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A guide to Halloween in Leeds
17th October 2024
It’s happening; the nights are getting longer, the clothes are getting chunkier and the weather is creeping into its darker seasons. Christmas is just around the corner… but not yet! We have Halloween bringing with it pumpkin lattes, halloween lanterns and general spookiness. To show autumn doesn’t mean bleak, we’ve rounded up some of the best activities this Halloween Leeds – from family friendly frights and traditional pumpkin picking over half-term to truly terrifying tales and ghostly going-ons for braver souls. Read on for inspiration.
For fiendish frights and spooky experiences:
Family Friendly – From the 25th to the 31st of October Lotherton will become home to an immersive scare experience (for 8+) that will have you running in terror. Once Upon A Nightmare is a world where fairy tale characters don’t get their happily ever after.
Where else to go? Kirkstall Abbey for a Halloween Hunt (26th Oct to 3rd Nov), Harewood House’s Scarewood Unlocked (31st Oct), Mystery at the Museum at the Royal Armouries (26th Oct to 3rd Nov)
For frightening films:
Travel back in time to the silent movie era at Howard Assembly Room with a showing of Un Chien Andalou and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari on the 31st of October played alongside by Leeds City’s Organist Darius Battiwalla.
Where else to go? The Old Woollen for The Cat and the Canary (27th Oct), Outlaws Yacht Club for The Messiah of Evil (29th Oct), Everyman Cinema at Trinity Leeds for The Shining (25th & 31st Oct), Harewood House for Scream (20th Oct) or The Lost Boys (18th Oct), Belgrave Music Hall for the Twilight Saga Marathon (3rd Nov), Nosferatu at Springwell (3rd Nov)
Family Friendly – From 26th Oct to 31st Oct, Hyde Park Picture House will be screening Coraline as a Halloween Special. Kids can also enjoy learning how to make their own spooky sound effects for movies with a Halloween Foley Workshop on the 31st October.
Where else to go? Hocus Pocus screenings at Everyman Cinema (31st Oct) or Harewood House (19th Oct)
For exploring the paranormal and ghostly goings-on:
On 18th, 22nd and 30th of October take a tour starting at hidden gem The Leeds Library and then journey through the city’s alleyways and paranormal hotspots in search of some of Leeds’ most famous ghosts and ghouls.
Where else to go? Temple Newsam’s Ghost Tours (19th & 20th Oct), Thackray Medical Museum’s Ghost Hunt (9th Nov), Leeds: the Dark Side Tour (31st Oct & 1st Nov)
For Family Friendly – Temple Newsam, as one of the oldest places in Leeds, is home to many ghosts all year-round. This Halloween you can explore the Home Farm’s mysterious sightings (28th Oct) or meet some of the oldest residents on a tour of the cellars (26th Oct to 3rd Nov). For smaller children the Junior Ghost Walks (28th Oct) are more light-hearted.
Where else to go? Harewood House’s Spooky Stories (26th Oct to 3rd Nov), Abbey House Museum’s Spooky Streets (26th Oct to 3rd Nov)
For spooktacular soirees and parties:
On Halloween night, 31st October, The Cut and Craft is hosting a Halloween night to remember – The Cut and Witchcraft dinner and party will be a three-course meal, with spiritual readers and special performance from The Sanderson Sisters, or join later for canapes, drinks and musical entertainment.
Where else to go? Latitude Wine Bar’s Evening of Gluttony (30th Oct), Electric Shuffle’s Halloween Brunch (26th & 27th Oct), Funky Love Halloween Party at The Wardrobe (26th Oct)
For supernatural shopping:
On the 19th of October the Leeds Festival of Gothica and AdVintageous present the Alternative Market at Kirkgate Market. Delve into the strange and unusual from magickal paraphernalia, alternative fashion, dark homeware, antiquity, curio, art and jewellery, food and drink across 80+ traders as well as tours of the city’s darkest history, guided talks of the living with death exhibition at the City Museum, talks on gothic heritage and gigs at the HiFi Club and Boom Leeds.
On the 26th of October Leeds Indie Market is hosting a special Halloween market at Project House with an abundance of incredible and ghoulish indies selling their spooky, dark and witchy wares. Fancy dress is encouraged for all (including for four-legged friends)
For pumpkin picking:
At Lotherton Hall you can enjoy a thrilling tractor tour around the estate before picking the perfect pumpkin for carving as well as face-painting and craft activities. On from 5th October to 31st October.
Where else to go? Halloween pumpkin picking at Stockeld Park (26th to 31st Oct), Farmer Copley’s Pumpkin Festival (18th to 31st Oct), Kemps Horsforth PYO (16th to 29th Oct), or if you’re seeking a dog-friendly pumpkin picking experience then Bert’s Barrow is for you (open all October).
For chilling crafts and play:
From Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November White Rose Shopping Centre is hosting some frightfully fun craft activities, like making spooky masks and help with finishing Halloween costumes, and it’s free!
Where else to go? Harewood House’s Spooky Special Lego Club (3rd Nov) and Art Club (20th Oct), Leeds City Museum’s Pumpkin Competition where the best designs get voted for to win prizes including their design carved into a real pumpkin! (1st to 31st Oct)
Find more Halloween events here.
For more events visit our What’s On section.
Whatever’s on your Halloween hit list, Leeds has an experience to match. How about making a weekend of it and bagging a few terrifying tickets with a comfy hotel to retire to after? Find the right one for you in our guide on where to stay.
* this blog was written in 2023 and repurposed for 2024