Six spooky ways to celebrate Halloween with pick-a-pumpkin and ghost tours in Nottinghamshire

Nottingham has plenty of events, shows, and Halloween-themed tours to keep the whole family on their toes this October.

Pick your own Pumpkins

Nothing says Halloween like pumpkins and picking one yourself is a great way to kick off the season.

Luckily, Nottinghamshire ‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins on Oaks Lane, in Oxton, Southwell is right on Nottingham’s doorstep, and it has quickly become one of the best pick-your-own locations in the East Midlands.

With thousands of pumpkins and squashes in a variety of colours to choose from, pop-up eateries, and even the option to pick your own potatoes and sweetcorn, it is the perfect family outing to get the festivities started.

The pumpkin patch opens from October 12 until October 31 and is free to enter.

Watch a Halloween classic under the stars

Halloween and scary movies are almost synonymous at this point, making a trip to watch one of the seasonal classics under the stars a must.

A pop-up cinema, hosted by Adventure Cinema, is coming to Wollaton Park this October, screening a few of the best seasonal movies, with something for everyone on the docket.

On October 29, Hocus Pocus (1993) will be playing, perfect for families who want to take an evening out together. On October 30, cinema fans can watch The Lost Boys (1987) on the big screen and, of course, on Halloween night itself, what better movie is there to watch under the stars than Scream (1996).

Tickets start at £13.63, with slightly lower pricing for children attending the Hocus Pocus show. Fancy dress is encouraged, as well as bringing blankets, picnics and drinks.

Explore Nottingham’s Maze Farm

Farms have always come alongside autumn, with films constantly linking the season with hayrides and corn mazes.

If that is the kind of vibe you are looking to go with for your own Halloween, Nottingham Maze Farm, at Lime Lane Woods, on Lime Lane, Nottingham is perfect for you.

With pumpkin carving, telling scary stories around the fire, face painting, crafts, a Halloween crow count and a spooky scavenger hunt in the maize maze, there are plenty of seasonal activities to try out. The East Midlands official Ghostbusters will even be in attendance.

The farm opens for Halloween activities between October 23 and 31, with last entry at 1pm.

Look at Haunted Objects in the Haunted Museum 

Did you know that Nottingham has its very own haunted museum tucked away on Derby Road? What better place to visit during the spookiest season of them all than a building full of ghostly paraphernalia, especially when it is right on your doorstep.

There are plenty of haunted objects to learn about, including the devil’s toy box, dybbuk box, and shrunken heads.

Tickets are priced at £8 per person, and under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Attend a Kid’s Ghost Hunting Tour

The National Justice Museum has been voted the most haunted building in the UK. This makes it the perfect spot for kids to do some ghost hunting.

The National Justice Museum website reads: “Are you brave enough to help our overworked Ghost Hunter catch the pesky ghosts which are causing mayhem throughout the museum?”

The tours are recommended for children between five and 10-years-old, and will also include craft activities and spooky games. Tickets cost £7.95 for children and £6.95 for adults.

Get Crafty with Felt Pumpkin Making

If you would like to step away from the Halloween mayhem and instead do something more relaxing this autumn, the Halloween Felt Pumpkin Workshop at Hanwell Wine Estate may be right up your street.

The three-and-a-half hour workshop is priced at £69, and is listed as perfect for beginners who would like to learn something new.

Refreshments will be served throughout the event, and you will come away with a festive needle-felted pumpkin which will make a great handmade decoration.