Tricks and Treats in Winchester this Halloween
This Halloween there will be whole host of spooky tricks and treats in store for visitors to the historic city of Winchester. There are a number of family friendly activities taking place during the run-up to Halloween that are sure to make this half term truly thrilling.Winchester City Mill is hosting several family activities in the run up to All Hallows Eve. On Wednesday 27th October there’s a special Woodwork workshop run by the Spinney Hollow Group - try your hand at making the perfect Halloween magic wand. Thursday 28th sees a unique milling workshop for making tasty Halloween treats. And the climax to the Halloween festivities on Saturday 30th is “The Ghosts of Winchester lecture” by Author and ghost hunter Matthew Feldwick that’s set to be an entertaining and spooky discussion, warning of ghouls in the city.
The Watercress Line is offering families the chance to have a spellbound day aboard the magical “Wizard Express” from the 23rd- 31st October. Kids will love the traditional steam engine - reminiscent of the mystical Hogwarts Express. Young Wizards and Witches will also receive a free Wizard Week goody bag on arrival that will be full of fun and spooky things to keep them amused all half term week.
Who’s afraid of the dark…? Bring along your pumpkin lantern for a Halloween Tour of Winchester by Winchester Tourist Guides, taking place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 October from the Tourist Information Office. No tour is alike, as each guide has a unique story to tell of ghostly sightings in Winchester
Feeling brave? Mad Victorian collector Dr Terror will escort you on a frightening journey into the unknown through the dark and dingy tunnels and chambers beneath the historical fort at the Royal Armouries. The expeditions will take place on the 23rd-26th October and promises to be a truly spooky adventure. There will also be lots of additional free Halloween activities on offer.
If really horrible history is your thing, take part in a Gory Walk of Winchester by Winchester Tourist Guides on Wednesday 28 and Thursday 29 October at 3pm. Travel back in time to the medieval age and discover where in the city criminals were imprisoned, tried and executed.
Adults enjoying a quiet Halloween break should visit the Eclipse Inn, an atmospheric pub known for being haunted by the ghost of Dame Alice Lisle. The Dame spent her last night in this inn in 1685 after being condemned by Hanging Judge Jeffreys. The ghost of Alice Lisle is thought to remain in the pub to this day – guest can enjoy a drink in this friendly pub and do their own spot of ghost hunting between pints!
The famous creepy crawlies at Marwell Wildlife are ready to give guests fright of their life. Their fantastic Halloween festival offers an opportunity for everyone to get involved in a fun-filled day meeting the animals with a scary twist. Visitors can get lost in the spooky maze or come face to face with magnificent tarantulas. Children will also want to take the time to carve their own pumpkin with help from the supervisors in this week long family fun festival.
For teenagers and older guests who are looking for a seriously chilling way to spend the 31st October, the screen at Everyman Cinema in Winchester will be showing the terrifying 1973 classic The Wicker Man (suitable for guests aged 15 and over).
For a full list of Halloween activities visit www.visitwinchester.co.uk/site/whats-on/halloween or contact the tourist information centre on 01962 840 500 or email tourism@winchester.gov.uk The tourist information centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm.