This Halloween, Gloucestershire will be taken over with an assortment of spooky celebrations – offering the perfect chance for children and big kids everywhere to get in on the spooky October action in 2012.
From ghosts and witches to devils and vampires, whether you will be dressing-up in scary fancy dress, carefully carving pumpkins, bobbing for apples or trick or treating in aid of the annual celebration, make sure you check out SoGlos’s guide to the spooky events taking place in Gloucestershire.
There are a number of special Halloween events scheduled to take place across Gloucestershire in 2012, here are some of our favourites:
Halloween at Primrose Vale
Venue: Primrose Vale
What’s happening: Little and big kids alike can take on the challenge of this year’s spooky Halloween trail, with mysteries to complete around every corner at the farm. Plus, there’s a prize for all wicked witches and ghastly ghouls taking part.
When: From Saturday 20 to Wednesday 31 October 2012
How much: Tickets cost £3
SoGlos loves: Primrose Vale Farm grows thousands of pumpkins each year, from the mini right through to the giant sumo. Why not pick your perfect pumpkin and try your hand at carving a jack o’lantern this year?
For more info: See Halloween at Primrose Vale, call (01452) 863359 or visit primrosevale.com directly.
Halloween Happenings at Sudeley Castle
Venue: Sudeley Castle
What’s happening: Families can take part in a host of spooky activities at Sudeley, including a creepy crawly nature trail, face painting, fairground rides, ghoulish ghost stories and scrumptious Halloween treats.
When: Sunday 28 October 2012
How much: Most activities are included with the normal admission cost
SoGlos loves: The Life in the Rainforest sounds a particular highlight for brave families, who can come up close to tarantulas, poison dart frogs, tiger beetles, giant hissing cockroachs, giant African millipede, praying mantis and stick insects.
For more info: See Halloween Happenings at Sudeley Castle, call (01242) 604244 or visit sudeleycastle.co.uk directly.
Grimm Tales at Parabola Arts Centre
Venue: Parabola Arts Centre
What’s happening: Brave county children and their grownup companions will be taken on a thrilling journey through the stories of the Brothers Grimm – including Hansel and Gretel and the original Cinderella – all imaginatively brought to life by the internationally-acclaimed company Theatr Iolo.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
How much: Tickets range from £5 to £10, or are £25 for a family of four.
SoGlos loves: Grimm Tales is a brand new production created especially to celebrate Theatr Iolo’s milestone 25th birthday, with wonderfully atmospheric text by poet laureate Carol Ann Duffy.
For more info: See Grimm Tales at Parabola Arts Centre, call (01242) 707338 or visit parabolaartscentre.co.uk directly.
Crafty Miss Kids Sewing Workshop in Cheltenham
Venue: Leisure at Cheltenham
What’s happening: Kids can design and make their own trick or treat bag and spooky hair clip, or badge, in advance of their forthcoming Halloween adventures.
When: Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 October 2012
For more info: See Crafty Miss Kids Sewing Workshop in Cheltenham.
Halloween at The Play Farm
Venue: The Play Farm
What’s happening: Herr Professor Siegfried Von Schnitzelkopf will be performing mad science experiments live for local children, plus there will be free spooky face painting for all.
When: Wednesday 24 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween at The Play Farm.
Venue: St Michaels Hall
What’s happening: Squiggle ‘n’ Jiggle will be celebrating all things spooky with a day of wacky art activities and drama games for little terrors across Cheltenham.
When: Wednesday 24 October 2012
For more info: See Squiggle ‘n’ Jiggle Hocus Pocus Day in Cheltenham.
Steam and Scream at GWR
Venue: Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway
What’s happening: Don your most frightening fancy dress and ride the Spooky Special train through a haunted tunnel, with ghoulish games and ghost hunting lined up.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
For more info: See Steam and Scream at GWR.
Howl-o-ween at Cotswold Wildlife Park
Venue: Cotswold Wildlife Park
What’s happening: See the spooky side of the Cotswold venue with a week of special activities including a spooky train ride through the terrifying tunnel and the chance to learn frightening facts about the resident owls, bats, snakes, spiders and wolves in the pumpkin trail. As per last year, there will also be a Pumpkin Patch complete with pumpkin people, spooky carvings, witches and cauldrons.
When: From Saturday 27 October to Friday 2 November 2012
How much: Normal admission charges apply
SoGlos loves: Howl-o-ween includes the unique chance to see special wolverine feeds throughout the week. They’re strong, stocky bear-like animals with extremely powerful jaws that can crunch through frozen meat and bone.
For more info: See Howl-o-ween at Cotswold Wildlife Park, call (01993) 823006 or visit cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk directly.
Half term at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester
Venue: Cotswold Leisure Cirencester
What’s happening: Swimming lessons, Street Moves, squash and football coaching, not to mention a family-friendly roller disco are just some of the activities taking place at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester this October half term, providing hours of sporty fun for all ages.
When: Monday 22 to Friday 26 October 2012
How much: Prices vary according to the activity.
SoGlos loves: Kids – and grown-ups too – will get a kick out of Cotswold Leisure Cirencester’s novel coloured water swimming session, when both pools will be transformed to a vibrant shade, with a spooky Halloween-theme adding to the excitement.
For more info: See Half term at Cotswold Leisure Cirencester, call (01285) 654057 or visit cotswoldleisure.org/cirencester directly.
Halloween Flights of Fancy at Birdland Park
Venue: Birdland Park and Gardens
What’s happening: There’s a series of spooky talks, Halloween-themed quiz trails, the chance to come face-to-face with the Undertaker Bird and feeding displays of everything from parrots to penguins lined up at Birdland Park.
When: Saturday 20 October to Sunday 4 November 2012
For more info: See Halloween Flights of Fancy at Birdland Park.
Haunting Hallowe'en at Snowshill Manor
Venue: Snowshill Manor
What’s happening: Spooky clues will be laid out on a trail around the garden, with the chance to try creepy crafts and discover Charles Wade’s ghoulish items.
When: From Wednesday 24 to Sunday 28 October 2012
For more info: See Haunting Hallowe'en at Snowshill Manor.
Halloween Trail at Hidcote Manor Garden
Venue: Hidcote Manor Garden
What’s happening: Take the whole family along to work together in solving the mystery of the Hidcote horror.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween Trail at Hidcote Manor Garden.
Autumn half term at Taurus Crafts
Venue: Taurus Crafts
What’s happening: Keep your little terrors at bay this October half term with a whole host of Halloween-inspired crafts and activities spanning three weeks at Taurus Crafts – including Teddy Bear and Lantern Making, Pumpkin Carving and more.
When: From Saturday 20 October to Sunday 4 November 2012
How much: Ticket prices vary
SoGlos loves: On Sunday 28 October 2012 the whole family can have some frightening fun together making Halloween costume accessories just in time for trick or treating.
For more info: See Autumn half term at Taurus Crafts, call (01594) 844841 or visit tauruscrafts.co.uk directly.
Halloween Cake Pop classes at Harts Barn
Venue: Harts Barn Cookery School
What’s happening: Harts Barn will be joining forces with Hetty’s Tea Party to offer budding bakers the chance to join the latest culinary trend and learn how make their own Halloween-themed cake pops – from pumpkins to Frankenstein heads, mummies to eyeballs, there’s no end to how creative you can get with these bite-sized works of art.
When: The adult classes will be running on Sundays 21 and 28 October, whilst the children’s class will take place on Sunday 28 October 2012.
How much: Tickets cost £35, £25 for children
SoGlos loves: The Halloween cake pop classes will give aspiring bakers and chefs alike the chance to check out the facilities on offer at the rural cookery school, which offers a wide range of hands-on classes and demonstrations spanning basic skills to banquets, as well as hosting children’s parties, corporate events, workshops and more.
For more info: See Halloween Cake Pop classes.
Pumpkin Cook Club at Harts Barn
Venue: Harts Barn Cookery School
What’s happening: The experts at Harts Barn will be giving a masterclass in how best to use your leftover pumpkin trimmings this Halloween in a special two-hour cookery demonstration.
When: Tuesday 30 October 2012
How much: Tickets cost £10
SoGlos loves: Not only will visitors learn useful hints and tips, such as how to roast pumpkin seeds or even grow your own next year, there will, of course, be tastings on the day for those not quite convinced how warming and delicious the spooky member of the squash family can be.
For more info: See Pumpkin Cook Club at Harts Barn.
Half term at Dean Heritage Centre
Venue: Dean Heritage Centre
What’s happening: A number of giant creepy crawlies have been placed around the five-acre woodland site, just in time for the autumn holidays and Halloween. There’s also ghoulish activities on offer, and the chance to once again meet the Gruffalo on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 October 2012.
When: Saturday 20 to Friday 26 October 2012
For more info: See Half term at Dean Heritage Centre.
Halloween Bat Hunt at Puzzlewood
Venue: Puzzlewood
What’s happening: Discover the magic of popular attraction Puzzlewood whilst hunting for bats of the non-vampire kind.
When: Monday 22 to Sunday 28 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween Bat Hunt at Puzzlewood.
Halloween at Perrygrove Railway
Venue: Perrygrove Railway
What’s happening: Ride the spooky steam train through the witch’s wood and take part in the Halloween-themed treasure hunt, all in your best fancy dress.
When: From Thursday 25 to Wednesday 31 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween at Perrygrove Railway.
Candle-lit Halloween party at Clearwell Caves
Venue: Clearwell Caves
What’s happening: The annual adults-only Halloween party, held 100ft underground in a candle-lit cavern, will feature live music, a disco, a hog roast and more.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
For more info: See Candle-lit Halloween party at Clearwell Caves.
Half term at Nature in Art
Venue: Nature in Art
What’s happening: An array of Halloween-themed crafts and autumnal activities will be on offer to keep the kids entertained, including a wire leaf making workshop, scary mask workshop and pumpkin paper lantern workshop – all giving participants something to take home with them at the end of the session.
When: Saturday 20 to Saturday 27 October 2012
How much: Ticket prices vary per activity.
SoGlos loves: Grown-ups will also be well catered for this half term, as Nature in Art hosts a gift and craft fair on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October 2012, while the amazing British Wildlife Photography Awards exhibition will be running too.
For more info: See Half term at Nature in Art, call (01452) 731422 or visit nature-in-art.org.uk directly.
Dark Tales of Gloucestershire at Waterways Museum
Venue: Gloucester Waterways Museum
What’s happening: A one-man show featuring six freaky folk tales from across the county brought to life using rhyme, music and dance – including the Legend of the Fairy Cinder and the Tale of Old Jinny the Witch.
When: Wednesday 24 October 2012
How much: Normal admission charges apply
SoGlos loves: John Bassett will be squeezing the popular Spaniel in the Works theatre company show into just 30 minutes, so expect a lot of quick costume changes and even more silliness than usual from the storyteller.
For more info: See Dark Tales of Gloucestershire at Waterways Museum, call (01452) 318200 or visit gloucesterwaterwaysmuseum.org.uk directly.
Gloucester Zombie Walk
Venue: Café Rene
What’s happening: Hundreds of Halloween enthusiasts will be piling on the face paint and fake blood to take a spooky stroll through Gloucester city centre in the third annual Zombie Walk, leaving from Greyfriars Green, near Cafe Rene. Promising a Halloween celebration the whole family can enjoy, children and dogs are welcome to join this parade of the undead.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
How much: Free of charge
SoGlos loves: Each year, Cafe Rene raises money for a nominated charity through its spooky celebrations, and this year, all money donated will go to the Sue Ryder Care charity.
For more info: See Gloucester Zombie Walk, call (01452) 309340 or visit caferene.co.uk directly.
Cirque du Macabre at Café Rene
Venue: Café Rene
What’s happening: A fiendishly grotesque soiree of magical wonders and horrors is lined up this year, with the chance to show off your most ghastly getup and dance the night away to music from the likes of Captain Hotknives and Dr Tim.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
How much: Free of charge before 11pm, £2 thereafter
SoGlos loves: Café Rene party ghouls will have the chance to feast on something freshly chopped by The Family Butchers, try some South West potions in The Farmacy and even go for a check up with The Back Street Dentist if they dare.
For more info: See Cirque du Macabre at Café Rene, call (01452) 309340 or visit caferene.co.uk directly.
Fright Night at Gloucester Guildhall
Venue: Gloucester Guildhall
What’s happening: Horror film fans can get their fix on All Hallow's Eve with a special screening of the 1985 vampire classic, Fright Night, starring Chris Sarandon, William Ragsdale and Amanda Bearse.
When: Wednesday 31 October 2012
How much: Tickets cost £5.50, £4.50 for concessions
SoGlos loves: Throughout the whole of October, students can watch any film in the Gloucester Guildhall cinema for free when they present a valid student ID, including the spooky screening of Fright Night. So why not round up your classmates and make a night of it in Gloucester?
For more info: See Fright Night at Gloucester Guildhall, call (01452) 503050 or visit gloucesterguildhall.co.uk directly.
Frightmare at Over Farm
Venue: Over Farm
What’s happening: There’s Halloween-themed fun and games for kids during the day, plus the ever-popular Haunted Hayride and more for adults at night.
When: From Saturday 20 to Wednesday 31 October 2012
For more info: See Frightmare at Over Farm.
Halloween Monster Mash at Gloucester Quays
Venue: Gloucester Quays
What’s happening: Meet Harry Potter lookalikes, get creative in the Creepy Craft workshops, and pick up a free pumpkin to carve in time for Halloween.
When: From Monday 22 to Friday 26 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween Monster Mash at Gloucester Quays.
Halloween disco at Wotton Hall Club
Venue: Wotton Hall Club
What’s happening: A family fancy dress disco in the afternoon, complete with spooky fun and games, plus a 70s glam rock disco for adults-only in the evening.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween disco at Wotton Hall Club.
Halloween at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park
Venue: Prinknash Bird and Deer Park
What’s happening: Spot ghosts in the woods, trick or treat the wicked witch of the Wendy house, have your fortune told in the gypsy caravan and more at Prinknash.
When: From Saturday 27 to Sunday 28 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween at Prinknash Bird and Deer Park.
Murder Mystery at Hatton Court
Venue: Hatton Court Hotel
What’s happening: Arrive in fancy dress and enjoy a three-course dinner and glass of fizz, before solving a grisly Halloween murder mystery.
When: Saturday 27 October 2012
For more info: See Murder Mystery at Hatton Court.
The Brunswick Halloween Mega-Gig
Venue: The Brunswick
What’s happening: Halloween superband Hell’s Fury will be rocking out at The Brunswick’s haunted house-themed mega-gig, complete with fancy dress, dancing and apple bobbing.
When: Saturday 3 November 2012
For more info: See The Brunswick Halloween Mega-Gig.
Halloween Trail at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
Venue: Slimbridge Wetland Centre
What’s happening: See the spooky side of Slimbridge when the WWT headquarters puts on a special trail, challenging little monsters from across the south west to track down a host of characters. Spot them all and decorate your own Halloween cupcake to take home – or nibble in the car on the way there!
When: Saturday 20 to Wednesday 31 October 2012
How much: Normal admission charges apply
SoGlos loves: The ingenious names of the characters to lookout for on the trail. There’s Crane Brain, Freaky Flamingo, Count Duckula and Otterly Horrible, to name but a few.
For more info: See Halloween Trail at Slimbridge Wetland Centre, call (01453) 891900 or visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge directly.
Half term at Dr Jenner's House
Venue: Dr Jenner's House
What’s happening: Two days of special Big Draw Print, Draw, Make workshops are being held as part of the national Big Draw celebrations, giving little visitors plenty to do at Dr Jenner’s House in Berkeley this half term– with a chance for kids to draw creative illustrations, print with wood blocks and make fabric pieces too.
When: Monday 22 to Tuesday 23 October 2012
How much: Normal admission charges apply, or visitors can give a £2 donation to cover material costs.
SoGlos loves: As well as discovering the vaccine for smallpox, the multi-talented Dr Edward Jenner was one of the first people in the world to discover that hedgehogs hibernate in winter – so, what better inspiration for budding artists could there be at the workshops, than these spiky creatures.
For more info: See Half term at Dr Jenner's House, call (01453) 810631 or visit jennermuseum.com directly.
Pumpkin trail at Museum in the Park
Venue: Museum in the Park
What’s happening: Carve a creepy pumpkin and take it along to be judged at Museum in the Park before joining the pumpkin trail parade.
When: Sunday 21 October 2012
For more info: See Pumpkin trail at Museum in the Park.
Gloucester Paranormal Investigation at Woodchester Mansion
Venue: Woodchester Mansion and Park
What’s happening: Join the Gloucester Active Paranormal Society in investigating the ghouslish goings on at Woodchester Mansion… if you dare.
When: Wednesday 31 October 2012
For more info: See Gloucester Paranormal Investigation at Woodchester Mansion.
Halloween bunting workshop at Tewkesbury Sewing School
Venue: Tewkesbury Sewing School
What’s happening: Crafty locals can have a go at creating their very own frightening fabric bunting to hang at their upcoming Halloween parties.
When: Tuesday 23 October 2012
For more info: See Halloween bunting workshop at Tewkesbury Sewing School.
Screamathon at Roses Theatre
Venue: Roses Theatre
What’s happening: Prepare to be scared with a triple bill of horror classics showing on the Roses' big screen: The Addams Family, The Woman in Black and The Exorcist.
When: Wednesday 31 October 2012
For more info: See Screamathon at Roses Theatre.
To get your event included in Gloucestershire's most popular Halloween guide, please complete the request an event listing form.
By Shelly Elcock
© SoGlos
Monday 25 March 2013
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