Top 3: Halloween events near Manchester

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to be keeping you abreast of all the best Halloween events in the Manchester area. However, for those happy to travel, here’s three celebrations that are a little further afield…

Alton Towers
The hugely popular theme park has events every weekend in October, and the whole week leading up to the big event. Older/taller visitors can ride select rollercoasters in the dark, including the recently opened (and highly apropos) Wicker Man ride. You will hurtle around and through a six-storey wooden effigy as it bursts into flames. For kids, there are four brand new Halloween-themed shows, including the CBeebies Monster Ball. There’s also dance-along flash mob of monsters, ghostly pirates, and award-winning scare mazes to enjoy.
Sat 6 – Sun 7, Sat 13 – Sun 14, Fri 19 Oct – Fri 2 Nov, Alton Towers, Farley Lane, Alton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST10 4DB, Tel: 0871 222 3330, Events times and costs vary, www.altontowers.com

Blackpool Pleasure Beach
The seaside theme park is hosting three drive-in cinema screenings: Nightmare on Elm Street, The Conjuring 2, and Halloween H:20. You can enjoy the flicks from the comfort of your own car – simply tune into a special radio frequency given on arrival. Cinema snacks, including popcorn and hotdogs, will be available. However, the main event is Vampire Pleasure Beach, which will see the park transformed with a spooky maze, and ghastly creatures on every corner. Designed for little ones, ‘Creepy Hollow’ is an interactive experience with some gruesome real-life animals, such as giant snails, cockroaches, and snakes. Pumpkin carving and face painting will also be available.
Fri 26 – Sun 28 Oct, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, 525 Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool, FY4 1EZ, Tel: 0333 003 2212, Show time and prices vary, www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com

Winter Droving in Penrith
Unique to the Penrith area, this traditional Halloween celebration dates back over 400 years. A festival celebrating magic, fire, and light, it features a whole host of merriment. Expect masked musicians, street performers and giant animal lanterns. It also has Cumbria’s biggest market, selling local food and drink, and high-quality arts and crafts. The highlight is the night-time masquerade procession, which visitors are encouraged to join with a torch or lantern. Youngsters can dress up and become a procession animal.
Sat 27 Oct, Penrith town centre, Cumbria, Tel: 01768 899444, 10am til late, free, www.winterdroving.uk