Halloween at Hillsborough

Experience autumn magic for all the family

Looking for a magical daytime adventure this autumn half term? Gather the family and head to Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens for a spellbinding day in the great outdoors.

Discover Halloween at Hillsborough

Dare you explore 100 acres of spooky gardens this Halloween season? Tiptoe through the creepy Scarecrow Parade keeping watch.

Get closer to nature with special family workshops, navigate the twisty maze, go on a storytelling walk, and carve your very own pumpkin. Don’t miss challenging your family to classic Halloween games - from conker tournaments to apple bobbing and welly tossing, what will you win?

With different things happening every day, become a member to experience it all for free. See the map and timetable of activities taking place.

When

26 October - 03 November 2024

In line with gardens opening hours

Ticketing information

Free workshops have a capacity of 15 and will last one hour. Attendance is walk-up only and on a first-come first-served basis. See below for details on individual workshops*

Included in all admission tickets (Members go free)

Buy tickets

Autumn outdoor workshops

Join a fun autumn-themed workshop, (included in your ticket), to satisfy all budding adventurers.

With a capacity of just 15, these hour-long sessions will be tailored to your group, and so are suitable for families of all ages. With four different workshops across half term, return to experience them all!

All activities will take place outdoors, but cover will be provided in inclement weather; please dress appropriately.

Family nature skills: 26 and 31 October

Time: 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30

Learn bushcraft, foraging and how to build a den all your friends will envy.

Family biodiversity: 28 October and 01 November

Time: 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30

Learn about the local landscape, trees, bugs and more in this hands-on experience.

Nature art: 29 October

Time: 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30

Use the natural environment to create beautiful pieces of art you can take home, such as leaf printing.

Halloween Map and Schedule

Download schedule (PDF)

A group of people surrounding a bench. On the bench is a selection of leaves that the group are putting under white cloths and hammering. By hammering the leaves under the cloths an imprint and outline of the leaf remains.

2019 Halloween suite of events at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens 31st Oct - 3rd Nov Inclusive. During the day, families were able to participate in lantern making workshops, seasonal storytelling and spooky Halloween Hands On Hillsborough sessions. In this image children are making lanterns in the Clore Learning Centre.

Pumpkin carving

27, 29 and 30 October

Time: 10:00-12:30, 13:30-15:30

Halloween isn't complete without a chance to carve your very own pumpkin. Once finished, take it home to add some fright to your doorstep on Halloween.

Pumpkin carving (included in your ticket) will take place indoors.

Jazz duo ( saxophone and piano) playing in front of a small crowd in the Walled Garden.

Download our Halloween Café Menu

Halloween Menu (PDF)

Discover culinary delights

Join our mini food fair on 02 and 03 November. Explore pop-up food and drink stalls from local artisans in the Walled Garden. Treat yourself to delicious street food or take something home to savour for later.

Relax to live music from talented local artists in Hillsborough Castle’s stunning 100-acre gardens. Delectable Halloween-themed cakes, alongside warming drinks and filling lunches, will be available in our popular café. Don't miss out on a cauldron of witch's brew, devilled fries or spookghetti.

Storytelling walks

30 October - 01 November

Time: 10:30, 12:00, 13:45 and 15:15

Join a fun, family-friendly storytelling walk through the stunning gardens, and hear unforgettable myths and legends relating to Hillsborough and the surrounding areas. Each storytelling walk will be tailored specially for the group in attendance, and so is suitable for children of all ages.

A family walk through the Lost Garden at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens in autumn 2019. A father is swinging his son up in the air.

Close up of a cheery-looking scarecrow in a flowery hat, red and white checked shirt and dungarees at the 2023 Scarecrow Parade.

The Scarecrow Parade

Looking to make the most of autumn at Hillsborough? Enjoy a captivating display of scarecrows in the Walled Garden created by local schools and community groups.

Discover the Scarecrow Parade

Upgrade your ticket

Experience the Castle on a specially designed Family Fun Tour, running every day over half term. See the Throne Room and other rooms still used by the Royal Family today.

Upgrade your ticket to membership for a whole year of family adventures. See the gardens change throughout the seasons and enjoy must-see events throughout the year.