Alton Towers Halloween | Spooky Rides, Mazes & Events

What to expect at Alton Towers during Halloween

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The ultimate frights

Step into fear with a terrifying lineup of award-winning, theatrical horror attractions built for visitors brave enough to enter. This year's experience balances brand-new terrors with classic returning haunts, from Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow to Compound and Burial Grounds.

Thrill rides in total darkness

Experience your favourite coasters like never before. When night falls, the intensity is ramped up as many of the park’s signature thrill rides, including Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, and The Smiler, operate in the black of night, transforming familiar attractions into disorienting, high-speed horrors.

Spook-fun for the whole family

Halloween is for all ages at Alton Towers, with lighter activities ensuring the little monsters have a blast without the big scares at Trick O’ Treat Town, family-friendly shows like Amigos in the Afterlife, and encounter the hilarious, roaming Alton Ancestors characters.

Elevated fright experiences

For the true horror enthusiast, exclusive upgrades like Scare Maze Passes are available. These add-ons allow you to secure faster access to the most intense attractions, guaranteeing you can pack in all the scares and maximise your time after dark.

Themed atmosphere

Beyond the scare mazes, expect costumed characters, unsettling soundscapes, and full-resort decorations that create a pervasive, unsettling Halloween atmosphere across every zone.

Alton Towers Halloween events

Roller coaster at Alton Towers theme park in Staffordshire, England.

Scarefest

Dates: September 27– November 2, 2025
Timings: Park open until 9pm on event nights
Location: Throughout Alton Towers Resort
Included with admission: Yes (for many Halloween-decorated areas and general entertainment)
Age restrictions: Varies per attraction

Dive into extended park hours, atmospheric theming, rides in darkness, and a host of Halloween attractions across the resort.

Alton Towers Halloween highlights

Rides in darkness

Experience over 40 signature rollercoasters, including Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, and The Smiler, under the cover of night, where every twist and drop feels more intense.

Scare mazes

Head to the new Edge Of The Forest and meet the malevolent Leshwall, become the subject of a sinister sci-fi experiment at Compound, and follow the rumours about the notorious Skin Snatchers at the Altonville Mine Tours.

Scare zones

Dark Hollow is a free-flowing outdoor scare zone where a chilling, unseen presence watches, waiting to claim you. Or step into the desecrated realm of the Burial Grounds, the sacred sanctum of The Unchosen, a modern cult.

Stage entertainment

The resurrected “Alton Ancestors” and lawn shows add theatrical flair with music, dance, and spooky storytelling across the resort grounds.

CBeebies Land Monster Ball

Dress the family in their best Halloween costumes and join your favourite CBeebies friends live in the Big Fun Showtime tent! Get ready to dance, play games, and learn spooky things.

Plan your Alton Towers Halloween visit

Exteriors of Alton Towers with lush gardens and a serene pond in the foreground.

Scarefest: Open until ~9pm on Halloween event nights
Scare mazes: 3pm (Sunday–Friday) or 1pm (Saturdays) to 9pm

Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons (pre-evening) for fewer queues, then stay for evening thrills.

Address: Alton Towers Resort, Alton, Staffordshire, ST10 4DB | Find on Maps

By train: National Rail
Nearest station: Uttoxeter (Local buses or coach services operate onward to the park)
By bus: D&G Bus X41 and 32X
Nearest stop: Alton Towers Resort
By car: Via M1 or M6
Nearest parking: On-site parking is available (booking in advance is recommended)

Neon "Restrooms" sign with reflection in a dimly lit urban setting.

Restrooms:** Restrooms are located across all themed lands and within major ride buildings.
First aid: For medical needs or facilities for cold storage of medicine, the main Medical Centre is situated at the bottom of Towers Street (next to the Skyride Station).
Lockers: Since bags are not permitted on most rides, secure your items in the daily hire lockers. These are located in key areas like Towers Street, X-Sector, Forbidden Valley, and Dark Forest.
Water fountains: Stay hydrated during the long opening hours! Water refill stations are available in various park zones.
Gift shops: Multiple shops across the resort sell general souvenirs, ride photography, and exclusive Halloween-themed merchandise throughout the Scarefest event.
Wi-Fi: Free guest Wi-Fi is available across the park.
Dining options: Cafés and restaurants operate throughout Scarefest, staying open until 9pm.

Wheelchair accessible route sign with arrow pointing right.

Wheelchair access: The resort offers accessible routes, ramps, and accessible changing places. However, note that not all rides are accessible.
Ride Access Pass: The park provides a Ride Access Pass system to assist guests who cannot stand for long periods with queuing. Please check the park's official Accessibility Guide for eligibility and specific ride and maze restrictions before your visit.

No-flash photography sign at SEA Life London.

Etiquette: Respect actors and installations (no touching).
Age restrictions: The Halloween attractions have age guidelines to ensure a fun, safe experience for everyone. Interactive walkthroughs like Amigos in the Afterlife and Trick O’ Treat Town with HARIBO & MAOAM are designed for younger visitors (6+) while the more intense attractions, such as the Scare Mazes, are recommended for older children and teens (12+) due to their fright factor.
Height restrictions: Some of the rides have height restrictions.
Photography: No flash photography in dark attractions.

Riders on the Rita rollercoaster at Alton Towers, experiencing high-speed thrills.

Wait times & mobile app: The Halloween events for kids may involve wait times. To save time and plan your visit efficiently, download the mobile app for real-time queue and show times, a detailed park map, and more.
Hit the free zones first: The ticketed Scare Mazes are time-slotted, but the free Scare Zones like Dark Hollow and Burial Grounds are where crowds bottleneck early. Target them immediately after the park opens (before the major crowds arrive) or during the 5pm–7pm dinner window when most people are queueing for food or the first maze slots.
Target major coasters after 7pm: Most guests prioritise the mazes after dark. Take advantage of this by heading to major coasters like Wicker Man, Nemesis Reborn, and The Smiler between 7pm and 9pm. The queues for these rides often drop significantly once the mazes are in full swing, and riding them in pitch black is an unparalleled experience.

Halloween-themed cookies shaped like pumpkins and bats on a black plate.

Halloween All-nighter (Oct 31): It's time to retire those basic sheets and bring your absolute A-game. Expert judges will be on the prowl all night, seeking out the most creative, terrifying, and show-stopping costumes.
Trentham Halloween Festival (Oct 25–26): Soak up the festival atmosphere with live music, dance the night away at the silent disco, explore the pumpkin trail, put your detective skills to the test, or enjoy classic family activities like face painting and fairground rides.
Halloween @ Desire (Oct 30): Prepare for an evening of high-stakes hedonism: expect blood-red glamour, killer house beats, and mixology so potent it will raise the dead before dawn.

Frequently asked questions about Alton Towers Halloween events

Can I book tickets just for the Halloween events without a general admission ticket?

No, general park admission is required. Scare mazes and special walkthroughs usually require an extra add-on or extra-cost bundle.

Is there a capacity limit for the events/exhibitions?

Yes, scare mazes and walkthrough attractions often operate on limited capacity and time slots. Advance booking is strongly recommended.

Are the Halloween events suitable for children?

Yes, family-friendly attractions like Trick O’ Treat Town, Amigos in the Afterlife, and CBeebies Monster Ball are designed for younger guests (typically 6+). More intense mazes are recommended for ages 12+.

Will the events continue in poor weather?

In most cases, yes. Scarefest operates in various weather, but attractions may be paused or modified for safety. Check the park notices on the day.

How early should I arrive to make the most of Scarefest?

Arriving in the late afternoon before maze slots open gives you time to enjoy family attractions, then get into the evening atmosphere and queue for mazes.