What Halloween Events Are At East Riddlesden Hall This October?

As autumn rolls in, bringing with it crunchy leaves and a definite chill in the air, the search for brilliant things to do begins. And this October, it looks like all the spooky fun is happening at East Riddlesden Hall. The stunning 17th-century manor house, which is looked after by the National Trust, is putting on a whole series of Halloween events designed for everyone, from the littlest ghouls to the grown-up ghosts. Whether it’s for families looking for a day out during half-term, or adults wanting a unique night out, there seems to be something on the calendar. This autumn promises a packed schedule of enchanting and eerie activities.

A perfect autumn day out for families

For anyone with children to entertain during the October half-term, finding the right activity can be a bit of a puzzle. But the much-loved Pumpkin Trail at East Riddlesden Hall is back, and it’s one of those events that families return to year after year. It’s a simple but brilliant idea. Families get to wander through the enchanting gardens, which are extra beautiful in the autumn, on a mission to find cleverly hidden pumpkins. It's not just about spotting the pumpkins, though. Each one holds a clue, a letter that helps solve a secret Halloween word. It’s the kind of wholesome, spooky fun that children get really excited about.

Imagine the scene: little ghouls and goblins, wrapped up against the autumn air, running ahead through the grounds, their eyes peeled for a flash of orange. It’s a proper adventure that gets everyone out in the fresh air. The team at the Hall clearly loves it as much as the visitors. Hester Pode, the Welcome Manager at East Riddlesden Hall, said,

“The pumpkin trail is one of our favourite events here. Every year, children love searching for the pumpkins and sharing the secret word with us, it brings so much joy to the team.”

The popular Pumpkin Trail runs from 25 October to 2 November, which covers the main half-term week. And because it’s been so popular in the past, the Hall will now be open on Friday 31 October as well, giving everyone an extra chance to join in the Halloween fun. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon and get everyone in the spooky spirit.

Spooky fun for the grown-up ghosts

But the spooky fun isn't just for the children. Once the little ones are tucked up in bed, the grown-up ghosts and ghouls get their turn to play. On Halloween night itself, the atmospheric Airedale Barn will be transformed for the Sinister Silent Disco. For anyone who hasn't been to a silent disco, it’s a unique experience. Instead of music blasting from speakers, everyone gets a pair of wireless headphones. The clever bit is that there are three different channels of music to choose from, so one person could be dancing to some pop classics while the person next to them is rocking out to something completely different. It makes for a slightly surreal but incredibly fun night.

The setting in the Airedale Barn adds to the whole experience. It’s a historic space that has a naturally eerie style, especially when decked out for Halloween. People can dance the night away with their friends, switching between channels to find their favourite tunes. Last year’s event was a complete sell-out, so getting tickets in advance is definitely a smart move. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Tickets are just £10 per person, making it an affordable and memorable way to celebrate Halloween. It's a fantastic opportunity to get dressed up and have a proper dance.

Exploring the history of halloween folklore

For those whose curiosity goes beyond ghosts and pumpkins, there’s another of the events that offers something a bit different. On 4 November, local historian and author John Billingsley is giving a talk all about folklore and the ancient fears that have shaped our communities and traditions for centuries. What is folklore? It's basically the collection of stories, beliefs, and customs that get passed down through generations. Think of all the old tales about fairies, spirits, and mysterious happenings that people once believed were real.

This talk explores where those beliefs came from. It looks at the "ancient fears" – the things that scared people long before we had science to explain the world. The creak on the stairs, the shadow in the woods, the fear of a bad harvest. These were the things that inspired magical traditions and stories, many of which are connected to the things people do at Halloween today. It’s a chance to understand the deeper roots of the season. The talk is presented by a knowledgeable historian, so it's bound to be a captivating evening for anyone interested in history or the spookier side of life. Tickets are only £5, and booking can be done through the National Trust website. It’s a great way to round off the Halloween season with a bit of historical insight.

Here’s a quick summary of what's happening at East Riddlesden Hall:

• Pumpkin Trail: A fantastic activity for families and children during the October half-term. Hunt for pumpkins in the enchanting gardens.
• Sinister Silent Disco: An adults-only event where grown-up ghouls can dance in eerie style in the Airedale Barn on Halloween night.
• Folklore Talk: An interesting evening with author John Billingsley, exploring the ancient fears and traditions behind our spooky season.

Address: East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Rd, Riddlesden, Keighley BD20 5EL, United Kingdom