With spooky season almost upon us, more and more Halloween events and attractions are opening up across County Durham.

From pumpkin patches to ghost walks and from ghoulish activities to scary mazes, there's something for all the family to enjoy across the region. 

Catering for all ages, we have put together events and attractions that will be opening this weekend in County Durham - just in time for you to plan your weekend accordingly. 

Here is what's in store:

Walking with the Ghosts of Durham

October 14, 6pm until 9pm

The walk costs £5

An evening walk around Durham city hearing the history and ghostly tales from around the city and wider area.

The walk will take three hours and take on three miles of Durham City.

Pumpkin Picking - Tweddle Farm

Tweddle Farm, Fillpoke Lane. Blackhall Colliery, TS27 4BT.

The attraction opens on Saturday, October 14 and Sunday, October 15 at 10am.

Adult: £9.95 per ticket type

Carer: £6.95 per ticket type

Child (2-16): £8.95 per ticket type

Concession: £7.95 per ticket type

Family of 4 Admission: £34.00 per ticket type

Your ticket includes farm and pumpkin patch entry, but the pumpkins cost extra.

The Plotters' Forest Halloween Trail - Raby Castle

Raby Castle, Raby Park, Staindrop, DL2 3AH

Dress up in your most spooktacular outfits and get into double the trouble this October in The Plotters’ Forest at Raby Castle.

Look out for the spooky spiders, wicked witches and creaking skeletons through the pine tree plantation, as children collect the creepy clues this Halloween, with a tasty treat from The Plotters’ Pantry lookout deck awaiting all those who complete the trail.

The trail is included in a standard Plotters’ Forest ticket.

Halloween 2023 - Hall Hill Farm

Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, DH7 0TA

Open October 14 and 15.

Are you brave enough to come to Hall Hill Farm for a ghoulishly-good time? There are lots of extra activities - including giant scarecrows, wizard school, haunted Sheep Race, Mini Monster Maze, Trick or Treat treasure hunt, choose your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch and carve your lantern.

There are small additional charges for pumpkins, Barrel Train and the Jeep ride.

The farm closes at 5pm.

Adult: £10.75
Child (2-15yrs): £9.95
1 year old and under: Free
Over 60 / Student: £10.25 (Students: Must have a valid NUS student card)
Family Ticket 1 (2A+2C or 1A+3C): £39.00
Under 2yrs are free, everybody attending must have a ticket allocated.

Family Ticket 2 (2A+3C or 1A+4C): £48.75
Under 2yrs are free, everybody attending must have a ticket allocated.

Murder at the Mansion

Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels & Gardens, Woodland Road, Durham, DH7 7DW

The event takes place on October 14 from 7pm until 10.30pm.

A wealthy recluse is found dead in her house on the hill, known as one of the most haunted houses in England. You have received a mysterious invitation to spend the night in this house to earn a share of the dead woman’s fortune.

But be warned, things are not as they might first appear and you will soon be investigating a murder…or two.

This is not a family event.

Per Person: £57.50 per ticket type and includes a three-course meal.

Family Fright Fest UK

Lintz Hall Farm, Lintz Lane, Burnopfield, NE16 6AS

Family Fright Fest is a fun day out for the whole family with something for everyone. Halloween scares and shows are family-orientated and appropriate for all age groups between 1-12 years of age.

Event attendees can experience a whole new world of Halloween adventure including:

  • Stage Shows – Super hero spectacular, Frozen Halloween Panto Style, fright fest got talent.
  • Fun Scare Maze – iScream
  • Pick Your Own Pumpkin from our Pumpkin Patch. 1 free pumpkin per child
  • Daily Fancy Dress Prizes
  • Fun and Games Barn
  • Halloween street theatre and interactive characters
  • Wizard School in our own double Tipi
  • Cut Throat Island! Enter the Pirates galleon and a fun pirate town with our own Captain Jack Sparrow
  • Massive End of Day Parade – 3.45pm
  • We encourage fancy dress for all attending (including adults) but it’s not essential
  • Daily prizes and giveaways will be awarded to those who go the extra mile!

Ticket prices range from £0 to £36.

The event is on October 14 and 15 from 11am.

Pumpkin Festival - Adventure Valley

Adventure Valley, Union Hall Farm, Brasside, DH1 5SG

The seasonal pumpkin festival is back for another year.

Activities on during the day:

  • Pumpkins, Pumpkins, and More Pumpkins - Choose your favourite pumpkin from our indoor pumpkin patch! Then grab a carving kit and get stuck in! Our pumpkin helpers will be on hand to help out if you need it. What will you carve?
  • Corn Cob Catapult - Take aim, fire! We know the kids … and adults will love our Corn Cob Catapult! Who will hit the most targets? The whole family will be a-maized with all the fun!
  • Daily Shows & Spooky Trail - We think the whole family will love our amazing shows, which are hilariously fun! You won’t believe your eyes as Crazy Colin returns with his amazing magic shows’. Taking place every day in the Showtime Theatre, don’t miss them! Plus, solve the Ghastly Ghost Hunt to win a treat and marvel at the Bird of Prey Displays!
  • Indoor Play & Animal Fun - With over 18,000 sq feet of indoor play, you’re guaranteed hours of ‘all-weather fun’ within the Indoor Play Town. Plus, hand-feed the goats, see llamas and sheep, stroke the rabbits and guinea pigs and more!

The event is on October 14 and 15.

Adults/Children 2-16 years: £16.00 (£14.50 online)
Senior Citizen/Disabled: £15.00 (£13.50 online)
Carer (ID required): £12.00 (£10.50 online)
Babies/1 Year olds: Free

Pumpkin Patch - East Grange Farm

East Grange Farm, Shincliffe, Durham, DH1 2TB

This year, the farm has grown over 70,000 pumpkins spread out over 20 acres. There will be 17 varieties, 6 different colours and sizes ranging from 500g all the way to 12kg. 

They have advised customers to check their Facebook page first because they will post regular updates about the weather and how busy the car park is.

Entry is £5 and must be pre-booked. The £5 entry is redeemable off any pumpkins people choose to buy.

The farm would advise that you wear either wellies or outdoor boots. You are picking your Pumpkin in the field where they are grown and if the weather is bad it can get a bit muddy.