When the fog rolls in and shadows stretch longer, you know Halloween in Kent is stirring once more. The veil thins and mischief creeps through the streets, with ghosts, ghouls and eerie tales lurking around every corner. Whether you fancy a scream, a spooky stroll or a rock-fuelled fright night, Kent’s got Halloween covered, from cursed castles to city-wide hauntings.
Yuck Yard at the Historic Dockyard Chatham
If you’ve got the stomach for it, venture into the Yuck Yard from 19 October - 3 November at Chatham’s Historic Dockyard. Packed with gut-churning history, revolting remedies, and snot-splattered slime games, this isn’t your typical Halloween event.
Fire vials of goo in the Gallery of Goo, follow the Rat-Catcher’s Trail and dare to be disfigured with Foul Face Painting courtesy of talented Mid Kent College students. The highlight? Battle of the Bilge (23-31 October), where gory characters compete to prove who’s the most revolting healer in maritime history. It’s grotesque, grim, and gloriously fun for curious minds of all ages.
Guardians of the Grounds
Prepare for an enchanting adventure as The Guardians of the Grounds return to Leeds Castle this October. From mysterious witches to mischievous goblins, young spell seekers are invited on an immersive, interactive Halloween quest through the majestic castle grounds.
Children will solve riddles, meet magical beings, and gather clues on their journey, all while soaking up the beauty of the autumnal estate. Fancy dress is highly encouraged with a daily competition and the chance to win the title of ‘best dressed’. It’s the perfect magical day out for families who love Halloween with a whimsical twist.
Dreamland Turns Dark
The air thrums with anticipation at the Margate Rock Festival on Saturday 25th October 2025. Taking over Dreamland’s Ballroom from 1pm to 11pm, this all-day, indoor rock fest is not for the faint-hearted. Expect mosh pits, hard riffs, and headbanging vibes in this standing-only event for ages 14+. So grab your boots, leather jackets, and earplugs-and prepare to rock with the undead. Just don’t try to sneak back in after 7pm… the doors close, and who knows what might be waiting behind them?
Chilling Tales
Canterbury may be known for its cathedrals and cobbled streets, but after dark, the city whispers much darker stories. The Chilling Tales guided tour by Canterbury River Tours (running throughout October 2025) unveils a gothic underbelly of ghost sightings, beheadings and gruesome medieval punishments.
Not for the faint of heart, this atmospheric walk through the city’s bloodied past is ideal for lovers of history with a sinister twist. Tours are tailored to suit, and available as shared or private bookings, just don’t go alone.
Betteshanger Park Halloween Party
Forget trick-or-treating, this one’s strictly for the over-18s. Join the Halloween Party at Betteshanger Park on 31st October 2025 for a night of eerie energy, creepy cocktails and dancefloor-filling beats from a live DJ. Your ticket gets you entry, a free spooky cocktail on arrival, and parking, though we can't promise the walk from the car park will be ghost-free. Costumes are encouraged, spirits (of both kinds) will be flowing, and it's the perfect excuse to go out and get ghoulish with mates.
Ghosts, Ghouls & Ghostbusters
If you hear the faint whir of proton packs, it must be Spooky Saturday! On 26th October, Canterbury comes alive with costumed chaos, trick-or-treat trails, zombie runs along the riverside, ghost hunts, and a citywide takeover make this a brilliant day for adults, teens and families alike. Expect appearances from the Ghostbusters, street entertainment, and late-night shopping as the whole city leans into the spirit of the season.
Halloween hunt at Dover Castle
While the kids can hunt for clues and enjoy storytelling at Dover Castle from 25 October to 2 November, adults will appreciate the eerie setting and brooding battlements that come alive with history and hauntings. It’s a family-friendly day out that still satisfies lovers of drama and legend, book online in advance to save 15%.
