Poole is a coastal town full of charm and history. This Dorset town is known for its beautiful harbor, historic quayside, and stunning beaches. But the city transforms into a hub of spooky activities and fun events when Halloween rolls around. Whether you’re in the mood for eerie adventures, haunted history, or family-friendly activities with City Cruises, Poole has plenty to offer. Here’s a guide to the fun things to do for Halloween in Poole.
Fun Things to Do in Poole, UK, During the Halloween Season
Plan a Poole’s Haunted Pub Crawl
Poole is home to several historic pubs with haunted reputations, making them perfect spots for a Halloween night out. Visit The Lord Nelson, one of Poole’s oldest pubs, where ghost sightings have been reported over the years. Or check out the The Antelope Inn, a cozy pub with a long history and its own spooky tales. Many of these pubs host special Halloween events, from fancy dress parties to themed quiz nights. Enjoy a pint while soaking in the chilling atmosphere of Poole’s haunted watering holes.
The Darkening
Dorset’s top-rated fright night experience, The Darkening, is a fully immersive ghost tour and paranormal magic show. Located at Upton Country Park, this scary and suspenseful experience will share spooky stories from the estate’s ghostly past, and spirits may manifest themselves through trickery and illusion! This is not for the faint-hearted!
Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort
For thrill-seekers looking for a mix of fun and fear, Scarefest at Alton Towers Resort is the home of Halloween. With “days and nights of spooks and frights,” daring guests can face the head-spinning and hair-raising rides and attractions at this award-winning event.
The Shining Dining Experience
Bring your appetites for a hauntingly immersive 3-course dining and theatre event inspired by the classic horror novel by Stephen King, “The Shining.” On Halloween night at Key West on Bournemouth Pier, you’ll enter a cocktail soiree that is to die for. You’ll be transported back to 1920, with a creepy twist and spooky performance that will put you in the infamous Overlook Hotel.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun in Dorset
Halloween Spooktacular
It’s all treats and no tricks on Halloween, as Made to Measure Productions brings Halloween Spooktacular to town! Get ready for rib-tickling laughs and the Halloween adventure of a lifetime at the Tivoli Theater. This show is filled with your favourite Halloween hits and amazing ultra-violet puppetry. “Halloween Spooktacular is guaranteed to bring a smile to children of all ages from 3 to 103!” Don’t miss your chance to see the UK’s premier Halloween children’s show on 28 October 2024 at 2:00 pm.
Ghostly Gala Family Activity Trail
For a fun outdoor Halloween experience, visit Upton Country Park from Saturday, 26 October, to Sunday, 3rd November 2024. The Ghostly Gala Family Activity Trail is a Halloween adventure suitable for all ages. Follow the spooky clues through the park’s gardens and woodlands, where you might encounter witches, goblins, ghosts, and other characters as you search for your invitation to the Ghostly Gala. Fancy dress is encouraged!
Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
A short drive from Poole, Farmer Palmers Farm Park is a family favorite spot. During the Halloween season, the park gets a “fang-tastic” makeover and offers various fun activities referred to as Halloween Half Term, hosted by their “Boo Crew!” There’s pumpkin picking, a maize maze, a dance party, and “soak-a-spook” tractor rides, where kids can shoot water guns at ghosts as they ride by.
City Cruises is the Perfect Partner for your Halloween Plans
Sometimes, getting away from the frights of the night can make for a great itinerary during this time of year. City Cruises has several experiences in Poole that pair perfectly with your Halloween plans.
Poole/Swanage Sightseeing Cruise
See Poole and its surrounding areas from a new perspective: the water! On this cruise, you’ll start your day on charming Poole Quay before boarding our cruise to the Victorian resort of Swanage, passing Brownsea Island, the beaches of Studland Bay, and the opening cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Or you could do the opposite and start your day by coming on board in Swanage and making your way to Poole. Swanage was transformed during the Victorian era into a seaside resort and has now settled into an atmospheric town with a long beach, interesting shops, fresh air, and delicious food. Since it is historic, a haunt or two may be waiting for you.
Poole Sea Train Adventure
Travel back in time, well not literally- on a train! On the Poole Train Adventure, you’ll cruise the water around the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coast, including live commentary into the Victorian seaside resort of Swanage, where you shall disembark. Here, you can explore the town’s unique stores or grab a bite to eat before going to the railway station. Then, you’ll take a step back to 1885 as you board a steam train from Swanage to Corfe or Norden, both stops offering free museums. You can also explore the ruins of Corfe Castle or enjoy the sights from one of the old pubs in the village. On your return, you shall embark once more along the magnificent chalk formations in Poole Harbour.
Have a Happy Halloween with City Cruises in Poole!
Poole offers a variety of Halloween experiences, from family-friendly fun to spooky adventures for thrill-seekers. With the added bonus of City Cruises, you can experience the town’s beauty and its spooky side from the water. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling ghost walk or a relaxing scenic harbor tour, City Cruises adds a unique and exciting twist for a memorable Halloween in Poole.