Long before pumpkins, costumes and trick-or-treating became part of Halloween, 31 October was known as All Hallows’ Eve – the night before All Saints’ Day. In England, it was a time of old traditions, storytelling, mischief and remembering the dead. Today, Halloween has evolved into a much-loved autumn celebration and Rutland is getting into the spirit with plenty of spooky adventures, autumn days out and family-friendly events throughout the October half term.
From picking the perfect pumpkin and exploring atmospheric trails to meeting favourite storybook characters, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Halloween and the school holidays in Rutland.
Pumpkin picking
Make the most of the autumn season with a visit to one of the local pumpkin patches. Choose your perfect pumpkin, explore the patch and enjoy a crisp autumn day before taking your pumpkin home to carve. Find out more at Rutland Water Pumpkins, Ketton Pumpkins and Windmill Farm Park Pumpkins.
Halloween adventures
There’s plenty happening across the region during the October half term. Younger visitors can join Storytime with Gruffalo Granny at Fineshade Wood, while The Burghley Halloween Trail offers a spooky adventure through the grounds of Burghley House. Over at Belvoir Castle, Halloween Adventure Trail & Crafts combines a Halloween-themed trail with creative activities, making it a great option for a family day out.
For a little more spooky fun, head to Nene Valley Railway for Doc’s Happy Haunting on 28 October, or enjoy the Halloween Spooktacular at Rockingham Castle from 28–31 October. Then, on Halloween itself, young witches and wizards can venture on a magical railway adventure at Nene Valley on All Aboard the Wizards Express.
Halloween for grown-ups
Halloween in Rutland has plenty to offer beyond family activities, with a range of evening events and experiences for adults throughout October. From atmospheric performances and live music to murder mysteries, dining experiences and creative workshops, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Music lovers can experience The Music of Tim Burton, Danny Elfman & Beyond, a live chamber orchestra performance at Peterborough Cathedral, featuring music from films including Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Sleepy Hollow. For something more theatrical, The Haunting of Hill House brings the classic supernatural tale to Uppingham Town Hall, with the story following a group of guests staying in a famously haunted mansion.
There’s plenty of opportunity to put your detective skills to the test too. Adieu Adieu: Murder Mystery & Fine Dining at Tolethorpe Hall combines a three-course dinner with a live murder mystery, while Murder on the Railway: House of Murder and Treachery Towers add a theatrical twist to an evening out.
For a more relaxed Halloween experience, get creative at Paint & Sip with Our Girly Events at The Grange or turn a real pumpkin into a floral centrepiece at Pumpkin & Petals at Rutland Garden Village, complete with a Pumpkin Spiced Latte and cake. Meanwhile, Tarot Reading Supper combines an evening supper with tarot readings at Don Paddy’s.
Whether you’re after a night of live entertainment, a good meal with a mysterious twist or simply an excuse to embrace the darker side of autumn, there’s plenty happening across Rutland this Halloween.
