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!

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 Halloween Maize Maze offers both a daytime and afterdark experience and bigger thrill seakers can be left quaking in their wellies at the Haunted Resurected events. 

Epping Ongar Railway Fright Week

Step aboard the Epping Ongar Railway’s full-size Ghost Train this Halloween for a frightfully fun adventure with the living dead. Dress in your scariest costume and enjoy a steam-hauled journey from North Weird, but beware, the undead aren't just lurking outside the windows! Along the way, explore the eerie graveyard and hunt for the ghosts that haunt its gruesome grounds, before meeting a manic magician and enjoying his mysterious and magical show. It's a spooky experience packed with Halloween thrills for the whole family.

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!