Halloween in South Essex
From old woods to crumbling castles, ghost trains on the pier to cursed mazes, the Essex Estuary has many bone chilling adventures to enjoy over the Halloween half-term. Here’s seven of the deadliest delights close to c2c stations. There’s safety in numbers so bag a GroupSave discount, or kids for £2, to get the best value train ticket for your day out.
1. Southend Pier ghost train
Southend’s spooky secrets and stories will be revealed during a trip to then end of the infamous Southend Pier on a special Halloween Ghost train. The Pier will be exclusively open to those with ghost train tickets on this chilling adventure. You’ll also have the chance to see the spectacular seafront fireworks from a particularly unique view. Warm up with drinks in the cafe too. For tickets and more see here.
When? Saturday 19, 6:30pm or Saturday November 9, 8:30pm
Nearest c2c station: Southend Central
2. intu Lakeside’s big Trick or Treat
intu Lakeside are holding a safe trick or treating experience throughout the shopping centre for their family club members. Make your way round the shops to hunt for sweet treats in 20 different places. For info on Family Membership and more see here
When? From Friday 25 – Thursday 31 October
Nearest c2c station: Chafford Hundred
3. Halloween at Southend’s Adventure Island
Adventure Island are upping the thrill factor with their ‘Halloween Spooktacular’’. Expect fancy dress, treasure hunts, a trick or treat hut and more. Save 25% on your ridebands when you take the train to the theme park. Find out how to get your rideband discount voucher.
When? From 28 October – 3 November
Nearest c2c station: Southend Central
4. Halloween week at Sealife Adventure Southend
Throughout October half-term Vampires, Undead, Monsters, and Witches will be taking over the Sealife Adventure. With a treasure hunt around the aquarium, face-paint, colouring competition and Halloween activities, this is sure to be an action packed week!
When? From 28 October – 3 November
Nearest c2c station? Southend Central
5. Halloween events with the Essex Wildlife Trust
From pumpkin trails, to Halloween woods, bat talks to campfire stories, various Essex Wildlife Trust sites are hosting Halloween themed events, including at Belfriars Wood and Thurrock Thameside nature park. Browse their website to discover spooky happenings close to you. Explore Essex Wildlife Trust Halloween events.
When? Various October November dates
Nearest c2c station? Depends on the site you’re visiting, but Leigh-on-Sea, Stanford-le-Hope stations are likely to be your best bet.
6. Lantern procession to Hadleigh Castle
Hadleigh castle has a history of ghosts, from a black dog to a woman in white. What better location for an after-dark lantern-lit procession over the Halloween period to this chilling site. Find out about this activity and more Halloween events at Hadleigh park here.
When? Friday 6 November
Nearest c2c station? Leigh-on-Sea
7. Fright fest and the Cursed Maze at Wat Tyler Park, Pitsea
Do you dare? If you’re after some big spooks, then Essex’s biggest scare maze event is not to be missed this Halloween. The Cursed is back with its award-winning Fright Fest at Wat Tyler Country Park in Basildon, where creepy creatures wait lurking in the dark round the corners of the maze, if you’re brave enough to enter… Find out more and book tickets here
When? 17 October – 2 November
Nearest c2c station? Pitsea
