It's getting chillier in Colchester, and the spooky season is upon us! While you might know Colchester for its rich history, it's also home to a number of spine-tingling Halloween happenings this half term; from nationally-recognised events to terrifying local ghost tours, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in the frightful events this Halloween.

Whether you're enjoying the spooktacular, family-friendly daytime activities during Shriek Week at the award-winning Colchester Zoo, taking a Haunted History Family Tour at Colchester Castle, being terrified at Beware the Scare at the Town Hall or wandering around some of the city's local shops, there are plenty of great options to consider for your time in Colchester this Halloween.

Family-Friendly Frights at Colchester's Top Attractions

Two of the city's top attractions - Colchester Zoo and Colchester Castle - are offering attractions for families hoping to get in the spooky mindset.

At Colchester Zoo, you can enjoy the daytime 'Shriek Week' activities, including scaring lessons, arts and crafts, fancy dress parties and story times. Little ones will also enjoy Colchester Zoo's soft play complex, and the Lost Madagascar Express is bound to go down a treat with everyone in your party - and you might see some special Halloween dragons on your journey around!

Colchester Castle boasts a fantastic family-friendly events calendar in October, offering everything from Spooktacular Family Fun Nights to Monstrous Medieval Trails. For something a little more thrilling, take a Haunted History Family Tour, which mixes education and eerie tales.

Other popular attractions are offering special Halloween events tailored for families, including Markshall Estate, Layer Marney Tower and Wyvernwood. For little ones who love to be outside, be sure to visit High Woods Country Park for their Halloween Trail, Ghost Walk and Craft Sessions. You'll also find some not-so-spooky shows at Colchester Charter Hall to help you to get in the Halloween spirit.

Monkey Halloween Enrichment at Colchester ZooEven the animals at Colchester Zoo love to get involved in the Halloween happenings! Credit: Colchester Zoo

Spooktacular Scares for Older Ghouls

Thrill seekers: this one's for you. Colchester is also home to some spine-tingling events, with everything from terrifying trails to Dark Spirit Tours on the line-up for 2024.

For a more frightful option, why not take on the nerve-wracking 'Trail of Terror' at Colchester Zoo? Packed full of scares, this trail takes you on a one-way route through Colchester Zoo after dark, experiencing horrors and frights along the way.

'Beware the Scare' is a brand-new, spine-chilling immersive scare event designed to transport thrill-seekers into the depths of the city’s sinister past. Based in the Town Hall, you'll explore maze-like corridors and deserted rooms to explore parts of the building that have been closed to the public for years. Not only will you learn about Colchester's history, but the special effects and talented live actors from Castle Park Theatre will bring these terrifying stories to life.

COL - Gallery Image - Town Hall & Jumbo'Beware the Scare' will combine Colchester Town Hall's interesting architectural features and the city's chilling history to create a first-of-its-kind Halloween experience in Colchester City Centre.

If you haven't figured out how to get your Halloween fix yet, there are plenty of other spine-tingling events over that you may enjoy. Be sure to check out our 'What's On' page for more information on these spooky happenings and more.