Spooky Szn for Big Kids – 5 don’t miss attractions this Halloween

Dark Secrets – The Esoteric Exhibition – London – 11 Oct – 31 May – Tickets

This huge occult exhibition is bringing some of the world’s spookiest, most secretive and most haunted objects, right to the centre of London. It’s almost the start of a schlocky horror film – or at least a Jonathan Creek episode!

I haven’t made it yet but friends report lots of eerie photo opportunities, more cursed dolls that anyone should ever spend time with (and an invitation to leave a note for the doll!), a deep dive into super secretive freemasonry practices and magickal artefacts.

With 27 themed rooms, this is sure to capture your interest whether you are an esoteric aficionado or simply intrigued. Just make sure you don’t take any spirits with you on the way out! To build on your central London big kids’ esoteric day out, can I recommend checking out some of the city’s magical bookshops? I love Atlantis Bookshop and Treadwell’s – ask if you can pop downstairs to see Pamela Colman Smith’s (the illustrator of the most famous tarot deck) fireplace.

Shocktober Fest at Tulley’s Farm – Sussex – 4 October – 1 November – Tickets

This is Europe’s most celebrated scare attraction and, after being kindly invited to the press night, I can see why! I wasn’t sure scare mazes were for me but it turns out I just hadn’t been going to the right scare attractions!

The work on theming, decoration and the actors transported our group right into the storylines of each maze – all distinct from another. And they do have storylines and lore – it’s not just jack in a box scare tactics – while you will jump out of your skin.

I loved Coven of 13 centred around a group of witches getting revenge on the loss of one of their sisters. Don’t miss the zombie apocalypse Greggs in Doom Town. Anything for a Sausage, Bean and Cheese melt, right?

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Weird Walk Samhain Ritual – London – 28 October – Tickets

If you haven’t come across Weird Walk yet, you are in for a treat! This zine is packed with British folklore, storytelling and encouragement to go and lie down in your nearest crop or stone circle. If that sounds a bit weird to you – that’s the whole point.

This annual Samhain (Halloween) event bring the ethos of the zine to life in Hackney with live music from the likes of folk music maven Daisy Rickman and ‘rituals’ by Tree Carr. It’s hosted by the comedian Stewart Lee so will be sure to be a deeply funny event as well as wonderfully weird. If you are feeling the pull to do something unusual this time of the year, where the veil is at its thinnest – this should be top of your list.

Secret Ceremony : Season of the Witch Film Night & Dumb Supper – Cotswolds – 1 November – Tickets

This afternoon/evening of Samhain delights is being hosted at the recently renovated Jacobean manor, Ampney Park and I’m wishing I could fly over on my broomstick! The proceedings kick off with a screening of 1972 cult classic Season of the Witch and themed cocktails, followed by a seated banquet, with a twist. You’ll be served a ‘Hommage aux Morts’ or dumb supper where the order of courses is reversed, accompanied by a live pianist. The symbolism of the act of eating dessert first is to turn life on its head and welcome in new beginnings.

The evening will wrap with a bonfire, tarot card readings and a letting go fire ritual. I’ll be there in spirit!

Dark Folklore Festival – Porthtowan, Cornwall – 26 October – Tickets

Cornwall is undoubtably a land of many spooky tales, figures and happenings. Dark Cornwall have been doing some fascinating work curating some of those stories and producing this inaugural festival.

From live music, rituals to talks on dark literature and magical storytelling, it sounds like an incredible day out. I’m so interested to see the outfits from the Folklore parade! The day itself is family friendly, but the site has an advisory about what happens after night falls as the spookiness amps up.

By Anna Willatt

Images, Anna Willatt, Tulleys Farm & Dreamstime