Halloween Haunts: Spooky Spots and Family Fun in East Sussex
As October 31st approaches, East Sussex transforms into a land of ghostly tales, eerie events, and family-friendly fun. Whether you're in the mood for a spine-chilling haunted house, a mystical ghost tour, or a playful pumpkin trail, East Sussex offers something for everyone to enjoy during the Halloween season. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best Halloween activities in the area, along with ideas for a perfectly spooky stay at our luxury lodges.
1. Ghost Tours in Rye
Location: Rye
Rye is one of the most haunted towns in England, making it the perfect destination for a spooky Halloween adventure. Join one of the town’s famous ghost tours and wander through its cobbled streets as you hear chilling tales of ghosts, smugglers, and mysterious happenings. The tours often take you to eerie spots like the 12th-century Ypres Tower and the ancient Mermaid Inn, where ghostly apparitions have been reported. It’s a thrilling experience that’s sure to send shivers down your spine.
Highlights:
Guided ghost tours through historic Rye
Visit to haunted sites like Ypres Tower and Mermaid Inn
Spine-chilling stories of Rye’s ghostly past
2. Halloween Spooktacular at Drusillas Park
Location: Alfriston, Near Eastbourne
For a family-friendly Halloween experience, head to Drusillas Park for their Halloween Spooktacular. This popular event is perfect for kids of all ages, with themed attractions, spooky decorations, and a host of fun activities. Highlights include the haunted house experience, creepy crawly encounters, and a trick-or-treat trail through the park. The little ones can also enjoy costume competitions and meet some friendly (and not-so-scary) characters along the way.
Highlights:
Haunted house and trick-or-treat trail
Creepy crawly encounters and costume competitions
Fun and festive atmosphere for the whole family
3. Haunted Castles and Ghostly Tales
Location: Various Castles Across East Sussex
East Sussex is home to several historic castles that offer a spooky atmosphere perfect for Halloween. Bodiam Castle, with its towering turrets and deep moat, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former owner, while Herstmonceux Castle is known for its eerie atmosphere and ghostly legends. Many of these castles offer special Halloween events, such as ghost tours, after-dark experiences, and storytelling sessions that bring the chilling history of these ancient sites to life.
Highlights:
Explore haunted castles like Bodiam and Herstmonceux
Ghost tours and storytelling sessions
Atmospheric settings steeped in history and legend
4. Pumpkin Picking and Trails
Location: Various Farms Across East Sussex
Pumpkin picking is a beloved autumn activity that’s perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit. Visit one of the many pumpkin patches across East Sussex, such as Sharnfold Farm or Tulleys Farm, where you can choose the perfect pumpkin for carving. Some farms also offer family-friendly pumpkin trails, where kids can follow clues and collect treats along the way. It’s a great way to enjoy the crisp autumn air and create some festive memories with your family.
Highlights:
Pumpkin picking at local farms
Family-friendly pumpkin trails
Perfect for creating festive decorations and memories
5. Halloween at the Bluebell Railway
Location: Sheffield Park, Near Uckfield
Step aboard the Bluebell Railway for a Halloween experience like no other. The historic steam train is transformed into a haunted express, complete with spooky decorations, eerie sound effects, and costumed characters. As you journey through the beautiful Sussex countryside, keep an eye out for ghostly apparitions and enjoy Halloween-themed entertainment. The Bluebell Railway also offers family-friendly Halloween events, including special activities for children.
Highlights:
Haunted steam train ride through Sussex countryside
Halloween-themed entertainment and costumed characters
Family-friendly activities at the Bluebell Railway
6. Spooky Stay at Our Luxury Lodges
Location: Golden Cross Holiday Park, Warren Wood Park, Chestnut Meadow Country Park
After a day of Halloween thrills, return to the comfort of your luxury lodge for a cosy and spooky night in. Our lodges at Golden Cross Holiday Park, Warren Wood Park, and Chestnut Meadow Country Park provide the perfect setting for a Halloween retreat. Decorate your lodge with pumpkins and spooky decorations, enjoy a Halloween movie night with hot chocolate, or gather around a fire pit to share ghost stories. The peaceful surroundings of our parks create a perfect contrast to the day’s eerie adventures, allowing you to unwind and relax in style.
Highlights:
Cosy lodges perfect for a spooky stay
Halloween movie nights and ghost story sessions
Peaceful surroundings to unwind after a day of thrills
7. Visit the Haunted Gardens of Groombridge Place
Location: Groombridge, Near Tunbridge Wells
Groombridge Place is known for its enchanting gardens, but during Halloween, it takes on a more sinister vibe. The gardens are transformed into a haunted wonderland, with spooky decorations, mysterious mazes, and ghostly goings-on. Follow the haunted trail through the grounds, where you might encounter witches, ghouls, and other creatures of the night. The eerie atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a perfect Halloween outing for both families and thrill-seekers.
Highlights:
Haunted gardens with spooky decorations
Mysterious mazes and ghostly encounters
Beautiful setting at Groombridge Place
Conclusion
Halloween in East Sussex is a season of spooky delights, with something to offer for everyone—from spine-tingling ghost tours and haunted castles to family-friendly pumpkin trails and festive events. Whether you’re looking for a frightful adventure or a cosy night in, our luxury lodges at Golden Cross Holiday Park, Warren Wood Park, and Chestnut Meadow Country Park are the ideal base for your Halloween escape. Book your stay with us and discover the magic and mystery of Halloween in East Sussex.