For many, Halloween is just a great opportunity to experience rides in the dark, but for others it’s a time to embrace the spirit of the event, dress up and become terrified in the various horror mazes on offer.
As the Halloween season creeps up on us, we take a look at a selection of the most chilling offerings from British theme parks this year.
Scarefest, Alton Towers
15-31 October – 10am-9pm
Three horror mazes return: Tower of the Terrors (free), Carnival of Screams and The Boiler House (both £6 each). New for this year is a Zombies! Live scare zone. There’s no mention of Duel Live or Thirteen After Dark (but the ride will still operate beyond dusk) so far this year.
Aside from the two maze fees, entry prices are normal and annual pass holders can enter without restriction or additional fee.
Fright Nights, Thorpe Park
6-9, 14-16, 21-31 October – 10am-10pm
Now in its tenth year, this collection of five horror mazes is the most extreme offering. Brave SE7EN, The Curse, The Asylum and the hyped-up Saw Alive, as well as a new maze themed around a government test lab.
All mazes are included in the entry price, which is slightly higher than usual at £43.20 on the day. There’s a free preview for annual pass holders on 6 October, but after that there’s a £5 even fee to pay.
Frightwater Valley, Lightwater Valley
29 & 30 October – 10am-8pm/7pm
Hoping to build on a successful event last year, the park will be bringing back Dracula’s Labyrinth and two nights of fireworks. They’re also introducing the new Haunting of Skeleton Cove and Raptor Attack: Live experiences.
Entry is discounted after 1pm (being £12.95 online) and all special attractions and mazes can be accessed at no extra charge.
Vampire Beach, Blackpool Pleasure Beach
31 October – 4pm-9pm
Something of a surprise announcement from a park that does not typically embrace the period’s atmosphere. They’re showing bravery by having a one-day event on Halloween itself – which falls on a Monday this year. The adjacent Pasaje del Terror horror maze will be available for £5.50 on the day.
Unlimited ride wristbands and park entry is charged at a discounted £15.