Autumn is upon us and with it comes pumpkin picking, falling leaves and fancy hot chocolates. The season also brings Halloween and this year there are plenty of things to get stuck into.
From unique cinema screenings to terrifying experiences, guided tours at popular venues and ghost hunts. From family-friendly events to happenings that are not for the faint-hearted, there's lots on offer in 2022.
What's more, for those that like to pre-plan, many Halloween events in Wales this year are already available to book, with some almost selling out.
Read more: When do the clocks go back 2022, why do they change and when does autumn start?
So we've compiled a list of spooky experiences on offer this year. Got an event you'd like us to add in? Email megan.nisbet@walesonline.co.uk.
Ffear Fforest experience at Zip World
Ffear Fforest is back at Zip World for 2022. Dubbed North Wales' ultimate Halloween experience the spook-fest includes some terrifying night-rides and spooky additions to the popular site at Betws-Y-Coed.
A night pass will give you the chance to ride the Cursed Coaster apline ride and try to navigate The Nets (where clowns love to dwell in the shadows). An additional booking will also allow you to give Nightfall a go, which will see you drop 100ft through a trapdoor, and whizz through the air on Screamride, one of Europe's largest swings.
The event runs from October 17 to November 1, with a night pass available from £30.
Where: Zip World Fforest, A470, Betws-y-Coed, LL24 0HX, UK
The Shining screening at Cardiff Hotel
A screening of The Shining is set to take place at a Cardiff hotel for the Halloween season. For their tenth anniversary, Darkened Rooms is returning to The Angel hotel - the site of their first ever pop-up cinema event - for the screening of the classic horror film.
Darkened Rooms is returning this year with two horror film screenings in the lead up to Halloween. With the screening of The Shining set to take place at 8pm on October 23, a screening of The Others, starring Nicole Kidman, will be shown at Insole Court in Llandaff on October 22, also at 8pm.
The screening of The Shining, set at the remote Overlook Hotel, will aptly take place at one of Cardiff's oldest hotels, The Angel Hotel on Westgate Street. It is claimed that the iconic hotel has existed since 1666, but it has certainly existed from the 18th century, being run by John Bradley in 1782. You can buy tickets to the screening here.
Where: The Angel Hotel, Castle Street, Cardiff
Pumpkin Picking at Gower Fresh
Gower Fresh Christmas Trees at Poundffald Farm have announced they will be open for pumpkin picking from October 7 onwards until October 31. What's more, the popular farm has confirmed it has decided not to charge entry to its Pick Your Own Pumpkin Patch this year due to the current climate.
They said: "We are going to have a large variety of various types of pumpkins and different sizes available to our customers, and this year we will be open longer with our flood-lit evening picking sessions."
However, there are also many ticketed Halloween events on at the farm, including the Ghostbusters Party in the Barn. A statement on the website reads: "In 2022 we have prepared a range of new activities, new characters and spookier than ever experiences, and a host of spooky goings-on this half term. You can even meet and feed Santa’s reindeer as they relax before the work starts in December!"
Where: Poundffald Farm,Three Crosses, Swansea, SA4 3PB
There are also plenty of other pumpkin patches you can visit this year including locations such as Cowbridge, Brecon, Vale of Glamorgan, Radnorshire, Wrexham, Cardiff, Blackwood, Swansea, Pembrokeshire, Pontypool. You can see a full list of where to go pumpkin picking in Wales here.
Fonmon Castle's Halloween Night-Time Scare Trail
This year, Fonmon Castle in Barry has designed a Halloween event that's set to be "bigger and better" than last year due to popular demand. The castle is offering a night-time scare trail that will run from October 19 to the 31 between the hours of 5pm and 9:30pm.
There will be plenty of spooky characters to entertain from The Ghostbusters to Geraint the Snake and The Magician. The Scare Run is also returning and is "full of mazes and things that will jump out at you", after which you can make your way towards Horror Farm. Night trail tickets start at £14.50.
There is also a Halloween Daytime event for smaller ones running from October 29 to November 6. Adult tickets are £10, while a child's pass is £8 and those under 3 go free.
Where: Fonmon, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, Barry CF62 3ZN
The Silver Mountain Experience Half Term Halloween event
This popular place in Aberystwyth for a fun-filled day out which includes the Silver-Lead Mine has gone all out for Halloween again this year with a variety of activities.
In 2022 the ticketed event will once again offer The Witches Potion Halloween Trail, as well as a thrilling and chilling guided tour called Black Chasm which takes you through Welsh history, myth and legend.
The captivating Storyteller also returns, with a retelling of some spine-tingling ghost stories and pumpkin carving is also on offer for a £3.00 supplement.
The event is running from October 22 to November 6 and ticket prices vary depending on age. Terror Mountain is also returning for older children and adults, a description reads: "Prepare to face your nightmares, as we return with a night of thrills, fun and frights galore.
"Scream your way through 5 thrilling LIVE-ACTION horror experiences, including a brand new blood-curdling addition to our line up for 2022!"
Terror Mountain is running on October 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 and 31. Prices start at £25 and are available to buy online now.
Where: The Silver Mountain Experience, Llywernog, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB
Terror Mountain in Aberystwyth
Can your nerves handle not one, not two, but five live-action horror attractions? If you're up for the challenge - and one that is guaranteed to scare the bejesus out of you - then you need to book onto 'Wales' biggest Halloween event' that will send chills up and down your spine. Running from Friday, October 21 to Monday, October 31, visitors will be in for a night of thrills, fun and frights galore as they embark on Killerz, Haunted Live, The Coven, Summoning and Night Stalker. Come face to face with demons, monsters and ghouls as the attractions' street entertainers lurks in the shadows.
It website states: "This aint no trick or treat party, so prepare yourself for a night you won’t forget in a hurry."
For more information, see here.
Where: The Silver Mountain Experience, Llywernog, Ponterwyd, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AB
Hocus Pocus at The Horse & Jockey, Pontypool
The Horse & Jockey pub at Pontypool is teaming up with Dark Skies Cinema to show the spooky classic Hocus Pocus in an amazing outdoor cinema experience.
On Facebook, the pub said: "Bring a blanket and watch the spooky Hocus Pocus on a giant cinema screen under the stars in the grounds of the stunning Horse & Jockey."
Also on offer will be apple bobbing, toffee apples, spooky stories and prizes for best dressed. Tickets cost £10 and after the event on October 30 sold out the venue added another date on October 31 thanks to popular demand.
Where: The Horse and Jockey, Usk Road, Pontypool, South Wales. NP4 0JB
Folly Farm's Spooky Halloween
Between the dates of October 29 and November 6 the popular family attraction will be giving its fairground side stalls a Halloween makeover. Visitors will be able to take part in the popular Scarecrow Trail and card hunts, with singing pumpkins also dotted about.
Tickets stay the same price all year, even in the school holidays. And children under two visit for free.
Where: Where: Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo, Begelly, Kilgetty SA68 0XA
Gŵyl Calan gaeaf Cosmeston Halloween Festival
This gorgeous park and Medieval Village is welcoming visitors for a spooky night of family fun from Saturday, October 22 to Monday, October 31. Opening after dark, the park will be illuminated with thousands of lights decorating the village and surrounding trees. Special effects and performers will be out to test your nerves as you make your way around the Medieval Village. You will be guided by Ewenni The Villager but keep your wits about you as you get into introduced to a variety of characters while tiptoeing through the gates - beware of the witches, hunters, Coffin Maker and ghoulish creatures you may - or may not - meet on your path.
There will also be a traditional children's playground and refreshments to keep you going. Tickets cost £14 for this family-fun event, which runs between 5pm and 9pm, and is suitable for ages three upwards.
For more information, see here.
Where: Cosmeston Lakes Country Park, Lavernock Road, Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 5UY
Ghosts Hunts at Gwrych Castle
Although not Halloween specific, the famous I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! location will be running its popular ghost hunts throughout the spooky season.
There are tickets available on October 29 and October 31 for its famous tours which sees custommers take part in vigils around the grounds of the castle, and where possible, in the newly restored sections of the main building. Tickets cost £40 and are available to buy now.
Where: Gwrych Castle, Llanddulas Road, LL22 8ET
Margam Park Spooktacular, Port Talbot
Watch The Lost Boys and Hocus Pocus with a gothic backdrop at Margam Country Park in Port Talbot. There'll be pizzas and hot drinks on offer and you can also bring your own picnics. The Lost Boys is on Friday, October 28 and Hocus Pocus is on Saturday, October 29. Find tickets, here.
Where: Margam Country Park, NPT, SA13 2TJ
Halloween Classic Spooktacular, St Donat's Castle
If you love sitting round watching films all day then St Donat's is the place to be on Saturday, October 29 with a triple-bill of Casper, Hocus Pocus and Beetlejuice. You must book tickets for each individual film, though, and they'll be screened in Bradenstoke Hall inside St Donat's Castle under the dimmed glowing lights and vaulted wooden ceilings - creepy! For more info and tickets, click here.
Where: UWC Atlantic, St Donat’s Castle, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1WF
80s cult horror films at Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea
Before there was Stranger Things and The Haunting of Hill House, there were the classic, cult horror films Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining and The Lost Boys to tingle your spine. At Taliesin Arts Centre, these frightful films will be screening throughout October for Halloween and tickets cost £5 which includes a drink. Hobo's Swansea will be there with vintage clothes and merch too so you can truly embrace the '80s and go back in time, just like Marty McFly.
A Nightmare on Elm Street is showing on Wednesday, October 5, The Shining is showing on Tuesday, October 25 and The Lost Boys is showing on Halloween night. Book online here
Where: Taliesin Arts Centre, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PZ
House of Horrors, Llanrumney Hall
Can you handle the horrors of a haunted house? If the answer is yes, then this Halloween Llanrumney Hall is the place to be as it is believed to be the place of a number of spooky and haunted happenings. Over the course of the Halloween weekend, Llanrumney Hall is hosting its House of Horrors event after the success of 2021. The event includes a guided tour of the 500+-year-old famously haunted mansion and will take you around six rooms within The Hall - all of which have been decorated for the frightful occasion. If you're after a scare this Halloween, then this house's event, which comes complete with haunting screams and spooky sounds, is for you.
And that's not all the experience has to offer. Between 5:30pm and 9:30pm across the three days, there will be a live DJ and disco blasting hits of Halloween for the children taking place in the outer grounds of The Hall. Need to refuel? There will be stalls serving refreshments, sweets, candyfloss, popcorn and Halloween-themed goodies and toys on offer as well as Thackery At The Hall hosting a BBQ in the grounds on all three nights.
Ghoulishly great games and activities will also be on offer and Halloween costumes aren't just welcomed but encouraged. Please be aware that this event is ticketed and although advertised as scary, fear not as it is family-friendly and suitable for all ages.
For more information on the end, see here.
Where: Llanrumney Hall Community Trust Ball Road Llanrumney CF3 4JJ
Half term Halloween Trail, St Fagans
This half term, St Fagans is calling upon young witches and goblins to find their inner sleuth on its Halloween trail. With clues leading to pumpkins hidden around the history museum's grounds, trail-goers will need to draw in the pumpkin faces, look for letters nearby the pumpkins and crack the code. Once you've solved the case, there will be a prize to collect.
If you get in a bit of a pumpkin pickle, there is a QR code to help you along your route.
Suitable for ages four and up, the cost is £3.50 per trail and treat. Please be aware that if you are arriving by car, there is a £6 parking fee for the day.
For more information, visit the website.
Where: St Fagans National Museum of History, Cardiff CF5 6XB
The Big Nineties Halloween festival, Singleton Park
What's more scary than acid-wash low-rise jeans and double denim making a comeback? At this festival, wich will be held in Singleton Park on Friday, October 28, 90s fashion is back in style and encouraged - with a Halloween twist, of course. If you get your hands on some tickets you can dance to 90s beats from the likes of Phats & Small (Turn Around 'Hey What's Wrong With You') and Baby D ('Let Me Be Your Fantasy') while donning fancy dress and as many glowsticks as you can get your hands on to light up the night. The perfect tonic to blow away the cobwebs and combat those end of festival season blues!
The event will be happening on Friday, October 28, from 7pm til 11:00pm (Last entry 1:00am) and tickets cost £39.25. See more here.
Where: Singleton Park, Mumbles Rd, Sketty, Swansea SA2 8PY
Monsters of the Mine at Zip World Tower, Hirwaun
The world's fastest seated zip line just got a whole look scarier as, this Halloween, the Zip World Tower on Rhigos mountain will turn into a haven of the undead, with 'Monsters of the Mine' lurking in the shadows, waiting to spook guests.
Put your nerves to the test as you complete three terrifying night rides at the former Tower Colliery mining site in Aberdare. Dare you step foot in this spooky site after dark, be prepared for sounds of the underworld fill your ears and monsters to wreak havoc as you make your way through the rides. The only way to escape the Monsters of the Mine is by riding the zip wire.
And if that wasn't enough to boost your adrenaline, you can tackle the cursed climber, which sees thrill-seekers attempting the Tower Climber adventure course - at night. Adding in a few ghouls and monsters and it will take your fears of heights to whole new level. There are 55 different elements and obstacles to tackle including balance beams and rope bridges but be mindful - you won't be alone out there. Watch out for the sinister claw-like hands, eager to latch onto adventure goers ankles.
People can also zip through the night on Fear Flyer, which features three mini but thrilling zip lines - perfect for little monsters or older adventurers.
The event is on for two weeks, from Friday, October 20 to Monday, October 31.
Where: Zip World Tower, Treherbert Road, Hirwaun, Aberdare CF44 9UF
Plantasia After Dark, Swansea
A family-friendly activity for Halloween night which offers something a bit different, Plantasia Tropical Zoo in Swansea is opening their doors later than usual on October 31 and are offering the chance for adrenaline seekers and animal lovers to meet its slithery snakes, scary scorpions and terrifying tarantulas after dark.
And that's not all. On the night, there will be a tricky trail which will see young detectives deciphering clues as they follow the map through the dark and mysterious jungle to the Trick or Treat station. If that's not enough for you, there will be animal handling challenges (for which you can earn a spooky stamp and prize), Grimm tales at its spooky story-telling sessions and the Cackling Canopy Café are offering a 'Beast Feast' of pizzas and drinks which can be pre-booked.
The session will take place on Monday, October 31 with one-hour slots being available from 6pm to 7.30pm. Adult tickets cost £10, children (2-15 yrs) £10, families (two adults and two children) £34, Concessions £10 and children undertwo go free. To book, see here.
Where: Plantasia, Parc Tawe Retail Park, Swansea SA1 2AL
Bingo Lingo Halloween Special
Want to kickstart your Halloween weekend with a freaky Friday filled with ghouls, ghosts and a grand old time? Bingo Lingo, which has re-invented the classic game into an interactive phenomenon, is hosting a special Halloween event on Friday, October 28, where party goers can don vampire teeth, mummify themselves in toilet roll and come dressed for the occasion whilst attending one of Wales' most popular games nights with a twist. There are events in Newport, Swansea and Cardiff.
With tickets starting at £14.50, it's sure to be a fright night to remember.
Mumbles Pier Halloween Experience
There are lots to do with the family this Halloween at Mumbles Pier and on October 31, children can take part in an interactive story telling experience, where Flossie Fairy needs their help in helping Dopey Derrie the fairy find her wings. The “Not-so-scary fairy party!” will include wand-making, scavenger hunts, singing, dancing, bubbles and even a snow machine. Creepy costumes are encouraged at this event, so bring your witches hats, vampire teeth and scary suits for a frightfully fun-filled experience.
The Halloween magic doesn't stop at All Hallow's Eve. From November 1 to November 4, there will be magic shows, crafting, cupcake decorating and even creepy critters to meet on the pier - which is all free of charge - and will help keep little ones busy during half term. For more information, see here.
Where: Old Lifeboat Cottage, Mumbles Rd, The Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4EN
For more what's on and shopping stories from WalesOnline, you can get our newsletter here.
READ NEXT:
- When do the clocks go back 2022, why do they change and when does autumn start?
- Horror classic The Shining is being screened at a Cardiff hotel for Halloween
Starbucks announces return of Pumpkin Spice Latte and other autumn menu items
12 places you can hire a boat in Wales for a day out with a difference
The beautiful sunflower fields tucked away in the Welsh countryside you might not know about
