Did you know that York has more ghosts than anywhere else in Europe? While we’re not sure who counted them all, one thing’s for sure – York’s one of the most haunted cities in the world, and it takes Halloween seriously. From ghost walks and eerie attractions to family-friendly Halloween events, York is the ultimate destination for spooky fun this October half term.
Whether you’re thrill-seeking with older kids or looking for cosier autumn adventures without the potential for nightmares, there are plenty of things to do in York at Halloween for all ages. Expect tricks, treats, and hauntingly good days out in the city that does spooky better than anywhere else.
Here’s why York is the perfect place to visit this Halloween.
💰The best free and cheap things to do in York
🪄The best Harry Potter things to do in York
🥱 The best places to stay in York with kids
😮 The best unusual things to do in York
👶 The best things to do in York with a baby/toddler
ℹ️ Read the Little Vikings Family Guide to York
🛹 The best things to do with older kids and teens in York
1. See The Ghosts in the Gardens
One of York’s best Halloween events returns for 2025: Ghosts in the Gardens! There are 60 horribly convincing wire mesh sculptures to find in many of York’s most stunning spaces, and you can find all the locations on the York BID website. The perfect Halloween photo opportunity, it’s free and an enchanting way to explore York this October half term.
Ghosts in the Gardens – 19 September to 2nd November 2025 – Visit the York BID website
2. Scare yourselves silly at The York Dungeon
Lurking beneath York’s candy-coated surface is a murkier, more murderous past that will make you see the pretty city gates in a whole new light (just imagine them decorated with decapitated heads…). None of this is for younger children, of course, but older kids who find blood and guts funny rather than frightening will relish discovering York’s darker depths. And there’s no better place to do that than The York Dungeon, one of the city’s top attractions, and definitely the most frightening. Read our review of The York Dungeon here.
The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD – Visit The York Dungeon website
3. Go on a spooky walking tour
York Dungeon offers The Little Peasants Walking Tour, a family-friendly offering for those with younger children this Halloween. The tour takes in some of York’s most iconic sites, delving into all the frightful history of the city with the Dungeon’s dynamic duo Jester and Smedley. Read our review of the York Dungeon Walking Tour here.
The York Dungeon, 12 Clifford St, York YO1 9RD – 25th October – 31st October 2025 – Visit the York Dungeon website
4. Jump scares and gore at York Maze‘s Hallowtween
Calling all fearless 10-15-year-olds and adults of a more nervous disposition: York Maze’s Hallowtween is back for 2025! The UK’s only Halloween scare event for younger children, it’s great fun for kids who love a jumpscare and a dollop of gore. Venture into a new dimension of spine-tingling fun this Halloween, as York Maze invites you to explore the farm’s most mysterious buildings, each with its own twisted history you will discover for yourself once you step inside. Nothing is what it seems and you will need to keep your wits about you as you experience all the shocks and thrills of four Scare Houses: Corny’s Cornevil, The Singularity, The Flesh Pot and Necropolis!
Hallowtween, York Maze, York YO19 5LT – 25 – 31 October 2025 (closed Monday 27th) – Visit the York Maze website
5. Do the Little York Ghost Hunt
Each night 100 numbered Little Ghosts will be lurking on window ledges and hiding in crevices along the route marked on the York Ghost Merchants Ghost Week map. The ghosts will appear each evening as darkness falls between 6pm and 8pm. See if you can locate them all and discover the snickelways of York in the process.
The Little York Ghost Hunt 2025 – Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October 2025, 6pm to 8pm – Find out more
6. Pick a pumpkin at Farmer Ed’s
New for 2025, head to Farmer Ed’s (in the grounds of Piglets Adventure Farm) where you can pick a pumpkin from the patch, have a go at pitch and putt and tuck into tasty street food.
Farmer Ed’s, Piglets Adventure Farm, Towthorpe Grange, Towthorpe Moor Lane, York YO32 9ST – Visit the website
7. Be spellbound at Mother Shipton’s Creepy and Kooky Halloween event
Get ready to be spellbound this Halloween at Mother Shipton’s! Step into a world of enchantment as you explore themed displays featuring witches, mysterious cauldrons and magical spells cast by friendly characters. Try some spooktacular activities and capture the magic of the season with terror-ific photo opportunities. Don’t miss the outdoor play area, cave and petrifying well, too.
Halloween at Mother Shiptons – 25 October to 2 November 2025 – Visit the website
8. Do a pumpkin trail at Castle Howard
Make memories this autumn at Castle Howard, only 30 minutes from York. Families can discover Skelf Island Playground, watch The Great Pumpkin Adventure, hunt for pumpkins around the house and join bulb planting sessions. There’s plenty for grown-ups too, from autumn walks to late-night house tours and seasonal shopping. With tasty treats and activities for all ages, it’s a lovely half-term day out.
Halloween at Castle Howard – Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA – Visit the website
9. No tricks, just treats this half term at York’s Chocolate Story
Head to York’s sweetest attraction and discover the history of chocolate, from its ancient origins to iconic brands like KitKat and Chocolate Orange! Enjoy tasty samples, see the chocolatiers at work and decorate a chocolate lolly. Upgrade to Halloween Truffle Rolling or join a Halloween Masterclass to create spooky themed chocolates. It’s the perfect treat for all the family! Pre-book and save 20%.
Halloween at York’s Chocolate Story – York’s Chocolate Story, King’s Square, York YO1 7LD – Visit the York’s Chocolate Story website
10. Pick your own pumpkins at The Balloon Tree
It’s much more exciting to pick your own pumpkin than just chuck one in your supermarket trolley, so why not visit The Balloon Tree and choose your own? They’ve got a huge selection of homegrown pumpkins just waiting for you to pick them and take them home to carve, cook or decorate. While you’re there, don’t miss the lovely cafe and little play area.
The Balloon Tree – The Balloon Tree Farmshop and Cafe, Stamford Bridge Road, Gate Helmsley, York
YO41 1NB – Visit the website
11. Find magical creatures on The Wizard Walk of York
For younger children, why not embark on a magical tour of York? Don your cloaks and pointy hats and let The Wizard of York lead you on a quest to find magical creatures as you wand-er the alleys and snickelways of York. This child-focused smash-hit walking tour is an entertaining and award-winning alternative to the ghost tours, and is really good fun. Early booking advised. Use your Little Vikings Family Card for a free golden dragon coin!
12. Experience the unexpected at Whitby Abbey’s Illuminated Abbey
See Bram Stoker’s inspiration in a new light as Whitby Abbey is bathed in dramatic illuminations once again. Have your camera at the ready as you explore the gothic splendour of the ruins lit up with all the colours of the rainbow. Experience an unforgettable evening of Victorian Gothic entertainment beneath the soaring Illuminated remains of Whitby Abbey.
Illuminated Abbey – 24 October – 1 November 2025 – Whitby Abbey,
Abbey Lane, Whitby, YO22 4JT – Visit the website
13. Have a round of wizard golf at The Hole in Wand
The Hole in Wand is a marvellously magical mini-golf experience in York city centre, opposite the JORVIK Viking Centre. It’s a brilliantly immersive experience, complete with bubbling cauldrons, puzzles to solve and a free potion for every player. Shorter clubs are available for younger players. Use your Little Vikings Family Card for a free premium upgrade!
The Hole in Wand, 14-16 Coppergate Walk, York YO1 9NT – Visit The Hole in Wand website
