Delve into the eerie atmosphere of Sunderland this Halloween season with our expertly curated guide, offering a cornucopia of creepy events and paranormal experiences. Embark on a terrifying journey through Sunderland with our guide, crafted for both local legends and visiting apparitions.
Popular events this October include the Scream Factory, where chilling scares await those daring enough to enter its haunted halls. For a more enchanting experience, the Festival of Light transforms the city into a captivating spectacle with dazzling displays. And the Pumpkin Week is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring an array of festive activities perfect for families. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Sunderland
- Scream Factory
- Festival of Light
- Pumpkin Week, Down at the Farm (Houghton)
- Luxmuralis (Durham)
- Spooky Science Party
- Ghost Walk - Washington (Washington)
- Ghostbusters Halloween Outdoor Cinema (Herrington Country Park)
- Scream Factory Twilight Tour for Children (Kirkleatham Museum)
- Halloween Glass Painting
- Halloween Quest and Spooky Storytelling (Belsay Hall)
See these and even more events listed below!
Sunderland Area Haunted Experiences
Ghost Walk - Washington
What to Expect:
Explores Washington's haunted history with script-read stories of torture, murder, and ancient bodies.
Description:
Embark on a spooky journey through Washington's haunted history with the Washington Ghost Walk. This event delves into tales of torture, murder, suicide, highway robbery, and ancient bodies, all set against the backdrop of Washington's most haunted churches, halls, and inns. The stories will be script-read, making this an unforgettable experience. Suitable for all ages, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Where: Washington | More Info: Ghost Walk - Washington
Evening Spooky Halloween Walk
What to Expect:
A family-friendly, outdoor Halloween walk with ghost-hunting storytellers.
Description:
Join our ghost-hunting storytellers on a family-friendly walk through the shadows of Tynemouth Priory. This Halloween walk features well-told tales of strange and spooky goings-on, making it an ideal event for children aged 5-10. The tour is an outdoor, early evening event that is perfect for those seeking a more light-hearted Halloween experience.
Where: Tynemouth Priory | More Info: Evening Spooky Halloween Walk
Halloween at Ormesby Hall
What to Expect:
A haunted house experience with spooky decorations and many surprises.
Description:
Step inside the spookily decorated Ormesby Hall, transformed into a haunted house with spooky decorations, skeletons, and creepy crawlies. Enjoy many surprises along the way. This Halloween celebration offers a frighteningly good time for all ages.
Where: Ormesby Hall | More Info: Halloween at Ormesby Hall
Scream Factory
What to Expect:
A fully immersive Halloween experience with 9 scare zones and 100 live actors.
Description:
Scream Factory is a multi-award winning Halloween attraction located at Kirkleatham Museum, Kirkleatham Village. It offers a thrilling experience with 9 scare zones, 100 live actors, and immersive special effects. The event includes various tours such as the Extreme Tour, Isolation Tour, and Children's Twilight Tour, catering to different audiences.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Scream Factory
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Sunderland
Festival of Light
What to Expect:
The event features stunning new light projections and immersive fairy trails, creating a mesmerizing and magical atmosphere.
Description:
The Sunderland Festival of Light is a month-long event in Mowbray Park, featuring stunning new light projections, a silent disco, children's rides, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Visitors can enjoy a sparkling mix of lighting displays, including a dazzling laser garden and a giant glitter ball. The event promises to be an exciting and magical experience for all ages.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Festival of Light
Pumpkin Week, Down at the Farm
What to Expect:
A variety of fun outdoor activities and a pumpkin patch where you can pick and paint your own pumpkins.
Description:
Join us for Pumpkin Week at Down at the Farm, where you can enjoy a variety of fun activities including outdoor play, barrel rides, and scarecrow sessions. The event features a pumpkin patch where you can pick and paint your own pumpkins. There will also be non-stop barrel rides and a ghastly graveyard to explore. This is a perfect event for families to create lasting memories and enjoy the fall season.
Where: Houghton | More Info: Pumpkin Week, Down at the Farm
Scream Factory Twilight Tour for Children
What to Expect:
A magical journey through an enchanting Halloween village where children can meet witches and wizards while collecting sweets and treats.
Description:
The Scream Factory Twilight Tour for Children is a delightful Halloween event designed for ages 3+. This not-so-scary tour takes you and your little ones on a thrilling adventure through custom-built zones. Meet Winnie the Witch, Minnie the Witch, and Phineas the Wizard as you work together to restore Halloween spirit. Enjoy delicious treats, face painting, and a live show featuring spooky characters. The event includes hot foods, refreshing drinks, and sweet treats, making it a perfect family outing.
Where: Kirkleatham Museum | More Info: Scream Factory Twilight Tour for Children
Spooky Science Party
What to Expect:
Interactive science demonstrations with a spooky twist.
Description:
Join Spooky Science Party at Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens for an hour of thrilling science demonstrations and spooky experiments with Big Science UK. Children aged 4+ can enjoy the interactive activities while adults watch for free.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Spooky Science Party
After Dark in the Plotters Forest
What to Expect:
An illuminated after-dark family trail with spooky spiders, witches, and skeletons.
Description:
Experience an eerie and enchanting Halloween After Dark in The Plotters' Forest at Raby Castle. As dusk descends, the forest comes alive with spooky creatures and magical inhabitants. Families can dress up in their spookiest costumes and venture into the shadows to collect creepy clues and enjoy tasty Halloween treats.
Where: Plotters Forest | More Info: After Dark in the Plotters Forest
Evening Spooky Halloween Woodland Walk
What to Expect:
An immersive, family-friendly Halloween walk with ghost-hunting storytellers and engaging activities.
Description:
Join English Heritage for a family-friendly Spooky Woodland Walk at Belsay Hall, Castle, and Gardens. As the days shorten and evenings grow darker, ghost-hunting storytellers will guide you through the shadows of Belsay Hall's grounds with well-told tales of strange and spooky goings-on. This Halloween walk is perfect for getting into the spirit of the season, featuring engaging activities and spine-chilling storytelling.
Where: Belsay Hall | More Info: Evening Spooky Halloween Woodland Walk
Halloween Quest and Spooky Storytelling
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween event featuring a quest to solve creepy clues and listen to spooky stories in a historic castle setting.
Description:
Experience a spooktacular Halloween at Belsay Hall with family-friendly activities. Join a quest to solve creepy clues, gather around for spooky stories, and take part in a Spooky Victorian-themed garden walk. Discover hidden nooks and mysterious corners in the eerie setting of this ancient castle.
Where: Belsay Hall | More Info: Halloween Quest and Spooky Storytelling
Halloween Glass Painting
What to Expect:
A unique opportunity to create personalized Halloween decorations with glass painting.
Description:
Join us at the National Glass Centre for a fun and creative Halloween activity. Design your own hanging decoration to take home and display for trick-or-treaters. This drop-in event is perfect for families with children aged 4+, and it's only £5.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Halloween Glass Painting
The Scarycrow Trail
What to Expect:
A community-driven, family-friendly scarecrow trail with creative and spooky displays.
Description:
The Scarycrow Trail is a beloved annual event in Ford and Etal Estates, Northumberland, celebrating its 18th year in 2024. Visitors can follow a trail of weird and wonderful 'Scarycrows' around the villages, awarding them scores as they go. The event is family-friendly, with no charge, but donations are encouraged for local charity support. The Scarycrows are created by locals and local businesses, adding to the event's charm and community spirit.
Where: Ford & Etal | More Info: The Scarycrow Trail
Halloween Crafts
What to Expect:
A variety of spooky and creative activities designed to engage families and children during the October half term.
Description:
The Family Arts Festival at the Shipley Art Gallery is a spooky crafting event happening during the October half term in 2024. It promises to get everyone excited for Halloween with various interactive and creative activities. This event is designed for families and children, offering a fun and engaging way to celebrate the season.
Where: Gateshead | More Info: Halloween Crafts
Witches Dance
What to Expect:
Experience the unique dance traditions of witches in a historic setting.
Description:
Discover the unique dance traditions of witches during Halloween at Ormesby Hall. Each coven has its special dance, adding to the festive atmosphere of this historic mansion. Explore the colorful Victorian formal garden and enjoy seasonal delights while learning about the family's stories and the history of the hall.
Where: Ormesby Hall | More Info: Witches Dance
Glow in the Dark Halloween T Shirt Making
What to Expect:
The event utilizes glow and dark vinyl to create unique, glow-in-the-dark Halloween t-shirts.
Description:
Join us at the Central Library for a spooktacular Glow in the Dark Halloween T Shirt Making workshop. Using Cricut Design Space and fantastic glow and dark vinyl, participants aged 7-16 can bring their designs to life. An adult must accompany children under 8 years old. Mobile phones should be kept off during the workshop, and only covered beverages are allowed. No food is permitted inside MakerPlace.
Where: Gateshead | More Info: Glow in the Dark Halloween T Shirt Making
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Sunderland
Halloween Doggy Afternoon Tea
What to Expect:
A festive and dog-friendly Halloween celebration with themed teas and snacks.
Description:
Enjoy a spooky yet delightful afternoon with your furry friend at South Causey Inn's Halloween Doggy Afternoon Tea. This special event combines a festive atmosphere with delicious treats and activities, making it a memorable experience for both you and your dog. The event features a variety of dog-friendly delights, including themed teas and snacks, all set amidst the beautiful Beamish Valley surroundings.
Where: Sunderland | More Info: Halloween Doggy Afternoon Tea
Other Halloween Activities Near Sunderland
Luxmuralis
What to Expect:
An immersive light and sound art installation exploring the wonders of outer space.
Description:
Luxmuralis presents "Space," an immersive light and sound art installation at Durham Cathedral. The event takes visitors on an exploration through outer space, featuring dazzling projections and original footage of a rocket launch. This 45-minute experience is suitable for all ages and includes vibrant projections in different areas of the cathedral, accompanied by an immersive soundscape.