Halloween Events & Pumpkin Picking in Essex 2025

The spookiest time of the year is creeping around the corner – make this October one to remember with frightfully fantastic things to do in Essex this Halloween! Discover Halloween events, from terror trails to discos, plus pumpkin patches across the county. Read on for our top recommendations!

Halloween Half-Term at Audley End House and Gardens

Embark on a Halloween-themed quest at Audley End House and Gardens this autumn! Solve creepy clues and hear spooky stories during your visit, as two Victorian ghost hunters bring you along on a frightful adventure. A perfect interactive, family-friendly day out for both little and big monsters to enjoy! Taking place from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November.

Chigborough Halloween Maze

Will you brave the Chigborough Halloween Maze this year? This event is suitable for all ages with playful spookiness from 4:40pm – 6:30pm, but from 7pm be prepared to be scared out of your skin (suitable for accompanied children over 14)! Find a way to escape the maze, but be warned, The Mad Hatter and his dark fairy tale friends will be lurking around each corner… Open from 30 October to 1 November! Ensure you arrive within your chosen half hour slot and allow yourself at least an hour to complete the maze for the full frightful experience!

Halloween & Pumpkins at Easton Lodge

Enjoy a fun Halloween-themed day out in Essex with the family at the Gardens of Easton Lodge! On 19 October from 11am to 5pm, they’ll be hosting a day of spooky activities and games. Embark on their spooky trail, purchase pumpkins, other garden produce and more. The day will be accompanied by live music and yummy refreshments – you can even bring your four-legged friend, as dogs on leads are welcome!

Southend Halloween Parade

This year’s Southend Halloween Parade is about to be bigger, bolder, and spookier than ever before! On 26 October, head down to Southend Seafront for a spooky spectacle of street performers, live music, and creepy characters. This event is ideal for families looking for a budget-friendly Halloween event in Essex, suitable for all ages. Dress to impress in your most ghoulish garments and enjoy a wicked evening.

Shriek Week & Trail of Terror at Colchester Zoo

You can’t go wrong with celebrating Halloween at Colchester Zoo! Two of the most anticipated Halloween events in Essex are back and better than ever. For ghastly daytime fun for the whole family, head to Colchester Zoo during Shriek Week, taking place from 25 October to 2 November between 9:30am and 5pm. For those aged 12 and up looking for something to really send a shiver down their spine, grab your tickets now for the Trail of Terror, taking place on multiple dates throughout October. Face your darkest fears on their 1.5-mile route with a train ride straight from your nightmares – watch out for clowns, zombies and other terrifying creatures lurking in the dark…

Cammas Hall Pumpkin Patch

Pick a variety of pumpkins and squash for Halloween decorations or autumnal recipes at Cammas Hall! As well as the pumpkin patch, your tickets will include the opportunity to see the world’s only erupting Pumpcano and their giant pumpkin mosaic, as well as meet enchanting Halloween characters. The Wicked Walkway provides great spooky fun for all ages, or for braver visitors aged 12 and up, dare to enter the Terror Tunnel. The farm closes at 5pm, but fear not, it will reopen at 6pm for their Pumpkin Patch Nights Resurrected, where you can enjoy live performances from outstanding tribute acts.

Epping Ongar Railway Fright Week

Get ready for spine-tingling thrills at Fright Week, from 25 to 31 October! Hop aboard the full-size ghost train from North Weird, where the living dead may be closer than you think. Explore a gruesome graveyard haunted by restless spirits and be dazzled by a manic magician’s mysterious show. Dress to distress - your scariest costume could win you a prize! Selected dates only, so grab your tickets and prepare for a frightfully good time in Essex!

Chelmsford Theatre Haunting Shows

If you prefer to be seated for your spooky entertainment this Halloween, check out the Haunting Shows taking place at Chelmsford Theatre! This autumn, enjoy an extensive programme of classic who dunnits and creepy ghost stories live on stage from 30 September all the way through to 7 February! Perfect for those who love to keep a little terror in their lives, even once the official spooky season has passed.

Hatters Farm Pumpkins

Looking for the ultimate autumnal day out in Essex? Hatters Farm will never disappoint. With over 30 varieties of pumpkins and squash grown by Farmer Ross and family, visitors can grab a wheelbarrow and pick their perfect pumpkin straight from the field. Beyond picking, enjoy thrilling activities like firing pumpkin cannons, exploring the Maize Maze, walking the Nature Trail, and snapping Instagram-worthy shots. Hot food and drinks are available to keep you warm and satisfied. It’s a fun-filled day for all ages!

Discover more Halloween events in Essex over on our What’s On page!