Eight Halloween-themed activities in and around Bury St Edmunds this October half-term
With the temperatures on the warmer side, it may be easy to forget the spooky season is just around the corner.
With only a few weeks left, and the October half-term fast-approaching, it is the perfect time to start booking activities to celebrate one of the spookiest night of the year – Halloween.
From ghost stories by the candlelight to a haunted Halloween dinner to picking the perfect pumpkin, the historic town of Bury St Edmunds – and the surrounding villages – have plenty of spooktacular activities to offer this year.
Here are some of the best one.
Long Melfrod – Scaresville
Where: Kentwell Hall, High Street, CO10 9BA
The popular event is returning for another year to Kentwell Hall with its signature screaming and associated laughter.
Be prepared for an evening of adventure. As you cross over into a twilight world, where reality and imagination merge, you will encounter thrills, spills, scares and dares, as you traverse the woods, buildings, and the parkland of Scaresville.
To enter the scare zone, you must book for a group of 8-10. If you have a smaller party, others will be added to make up a group to a maximum size of 12.
Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult over 21 years of age.
Tickets must be booked in advance.
Long Melford – Halloweenies
Where: Kentwell Hall, High Street, CO10 9BA
The historic Tudor house has plenty of spooky activities this half-term, including some for the little ones.
Bring your little witches and wizards to Kentwell Hall to enjoy a fun day of Halloween-themed activities.
At Halloweenies, those aged three to 14 can make a wand, attempt the broomstick challenge or explore the spooky outdoor zones around the buildings, gardens and grounds.
Come dressed in your favourite Halloween outfit, but ensure you are wrapped warmly as this is an outdoor event.
A selection of ghoulish food and snacks will be available as a take-out service.
Advance booking is required. For ticket prices, click here.
Bury St Edmunds – The Ghostly and Macabre Tour
Where: Bury St Edmunds
Murder, riots, plague, witchcraft and sights of ghostly figures – all that and more is available on the Ghostly and Macabre Tour of Bury St Edmunds.
Starting with Moyse’s Hall, the tour winds around the darkened streets to tell stories of screaming skulls, mysterious ‘monk’ like figures, burnings, hangings and more, finishing up in the dark and deserted churchyard.
The tours begin every year around Halloween and continue until March.
Ticket are £10 per person. To book click here.
Due to the content of the tour, participants must be aged 14 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Bury St Edmunds – Ghost Stories by Candlelight
Where: Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, P33 1QR
What happens when the ghosts of the past creep up on us today?
A sea mist descends, the hound howls, sodium streetlights twitch and a falcon soars above, on the hunt.
Gather close for a candlelit evening of chilling, contemporary tales and haunting new folk music from the ‘Witch Counties’ of East Anglia at the Theatre Royal.
Tickets for the 60-minute performance start from £12 per person, and is best suited for those aged 14 plus.
To enjoy an evening of spooky tales, click here.
Bury St Edmunds – Frankenstein at Theatre Royal
Where: Theatre Royal, Westgate Street, P33 1QR
There are plenty of more spooky spectacles at the Theatre Royal this Halloween.
Frankenstein is an electrifying reimagining of the world’s favourite horror story that will set minds and spines tingling.
The two-hour drama, inspired by the classic gothic novel, will be performed every evening from October 31 to November 4.
Click here to grab your tickets.
Long Melford – Haunted Halloween Dinner
Where: The Bull Hotel, Hall Street, CO10 9JG
The 15th century hotel will be hosting a Haunted Halloween evening on October 27.
Visitors will get a chance to listen to some ghostly tales before tucking into the finger buffet.
Bury St Edmunds – Kids and Canvas Halloween Special at The Apex
Where: Charter Square Street, IP33 3FD
Gather your little ones for some Halloween-themed painting at the Apex.
The one-day event offers a chance for the youngsters to create their own painting with step-by-step guidance – they can even take their own masterpiece home.
All materials will be included and aprons will be provided.
The classes are best suited for children aged five and under, who must be accompanied by an adult.
Tickets are priced at £20 per child and can be booked online or on arrival.
Bury St Edmunds – Rougham Pumpkin Patch
Where: The Mell Field, Sow Lane, Bury St Edmunds, IP30 9NA
Grab a wheelbarrow and choose the perfect pumpkins to carve into spooky faces or scary scenes this Halloween.
Positioned just off Junction 45 on the A14, Rougham Estate has a beautiful field full of thousands of pumpkins, squashes and gourds (not edible) in 18 different varieties and many different sizes, just waiting to be picked.
There is plenty more to enjoy with sandpits, pedal tractors and small pumpkin games for the family. There will also be a chance to grab a selfie with one of the scarecrows.
Refreshments will be available including coffee, posh toasties from the Wrights cafe, cakes and ice creams as well as a licensed bar for those needing a break from the pumpkins.
