Frightening Family Fun this Half Term

We're ramping up the fear factor this half term with a huge range of activities on offer from spooky trails to our first ever science fiction convention!

Here's our guide to some fiendish fun if you dare to visit....

Spooky Trails and Gruesome Battles at the Redoubt Fortress

25 Oct - 2 Nov

Redoubt Fortress Twilight Tour

Our 200 year old seafront fortress opens its first Halloween trail with treats and prizes for all.  The spooky trail during half term includes a creepy quiz through the cobwebbed corridors of the museum and a macabre science lab of grisly finds.

For those seeking a frightful night, the Twilight Tour on 25 October includes the opportunity to discover gruesome battles and ghostly sightings, as told by the attraction’s resident 19th century tour guide.

To celebrate the big day on 31 October, pop-up cinema returns with an evening film screening of The Evil Dead (1981) within one of the fortresses’ creepy casemates.  With popcorn and a licensed bar, those brave enough, can settle down and enjoy one of the most celebrated horror films of all time.

Plus: don't miss the 2 for 1 offer on tickets throughout the week!

Drusillas Shriek Week 

25 Oct – 2 Nov

Haunted Heights at Drusillas

Drusillas Park unleashes Shriek Week with a spook-tacular week of Halloween fun at the award-winning zoo.  At Haunted Heights, sin sisters Hocus and Pocus play hide and shriek with the unsuspecting public, inviting thrill seekers to knock on the trap door and discover the ghostly secret within.  With an escaped Mummy wandering around the temple ruins in Eden’s Eye maze, creepy crawly encounters at the Discovery Centre and a visit from Scooby Doo on 29 October, there will be more than just the usual animal magic on offer.

Most Haunted

13th century former monastery, and venue of one of the scariest episodes of

Pevensey Castle: Photo by Graham Huntley

TV’s Most Haunted, Michelham Priory, brings a medieval vibe to their Hallowe’en fun day on 31 October with traditional entertainment including Punch & Judy, crafts, drama and more.

Pevensey Castle, home of the ghostly Pale Lady of Pevensey, offers dark dungeons to explore by day along with lantern lit ghost walks by night on 25 and 31 October, uncovering stories of the Pale Lady, smugglers and even a gruesome murder.

Make a Spectre of Yourself
Image by Elizabeth Doak

Fright Nights at Blackstock Farm return from 22 October to 1 November for the brave with creepy craft making, pumpkin carving and ghost hunt in the haunted wood during the day throughout half term. 

Make a Spectre of Yourself at Towner creating creepy images with photographer Elizabeth Doak on 31 October and visit the free exhibitions, including Twixt Two Worlds, which explore early cinema and moving images.

Fiendish Pumpkins

Pumpkin Carving at Sharnfold Farm

The ideal stop off for pumpkin carving, Sharnfold Farm offers a great farm

shop and café, along with a Wicked Witch Hunt around the farm trail from 27-31 October.  Their Halloween displays are legendary and staff are on hand to help young visitors with their own fiendish pumpkin creations.

Meet witches, wizards, owls and bats at Borde Hill Garden throughout half term, or head to the Observatory Science Centre on 30 October for fascinating experiments with volcanoes and earthquakes.  Make flying bats and screaming balloons at their Open Evening on 1 November before gazing through the historic telescopes.

WynterCon

For Science Fiction Fans

30 Oct – 2 Nov

Perfect for science fiction, horror and fantasy fans, Eastbourne’s first ever WynterCon convention at the Winter Garden, brings a Halloween Masquerade Ball, Steampunked Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties, comic book zone, celebrity guests, the UK’s largest collection of Blade Runner props and memorabilia and cult classic movie screenings.

Fang-tastic Free Fun

Discovering Bones at
Eastbourne Ancestors

Budding archaeologists and young historians can discover the mystery surrounding the Beachy Head Lady at the free Eastbourne Ancestors exhibition.  Thousands have already marvelled at the Saxon treasures and met the skeleton of Eastbourne’s most famous ancestor, a rare archaeological discovery for British shores. 

Beachy Head Marathon
photo by Graham Huntley

Hundreds will be cheering on the Beachy Head Marathon runners at this annual sporting fixture on 25 October.  One of the most challenging and scenic marathon’s in the UK, the huge turnout of spectators along the route is thanks to the beauty of the South Downs National Park route, perfect for Autumn walks, discovering pretty villages and pub lunches by the fireside.

Terrific Theatre

St Vincent

In the evening, Eastbourne Theatres offer a packed programme of shows, including Grease, Oliver!, Alfie's Starquest hosted by BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett and American singer-songwriter St Vincent, following her recent support of The Black Keys. Plus Henrietta the Hippo's Funhouse returns on Saturday morning 1 November.

Great Offers

Boutique hotel, The Langtons, and the family-friendly Guesthouse East, are offering 20%off all stays of 3 nights or more throughout October, with the latter offering self-contained family suites and the flexibility of both B&B and self catering.

                                                                                 

For more information visit www.VisitEastbourne.com/halloween.