Halloween Events at Bolton Castle

About

Bolton Castle, near Leyburn in North Yorkshire, will host a programme of family Halloween activities from 18 to 31 October 2026, transforming the medieval castle with spooky decorations, historical re-enactments and evening events.

The castle’s dungeon will provide the setting for rats, bats and skeletons, while the courtyard will feature Halloween displays including witches, a coffin, cauldrons and more skeletal residents. Pumpkins will appear throughout the attraction, with seasonal trails extending into the castle’s autumn gardens.

Family Halloween Activities at Bolton Castle

Visitors will be able to explore the decorated castle and grounds while searching for Halloween characters and displays. Costumes and props will also be available for photographs, alongside the castle’s stocks.

The gardens provide an opportunity to explore outside during an autumn visit, with views across Wensleydale forming part of the experience.

Halloween Re-Enactments and Witches’ Trials

Historical re-enactors will appear at Bolton Castle on selected dates during the Halloween period, drawing on stories from the castle’s past as both a family residence and defensive fortress.

Re-enactment activities will take place on:

• Saturday 24 October 2026
• Sunday 25 October 2026
• Monday 26 October 2026
• Friday 30 October 2026
• Saturday 31 October 2026

On each of these dates, story time will take place at 1pm, followed by a witches’ trial at 2.15pm. These activities are included with standard admission.

Bolton Castle by Lanternlight

Adults can experience the castle after dark during Castle by Lanternlight on Monday 26 October from 6pm to 8pm.

During the evening, visitors will explore parts of the medieval castle by lanternlight, with periods when the lanterns provide the only illumination. The experience concludes with a drink beside the fire and an opportunity to hear and share spooky stories.

• Date: Monday 26 October 2026
• Time: 6pm to 8pm
• Tickets: £23 per person
• Minimum age: 18 years

Halloween Evening for Families

A separate evening event designed for families and younger visitors will take place on Thursday 29 October from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. The experience will combine family activities with age-appropriate Halloween surprises around the castle.

• Adult tickets: £12.50
• Child tickets: £5

Bolton Castle Halloween 2026 Admission Prices

Standard admission provides access to the castle and gardens, with daytime Halloween activities included unless otherwise specified.

• Castle and gardens adult ticket: £15
• Castle and gardens child ticket: £12.50 for ages 5 to 18
• Children aged four and under: Free
• Castle and gardens family ticket: £60
• Gardens-only adult ticket: £6
• Gardens-only concession: £5
• Gardens-only family ticket: £25
• Car parking: £5 per vehicle

Concessionary admission is available for visitors aged 67 and over. Standard daytime opening hours are 10am to 5pm, unless different times are specified for an individual event.

Autumn at Bolton Castle

The Halloween programme takes place shortly before Bolton Castle closes for its winter season at the end of 2 November 2026. Visitors during October can also explore the gardens and surrounding Wensleydale landscape as the grounds move into their autumn season.

A tearoom is available on site, serving homemade cakes and freshly prepared dishes during a visit to the castle.

Further details, event listings and ticket information are available from the Bolton Castle website.