For those of us who love being scared out of our minds, Halloween [1] is the most wonderful time of year, and the UK's best theme parks know just how to terrify us as October rolls around. From scare mazes to nighttime rides, we've rounded up the freakiest Halloween events being held at theme parks on home turf in 2018, as well as those suitable for younger kids/the more easily frightened among us.
If you just can't wait until Halloween to get your ghoulish thrills, take a walk around London's haunted pubs [2], and get your adrenaline rush fix by riding the best roller coasters in the UK [3]. Now get scrolling to check out the ghoulish fun that awaits you.
Scarefest at Alton Towers
Scarefest at Alton Towers [4] in Stoke-on-Trent is taking place on Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, and 19 plus Nov. 2 2018.
The park is open until late so you take to the rides in the dark, including a six-storey high Wicker Man effigy bursting into flames [5]. For those in search of terror, there are the award-winning scare mazes, with a brand new offering for 2018.
For younger kids, there are five Halloween [6] characters in the Halloween playland including newbie Gretyl the witch, live shows, and the new CBeebies Monster Ball. There's also the House of Monsters maze for older children.
Howl'O'Ween at Chessington World of Adventures
Howl'O'Ween at Chessington World of Adventures [7] in Surrey takes place on Oct. 13, 14, and 19 to 31 in 2018.
The events are categorised into those suitable for 0+ years, 3+, 7+, and 10+. At one end of the scale, there's Room on the Broom story time plus a fancy dress competition, and at the other end, there's the Creepy Caves Unearthed with mazes, magical woods, and live shows in between.
With late-night openings until 8pm on selected dates (Oct. 13 and 14, and 20 to 28), you can also enjoy rides like the iconic Vampire in the dark.
Brick or Treat at Legoland
Brick or Treat at Legoland [8] in Windsor takes place from Oct. 18 to Nov. 2 2018.
New for 2018 are a costume competition, Frankie's Monster Disco, a makeover to create the Spooky Hill Train, and a Brick or Treat trail that involves solving the mystery of the missing potion ingredients.
Halloween Drive-In at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
Halloween Drive-In at Blackpool Pleasure Beach [9] takes place on Oct. 29, 30, and 31 2018, with the car park opening from 7.30pm and the films starting at 8.30pm.
Modern horror classics are being shown over three consecutive nights in the Halloween-themed car park for those 18 and over, including Nightmare on Elm Street, The Conjuring 2, and Halloween [10] H:20.
Spooktacular at Oakwood Park
Spooktacular at Oakwood Park [11] in Pembrokeshire, Wales, is taking place on Oct. 20 and 21 plus 26 to 31 in 2018 from 10.30am to 5.30pm, with scare mazes and family fun.
The scare fest evening Spooktacular Bites Back is taking place on Oct. 27 from 10.30am to 8.30pm.
More Trick Than Treat at Drayton Manor
More Trick Than Treat at Drayton Manor [12] in Staffordshire is taking place from Oct. 20 to Nov. 2 2018.
There's pumpkin carving, trick-or-treat trails, spooky character meet-and-greets, and Halloween [13] makeovers to the Thomasland station.
Fear Island II at Fantasy Island
Fear Island II at Fantasy Island [14] in Skegness is taking place from Oct. 13 to Nov. 4 2018.
There are three new scare experiences plus The Circus of Screams, with Psycho Mansion, Carnivhell, Temple of Terror, and the Fear Island Phantoms stage show.
Happy Halloween at Paultons
Happy Halloween at Paultons [15] in Hampshire takes place from Oct. 6 to Nov. 5 2018 (with shows from Oct. 20 to 31 only).
Children can expect 2,000 pumpkins, spooky meet-and-greets, ghostly scenes, Freaky Fancy Dress competition, a walk-through experience, new theatrical show The Legend of Paultons Manor, the new The Big BOO Barn!, and the Little Monsters Ball finale.
Screamland at Dreamland
Screamland at Dreamland [16] in Margate, Kent, takes place on Oct. 19, 20, 25, 26, 27, and 31 in 2018, with a preview night on Oct. 13.
There are seven interactive scare mazes [17] to explore, sometimes with a bag over your head [18], plus Halloween [19] fun for youngsters during half term.
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park
Fright Nights at Thorpe Park [20] in Surrey take place on Oct. 5 to 7, 11 to 14, and 18 to 31 in 2018, from 3pm to 10pm.
There's Containment, Platform 15, Saw: Alive, and The Walking Dead [21]: Living Nightmare — which got everyone riled up last year [22] — where you can scare yourself silly.