Hallowe’en and half-term fun: spooky trails and ghostly tales in East Sussex
This October half-term the National Trust takes on spooky flavour, with a host of ghoulish goings on for kids and adults alike.
From eerie trails, frightening fancy dress, pumpkin activities or simply playing in the crunchy autumn leaves there’s something to give the whole family the jitters.
Kids can continue to take part in the 50 things to do before you’re 11¾ activities as many are perfect for autumn, such as catching a falling leaf, building a den, playing conkers and making a home for a wild animal.
Adults won’t be left out either as this year sees the return of the spooktacular after dark supper at Bateman’s and a new All Hallow’s Eve ghost tour at Bodiam Castle.
Plus, there’s chance to walk through spectacular landscapes full of autumn colour, orchards full of apples and past hedgerow fruits just right for picking
For an autumn treat or ghoulish goings for all the family try some of our favourite events in East Sussex:
Alfriston Clergy House – pumpkin prowl
Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November (excluding Thursday and Friday), 10.30am-4.30pm
A fun event for children and the young at heart searching for pumpkins hidden around the garden
Normal admission charges apply, trail £1.50 per trail
Bateman’s – 50 things
Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 10am-4pm
Tick off some of your 50 things activities this October half-term at Bateman’s. Play pooh sticks, run around in the rain or hunt for bugs, or try pond dipping or create some wild art in our meadow.
Normal admission charges apply
Bateman’s – Hallowe’en trail
Daily from Friday 23 October to Monday 2 November, 11am-5pm
Follow our haunted mansion trail and see which spooky characters are watching you! Wearing a spooky costume might scare them off and win you an extra prize!
Normal admission charges apply, trail £2.50 per trail
Bateman’s – spooky supper
Friday 30 October, 6.30pm-10pm
Visit Bateman’s after dark and explore the world of the macabre, with Geoff Hutchinson, through the words of the great and not so great writers and poets. With, of course, a dash of humour, music and song! Followed by supper in the Mulberry restaurant
Tickets £27 per person including a two course supper, booking essential on 01435 882302
Birling Gap – Hallowe’en trail
Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 10am-4pm
Search out the pumpkins that are hiding in our visitor centre and discover more about the ghosts and beasties that reside here at Birling Gap.
Free event
Birling Gap – Hallowe’en story trail
Friday 30 October, 3pm-5.00pm
Birling Gap is famous for its smuggling past – follow a trail with us to discover the stories of the smugglers who have left behind clues to spooky goings on that they have seen. Suitable for all the family
Tickets £3 per person, booking essential on 01323 423197
Bodiam Castle – Hallowe’en trail
Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 11am-3pm
Explore the medieval castle this half-term with a Pilgrim’s Trail. Survive the trail by avoiding purgatory to win a prize.
Normal admission charges apply, £2.50 per trail
Bodiam Castle – All Hallow’s Eve ghost tales
Friday 30 October and Saturday 31 October, 7pm-8.15pm and 9pm-10.15pm
Hallowe’en is a time when the veils between the worlds are blurred and the souls of those trapped in purgatory are remembered. On this new event for 2015, enjoy a warming supper before braving the dark castle to meet some of Bodiam Castle’s oldest residents. But can you handle their ghostly tales?
Tickets £16.50 per person including a one pot supper. Booking essential on 01580 831324, recommended for ages 16+
Bodiam Castle – Crones’ Corner
Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 11am-3pm
The Crones are back again this Hallowe’en hidden away in a tower in the castle; they’ll be busy selecting and mixing, stirring and brewing a delightful range of concoctions. Enter if you dare to listen to their stories of magic and mayhem but be wary of their unconventional cooking.
Normal admission charges applies
Standen – Hallowe’en trail
Daily from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November, 11am-4pm
Hunt for pumpkins along a Hallowe’en trail around the gardens at Standen to win a prize. On Hallowe’en itself (31 October) an extra special version of the trail will be running – come in fancy dress and have a go at apple bobbing and feely boxes – if you dare
Normal admission charges apply, £1 per Hallowe’en trail (£2 on 31 October)
Standen – spooky bat walks
Daily from Wednesday 28 October to Friday 30 October, 5pm-6pm
Join the spooky walk in the woodlands and see if you can track any bats. Afterwards warm up with hot chocolate and some Hallowe’en biscuits in our woodland barn.
Normal admission charges apply, tickets £3.50 per adult, £2.50 per child
Booking essential on 01342 323029
