like ways for youngsters to keep a keen eye on the fallow deer and ears alert to music in the gardens. Go to nationaltrust.org.uk/dunham-massey
Wizard times at Tatton Park
The ancient Old Hall at Tatton Park, near Knutsford, will be the assembly point for wizards on 27 October. They’ll be teaching youngsters spells and giving lessons in how to ride a broomstick, as well as battling the evil sorcerer Dimitri. Go to www.tattonpark.org.uk
All aglow at BeWILDerwood
The woodland at BeWILDerwood, near Malpas, will glow with colour at twilight when lanterns mark a trail through the trees, 15-31 October. Visitors will be invited to make a Boggle Bindle Lantern to help light their way and encounter fantastical characters as they go, including a tiara-wearing Crocklebog, and Snagglefang the bat. Go to https://cheshire.bewilderwood.co.uk/events/the-glorious-glowing-lantern-parade/
Little Monsters at Beeston Castle
Beano tearaways Dennis and Gnasher will be solving creepy clues at Beeston Castle, near Tarporley, 22-30 October. Families can follow the spooky trail through the grounds and hear costumed performers tell tall tales about strange, supernatural and silly goings-on. Go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/whats-on/beeston-halloween-22-30-oct-2022
Spellbound at Arley Hall
When the sun goes down, the woods light up at Arley Hall, near Northwich, to play host to magical creatures and some awesome wizardry. Using sound, light and special effects, the world of Harry Potter will be brought to life on this nighttime trail, from 15 October, revealing scenes and characters, including the Centaurs and Hippogriff, from the famous films. Go to https://hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/cheshire/