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!
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