Weston Park, the historic stately home on the Shropshire-Staffordshire border, is gearing up for a Halloween extravaganza this October half-term. From October 29 to October 31, the estate will be transformed into a haunted haven with a range of spooky activities for families to enjoy.
The centrepiece of the Halloween celebrations will be the estate’s four-acre Walled Garden, which will be converted into the “Haunted Hollow.” Here, visitors can enjoy pumpkin picking, animal encounters, and creepy critter shows, while youngsters get a chance to take part in a variety of magical experiences.
Jennifer Astbury, Head of Estate Operations at Weston Park, shared her excitement about the event: “Our Halloween Horrors is jam-packed with exciting Halloween and autumn-themed activities. There’s something for everyone, from spooky animal encounters to pumpkin carving. It’s going to be a super few days, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages.”
One of the highlights of the event is the Creepy Critters show, presented by Zoolabs. Visitors will get the opportunity to meet and handle an array of small animals and creepy crawlies, including spiders and insects. Zoolabs’ animal experts will guide children through the experience, helping them learn more about the animals in a safe and interactive way.
In addition to animal encounters, there will be plenty of hands-on fun with pumpkins. Visitors can pick their own from the pumpkin patch or admire the expertly carved pumpkins displayed throughout the garden, created by Weston’s gardening team. Those feeling creative can have a go at carving their own pumpkin.
The event will also feature a series of magical activities provided by Educating Kids Outdoors. Children will be invited to create bubbling magic potions by collecting ingredients from Weston’s historic orchard. They can also try their hand at crafting their own magic wands with guidance from the Educating Kids Outdoors team.
For three days only, Weston Park’s stately house will be turned into a “Spooky House.” Students from Telford College, along with Weston Park volunteers, will decorate the interiors to bring eerie stories and scenes to life. Visitors will be able to explore a library of potions and spells, adding to the immersive Halloween atmosphere.
Beyond the Halloween activities, the entire estate will be open for visitors to explore. Families can take advantage of the Woodland Adventure Playground, while those looking for a more peaceful experience can enjoy an autumnal stroll through Temple Wood, one of the estate’s most scenic areas.
The Halloween events will culminate with Weston Park’s annual Bonfire and Fireworks Night on November 3. The evening promises to be a spectacular affair, featuring two dazzling fireworks displays and one of the largest bonfires in the region. The event will also include a magical funfair, alongside an array of street food vendors offering mouth-watering treats.
For more information and to book Halloween Horror tickets, visit https://weston-park.com/halloween-horrors/
For more information on Weston’s annual Bonfire & Fireworks Night visit https://weston-park.com/bonfire-fireworks-night/
Both events promise to offer memorable experiences for visitors, young and old alike, as Weston Park embraces the autumn season in style.