Halloween at Scarborough Castle
The Great Pumpkin Party and coastal cliff-top Halloween fun.

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Posted on 1st September 2026

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Halloween at Scarborough Castle returns for October half-term, transforming the ancient headland fortress into a celebration of family-friendly autumn entertainment high above the Yorkshire coast.

Organized by English Heritage, 2026 sees the castle host The Great Pumpkin Party, an interactive daytime event featuring spooky games, outdoor storytelling, costume competitions, and seasonal trails across the castle grounds.

The Halloween event runs daily throughout October half-term week from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026. Activities take place between 10:00am and 4:00pm, making it an easy add-on to a coastal autumn break in North Yorkshire.

What's Happening 🎃🏰

Key highlights during Halloween half-term at Scarborough Castle include:

• The Great Pumpkin Party: Seasonal games, music, and interactive entertainment taking place within the castle walls.
• Interactive Storytelling & Devilish Disco: Costumed performers hosting family storytelling sessions and daytime dance fun for kids.
• Daily Fancy Dress Competition: Children and families are encouraged to arrive in Halloween costumes, with daily prizes awarded for the best outfits.
• Themed Halloween Trail: A self-guided trail leading visitors around the ruins, curtain walls, and sea-view headland.
• Seasonal Selfie Spots: Specially decorated photo spots set against the backdrop of the North Bay and South Bay coastline.

Photo Gallery - coming soon

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Practical information for planning your visit to Scarborough Castle:

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Tickets & Admission

FREE FOR ENGLISH HERITAGE MEMBERS

Included with standard castle admission. Non-members save 15% when booking site tickets online in advance.

Free for English Heritage members — Join Today 🎟️

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Dates & Operating Hours

Saturday 24th October – Sunday 1st November 2026
• Site Hours: 10:00am – 4:00pm daily.

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Age Suitability

Designed for families with primary and pre-school aged children, focusing on fun games and humorous storytelling rather than scare-attraction horror.

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Accessibility

The castle site sits on a high headland with sloped access. Hard-standing paths lead around the visitor centre and outer bailey; grass areas may be uneven.

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Visitor Tip

The headland site is fully exposed to coastal weather. Bring warm layers, hats, and windproof jackets for autumn sea breezes!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Castle Location:

Scarborough Castle, Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY

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🚆 By Train & Public Transport

Scarborough Railway Station is a 15-to-20-minute walk through the old town to the castle gates. Local town buses stop nearby along Castle Road.

🚗 Driving & Parking

Pay-and-display parking is available along Castle Road and nearby seafront car parks (such as Marine Drive and St Thomas Street), followed by a short uphill walk to the entrance.