Best Halloween Events in Sussex

Family-Friendly Halloween Events

These not-so-scary events are perfect for kids, offering fun and October half-term events in Sussex that the whole family can enjoy:

Dare to explore Newhaven Fort’s ghostly tunnels 

From exploring haunted tunnels to encountering creepy creatures, spine-tingling adventures await at Newhaven Fort this half term with an exciting programme of Halloween activities, all included with standard admission. The tunnels will be open between 12pm and 4pm on Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 October, and then again on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October. 

Academy of Witches and Wizards at Petworth House (18 Oct – 2 Nov)

A gentle Halloween trail through the grounds of Petworth House where young wizards follow clues to uncover hidden secrets. Ideal for little ones, this National Trust trail provides a magical adventure without the scares, and is free with normal admission.

Ghost Train on the Bluebell Railway (25 – 31 Oct)

All aboard a ghostly steam train at Sheffield Park! This immersive evening ride brings the heritage railway to life with roaming spectres and interactive theatrical scares. It’s a spine-tingling experience designed for families with older children (under-12s must be accompanied), a unique twist on haunted houses, Sussex-style entertainment, set on rails.

Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park (25 Oct – 2 Nov)

The award-winning Drusillas Zoo in Alfriston transforms for half term with a full programme of spooky fun. Expect family-friendly frights like a spider’s den, the Sugar Skull Witch, creepy crawlies, and themed decorations around the park. It’s a Halloween festival Sussex kids won’t want to miss, perfect for a spooky day out in Sussex.

All Hallows’ Eve at Weald & Downland Living Museum (31 Oct)

On Halloween day, this open-air museum offers hauntingly historic activities for families. Grab a £2 “spooky pass” to take part in four themed crafts and games amidst the museum’s ancient buildings. It’s an October half-term celebration blending education with eerie fun, set in the atmospheric backdrop of Sussex’s famous living history museum.

Children’s Halloween Party at Goodwood (30 Oct)

A late-afternoon party hosted at the Goodwood Estate in Chichester, filled with costumes and treats for younger children. This magical event combines seasonal storytelling and interactive animal encounters to enchant kids in a not-too-spooky setting. With games, music, and perhaps a friendly ghost or two, it’s an ideal family Halloween event before the big night.

Halloween Trails & Ghost Walks

Ready to explore Sussex’s spookier side on foot (or by torchlight)? These Halloween trails and ghost walks lead you through haunted history and glowing forests:

A Haunting Halloween Trail at Borde Hill Garden (18 Oct – 2 Nov)

By day, Borde Hill (Haywards Heath) invites young Ghost Hunters on a story-packed Halloween trail in Sussex. Kids help the eccentric Powers family solve the mystery of Sir Haunt-A-Lot, a restless spirit in the garden’s “Mortal Mansion,” by following a story trail with riddles and clues. Complete the trail to earn a prize, and on select days, enjoy extras like magic shows with Professor Mystic Powers or reptile encounters in the marquee. It’s fun, imaginative, and perfect for ages 3–8 (trail £4.50 plus garden entry).

HalGLOWeen at the Rowfant Trail (30 Oct – 1 Nov, evenings)

When night falls, venture into the woods near Crawley for a family-friendly “glow in the dark” walk. Armed with UV torches, visitors light up the Rowfant Trail to reveal hidden neon surprises. After exploring the luminous woodland path, warm up by the fire with live music and delicious hot drinks. This after-dark Halloween weekend Sussex event is an enchanting twist on the typical trail – not scary, just brilliantly glowing and autumnal.

Pevensey Halloween Ghost Walk (selected nights 18 Oct – 1 Nov)

Join a 90-minute guided ghost walk in Pevensey, one of Sussex’s most historic villages. Setting off from Pevensey Castle’s car park after dusk, you’ll hear chilling tales of the darker things lurking around the castle ruins and old town street. This haunted tour Sussex experience brings local legends to life – perfect for history buffs and brave souls (older kids and teens welcome with adults). Prepare for an eerie stroll where every shadow has a story!

Rye Ghost Tour & Storytelling (31 Oct)

In the ancient town of Rye, Halloween night offers a special blend of literature and lore. An immersive ghost story workshop at the Mermaid Inn culminates in a guided walk through Rye’s cobbled lanes and the 12th-century inn’s secret passageways. Budding writers can craft a chilling tale with authors, then explore one of England’s most haunted inns (built in 1156) by lantern light. This unique event combines creative fun with an actual ghost tour – a two-in-one treat for the imagination. (Pre-booking required; recommended for teens and up.)

Adults-only Halloween Events

When the kids are in bed and you’re craving something scarier or more grown-up, Sussex has plenty of adult Halloween events – from full-on fright nights to quirky parties.

Tulleys Shocktober Fest Scream Park (selected nights 3 Oct – 1 Nov)

Renowned as one of the UK’s largest scream parks, Shocktober Fest at Tulleys Farm (near Crawley) is the ultimate Sussex spooky experience. Brave 10+ award-winning haunted house attractions and scare mazes filled with live actors, from creepy carnivals to zombie wastelands. In between the frights, enjoy street food, live music, and a courtyard party atmosphere. It’s basically a Halloween festival for horror fans – expect high-octane scares not suitable for children (ages 15+ recommended). Haunted houses Sussex style don’t get better than this!

“How to Write a Chilling Ghost Story” at Mermaid Inn, Rye (31 Oct)

Spend Halloween night at one of England’s spookiest inns, honing your horror-writing skills. This immersive creative writing workshop (adults only) is led by professional authors who guide you in crafting a spine-tingling ghost story. After penning your masterpiece, join a late-night ghost tour through Rye’s historic streets and the Mermaid Inn’s candlelit cellars and secret tunnels. With its blend of education, storytelling and real ghostly ambience, this event is a truly unique way for adults to celebrate Halloween.

The Darker Half at Charleston – Samhain gets an artsy twist at Charleston (near Lewes) on 1 November.

This evening event welcomes the “darker half” of the year with an eclectic night of folklore and revelry. Curated by Charleston and Rough Trade Books, it features spoken-word storytelling, magical folk music, morris and contemporary dance, and maybe a ritual or two – all set on the historic Bloomsbury Group farmstead. It’s an alternative Halloween celebration, mixing cultural heritage with mystical fun as the veil between worlds thins. (Adults and older teens only; tickets required.)

Haunted and Hidden Brighton (various October dates)

For a city spin on scares, consider an adults-only ghost walk or Halloween pub crawl in Brighton. Local tour guides offer nighttime walking tours that peel back the curtain on Brighton’s haunted history, from eerie lanes to infamous old pubs. Some tours even end in a themed bar for a Halloween party vibe. It’s a great way to spend a Halloween weekend in Sussex city-style – enjoying some spirits of both kinds!

Pumpkin Patches in Sussex 

Nothing says autumn like a day at a pumpkin patch. Sussex boasts several wonderful farms and festivals for pumpkin picking and fall fun, perfect for all ages.

Tulleys Farm Pumpkin Festival (4 – 31 Oct)

By day, the same farm that hosts Shocktober Fest offers a family-friendly pumpkin picking Sussex extravaganza. Wander the fields to pick your own pumpkins, snap photos in numerous themed photo zones, ride on tractor hay wagons, and indulge in seasonal treats. With food stalls and activities, it’s an autumn carnival atmosphere that appeals to kids, parents, and Instagrammers alike.

Rogate Pumpkin Patch (14 – 29 Oct)

The UK’s original pumpkin patch is right here on Slade Farm in Rogate. This popular patch has been growing gourds for over 20 years and offers a full Halloween experience. Explore multiple themed zones (think spooky props and games), browse local food stalls, and choose from an incredible array of pumpkins, large and small. It can get busy during half term, so booking a time slot is recommended for this iconic Sussex pumpkin festival.

Somerley Fields PYO Pumpkins (11 Oct – 2 Nov)

Near Chichester, Somerley Fields grows over 60,000 pumpkins and squashes for you to pick right off the vine. Beyond the classic picking, they up the spooky factor with a Field of Frights – a portion of the field decked out with Halloween inflatables and surprises. Look out for special themed weekends, like pumpkin smashing contests and a dog-friendly “Howl-O-Ween” costume parade, which add extra fun to this huge pumpkin bonanza.

Tibbs Farm Pumpkin Patch & Maze (weekends 11 – 31 Oct)

Tibbs Farm (near Uckfield) turns into an autumn wonderland on October weekends. Bring the family to pick pumpkins and enjoy seasonal farm activities. Kids will love the spooky hedge maze – over 1.5 km of twists and turns populated by friendly ghouls. There are also games, a farm shop with local produce, and hot drinks on offer. It’s an ideal casual weekend outing for a dose of fresh air and fall spirit.

Sompting Pumpkins (14 – 31 Oct)

This family-run pumpkin farm on Halewick Lane in Sompting (near Worthing) is all about community charm. You’ll find plenty of pumpkins, craft activities, food and drink, and more at this welcoming patch. It’s a great spot for younger children – there are simple Halloween crafts, face painting, and a mini pumpkin village to explore. Being smaller and locally managed, Sompting Pumpkins offers a relaxed alternative to the bigger patches while still delivering on the autumn fun (and yummy homemade treats!).

Blackberry Farm Park’s Spooktacular Fun (25 Oct – 2 Nov)

This children’s farm in Lewes goes all-out for Halloween half-term. Little visitors can hop on the Scarecrow Trail tractor ride, pick their own pumpkin from the patch, and meet the farm animals in their autumn enclosure. With daily Halloween activities (costume contests, carving demos, and more), it’s a delightful mix of farm education and festive play for younger kids.

Fishers Farm Park’s “Freaky Fun” (25 Oct – 2 Nov)

Another favourite family attraction (near Horsham) turning spooky for the school break. Fishers Farm dresses up its barns and play areas for Halloween: dare to enter the Little Boo Barn, encounter friendly witches and creepy-crawlies, and enjoy all the usual rides and animal encounters with a ghostly twist. It’s all very gentle – perfect for toddlers and primary-age children. Don’t miss the daily Halloween shows and the chance to trick-or-treat around the park in costume!

Unique Halloween Experiences in Sussex

Looking for something a bit different from the usual pumpkins and ghost trains? These unique Sussex Halloween experiences offer memorable twists.

Mermaid Inn Ghost Story Workshop & Tour

Combining literary creativity with paranormal exploration, this Rye experience (mentioned above in Trails & Ghost Walks) stands out as an only-in-Sussex Halloween adventure. Crafting a ghost story in a reputedly haunted 600-year-old inn, then prowling its secret passages by night, makes for a richly atmospheric evening. It’s part writing class, part ghost hunt – and completely unforgettable for adults who fancy a more intellectual scare.

Folklore & Firelight at Charleston’s Darker Half

Rather than jump scares, Charleston’s The Darker Half event offers a reflective celebration steeped in folklore. Guests gather in a rustic barn to listen to whispered folktales and watch morris dancers and musicians usher in winter’s darkness. It’s an arts and culture approach to Halloween, invoking the old Samhain traditions of bonfires, storytelling, and communal spirit. If you’re seeking an alternative Sussex spooky experience beyond commercial haunted houses, this enchanting night in the Sussex countryside is for you.

Halloween Ghost Walks in Historic Towns

Outside of the big events, consider checking local listings for one-off ghost walks or paranormal investigations in Sussex’s many historic sites. For example, Arundel, Lewes, and Hastings often host guided walks or haunted tour evenings around Halloween, where costumed guides recount true ghost stories tied to local castles and lanes. These low-key yet chilling outings can be a great way to experience Sussex’s rich history and legends firsthand (and they typically end early enough to grab a pint at a haunted pub afterwards!).

Extended Halloween Fun into Bonfire Night

Sussex is famous for its November Bonfire Night festivals, and the transition from Halloween to Bonfire is seamless in some towns. For instance, The Kennels at Goodwood hosts a “Bonfire Night Celebration” in late October that overlaps with Halloween week – an event featuring pumpkin carving for kids by day and fireworks by night. While not strictly Halloween, events like this extend the spooky season fun (and give you more chances to wear that costume!). Check out Lewes or Battle in early November for bonfire celebrations that carry a certain spooky vibe – it’s like Halloween’s final encore.