If you’re looking for a spine-chilling Halloween experience, Scarefest at Alton Towers is the ultimate event to visit. Every year, the park transforms into a thrilling Halloween spectacle filled with terrifying mazes, spooky attractions, and eerie entertainment. Whether you’re a horror enthusiast or visiting with family, this guide covers everything you need to know about Alton Towers’ Halloween event.
What is Scarefest, and When Does It Happen?
Scarefest at Alton Towers is the park’s annual Halloween event, offering late-night ride access, scare mazes, and spooky entertainment. It usually takes place throughout October, including weekends and the full half-term week. The popular event has been known to extend into the months either side too. During Scarefest, the park stays open until 9.00PM, allowing visitors to experience rides like The Smiler and Wicker Man in the dark for an even more thrilling adventure.

What are the Scare Mazes at Alton Towers?
In addition to the world-famous rides and attractions, guests have the option of taking on the scare mazes. The majority of the mazes require a separate ticket in addition to your park entrance ticket. You may also need to book a time slot using the Alton Towers App once at the park. In addition to the scare mazes, guests can also visit the walkthrough scare zones (access to these is normally included with your admission ticket, see below for more details).
Best Scare Mazes at Alton Towers
For those seeking heart-pounding horror, the best mazes at Scarefest deliver unforgettable frights. Each maze is uniquely themed, with terrifying characters and immersive storylines. The scare mazes are optional and will most likely incur an additional charge, apart from one or two that are included with your admission ticket. The lineup of scare mazes changes annually. Some of the top scare mazes from recent years include:
- The Attic: Terror of the Towers – A chilling journey through a haunted attic where sinister secrets lurk in the shadows.
- Altonville Mine Tours: Legend of the Skin Snatchers – A horrifying underground maze featuring gruesome miners with a terrifying obsession.
- The Invitation – An immersive horror experience that plays with your senses in a way never seen before at Scarefest Alton Towers.
- Darkest Depths – A pirate-themed maze where ghostly figures and cursed souls await unsuspecting guests.

The majority of scare mazes require a Scarefest ticket upgrade, which can be purchased separately or as part of a bundle. You can book your Scare Maze tickets in advance on the Alton Towers Official website or whilst at the park using the Alton Towers App, subject to availability.
Scare Zone Walkthroughs
There are 2 scare zone walkthroughs which are normally included with your park admission ticket.
Burial Grounds
Located on the right hand side of the entrance to Wicker Man is Burial Grounds, a free to enter scare zone walkthorugh.
The Unchosen, a cult of modern-day fanatics obsessed with the lore of the Beornen invite you to their sacred sanctum of ancient burial grounds. Keep your pace amongst the desecrated realm of unearthed bodies, flaming shrines and monstrous deities. Stay too long and they will choose you too – are you ready?
Dark Hollow
Located adjacent to the Dark Forest area of the park is the Dark Hollow walkthrough.
The forest breathes, its ancient roots stirring restless and shadows flicker between hollow trees. Dark Hollow is a free-flowing outdoor scare zone where a chilling presence watches, waiting to draw you deeper into the darkness. Can you escape the forest’s grasp before it claims you too?
Family-Friendly Halloween Attractions
If you’re visiting Alton Towers Halloween event with children, there are plenty of spooky yet fun attractions suitable for all ages. Example highlights from previous events include:
- Trick or Treat Town – A delightful interactive experience where kids can collect candy and enjoy a light-hearted Halloween adventure.
- CBeebies Land Monster Ball – A family-friendly Halloween party featuring beloved CBeebies characters.
- Garden Lights Walk: Whispering Souls – A beautiful yet eerie light trail through the historic Alton Towers gardens, perfect for families.
- Freaky Fun Zone – Live entertainment, shows, and Halloween-themed activities designed for younger visitors.
These attractions provide a balance of fun and fright, making Scarefest Alton Towers enjoyable for all ages.

How to Get the Best Tickets for Scarefest
To make the most of Scarefest, securing the right Scarefest tickets is essential. Here’s what you need to know:
- Standard Scarefest Entry – Grants access to all rides, shows, and family-friendly attractions.
- Scare Maze Tickets – Must be purchased separately or as part of a Scare Maze Pass, which includes multiple mazes at a discounted rate.
- Fastrack for Mazes – If you want to skip the queues, consider Fast Track passes for individual or multiple mazes.
- Short Break Packages – Book an overnight stay at the Alton Towers Hotel for exclusive perks and early ride access.
Booking Scarefest tickets in advance ensures you get the best deals and availability.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Scarefest Visit
To have the best experience at Scarefest Alton Towers, follow these expert tips:
- Arrive Early – Get to the park as soon as it opens to enjoy the rides before queues build up.
- Plan Your Mazes Wisely – Book your Scarefest tickets for mazes in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Use the Alton Towers App – Check live queue times and navigate the park efficiently.
- Ride in the Dark – Experience thrill rides like Oblivion and Wicker Man after sunset for an added spooky effect.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing – You’ll be walking a lot, so dress appropriately for October’s chilly evenings.
- Stay Overnight – Make the most of the event with a Scarefest Short Break at the resort hotels.
- Stay Until Park Closing – Crowds tend to drop off later in the day, so you can experience some of the park’s thrilling rides in the dark with minimal wait times.

Where to Book Scarefest Tickets
To ensure availability and the best prices, book your Scarefest tickets through the Alton Towers Official Website.
Booking early is highly recommended, as Scarefest Alton Towers is one of the park’s busiest events of the year.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a horror fan or looking for family-friendly Halloween fun, Scarefest at Alton Towers offers something for everyone. With terrifying mazes, late-night rides, and spooky entertainment, it’s an unmissable event for thrill-seekers. Plan your visit, grab your Scarefest tickets, and get ready for a night of unforgettable scares and fun!
💡 Tip: To avoid long queues, particularly at peak times, you may want to consider purchasing Fastrack passes. Fastrack passes can sell out, especially during weekends and holidays, so it’s best to book in advance to guarantee yours!
For more information, read our guide on how to beat the queues at Alton Towers.
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