Embrace the spooky season and uncover a different side of Essex this month, a land teeming with ghostly tales and haunted histories.
Bewitched by Manningtree
Venture into the enchanting market town of Manningtree, once the home of the self-proclaimed ‘Witchfinder General’, Matthew Hopkins. This notorious figure, along with his assistant John Stearne, is believed to have condemned nearly 300 people to death during their reign as witch hunters.
Legend has it that Hopkins’ ghost still lingers around the pond in the nearby village of Mistley. Embark on a journey into the past with a self-guided walking tour, ‘Walking with Witches’, which commences on Manningtree High Street and meanders through the town. Pass by ‘Old Knobbley’, an 800-year-old gnarled oak tree, and the site where Hopkins was buried. This historical walking tour is available for free download from the Visit Essex website.
Haunted Happenings
Essex was under Roman rule 2,000 years ago, and it is said that a Roman Centurion’s spirit continues to haunt the Strood, the causeway connecting Mersea Island to the mainland. Numerous sightings of this ancient soldier marching over the Strood in the dead of night have been reported.
Meanwhile, the majestic keep at Hedingham Castle houses a more elusive spectre. Though no one has reportedly seen this ghost, a figure that once inhabited this historical attraction was illuminated in a wedding photo.
Family Fun Halloween Events
Adventure Island, Southend
Thrills and chills await at Adventure Island, Southend, this half term. From 26 October to 2 November, the theme park welcomes back ‘Fright Fantastic’. Children can don costumes, enjoy their favourite rollercoasters, and partake in spooky entertainment. Entry to the park is free, with day bands for unlimited rides priced at £20.
Shriek Week at Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo is hosting its very own Shriek Week, a week filled with “fang-tastic” themed daytime activities. Running from 26 October to 3 November, the event is free to Zoo Passholders. For non-passholders, admission fees apply.
Halloween at Down Hall
Down Hall, a grand country mansion on the Essex/Herts border, has a slew of spine-tingling events lined up this Halloween. Join their free event, ‘A-Live on the Lawn’, on Friday 25 October for music, food and cocktails. They’re also hosting a Halloween-themed afternoon tea and a Halloween Cinema on the Lawn event.
Spooky Season at Talliston House and Gardens
From 14 October to 3 November, Talliston House and Gardens in Great Dunmow will be decked out for the spooky season. They even offer a Haunted Bedroom for overnight stays, if you dare!
Unique Halloween Experiences
Murder Mystery Dinner at Little Easton Manor
For a unique Halloween experience, head to Little Easton Manor, Great Dunmow, for a murder mystery dinner. This high-quality, interactive dinner, direct from London’s West End, is sure to get everyone’s pulses racing.
Trail of Terror at Colchester Zoo
If a scare-inducing trail is more your thing, look no further than Colchester Zoo. The Trail of Terror takes over the zoo on various dates in October, full of scares at every turn.
Beware the Scare at Colchester Town Hall
Also in Colchester, the Town Hall is hosting a ‘Beware the Scare’ event from 25 October to 2 November, an immersive scare event not for the faint-hearted.
Family-Friendly Halloween Trails
Halloween Trick or Treat Hunt at Romford Shopping Hall
On 29 October, Romford Shopping Hall offers a Halloween Trick or Treat Hunt, where children can collect goodies from various shops.
Annual Halloween Parade in Southend
On 26 October, don your Halloween costume and head to Southend for their annual Halloween Parade.
Brightworth’s School of Magic at Hedingham Castle
This year, Brightworth’s School of Magic returns to Hedingham Castle in Halstead. From 27 October to 2 November, young witches and wizards can learn about magic wands, brew potions, practise spells and see enchanted animals.
Halloween Pumpkin Trail and Catapult Event at Mountfitchet Castle
Don’t miss the Halloween Pumpkin Trail and Catapult Event at Mountfitchet Castle, Stansted, running from 26 October to 3 November.
Halloween Night at Saffron Walden Museum
Spend Halloween night exploring Saffron Walden Museum by torchlight.
To find more things to do this October half term and Halloween, visit visitessex.com.
