Halloween is always a big deal in York, but for York Dungeon, it’s more than just a season—it’s when they truly shine.
Known for retelling some of the city’s darkest and spookiest tales, the Dungeon has shared how they prepare to make this the most terrifying time of year.

Halloween: York Dungeon’s busiest time
York Dungeon goes all out for Halloween, with visitor numbers jumping by 98% during this spooky period. Performance manager Olivia Mortimer and her team start planning early to bring the creepiest parts of York’s history to life. “Halloween is when the Dungeon truly comes alive,” Olivia explains. With live actors, special effects, and ghostly storytelling, it’s no wonder thousands flock to be frightened.
York, known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, offers plenty of inspiration for Olivia and her crew.
“We spend around a week’s worth of work on research and scriptwriting,”
Olivia shares, ensuring that each story and performance is as spine-chilling as possible. This year, they’ll perform over 1,000 shows, making sure no two scares are the same.
How they bring the fear to life
It’s not just about scaring people. For Olivia and her team, it’s about creating an experience. Every day, the actors at York Dungeon arrive early to rehearse, warm up, and prepare for the thrills ahead. “During Halloween, our warm-up sessions even get a spooky twist,” Olivia reveals. The actors have just 15 minutes to get into full costume and makeup before they step onto the stage, a challenge they’ve mastered over time.
The team spirit behind the screams
Olivia’s favourite part of Halloween isn’t just the visitors—it’s the team.
“We have themed treats and social events—it’s a real team effort,”
she says, reflecting on the energy that buzzes through the Dungeon during October. There’s also time for laughs, with one of her fondest memories involving the ‘Curse of the Witch’ show, which was so terrifying that guests joked they needed extra underwear!
This Halloween, from 12th October to 3rd November, the Dungeon will feature ‘The Black Widow’, a terrifying new show about Mary, one of Britain’s most infamous female serial killers. Legend has it, Mary used arsenic in her teapot to poison her victims. You can imagine, it’s the last cup of tea anyone would want to drink!
Are you brave enough to step into the shadows of Victorian England and face the Black Widow herself?
For more haunting experiences in York, check out York’s scariest attractions or plan a visit to the famous York Dungeon.
Experience the Spooky Spirit for Yourself
If Halloween is your thing, York is the place to be. From haunted walks to creepy castles, there’s no shortage of spine-tingling fun. Book your tickets early for the York Dungeon this October and face your fears.
Want more? Check out York’s must-see Halloween events.