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100 Things Halloween

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100 Things Halloween

Are you searching for the best Halloween events. Maybe looking to find the most spooktacular local fun and things to do in South Wales.

Here’s the SOUTH WALES LIFE guide to all that is spooky near you. If you want ideas on things to do at home, we have those coming very soon too. This guide will be expanding over the next few weeks so bookmark it and come back regularly for the latest spooky happenings.

ABERGAVENNY

SKIRRID MOUNTAIN INN GHOST HUNT

The oldest known reference to one of the Most Haunted Pubs in Wales, which nestles within the shadow of the Skirrid Mountain, is in 1110 when John Crowther was sentenced to death for sheep stealing and was hanged from a beam of the inn. The Beam is there to this very day.

Over the next eight hundred years 182 felons would meet a similar fate, dangling by the neck over the buildings stairwell at the Inn.

An unusual style of customer relations you may think, until you realise that, as well as serving up frothing tankards to thirsty travellers, the premises also doubled as a courthouse. Until, in the mid 19th century, it pulled out of the execution business altogether and has since dedicated itself to the sustenance of the living.

Needless to say, with such a sinister pedigree, The Skirrid Mountain Inn can offer many a ghostly tale to chill the blood. The spirits of those executed here, are said to make their presences felt in a rather direct and disturbing way.

Many Locals & Guests at the Inn have felt the overwhelming sensation, of an invisible noose being slipped around their necks and have been alarmed to feel it getting tighter & tighter. Although, they always manage to break free from the strange grip, they bear the distinct impression of the marks of the rope for sometime afterwards. Another ghost to haunt the old and, in parts, spooky property is that of woman who, although never seen, is both felt and heard by staff as she rustles invisibly past them, her progress marked by a distinct chill in the air. This lady is suppose to be an Victorian Landlady called fanny price. you can still visit her grave in the local graveyard.

Haunting Nights looks forward to welcoming you to this very haunted location. This Event come with a 2 Course supper included (Fish&Chips) or Home Made Streak & Ale Pie and Vegetarian option available on request. Please contact the team at the time of your booking.

Take a look at their video HERE.

If you are brave enough to stay at the location overnight contact the team for more information. Tickets for the evening, on 15th October are £53.42 – they do have dates throughout the year as well. To Book yours, go HERE.

ABERYSTWYTH

TERROR MOUNTAIN

We think it’s fair to say this is Wales’ BIGGEST Halloween event and it’s back this year to scare the bejeebers out of us once again. They tell us, it’s bigger, better and scarier than ever. What are we talking about? TERROR MOUNTAIN. Set in a creepy Victorian silver mine just outside Aberystwyth (the Silver Mountain Experience), it boasts 5 LIVE ACTION HORROR ATTRACTIONS filled with a whole host of nightmare inducing creatures. Whether bringing your family, friends or colleagues, they guarantee it will be a terrifyingly fun night out! If you’ve got NO BODY to go with, they may let you stay.

They’ve got two new attractions this year –

HAUNTED LIVE – Join them for the latest instalment of HAUNTED: LIVE, where popular vlogger ‘Haunted4Lyfe’ is exploring one of the buildings in our the Victorian mine. You don’t have to be a believer to feel spooked, and you never know, you might just find something that goes ‘bump’ in the night!

THE COVEN – As the sun sets, Witches gather in the darkness of the forest. They practice the dark art of Necromancy and Diablerie. To feed their power, they must provide ‘the dark one’ a living sacrifice to consume once a year. Legend states that this sacrifice has taken place every year since 1655, and this year is no different. Are you a believer in legends?

If you’re still not convinced why not turn the lights out, turn up the volume, set your device to full screen and watch this video. Go on, we dare you TERROR

The times you can visit are – October 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th, 29th and of course, the 31st. Tickets are on sale NOW, and they will sell out, so make sure you pre-book to guarantee your night of thrilling frights and fun. 

As usual with these things you get the best deals if you book in advance and of course, for a lot of us, it may be a bit of a journey, so check they have space before you leave.

TERROR MOUNTAIN is part of the Silver Mountain Experience at Ponterwyd just outside Aberystwyth. For more details and get tickets go here MOUNTAIN

BARRY

HALLOWEEN AT FONMON CASTLE

They have plenty lined up at Fonmon Castle this halloween, with day and noght time events for the whole family.

Fonmon Castle Paranormal Investigations

Come and visit Fonmon Castle as you embark on a Paranormal Investigation of the interior of the castle at night. You will be guided by our own Paranormal Investigation Team who will take you through the various rooms of the castle and recount to you the experiences, findings and evidence that will have been gathered by our professional ghost hunting team – Ghost Watch Wales.

On each eveing you will engage in a series of ghost tours, ghostly tales and Paranormal Investigations.

You will be granted access to parts of the castle that are not available to the general public on a daily basis.

WARNING – These investigations are atmospheric and thrilling and can at times produce feelings of fear and dread, it is therefore advised that you undertake these investigations at your own discretion.

Halloween Daytime – Adults and Children

Come and enjoy a Toddler’s Halloween Visit at Fonmon Castle.

All the normal areas, playgrounds, dinosaurs and costumed staff to help you enjoy the day. Meet costumed characters and join in our “Spooky Disco”. Take a photo with our Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters car (ECTO-1). They are here until the Friday of the half term week.

Follow the story of Fon & Mon as they embark on a Halloween Adventure.

Make your way through the “Halloween Run”, but not to worry as this is daytime and won’t be scary and will definitely be safe ! 

Night Scare Trail

  • “The Ghostbusters” along with Ecto 1 outside the main entrance of the castle.
  • “Geraint the Snake” – As the name suggests he will have snakes as well as spiders for you to marvel at and to handle if you dare.This will be in the main hall of the castle.
  • “The Magician” – Our local magician Patrick will be here to amaze you with his tricks. He will be located at the Medieval Farm.
  • “The Owls” – We have our local group of Owl Handlers here for you to interact with at the medieval farm.
  • “The Scare Run” – We all love a good scare ! This year you will be able to enter the scare run either at any time you wish during our opening hours !! Please be aware that there will be queuing at peak times.
  • Due to circumstances beyond our control , some aspects of the scare run are not suitable for wheelchairs and mobility scooters 
  • Full of mazes and things that will jump out at you !! (we won’t say what) – it gets worse and the evening gets darker !!
  • “Dino Dome Scare Cafe” – We have a varied Halloween inspired menu for all ages – Here you can get hot food and hot / cold drinks.
  • “Kids Halloween Story Trail” – You can follow the interactive story of how Fon and Mon survived Halloween at the castle. A bit like “once upon a time” but with a kick !
  • “Dino Haunted Woods” – When you finish the Scare Run, you can enjoy a spooky walk through our dinosaurs as you make your way towards “Horror Farm”
  • “Horror Farm” – Wander around the Medieval farm in its new Horror Themed design. Take time to browse our shops, visit our animatronic Raptors in the Raptor Pit, or meet some spooky characters. If you feel brave enough you can even pay to have your fortune told. We will also have our resident “Fair Ground for Little Ones” open during this event.

Fonmon Castle is in the Vale of Glamorgan (Barry). To book tickets, with concessions in place, just go HERE.

PUMPKIN FEST AT PORTHKERRY COUNTRY PARK

A fun free festive weekend for all the family at Porthkerry Country Park, Barry during October Half Term (29th and 30th October). Take on the 9-hole crazy pumpkin golf course, carve a pumpkin in the workshops and enter your pumpkin lantern into the competition helping to build a magical glowing pumpkin garden at the Forest Lodge.

Also enjoy face painting and pumpkin games. Brought to you by Beach Academy in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council. 

CRAZY PUMPKIN GOLF

How do you take part?

The free 9-hole Crazy Pumpkin Golf Course is a non-ticketed activity. Simply turn-up-and-play anytime between 10am and 4pm on both Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October.

To play a round, pop to the Beach Academy welcome desk located near the cafe, lodge and playground area of Porthkerry Park. You may need to wait your turn as spaces on the course are strictly limited. All balls and putters will be provided for you.

Fancy dress highly encouraged!

PUMPKIN LANTERN MAKING COMPETITION

The aim is to create a magical glowing pumpkin garden gallery at the Forest Lodge. In order to do this you need you to make pumpkin lanterns! There are 2 ways you can take part.

1. Making a pumpkin lantern at home.

You can carve and make as many pumpkin lanterns as you like to enter into our competition. More the better! Simply bring your completed lanterns (with light if possible) to the Forest Lodge at Porthkerry Country Park to be added to the outdoor gallery. You can drop off your lanterns to staff at the Forest lodge on the following days and times:

  • Saturday 29th October: between 11am and 7pm
  • Sunday 30th October: between 11am and 4pm

All the lanterns will be lit up and displayed on both evenings between 5pm and 7pm and the winners announced at 7:30pm on Sunday 31st October at the Forest Lodge.

2. Join a lantern making pumpkin at the park.

The Forest lodge at Porthkerry Country Park will be opened as a workshop for you to bring along your own fresh pumpkins to carve into pumpkin lanterns using our tool stations. The workshop will be staffed by Beach Academy to help you. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Spaces are strictly limited at the Forest Lodge so please be patient and we will not have pumpkins there for you to use, please bring your own. The Forest Lodge workshops will be open from 10:30am to 4:30pm on both Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October.

Once you have completed your pumpkin lantern you can add it to our outdoor glowing garden. All the lanterns will be lit up and displayed on both evenings between 5pm and 7pm and the winners announced at 7:30pm on Sunday 30th October at the Forest Lodge.

How will the pumpkin lanterns be judged?

If you wish to enter the lantern making competition, you will be given a number. The lanterns will be judged between 5 and 7pm on Sunday 30th October by a panel made up of staff from Beach Academy, Porthkerry Country Park Ranger Service, Mrs Marcos Cafe and the Vale Council Events Team.

Winners will be announced at 7:30pm on Sunday 30th October at the Forest Lodge and the prize winner awarded our Golden Pumpkin Trophy.

There will be pumpkin games and face painting available to take part in and the cafe will be open serving tasty halloween treats. Why not also bring a torch to explore the shadowy woodland trails at night if you dare!!!

And don’t forget, all the lanterns will be lit up and displayed on both evenings between 5pm and 7pm and the winners announced at 7:30pm on Sunday 30th October at the Forest Lodge.

Fancy dress highly encouraged to add to the atmosphere.

Best of all, everything is FREE (except cafe food and drinks)

Check out BEACH ACADEMY WALES for all the details and sign up for the lantern workshops and competition.

CARDIFF

TREETOP ADVENTURE GOLF

Swing by for an epic mini golf adventure with two indoor, 18-hole courses, plus cracking coffee, tropical cocktails and tasty jungle grub.

Not strictly Halloween, but very much half term fun and it will raise your SPIRITS (sorry).

Tackle the Tropical Trail and navigate your way through the rainforest. Visit Grandma Oak along the Mystic River, chat with cheeky toucans and listen out for our singing barbershop frogs during your stay at The Pitz Bug Hotel. Or maybe you’ll brave the magic of the Ancient Explorer, with its crumbling temples and scenic views. Learn all about the Legend of the Technicolour Toco Toucan Temple as you navigate your way around. The Sacred Mask can’t wait to meet you, but try and not wake Chief Slumber!

Whichever route you choose, don’t forget to step up to the challenge on the bonus 19th hole (if you’re feeling lucky).

The rainforest is open seven days a week, for everything from family days out to student hang-outs, date nights, work mate get-togethers and client celebrations.

For mini golfers who prefer a calmer game, there’s a hush in our rainforest on the second Sunday of every month. There’ll be no background buzz or strobe lightning, and even the Sacred Mask takes it down to a whisper. Read more HERE.

There’s no need to book – just turn up and tee off! TREETOP ADVENTURE GOLF is in St David’s Cardiff – to see what’s on offer, go HERE.

PUMPKIN COCKTAIL AT FRIDAYS

Get yourself down to Fridays to try their wickedly good Halloween cocktail range – available now until 31st October! Take your pick from the non-alcoholic Pumpkin Spiced Shake, rum-fuelled Pumpkin Spiced Zombie, the totally tropical Pumpkin Colada, or, if you dare… the shaken and disturbed Black Forest Martini. Mwah ha ha ha ha.

To find out more go HERE.

CASTELL COCH CREEPY HALLOWEEN

Come and join our Halloween quest – daily throughout half-term!

  • 29th October – 6th November. Collect your treat by completing our Halloween quest.
  • 29th October. Spooky, spectacular face paints.
  • 29th – 30th October and 5th – 6th November. Creepy craft activities for adults and kids alike.

Normal admission, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Booked tickets are non-refundable.

History of Castell Coch

Delve into the history of Castell Coch and it becomes very clear as to why this location is a ghost hunters dream. The land on which this majestic Red Castle sits has been used since as early as the 9th Century as a form of defence by the Normans.

The earth motte remains of the Norman fortification were used as the foundations for a stone castle which was constructed throughout the mid 11th Century and is believed to have been used until the early 1300’s before its demise.

The ruins remained dormant until 1848 when the new owner of the land, the 3rd Marquess of Bute, plotted a lavish plan to build an occasional retreat from his already extravagant Cardiff Castle. Architect William Burgess was employed to create the masterpiece we see today – Castell Coch.

Despite its opulent decor and rich furnishings, Castell Coch was rarely used and in 1950, his grandson who inherited the Castle, gave control of the estate over to the Welsh Heritage Agency.

Inside Castell Coch

For more details on Castell Coch and the Creepy Halloween, go HERE.

RUMMER TAVERN

No event as such here, but if you’re out for a drink in the city, then this is a great place to go at Halloween.

This is a chance to visit the oldest pub in Cardiff, directly opposite the Castle. THE RUMMER TAVERN dates back to the early 18th century, making it well over 300 years old. Let’s be honest, that gives it the right to be classed as a spooky place to visit on Halloween and not only for the spirits (sorry).

The façade gives the building a Tudor appearance, its long narrow shape indicates it was built on a medieval burgage plot. There are many reports of ghostly presences, most often in the cellar and toilets, the most known is that of a jealous sailor who died in the building soon after finding his wife in bed with another man……. Was it murder, suicide or a broken heart that killed him? Perhaps this is your chance to find out?

The RUMMER TAVERN is on Duke Street in Cardiff. You can check out their Facebook page HERE.

CHEPSTOW

CHEPSTOW CASTLE HALLOWEEN TRAIL

Visit Chepstow Castle, and take part in our Halloween-themed trail which is perfect for families with young children.

Please bring your own pencil, or a pencil may be purchased in the castle shop.

How to visit

•    purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
•    check event times and prices below

You do not need to book tickets for this event; pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.

Day Times
Sat 29 Oct 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Sun 30 Oct 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Mon 31 Oct 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Tue 01 Nov 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Wed 02 Nov 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Thu 03 Nov 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Fri 04 Nov 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Sat 05 Nov 2022 10:00 – 15:00
Sun 06 Nov 2022 10:00 – 15:00

For more details on the trail, go HERE.

FERNDALE

LLANELLI

PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK

They have plenty of Halloween events at Pembrey, however, some are already sold out.

Rather than lots of words, we figured the posters would explain more.

It may be worth checking the Pembrey site for any returns but we think these are so popular, they’ll remain sold out.

LLANTWIT MAJOR

HALLOWEEN MOVIES AT ST DONATS CASTLE

For a fangtastic day at the movies, come along to the eerie St Donat’s medieval Castle in Llantwit Major.

St Donats Castle

Screening movies throughout the day in the Bradenstoke Hall, the dimmed glowing lights and vaulted wooden ceilings are the perfect setting to get your hair raising this Halloween.

Dress for the occasion in your spookiest Halloween costumes, or come as you are if you are scary looking enough!

Things to know…

  • They have complimentary onsite parking and the Bradenstoke Hall is approximately a 3-minute walk from the car park
  • Doors open 1 hour before the screening start
  • The film begins promptly at the advertised time (there are no adverts before the film)
  • Drinks and confectionary will be available to purchase
  • You are booking for individual cinema screening only. If you wish to book another film, please do this separately.

An all-family favourite, CASPER! is the perfect film to enjoy with your little terrors being screened at 11am on Saturday 29th October.

Casper is a kind young ghost who peacefully haunts a mansion in Maine. When specialist James Harvey (Bill Pullman) arrives to communicate with Casper and his fellow spirits, he brings along his teenage daughter, Kat (Christina Ricci). Casper quickly falls in love with Kat, but their budding relationship is complicated not only by his transparent state, but also by his troublemaking apparition uncles and their mischievous antics.

Tickets start at around £8.58 and you can get them HERE.

Casper

A Halloween classic, HOCUS POCUS is a treat to be enjoyed with friends and family.

After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches’ book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.

HOCUS POCUS start at 2pm, tickets prices are the same as Casper, and you can get them here HOCUS.

The 5pm screening is available HERE.

Hocus Pocus

The final movie is an absolute classic.

As darkness falls and the vampires come out to play, so does the screening of BEETLEJUICE – a cult classic to chill to for the evening.

After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and teen daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a rambunctious spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia.

BEETLEJUICE starts at 8pm, with tickets starting at £11.25. You can get the HERE.

NEATH

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: FANCY DRESS MOVIE

THE ADDAMS FAMILY, a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family, features an original story and it’s every father’s nightmare: Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family– a man her parents have never met.

And if that wasn’t upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before– keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

Caewern Community Cinema bring you THE ADDAMS FAMILY. Fancy dress welcome for our HALLOWEEN cinema experience. Incidentally, the event is FREE and you can register right HERE.

NEWPORT

PUMPKIN CARVING WORKSHOPS – TREDEGAR HOUSE

They have PUMPKIN CARVING going on at Tredegar House.

Spark your creativity by personalising your pumpkin – will it be smiley, spooky or silly? The choice is yours! We’ll provide everything you need, so just turn up on the day with your artistic thinking hat on, ready to let your imagination run wild.

  • Saturday 29 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
  • Sunday 30 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm
  • Monday 31 October, 11am, 12pm, 1pm & 2pm

This activity is run on a first come, first served basis.

Carving pumpkin in workshopCarving pumpkin in workshop

It’s a turn up and do it thing. Obviously there will be the usual charges at the house itself.

The cost is £4 per person. Normal admission fees apply. The workshop is on between 29th to 31st October from 11am and 2pm.

For more details go here CARVING

PEMBREY

PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK

They have plenty of Halloween events at Pembrey, however, some are already sold out.

Rather than lots of words, we figured the posters would explain more.

It may be worth checking the Pembrey site for any returns but I think these are so popular, they’ll remain sold out.

PENARTH

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL AT COSMESTON COUNTRY PARK

You are invited once again to join us for Calan Gaeaf Halloween at Cosmeston Country Park. Experience a spooky night of family fun.

This Halloween, you and all your family can visit the park for this exciting after dark experience. Thousands of lights will illuminate Cosmeston Medieval Village and the surrounding trees

Special effects and petrifying performers will test your nerves as you tour the Medieval village (suitable for all ages).

Traditional Fairground, Hot and Cold Refreshments and Entertainment for all the family

Tickets are £12 per person

  • Tickets are required for each person from the age of 3
  • Under 3 go free with their accompanying fee paying adult
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible fee paying adult

The festival will be open on the following dates:

  • Saturday 23rd October
  • Sunday 24th October
  • Closed Monday and Tuesday
  • Wednesday 27th October to Sunday 31st October

The HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL is at Cosmeston Country Park, Lavernock Road in Penarth. To find out more, and get yourself tickets, go HERE.

PONTYPOOL

BLAENAVON IRONWORKS HALLOWEEN

Head along to the Ironworks for a spooky trail, and storytelling about Welsh myths and legends!

Listen to spooky Welsh legends, tales, and ghost stories. And throughout the week there will be a free Halloween trail for children in the spookily themed cottages, with a chocolate prize.

Opening Times

Day Times
Mon 29 Oct 11:00 – 16:00
Tue 30 Oct 11:00 – 16:00
Wed 31 Oct 11:00 – 16:00
Thu 1 Nov 11:00 – 16:00
Fri 2 Nov 11:00 – 16:00
Sat 3 Nov 11:00 – 16:00
Sun 4 Nov 11:00 – 16:00

If you’d like more details just head along to their site here IRONWORKS.

HAUNTED HISTORY AND FOLKLORE EVENING TOUR

Join us for an evening tour of Blaenavon Ironworks – with ghost stories, spooky tales, historic folklore and ancient legends of Blaenavon and Blaenau Gwent. 

Hear tales of Welsh myths and the legends of the Black Mountains, and local ghost stories of the Ironworks. Followed by hot drink refreshment and a Welsh cake.

Book your place on this event by telephoning Blaenavon Ironworks on 01495 792615.

Tour is suitable for adults only.  

The price is £10 and they happen on Sunday 23rd and Sunday 30th October between 7 and 9pm. More details HERE.

J

SWANSEA

SPOOKS IN THE CITY

From 11am, Castle Square will be transformed into a spooky spectacular filled with family entertainment, games and dance performances.

This FREE event has fang-tastic offers of  music, glitter tattoos, theatrical make-up, craft stalls, pumpkins, gory props for the best photo opportunities and workshops.

Look out for the Halloween characters roaming around, have a go at the pumpkin hunt (they have some amazing prizes to be won!) and finish off with the pumpkin parade!

This is the timetable for the day…..

  • 11.00 – The Witch Doctor and Claire from The Wave
  • 11.45 – Natalie Slater Dance Co
  • 12.00 – Fun and games with the Witch Doctor
  • 12.45 – Star Dance Academy
  • 13.00 – Competitions with The Witch Doctor and Claire from The Wave
  • 14.00 – Pumpkin Parade
  • 14.30 – Music and dancing from The Witch Doctor and Claire from The Wave
  • 14.45 – Bernadette Jones School of Irish Dancing
  • 15.00 – Linzi Richards Dance Co
  • 15.15 – Fun and games with The Witch Doctor
  • 15.45 – Academy Arts Dance Group
  • 16.00 – Acting Up and Colasanto Academy of Dance
  • 16.15 – Games and music from The Witch Doctor

SPOOKS IN THE CITY is at Castle Square on Saturday 29th October, for details, go HERE.

Why not take part in one of the workshops? You will have the chance to make some fun Halloween items to take home.

There will also be plenty of competitions for best costume, best scream (aaagggghhhhhhh!!!!) and scariest face.

And not forgetting all the fun with the Halloween games, including the pumpkin stomp, witches hat ring toss, toilet paper mummy, pumpkin relay and pin the spider on the web.

The pumpkin parade will take place at 3:00pm. Join our witches, ghouls and other characters being led by our samba drummers to parade around the city centre, (they assemble at 2:55 in Castle Square) Remember to wear your spookiest costume and all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

OOOOO IN THE ZOOOO AT PLANTASIA

Things are getting a little SPOooOKY at Plantasia Tropical Zoo. Join them AFTER DARK for a Halloween spooktacular for all the family!

Decipher the clues – Follow the map through the DARK and MYSTERIOUS jungle to the Trick or Treat stations – Complete the animal-handling challenges to earn a spooky stamp for a Prize!

Then stick around if you’re brave enough for Grimm tales from our spooky story-telling sessions. Don’t forget to book in advance for your family Beast Feast of 2 Large family Pizza’s and 4 soft drinks for £24.99 from the Cackling Canopy Cafe.

Join us, if you dare, for a night that’s sure to scare!

  • Decipher the clues
  • Follow the map through the DARK and MYSTERIOUS jungle to the Trick or Treat stations
  • Complete the Animal Handling & Halloween challenges to earn a spooky stamp for a prize at the end
  • Stick around if you’re brave enough for Grimm tales from our spooky story-telling sessions
  • Don’t forget to book in advance for your family Beast Feast​ of 2 Large family Pizza’s and 4 soft drinks for £24.99 from the Cackling Canopy Café.
£10 Adults 16 years+
£10 Children 2-15 years of age
£34 Families 2 adults & 2 children
£10 Concessions Disability, student or over 60. ID / Proof to be shown on entry
Free Children under 2

OOOOO IN THE ZOOOO is on the 31st at Plantasia in Swansea, where they also have PLANTASIA AFTER DARK between 6 and 7:30pm. For details, take a look HERE.

HALLOWEEN AT THE GOWER HERITAGE CENTRE

A little bit of Coco comes to the Gower Heritage Centre to celebrate Halloween. Calling all little skeletons, witches, ghouls & monsters..

Come and hear the story of Coco in our magical theatre, learn about Dia de los Mertos and Halloween.

  • Look for Halloween treats in our spooky courtyard
  • Play our Halloween games
  • Meet our resident Gower Witch
  • Make a Day of the Dead mask
  • Look for skulls and witches around the mysterious mill
  • Take part in the special Halloween duck race
  • Decorate a Day of the Dead pumpkin

They are launching Halloween at the Gower Heritage Centre on Friday 28th October 2022, at 4pm. We will be holding 4 workshops on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th, Monday 31st and Tuesday 1st Nov at 10am, 12 noon, 2pm and 4pm.

Tickets for the Halloween events MUST  be pre-booked using this link HERE

MARGAM CASTLE GHOST HUNT

Ghost Hunts at Margam Castle are certainly not for the faint hearted, Deep growls and groans are experienced in the many empty eerie rooms, strange unexplained lights and mists have been witnessed on the grand staircase. The gothic style building is said to be haunted by an extremely angry and violent spirit of the gamekeeper, there are also reports of visitors seeing his ghostly figure wandering through the woodlands. Margam Castle is situated in Port Talbot, South Wales . Can you face your fears and hold seances and vigils here ?

The Ghosts of Margam Castle

This is a truly eerie and spooky building that is said to house an extremely violent and angry spirit of a gamekeeper, reportedly murdered by a poacher. Many people have claimed that this extremely angry presence can be felt upon entering this huge Castle.

With its grand staircase, many rooms and dark corridors, ghost hunts at Margam Castle are frightening and this has become an extremely interesting location to investigate. Will you dare enter the castle doors with the paranormal eye team ?

Margam Castle is known for its paranormal activity, Over the years there has been many reports of dark shadows seen many people claim it appears to resemble a man, he has been seen in the grounds as well as the Castle itself.

This Location is a must for anyone wanting a real intense investigation.

History of Margam Castle

Margam Castle is a large Victorian era country house, built in Margam, Port Talbot, Wales, for Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890). It was constructed over a ten-year period, from 1830 to 1840, on a site which had been occupied for some 4,000 years and which from the 11th century until the dissolution of the monasteries was an abbey.

Although called a “castle”, the building is really a large comfortable country house, one of many “mock” castles built in the 19th century during the Gothic Revival.

After making a Grand Tour of Europe as a young man, Talbot returned to south Wales and from 1830 he set about redeveloping the family estate at Margam. The new castle was designed in a Tudor Gothic style by the architect Thomas Hopper (1776–1856), while Edward Haycock Snr (1790–1870) was supervisory architect and designed parts of the interior and exterior of the house, the stables, terraces and lodges. Talbot also took a keen interest in the project, encouraging his architects to borrow elements from Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire(ancestral home of the Talbots and home to his cousin William Henry Fox Talbot) and Melbury House in Dorset (home of his mother’s family, the Fox-Strangways, Earls of Ilchester).

William Henry Fox Talbot was a frequent visitor to Margam, and the castle featured as an image in some of his early photographic experiments. Margam’s links with photography also include being the location of the earliest known Welsh photograph, a daguerreotype of the castle taken on 9 March 1841 by the Reverend Calvert Richard Jones.

After the death of Emily Charlotte Talbot, the daughter of its first owner, the castle passed to her nephew and continued to be used by the Talbot family until 1941, when it was sold. David Evans-Bevan, who bought it, found it too large to live in, but could not find any public organisation interested in taking it on, and it fell into disrepair. For many years it belonged to the local authority, but was not open to the public. In 1977, a fire caused substantial damage, and it was only after this that a restoration project began in earnest.

Today Margam Castle is a Grade I listed building and is in the care of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council.

THIS EVENT INCLUDES

Working in small groups, participating in Ouija/spirit board sessions, Evp Sessions, Table tipping, seances and many other different techniques. Tea/coffee and light snacks. Please remember to bring your torch as this location has caves and underground chambers. Please remember to wear suitable footwear as this location has a lot of stairs and very uneven floors.

This Location is not suitable for people with walking and mobility issues.

Margam Castle is situated in Port Talbot, South Wales. Can you face your fears? The GHOST HUNT is on and starts at 8pm, finishing around 2am the next morning. Tickets are £47.48 and you can get yours HERE.

TO DO AT HOME

FAMILY STUFF

HALLOWEEN PICNIC (INDOORS)

If it’s all a little too scary out there for some members of the family, why not have a halloween themed picnic, indoors. Set out a picnic blanket and basket of food and eat your spooky dinner as though you were having a picnic. Things like this are often the catalyst for a surprisingly fun-filled evening.

A HALLOWEEN SCAVENGER HUNT

A little like the Easter Egg Hunt, only this time with all things Halloween. Sorry Mum & Dad, this will involve a lot of sweets. Everyone (kids & adults) loves hunting for hidden things. Write or type up a list (or print the one above) of things that need to be found and give a copy to everyone. Put a time limit on how long they have to locate the articles. You could even place the odd scary spider or plastic skeleton in appropriate, hidden places.

HALLOWEEN COOKING SHOW

You’ve seen these cooking shows on TV, now you could film your own, with the kids starring in it. Get them to pretend they are hosting their own cooking show and video it. Make sure the whole family participates, in one way or another. Watching it back while you all eat the ghoulish goodies they’ve made will be such a laugh.

MAKE A SCARY SCARECROW

Very easy this, get some clothes from the wardrobe (maybe Dad’s 80s classics would do) and make a suitably scary scarecrow. It’ll take a while if you spend time planning, designing and getting the materials. Of course, you also have a ready to go addition to your Bonfire activities as well.

A FEW FOR THE GROWN-UPS

HORROR MOVIE MARATHON

There’s nothing better than settling down, lights off and lots of junk food, to enjoy scary movies on the most horrifying night of the year. If you get Trick or Treaters you may be interrupted but if not, be brave and settle down. If you are feeling really brave, perhaps you could work through the 50 BEST HORROR MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN.

Here’s a few of our favourites for young and old to enjoy……

This film is an absolute classic, from a brilliant director (Robert Wise). THE HAUNTING was released in 1963 and ranked by The Guardian as the ranked it as the 13th-best horror film of all time. 13 is a great position to be placed for horror we reckon. Have a look at the trailer HERE and you’ll see what we mean. It’s so creepy.

HOCUS POCUS: It’s Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts. A teenager accidentally summons three evil witches from the 17th Century, and it’s not long before they’re terrifying the entire town. Disney’s spellbinding classic stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.

SCREAM: “Do you like scary movies?” This is one of the defining films of the 90s, another classic from horror legend Wes Craven. The ‘Ghostface’ killer is stalking the residents of Woodsboro, and knowing the rules of the genre may not be enough to save them.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY: They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together …… you get the idea. Anjelica Houston, RaulJulia and Christina Ricci star in the titular tribe’s first freaky feature, this screening is by popular demand!

E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL: Elliott, a lonely suburban kid, discovers a lost alien in his shed. They soon become unlikely friends, and Elliott introduces ‘E.T.’ to trick-or-treating, Reese’s Pieces and the joys of BMX biking. But danger is coming, and E.T. needs to phone home. Steven Spielberg’s amazing adventure is one of the most beloved and successful films of all time and to see it at the Castle will bring a whole new life to the movie.

THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of HalloweenTown, discovers a portal to Christmas Town and decides to celebrate its traditions his own way. A dazzling animated feature from the crazy mind of Tim Burton.

GHOSTBUSTERS: The year is 1984. There’s something strange in your neighbourhood. Who you gonna call? Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver star in the original spooky blockbuster. For us, the original is without doubt the best.

HALLOWEEN: This is the latest in the HALLOWEEN series and they took a pretty good swipe at it we reckon. It’s October 31st. Exactly 40 years after their first bloody encounter in Haddonfield, Laurie Strode and Michael Myers must face each other again. Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her most iconic role.

THE LOST BOYS: Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It’s fun to be a vampire. Starring Jason Patric, a young Keifer Sutherland and both Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, this cult 80s horror comedy is a big audience favourite.

FRIDAY THE 13th: Again, original is the best scenario here. Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake! A group of young people arrive to start their new summer jobs, unaware of the site’s deadly history and the terrible danger they’re now in. One of horror’s most unkillable series begins, featuring a fresh-faced and imperilled Kevin Bacon.

THE CRAFT: Sarah is a troubled teenager. After moving with her family to a new city and enrolling at an intimidating new school, she falls in with a group of fellow outcasts. Rumours spread that they might be witches. This 90s cult classic stars Fairuza Balk and Scream’s Neve Campbell – her from Scream.

ELSA DRINKING GAME

This is a new one to us but we kinda like it. It’s been going around on Facebook and Instagram and I’m totally doing it. It’s not a tricky one, every time you see Elsa, have a drink. We’re not advocating large amounts of alcohol here. It could be a soft drink, alcohol free or something else. Your game, your choice.

HAVE A SPOOKY DINNER PARTY  

If you’re staying home then why not do something other than a party. Have friends over for dinner. Now we dont mean eat them, like Hannibel Lecter would, have friends over to eat your food. We just want to clarify that.

There is so much you could do. Halloween Hummus. Pumpkin and Lentil Soup. Spiced Roasted Apples. You get the idea. Just have a look at Pinterest and you’ll find a ton of suitable recipes.

PLAY A SCARY VIDEO GAME

There are so many creepy video games out there these days. Our favourite is probably, RESIDENT EVIL. Same rules as the movies. Lights out, sound up and away you go.

TAKE A BLOOD BATH

We don’t mean real blood, of course.  Draw a nice warm bath and throw in a red bath bomb or maybe even an eyeball bath bomb and BOOM!  Perhaps a red bulb in your light or some suitable candles would add to the mood.

FOR COUPLES ONLY

Halloween is so good for cuddling up together and enjoying a spooky evening. It can though be so much more. So, here are the SOUTH WALES LIFE ideas for couples – once the kids are tucked up in bed.

Thing to do together…….

  1. Carve a pumpkin – together
  2. Bake a scary Halloween cake – together
  3. Make a Bloody Mary cocktail, then drink it – together
  4. Decorate your room – together
  5. Get dressed up in matching costumes

Let’s make it romantic…….

  1. Share scary stories with a sexy spin
  2. We hear there’s a good range of Glow-In-The-Dark body paint
  3. Try a Halloween-inspired romantic meal
  4. Surprise your partner with a sexy costume
  5. Experiment with edible clothing (you know what we mean)

I HATE HALLOWEEN

So, you are at the point in life where you are either all done with the Halloween thing or you are the proverbial Halloween Grinch. If that’s the case, here’s a a few alternatives to help you on your way.

SUPERMARKET SWEEP FOR REDUCED PRICE SWEETS Chances are Halloween candy will already be on sale. So you can stock your sweetie stash for the year at a fraction of the price. It happens at Easter so we’re certain Halloween will be the same.

GO ON A DATE WITH ANOTHER HALLOWEEN HATER Trust us when we say you won’t be the only Halloween Hater out there. This is a perfect ice-breaker and who knows where it might lead. It’s the ultimate anecdote to awkwardness.

GO SEE A MOVIE It doesn’t have to be a scary movie of course but going to the cinema gives you a chance to splash out on all the treats, sit in the dark, munching and watching. Perfect.

HIT THE GYM The older you get, the more likely you are to store all those sugary candy calories as fat. I know, I’m an expert. After you dig into whatever Halloween sweets you crave, put your sugar high to good use at the gym. It’s one place you don’t have to feel like a spoilsport for showing up undisguised. 

TAKE YOUR NEPHEWS/NIECES TRICK-OR-TREATING Just because you don’t enjoy it doesn’t mean your loved one’s won’t. Bite the bullet, grab your phone for some spooky snaps and get out and become your nephews (or nieces) unofficial hero for the night.

STAY AT HOME AND EAT SWEETS  Be like the Halloween Scrooge, stay at home and eat all the sweets yourself. I’ve done it. Not because I don’t like Halloween, I love it. I just love sweets even more. Trick or Treaters won’t be happy but you will.

GO SHOPPING If you’re not indulging in the Halloween thing just think of the money you’ve saved. Go out, get away from the knocking on the door, and buy yourself a little treat.

HAVE A CHRISTMAS PARTY You don’t like halloween so you must enjoy Christmas. Why not throw the first festive party of the season. Not as mad as you think. Just ask Mr Christmas. Yes, he really exists, we know him. His name is Andy Park and he celebrates Christmas every single day of the year. MR CHRISTMAS and we mean EVERY DAY without fail.

CLEAR THE SKELETONS OUT OF YOUR WARDROBE If you don’t enjoy wearing costumes anymore, why not use the night to clear out your wardrobe. If they’re anything like ours, most of the clothes are far scarier than anything you’d buy anyway.

WEAR AN UNSUITABLE HALLOWEEN COSTUME Or don’t is our advice. There are some unbelievably ridiculous, inappropriate costumes for sale on pretty reputable sites. No explanation, we’re sure you get what they’re supposed to be. Please don’t wear them.

CARVE A LANTERN – OUT OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT Nothing says ‘up yours Halloween’ than a lantern carved out of something strange. Pineapple is particularly good.

FREE PUMPKIN TEMPLATES

Our team have put together a bunch of pumpkin templates for you to download, print and use as you feel. Just click on the link below and they’ll download to your device.

PUMPKIN TEMPLATES

And if you want a bit of help with the carving, this video is easy to follow and fun – HERE.

PICK YOUR OWN PUMPKINS

SOUTH WALES LIFE

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