There is something about Margam Park after dark that makes it an irresistible setting for Halloween. The Gothic castle, shadowy woodland and historic grounds already have the makings of a ghost story. Add live scare actors, unsettling encounters and a trail into the unknown, and that familiar afternoon walk becomes a very different proposition.
SCREAM TIME returns this autumn, running on selected dates from Thursday 15th October to Sunday 1st November. Whether your idea of Halloween involves nervous laughter with the children or testing the bravery of your most confident friend, there are two experiences to choose from. The important decision is how much fright you fancy.

A Castle Made for Halloween
For visitors choosing the full Scream Time experience, Margam’s imposing surroundings become part of an immersive horror trail stretching approximately one kilometre.
The route takes visitors through indoor and outdoor spaces, with professional scare actors, dark passages and theatrical effects helping to build the tension. Organisers promise blackout zones, smoke, strobes and sudden encounters, with a cast who remain firmly in character.
That is the appeal of a live scare attraction: watching a horror film leaves you safely on the sofa, while here you have to take the next step yourself. There will almost certainly be debates within friendship groups about who goes first.
Organisers say the event sold out in both 2024 and 2025. For its return, the promise is a bigger, darker experience, making advance booking a sensible move for anyone with a particular evening in mind.
Little Monsters Have Their Own Adventure
Families can choose the earlier Family Halloween Experience, also referred to as Spooky Time in the booking system.
Recommended by the organiser for ages five and above, these PG sessions offer atmospheric Halloween entertainment with playful characters, themed surroundings and interactive surprises. Expect a few gasps and giggles, without the extreme horror of the later experience.
The family trail offers lantern-lit surroundings, puzzles and opportunities to meet costumed characters. Dressing up is encouraged, so this is a chance for little witches, vampires and skeletons to give their Halloween outfits a proper outing.
Choosing the right session matters. Some children relish a spooky encounter; others prefer to observe from behind a grown-up’s coat. Think about everyone’s confidence before booking, rather than simply following the bravest member of the family.
Time to Catch Your Breath
Partway around, the Scare Village provides an opportunity to pause, compare reactions and enjoy something to eat.
Street food, drinks from the Spookeasy bar, marshmallow toasting over fire pits and fairground attractions add to the evening. It is easy to imagine the conversation: one person insisting they barely flinched, while their companions remember things rather differently.
Food, drinks and fairground rides cost extra, so allow something in your budget beyond admission. The trail itself takes approximately 40–60 minutes, with additional time for the village. The booking pages suggest visitors generally spend 60–90 minutes on site.




Dates and Opening Times
The booking calendar lists 15th to 18th October, followed by 21st October to 1st November. There are no sessions listed for 19th or 20th October.
Family sessions take place before 7pm, while the full Scream Time experience has entry slots from 7pm onwards. Admission is timed: select your date and arrival slot when booking, and follow the time on your ticket. Exact slots vary, so check the live booking calendar.
The full scare experience is advertised for ages 15+. The organiser states that all under-16s must be accompanied by an adult over 18, with identification required.
How Much Are Tickets?
Prices vary by date and ticket package. Standard Scream Time admission starts from £22.95 per person. Premium and VIP options are also available; check your chosen date for prices and inclusions.
For the family experience, selected sessions offer:
- Adults: £21.95
- Children: £14.50
- Family ticket: £63.50, admitting two adults and two children under 16.
On Halloween, Saturday 31st October, the checked standard family session lists adults at £27.95, children at £17.95, and a family ticket at £82. A £2.75 booking fee is shown on the booking pages. Check the final total before paying.
Book Scream Time tickets HERE, or book family sessions HERE.
Before You Set Off
The venue is Margam Country Park, Port Talbot, SA13 2TJ, with event parking included in admission. Wear sturdy footwear, bring a warm waterproof layer and prepare for autumn weather.
Visitors with access requirements should read the accessibility information and contact organisers beforehand. There are steep sections and narrow passages, alongside flashing lights, smoke effects and loud sound.
Gather your companions, choose your scare level and make sure somebody volunteers to lead the way. Margam’s shadows are waiting.
You can take a look at our visit to the family trail HERE.


