Halloween Family Fun 

As a crisp breeze rustles through the trees and leaves collect in tempting piles, it can only mean one thing, autumn is upon us and Halloween is creeping closer!

Whether you’re looking for a spooktacular train journey, an atmospheric autumn walk or to pick your own pumpkin we’ve got you covered with our selection of family-friendly activities to keep you occupied. So get ready to enjoy spooky season with our guide to Halloween fun!

Castles

North Wales is known for its medieval castles and there was a time when the very sight of these impressive structures and their resident defending forces would’ve struck fear into the hearts of everyday folk. Today however, these same castles make for a great day out, and this autumn several of our local castles are hosting special events in the run up to Halloween.

On Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th October head to Beaumaris and take on a spooky trail around the castle, look out for gruesome figures lurking inside, or find the resident witches in the creepy craft room and make some scary crafts to take home. Alternatively, visit Conwy Castle for a spooky escape room experience; discover the secrets of notorious Welsh magician Maldwyn mab Diafol, and test your skills by escaping the wizard’s chamber at The Mad Monks Chamber of Doom Escape Room. Visit Caernarfon Castle on Saturday 28th October and look out for our creepy Red Dragon Garrison lurking in the castle corridors. 

Spooktacular Halloween Trains

Be prepared for a fright with spooktacular train rides at several of our North Wales’ heritage lines, grown ups can take in the ride while little ones dress up and enjoy some spooky fun!

Bala Lake Railway is running special services from Llanuwchllyn to Glan Llyn on the 28th and 30th October. Take a spooky trip down the line, stop at the little used and haunted Flag Halt to meet the witches’ coven before returning to the safety of Llanuwchllyn. On 30th October it’s all aboard for terrifying tricks and terrific treats on the Talyllyn Railway in southern Eryri; put on your best Halloween outfits and hop aboard for a scary ‘Steam & Scream’ train trip to the creepy Dolgoch woods. Llanberis Lake Railway will be running their ghost trains from 26th October to 1st November, ride to Padarn Lake to help banish the ghosts from the Witches Woods before returning to the station to claim your reward! Finally hop aboard the Fairbourne Railway on Tuesday 31st October for a frightful ride and children’s fancy dress competition.

Pumpkin Picking

If you fancy getting arty with some creative pumpkin carving then why not make a day out of it and head out to find the perfect pumpkin at a ‘pick your own’ farm.Hooton’s Homegrown on Ynys Mon (Anglesey) has a huge pumpkin field with a great range of shapes of sizes from tiny ‘munchkins’ to huge monster squashes. Combine with a visit to Plas Newydd for an atmospheric autumn walk, red squirrel spotting and some good old-fashioned leaf crunching. On Pen Llyn Ty Cynan Farm in Rhydyclafdy is offering pumpkin picking throughout October at their newly established pumpkin patch, after you’ve found the perfect pumpkin why not enjoy a drink and homemade cake.