Looking for somewhere to take the kids this Halloween? There’s plenty of spooktacular things happening in and around Peterborough. ESP's Mikey Clarke has rounded up just a few…
Ghost Walks in Peterborough
Looking for a spooky-thrill? Try one of the city centre ghost walks or tours in the city’s most haunted building happening this half term week. Peterborough Museum’s spooky walks and tours are perfect for the Halloween season – we know; we’ve tried them many times!
Join if you dare as a costumed guide leads you by candlelight. You’ll have to watch your back as you discover eerie tales and re-live the real encounters that have taken place in and around Peterborough Museum – you might see some of the stories come to life in front of you!
There are six different walks and tours to choose from including Candlelit Ghost Tour (age 14+), Halloween Ghost Walk (Age 8+) or Horror Night (Age 16+).
To find out more visit: wwwpeterboroughmuseum.org.uk/events/halloween
Burghley House Halloween Trail
Here’s a walk for the younger ones. Gather the family and wind your way around the Halloween Trail in Burghley’s Sculpture Garden.
Crunch through the crispy autumn leaves to find the hidden spooks in every creepy corner, uncover the clues and win a treat.
This is happening now until Sunday October 30 from 10.30am to 5pm.
Admission to the Halloween Trail is included in your House or Gardens ticket.
Scarewell at Sacrewell
As autumn takes hold of the land around us, with leaves turning orange and darker nights drawing in, it's time to discover the many Tricks and Treats around the farm, with the help of some spooky friends that are hidden around Scarewell until October 30.
With the new park area, this is my own kids’ favourite place right now. Maybe I’ll see you there!
You'll start your journey into the story of witches, ghouls and trolls at the spooky witches farm house… don’t worry about losing your way in the gloom as you may end up staying for story time fun. Escape the witches lair through the enchanted woodland and meet a ghost who can show you the magical art of wand crafting for you to treasure. Explore the pumpkin patch and select your favourite pumpkin to take with you to the Troll! Sneak along to the bridge. Shhhhhhhh… can you cross the bridge without waking the troll? Then end the visit with a sweet treat around the woodland campfire.
Most importantly, don’t forget to dress up and be ready for a fun filled day - this truly is an event for all the family!
Scares on Nene Valley Railway
The flame of the black candle has finally been reignited and the witches have risen again, this time to cause trouble in Nene Valley. Join their three Salem Sisters who will be sure to put a spell on you. Keep an eye out for any black cats that might cross your path!
Ride the Spooky Express this Halloween weekend. As you travel through the tunnel keep an eye out for the Wansford Ghost. He's known to frequent the tunnel at this time of year. Look out for his spooky glow as you pass through the darkness of the tunnel. Sometimes his presence does affect the lights on the train when you pass him on the tracks so do bring a torch if you're scared of the dark. Fancy Dress is a must to add to the spooky experience. Their team of spooks can't wait to meet us and welcome us on board the SPOOKY EXPRESS.
The Spooky Express will depart Wansford Station at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00 on Saturday October 29 and Sunday October 30. On booking please select your desired departure time for your return trip on board the Spooky Express.
Looking for something a little spookier? Then try their ONE NIGHT ONLY SCARE TRAIN!
This service is recommended for passengers aged 14+. The darkness hides all sorts of jumps and scares. Arrive at Wansford Station at 6.30pm as the train will depart at 7pm on Sunday October 30.
Halloween characters will be on the train to add to the experience, who knows where you’ll bump into them! Or they will bump into you? Don't forget to wear your scariest attire to add to the atmosphere and the overall experience.
All Aboard the Wizard's Express
Nene Valley Railway also invites you to join them at Wansford's School of Wizardry based at Wansford Station for a magical journey on The Wizard's Express.
On Thursday October 27 - The Wizard's Express will be departing from Platform 2 and a bit from Wansford Station.
The Wizard's Express is a fun event for all the family, see the railway in a different light, as Wansford Station is transformed into a Wizardry themed setting to spark your spellbinding imagination into action. Don't forget to dress in your favourite Wizard Attire.
Wizards will mingle with the passengers and each child's ticket includes a handmade wand, which you will hand pick before boarding the Wizard's Express from Professor Kimberly's Wand Shop.
The Wizard's Express will be departing at 11am, 1pm and 3pm from Wansford Station.
The Vaults Tour – Peterborough Museum
This spooktacular event takes place every Tuesday and Thursday 11am and Saturday 11am and 2.30pm.
Take part in a Vaults tour and venture down into the Museum’s cellars. Explore layers of history rarely seen by the public and hear the stories of the people who once lived and worked within the building.
The experience brings the building's 500 years of history to life through projections and characters. From the grand home of a wealthy Tudor family, to the city's first infirmary. Not all tales are for the faint of heart however, as you hear a selection of stories from one of Peterborough’s most haunted buildings.
Tours last approximately 40 minutes. The Vaults tour is not recommended for children under the age of 8.
Flag Fen Pumpkins, Witches and Wizards
Happening now until Sunday October 30, we're invited to step into their enchanted forest, filled with lots of bright and beautifully orange pumpkins. Meet their friends, Wenzel the wizard and Whizzy the witch who'll be there to help you choose the perfect pumpkin to carve in the Witches Yurt! That's not all - you can even make your very own Witch or Wizard broomstick to take home with you.
There’s also Spooky storytelling (Wed - Fri) - Join their team in the roundhouse and listen to ghostly tales around the cosy fire pit. Pick up a marshmallow & roasting stick for just £1 and enjoy toasting your marshmallows over the warm and cosy fire.
It all truly sounds magical – it really is such a wonderful time of the year.
Happy Halloween everyone, from the ESP team.