10 Fangtastic Halloween Days Out by Train

We’ve gathered 10 of our favourite attractions below for 2023, where you can enjoy 2FOR1 on entry with National Rail’s Days Out Guide when you travel by train.

And don't forget your Family & Friends Railcard, which allows you to save 1/3 for up to 4 adults on your rail fares when travelling with up to 4 kids, who get 60% off!

1. Hold on tight at Alton Towers Resort’s Scarefest 

Feel the chill as darkness descends at Alton Towers Resort, where plenty of Halloween fun awaits at this year’s Scarefest.

Your little monsters can dance with ghosts in CBeebies Land, older kids can race against the clock to escape the scare maze, and mums and dads can sign themselves up for a heart thumping ride towards a Wicker Man effigy… at night!

The terrifying rides and spine-tingling attractions are open till 21:00. 

 Nearest station: Uttoxeter 

2. Spot ghosts and haunted houses on a Halloween open-top bus tour 

Journey deep into London’s dark side this year with a hair-rising Halloween bus tour, which sees you pass iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

As you travel around the capital, you’ll be told eerie tales about public executions, the spirits that haunt the Tower of London and gruesome stories relating to the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague.

The 90-minute tours run from 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00 between 21 and 31 October. 

 Nearest station: London Victoria 

3. Enter spooky Warwick Castle if you dare 

Head to Warwick Castle for a delightfully monstrous experience this Halloween – day and night. Dare your youngsters to say hello to the castle’s ghostly residents, sign them up to Spooky School where they can find out how to bring a giant down and head to the Witches Den to watch the Wicked Witches of Warwick sing and dance.

Feeling adventurous? Head into the castle dungeon at night. You’ve been warned! 

 Nearest station: Warwick 

4. Get thrills and chills at Chessington World of Adventures Resort 

A theme park of screams awaits at Chessington World of Adventures Resort, which plays host to a Howl’o’ween spectacular. Go trick-or-treating through the underground town, the Enchanted Hollow, cast spells with the Room on the Broom witch, and be on the lookout for Vile Villagers in the Wild Woods.

And that’s not all. Expect fancy dress competitions, stage shows, thrill rides at dusk and more.  

Nearest station: Chessington South 

5. Scare yourself silly with tricks and treats at SEA LIFE London Aquarium

If you and you brood prefer your Halloween to be a little more aquatic, head to SEA LIFE London Aquarium for a piranha-normal experience. The highlight here is a series of challenges set by Serafina the sea witch, which will take you and you youngsters around the aquarium.

Of course, seeing as you’re here, do make time to check out some of the residents. From scary sharks to weird octopuses, there’s lots to make you flinch!

You can also enjoy Halloween experiences at National SEA LIFE centres in Birmingham, Brighton, Loch Lomond, Hunstanton and Weymouth. 

Nearest station: London Waterloo 

6. Hear strange and creepy stories on a spooky walk in Glasgow 

With Glasgow often described as one of the most haunted cities in the world, a spooky walk is a no-brainer, and the Ghosts of Glasgow promises plenty of frights. As you tread the historic cobblestone streets at night, you’ll explore a haunted music hall, see the tower where witches were put to death and discover the ghosts of an 18-century pub.

Can’t get to Glasgow? No worries. You can find 2FOR1 deals on spooky walks in Birmingham, Liverpool and London, too. 

Nearest station: Glasgow Central 

7. Embark on a haunted Halloween quest at Leeds Castle 

At Leeds Castle this year, sign your family up to the Guardians of the Grounds quest, a Halloween-themed extravaganza that will see you explore the castle to “unlock secrets”, “break the curse” hanging over the fortress and come face to face with characters like Mona the Spirit of the Moat and Diablo the Cursed Castle Hound.

There’s also a fancy dress competition and a Halloween ball. 

Nearest station: Bearsted 

8. Meet nocturnal creatures at Whipsnade’s Boo at the Zoo

Would you say boo to a vampire bat? Well, see how you fare this half-term at Whipsnade Zoo, which turns the spotlight on unseen creatures that come out after dark. Hear hair-raising animal talks, watch monstrous magic shows and boogie at the Halloween Disco,  then step onboard the steam train for some welcome ghost-spotting.

Oh, and don’t miss the frighteningly cute red panda cubs Alex and Priya to top off your day at the zoo.  

Nearest station: Luton 

9. Test your nerves as you step into The London Dungeon 

Scary at the best of times, The London Dungeon ups the Halloween ante this year with a special exorcism show based on the tale of a chap by the name of Peter Moore.

With the demon cast out, continue the “good fun" with a trip to the torture chamber, spend some time with the plague doctor and hop onboard the Tyrant Boat Ride.  

This immersive attraction is great at bringing London’s sinister history back to life, with actors, rides and a Victorian tavern serving creepy cocktails.  

Nearest station: London Waterloo  

10. Face your fears and enter Tudor World’s Haunted House 

Get ready for a case of the heebie-jeebies this Halloween season at Stratford-upon-Avon’s Tudor World, which is running haunted house tours. During the day, your children can peek into their future with the resident fortune teller and, after dusk, they can look out for shadowy figures on the nightly ghost tour lit only by lantern light.

What makes Tudor World’s living history museum stand out is its ability to demonstrate what life was like in a time of black magic and superstitions – it’s almost like you’re back there! 

 Nearest station: Stratford-upon-Avon