The Best UK Cities for a Helping of Halloween fun

There are lots of aspects that draw people to city life. Perhaps it’s the family friendly appeal, or the affordability of a specific town. But something you’ve probably heard your city pals talking about is the fact that there’s always something to do – and that’s especially true when it comes to seasonal festivities. 

For fans of frights and haunted places to hang, here’s our run down of UK cities that offer a healthy dose of Halloween activities and hotspots. 

Secure a legendary sweet haul in London 

If you’re into Halloween, you’ve probably been crafting an eerie outfit for months. And what better event for you and the youngsters to show off your fits than a trick-or-treat run? With winding boroughs, cobbled streets, and lots of family-friendly areas, neighbourhoods across London are often touted as one of the better spots across the UK to search for sweet treats. Practically speaking, be sure to stick to local streets made up of houses, and to keep your eyes peeled for pumpkins and other themed decorations – so you know you’ll be a welcome guest. And, as the evenings are beginning to draw in, you could even take a nice early stroll through the streets and still be home in time for tea! 

Tempted to search for a London home for sale? Find out more about the city. 

Spot a ghost in the streets of York 

It probably won’t come as a shock to see York taking a spot on a Halloween-themed list – it is often touted as the most haunted city in Europe, after all! But whether you’re looking for a cute unique trinket from York Ghost Merchants, or would prefer to delve into some real-life ghost stories, York has it all. With a rich history of haunting tales spanning across the city, why not opt for a real-life scare, and jump on a Ghost Walk Tour for an evening of history and mystery? 

Feeling intrigued by this ghoulish city? Browse York houses for sale. 

Get spooked in Glasgow 

Another city with a rep for ghostly activity is Glasgow, with a whole host of creepy sights to see. There's the Theatre Royal – a prestigious building known for being the oldest theatre in the city, and of course, the most haunted. Keeping in the spirit of playhouses, the gothic-looking Tron Theatre is another spot for getting a scare – having been a meeting house and a police station in a past life, this building has seen it all, and has the ghost stories to go with it. There’s Pollok House, a National Trust building where you can peruse sprawling gardens and Spanish artwork – or delve into the tale of the Pollok Witches. And we’d be remiss not to mention the Royal Infirmary – still a working university hospital to this day, with over two centuries of history and supernatural sightings.  

Looking for a new haunt? Find out more about living in Glasgow. 

Nottingham’s festivities will give you the creeps 

Nottingham is a city known year-round for its packed events schedule – and Halloween is no different! The city hosts a light-hearted, fun and family-friendly pumpkin picking patch a few miles north of Nottingham. They also offer a Tricker Treat Maze event complete with Halloween-themed characters, pumpkin carving, spooky stories around the campfire, as well as facepainting and crafting. The local White Post Farm also opens up for an evening of family fun, or a child-free night at the farm packed with twinkling lights, photo ops, and a chance to meet and greet the animals. Nottingham goes all-in on Halloween, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy during spooky season.  

Seeking a sense of community in the city of Nottingham? See what property is on offer. 

Hunt for werewolves in Cannock Chase 

Cannock Chase forest – otherwise known as the Chase by locals – is a gorgeous area of outstanding natural beauty nestled in the heart of Staffordshire. With marked trails, a Go Ape activity centre, and various events throughout the year, it’s already got a spot on many people’s UK bucket lists. But that’s not what we’re here for! It’s also an area swirling with paranormal stories from spirits to its own supposed werewolf, and has previously topped lists for the most haunted locations in the UK, too. So, whether you’re a ghost hunter or are more into hiking a woodland trail – it’s certainly a spot worth a visit.  

Staffordshire caught your eye? Why not see what’s new to the market.  

Monster Mash your way through a night out in Cardiff 

Cardiff offers a devilishly good night out at the best of times, and Halloween is no exception, with spooky club nights and haunted events popping up around the city each year. Or if you’re after fun for the family, Cardiff Castle hosts an annual event, with immersive family attractions and ghost stories from Welsh history. If the mix of history and horror has you intrigued, you can also head online to take a virtual ghost tour with St Fagans National Museum of History – great if a night in full of scary stories is more your speed. 

Has Cardiff captured your attention? Check out our local guide to find out more.  

Ready for your next haunted house purchase? 

If scoping out spooky cities has got you thinking about your next home move, why not get started with your search? Check out the latest properties for sale across the UK – and who knows? You might just find a ghoulishly good home for your next step up the property ladder!  

Find out more 

• Check out the latest tricks, treats, and trends in the housing market with our House Price Index tool. 

• Don’t get a scare from your high street estate agent’s fees. With Purplebricks, you can sell your home for free. 

• The value of your home doesn’t need to be a mystery – book in for a free valuation now, and pick a time that suits you.