Just like a freshly-carved pumpkin, the spookiest time of year is rolling around again. Yes, it’s Hallowe’en!
We’ve found that as the years go by, the more people have started asking about our plans for 31st October – proving that these days, Hallowe’en isn’t so much a date in the calendar as a special event.
And as we all know, special events have to be marked. But if the usual costumes and ‘trick-or-treat’ routes are feeling stale, a Hallowe’en-themed break could be just what Dr. Frankenstein ordered!
Luckily, some of our fabulous Host Unusual property-owners have risen to the occasion in deliciously creepy ways.
You could team an immersive Alice-in-Wonderland-themed break at Looking Glass Cottage or Wonderland House with a guided ghost walk right from the doors. Or take a special Hallowe’en trail around Walcot Hall…complete with refreshments and spooky storytelling (£6 per child).
Meanwhile, By the Wye are hosting several family-friendly activities, including a spooky treasure-hunt and a pumpkin-carving workshop, against a woodland backdrop to inspire many a mind-jumping moment! You’ll also find Fairytale Glamping transformed into Scarytale Glamping just for the occasion, complete with a pumpkin patch and scary décor.
Why not come and see more of the spine-chilling delights our property-owners have in store for you this Hallowe’en? (Insert creepy laugh here).
Author: Nina Jervis
Main image: Hot tub ghosts at Sweet Donside Cabins, Aberdeenshire
Bourne, Lincolnshire, England
Let your imagination run wild and free, in a lovingly hand-made ‘castle' with off-grid facilities and child-friendly adventures galore, royally secluded in rural Lincolnshire.
"Scarytale" glamping is back again this year! The castle will be decorated for Hallowe'en, and on the weekends of 21st / 22nd /28th / 29th October there will be the pumpkin patch on at the attached Bramble Patch.
Weston Longville, Norfolk, England
A unique and detail-rich off-grid retreat, lovingly crafted from natural materials and nestled amongst 20 soothing acres of Norfolk countryside.
Local event - in the village is Roarr, Dinosaur adventure (2 min drive) which has Hallowe'en kids events during half term but also for most of the month of October. They have a nighttime event called PrimEvil which is a hit with those aged 12 & above!
Widegates, Cornwall, England
A unique, expertly handcrafted back-to-nature escape that showcases some of the best sea views in Cornwall.
Each cabin will be decorated, with a pumpkin for carving included!
Hay-on-Wye, Herefordshire, England
Plan your soothing escape to an off-grid, family-run glamping site in the rural heart of Hay-on-Wye, where everyone is welcome.
Bedrooms: 1-2 per tent
Sleeps:
Spooky woodland adventures await. All of these activities are included for holidays booked in October half-term: * Enchanted woodland Halloween trail * Pumpkin carving workshop * Woodland discovery bushcraft session * Spooky treasure hunt trail of Hay on Wye * Nowhere is a better backdrop to your Halloween break than the woods. As the leaves turn from green to gold, say hello to snuggly jumpers, crackling log burners and cosy tents under starry skies.
Lydbury North, Shropshire, England
Imaginative accommodation, set amongst 30 acres of picture-perfect grounds in the Shropshire Hills.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Halloween trail around Walcot arboretum on Wednesday 1st November, with crafts, refreshments and story-telling - £6 per child
Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Simplicity, adventure, and beautiful outdoor living - that's what you'll find at fforest farm.
Bedrooms: Varies
Sleeps: Varies
Pumpkin carving sessions during both English and Welsh half terms!
Brighton, East Sussex, England
The oldest house in Brighton curiously re-imagined as Victorian Alice in Wonderland, filled with quirky surprises and sumptuous décor, superbly located in the heart of the Lanes.
There is an excellent ghost walk that includes the very Lane where Looking Glass Cottage is located that guests can enjoy and the starting point is walking distance from the house. Halloween 2 night stay is £470 for up to 6 guests but with 15% discout a special price of £395 (either Monday and Tuesday night, or Wednesday and Thursday night) 30th, 31st October and 1st, 2nd November.
Nr Lavenham, Suffolk, England
You'll be swept away to the height of luxury at The Windmill Suffolk - a glorious towering bolthole as seen on George Clarke's 'Amazing Spaces' and overlooking idyllic countryside, just two miles north of historic Lavenham.
Nearby events include: Scaresville at Kentwell Hall 11 – 29 October 2023 ( 15 mins from The Windmill) * Bury St Edmunds Halloween trail and ghost tours (15 mins from The Windmill) * Loads of pick your own pumpkins and plenty of other Halloween events all within 5- 25 mins of The Windmill
Brighton, East Sussex, England
A movie-themed, award-winning vintage haven by Brighton seafront, complete with teacup chairs and whimsical décor for a large group break that inspires the playful children in you!
There is an excellent Brighton ghost walk with starting point in walking distance from the house. Wonderland House can sleep as many as 24. Halloween 1 night stay for £700.
Strathdon, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Heavenly, hand-crafted hideaways with private hot tubs, beautifully secluded amongst nine magical acres of the Cairngorms National Park.
Bedrooms: 1 per cabin
Sleeps: 2 per cabin
Accommodation will be decorated for Hallowe'en!
