Spooktacular Halloween events in and around Exeter in 2017

We love Halloween in our house (any excuse to get into fancy dress and have a party). Last year we had an action packed one with trips to Wildwood Escot, Shillingford Organics, Crealy and The Milky Way (read all about it here). My column in Exeter Life this month is all about Halloween and I’ve put together this blog for you with a little list of local Halloween events.

On a side note, did you know that Halloween was originally called All Hallows’ Eve, which means the evening before All Saints’ Day. “Hallow” is an Old English word for “saint”. This was shortened to Hallowe’en …and finally to Halloween.

Without further ado, here are some events you might like..

21 October to Tuesday 31 October at National Trust’s Killerton, 11am – 4pm: Pumpkin trail

It’s muddy boot season and time to get in the spooky spirit as the Halloween pumpkin trail comes back for another year of family fun. Visitors can head out into the garden and spot the spooky pumpkins hidden along our accessible trail route. More info.

21st-29th October: Crealy’s spooky Halloween fun

We popped along to their Creaky Hotel last year and had a ball, this year it’s back. plus there are pumpkins to carve and you can play trick or treat with the Treehouse Trolls. Scooby Doo will be meeting and greeting on 24th and 28th October. More info here.

21st – 29th October, 10.30am-4.30pm: Fang-tastic family trail at National Trust’s A La Ronde

Behead, scoop and carve your very own pumpkin to take home. There is a Fang-tastic family trail where you can find your way past the tricks to win a treat! A spooky creatures house trail plus lots of other games and activities throughout the grounds. More info here.

23rd – 29th October, Bicton Park and Botanical Gardens: Halloween Fun!

Halloween Colouring competition with a chance to win a family membership as well as lots of other prizes. The witches grotto will be open at daily at numerous times throughout the day. On the 26th October you can take the Halloween Train through the park. Fancy Dress welcome. Tickets here.

23rd-29th October: Halloween at World of Country Life

We are huge fans of WOCL and you can read here. They never disappoint, throughout half term you and the kids can do some pumpkin carving, spooky arts & crafts and the Hallowe’en treasure trail.  There is a special family Halloween show too called Angus & the Witch. More info here.

22nd- 27th October: Festival of Frights at Powderham Castle.

Enter into a world of spookiness in the Old Riding School, where children can enjoy face painting and glitter tattoos, pumpkins crafts and ghostly games.  Meet our weird and wonderful characters at the potion making shows at 12pm and 2pm. Collect your ticket on arrival, £3 per child to take part.  Open from 11am to 4pm, whatever the weather.  Hot drinks and snacks available. Aimed at 4- 11year olds but suitable for all ages. Follow the mysterious trail around the castle grounds to win a prize and join a child-friendly ghost tour at 1.30pm and 3.30pm with creepy crawlies to look out for.

26 October: Halloween Fun Run at Cowick Barton Playing Fields (4.30pm – 7.30pm)

In its third year, there is a 1k run suitable for toddlers and those under 6 and a new 3k course, for under 16s, with lots of frights and spooky goings on along the way! Each entrant receives their own race bib, treats and a medal, plus refreshment. Come along in fancy dress (prizes for best dressed) and enjoy storytelling, games and entertainment, as well as a BBQ and refreshments. To book tickets and for more information: www.exeterfunrun.co.uk

27th October, 11am: Storytime “Halloween Holler”

Storytime with my lovely friend and bestselling author, Loreley Amiti. Halloween Holler is a picture book for children about the cats and dogs of Exeter. For children aged 3+. Fancy dress is optional. This event is in the Central Library on Castle Street in meeting room 1.

28th Oct, 5.30pm, Poltimore House: Halloween Night at Poltergeist House

Why not visit the scariest house in Devon and dare to knock at the door for your TRICK or TREAT? Meet the ‘Vampfylde’ family if they dare to join us and then enjoy some ‘ghoulish food’ in the cafe. There are areas for ALL ages including small children. More info here.

28th October 7pm, Alphington football club: Halloween disco party. 

Fun evening supporting Hospiscare. Fancy dress is compulsory!! Prizes for best dressed family, couple and individual. This is a ticket event only. £5 per adult and children free.

28th October – 29th October at Princesshay: TimeScenes Halloween Princesshay Show!

In aid of Forces Children’s Trust. For this very special halloween show get ready for an arrangement of super, exotic, modified and classic cars and a spooky lucky dip for adults and kids!

28th October at the Northcott: Halloween Murder Mystery: Dolly (one for the big people)

Halloween themed evening of great food and a haunting tale involving a mysterious doll. After a close knit family inherit a battered and bruised doll they accept it politely enough, after all it must have been loved and cared for in the past…or so they think. They name her Dolly, but soon after Dolly arrives in the house strange things start to happen. Is Dolly responsible for these mysterious events? And if so, will anyone sleep soundly in their beds this Halloween? Tickets include a three course meal.

28th October at Haldon Forest Park: Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Wear your favourite Halloween costume and take part in some spooky fun. Walk through the decorated woods on a scavenger hunt. Prize for every child. spooktactular halloween crafts. Toast marshmallows over the bonfire. Extra prizes for best fancy dress. Event starts from 1:00pm. £8 per child. Suitable for ages 3+ years. Children must be supervised. Accompanying adults and under 3’s are free.

28th October, from 4pm: Halloween Party at Twisted Oak, Ide

Bring your pumpkin along for a fancy dress disco at this popular family pub in Ide.  There is also an adult party at 8.30pm. More info here.

28th October, 5.30 at Bear Feet: Halloween Party

Halloween disco with prizes for best dressed, witches’ lair, spooky games, plus food. Tickets availble at £8.50, see here for more information.

Let us know what you get up to and if you have events to share please pop them in the comments!

Have a spooky holiday!