To get into the spirit of things, we’ve come up with our guide to things to do and places to go over the next few days in the Worksop, Retford, Mansfield, Ashfield and wider Nottinghamshire area.
From Creswell Crags to Mansfield Museum, from Rufford Abbey to Newstead Abbey, from Sherwood Forest to Sutton Library and from Retford’s Majestic Theatre to Mansfield’s Palace Theatre, there are Halloween-themed events for the family to enjoy.
You can meet ghosts, carve a pumpkin, go on a haunted trail, enjoy a film or panto, paint your face and even dress up as your favourite scary character.
With the half-term holiday also in full swing, there’s something for everyone – and we’ve also found one or two events and activities that aren’t necessarily dripping with pumpkin juice. How about, for instance, a bit of musical nostalgia with Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton or disco queens Donna Summer, Rose Royce, Sister Sledge, Gloria Gaynor and Candy Staton?
It’s all here, but before you set off, please visit the website of your destination to check on admission prices and opening or starting times. Have a great weekend and a happy Halloween!
. Weekend guide
The half-term holiday is in full swing and Halloween is on its way. So sit back and enjoy our guide to things to do and places to go this weekend in your area. Photo: Submitted
. Wicked Halloween panto at the Majestic
Magical illusions and things that go bump in the night form the essential ingredients for a wicked Halloween pantomime at Retford's Majestic Theatre on Sunday afternoon. 'Hocus Panto', presented by Talegate Theatre, is a story about three witches you love to hate, and the plot is sure to delight youngsters and adults alike. The theatre says: "It's the perfect treat for Halloween, and will leave you spellbound." Photo: Submitted
. After-dark tour of Creswell Crags cave
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the discovery of the historic witch marks in Robin Hood Cave at Creswell Crags. So on Saturday (various times), the museum and heritage centre team is opening the cave for one day only to allow visitors to see the marks for themselves. Then, on Sunday (3.30 to 5.30 pm), visitors can delve deeper into the world of witch marks with a spine-tingling, after-dark tour of the cave to celebrate Halloween. Photo: Submitted
. Haunted Halloween trail at Sherwood Forest
Explore the mysteries of Sherwood Forest on a spooky, family-friendly Halloween trail that is perfect for adventurers of all ages -- from the tiniest trick-or-treaters to the wisest of elders. Starting at the visitor centre at Edwinstowe, the trail leads you through the ancient forest to find the creepy things that dwell there. At the end, you can collect your reward. The trail takes place every day from 11 am to 3 pm until Sunday, November 5. Photo: Submitted
. Spectacle Of Light at Rufford Abbey
The eagerly-awaited, annual Spectacle Of Light illumination display has been switched on at Rufford Abbey Country Park with a 'Wizard Of Oz' theme. Meet characters such as the Scarecrow and the Tin Man and follow the yellow brick road through spooky woodland and a tunnel of light as you enjoy the illuminated gardens and tuck in to hot food and drinks. The display runs all this weekend, and then again from next Wednesday (November 1) until the following Sunday. Photo: Submitted
. Victorian elegance with a spooky twist
Pop along to Bassetlaw Musuem in Retford tomorrow (6.30 pm to 8.30 pm) for a free event that blends the charm of Victorian fashion with an exciting Halloween twist. You can explore the museum's exquisite collection of Victorian costumes, including ornate capes, elegant outfits and luxurious silks and velvets, but also test your knowledge in a Halloween quiz and hear some eerie local ghost stories. Light refreshments will be available. Photo: Submitted
. Spooky storytime for youngsters in Creswell caves
Venture into a cave with the kids and enjoy a special Halloween-inspired story-telling at the Creswell Crags Musuem and Heritage Centre. 'Spooky Stone Age Storytime' comprises two sessions this coming Saturday (12 midday and 2 pm), one for younger children in Mother Grundy's Parlour and a spookier session in the depths of Robin Hood Cave. Prepare to be enthralled and excited. Photo: Submitted
. Spine-tingling escape from Sherwood Forest
Are you ready to embark on a spine-tingling journey through the depths of Sherwood Forest, cracking cryptic clues to aid your escape? The forest is turning into a natural escape room for one night only on Saturday (7 pm to 10 pm). Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to navigate the woodland under the cover of darkness and locate hidden clues that will guide you to safety. But beware!.......sinister outlaws lurk in the shadows to thwart you! Strictly for adults only. Photo: Submitted
. Return of popular trick or treat trail
Rufford Abbey's popular trick or treat Halloween trail has returned until Sunday, November 5 (10 am to 4 pm each day) -- and it promises some new twists. Investigate the spooky ruins, explore the creepy forest, see if you can find the pet graveyard and discover what lurks beneath the lake. Are you brave enough to pop on your wellies, pick up a trail sheet and have a spook-tacular time? Photo: Submitted
. Up close and personal with feathered friends
Take a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with birds and learn how to safely handle and release our feathered friends. Join ornithologist Jack Baddams at the Creswell Crags Museum and Heritage Centre for an educational outdoor session, suitable for all, this coming Sunday (10.30 am, 12.30 pm and 2.30 pm).. Photo: Submitted
1. Wicked Halloween panto at the Majestic
Magical illusions and things that go bump in the night form the essential ingredients for a wicked Halloween pantomime at Retford's Majestic Theatre on Sunday afternoon. 'Hocus Panto', presented by Talegate Theatre, is a story about three witches you love to hate, and the plot is sure to delight youngsters and adults alike. The theatre says: "It's the perfect treat for Halloween, and will leave you spellbound." Photo: Submitted
2. After-dark tour of Creswell Crags cave
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the discovery of the historic witch marks in Robin Hood Cave at Creswell Crags. So on Saturday (various times), the museum and heritage centre team is opening the cave for one day only to allow visitors to see the marks for themselves. Then, on Sunday (3.30 to 5.30 pm), visitors can delve deeper into the world of witch marks with a spine-tingling, after-dark tour of the cave to celebrate Halloween. Photo: Submitted
3. Haunted Halloween trail at Sherwood Forest
Explore the mysteries of Sherwood Forest on a spooky, family-friendly Halloween trail that is perfect for adventurers of all ages -- from the tiniest trick-or-treaters to the wisest of elders. Starting at the visitor centre at Edwinstowe, the trail leads you through the ancient forest to find the creepy things that dwell there. At the end, you can collect your reward. The trail takes place every day from 11 am to 3 pm until Sunday, November 5. Photo: Submitted
4. Spectacle Of Light at Rufford Abbey
The eagerly-awaited, annual Spectacle Of Light illumination display has been switched on at Rufford Abbey Country Park with a 'Wizard Of Oz' theme. Meet characters such as the Scarecrow and the Tin Man and follow the yellow brick road through spooky woodland and a tunnel of light as you enjoy the illuminated gardens and tuck in to hot food and drinks. The display runs all this weekend, and then again from next Wednesday (November 1) until the following Sunday. Photo: Submitted