Cadw has unveiled a packed programme of seasonal events at some of Wales' best historic sites, including castles, abbeys, and ancient landmarks, for Halloween and the half-term break.
From spooky trails and creepy quests at castles to ghost-story evenings, interactive theatre experiences and family-friendly Halloween activities, events will run across north, south, mid, and west Wales throughout the half-term break. The programme combines family activities with atmospheric evening events, giving all visitors the chance to explore Welsh heritage through folklore, legends, mystery and seasonal celebrations.
Highlights across Wales
Events include Halloween at Caerphilly Castle, where families can explore Wales' largest castle through a chilling children's quest, complete with a surprise prize. Gruesome medieval medicine and spooky crafts take place on 24-25 October, plus spellbinding bubbles and face painting over Halloween weekend. The event runs from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, 11:00-15:00.
Castell Coch's Creepy Quest challenges families to follow clues and earn a surprise prize, with face painting and creepy crafts adding to the fun over Halloween weekend. This not-too-spooky quest runs from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, 11:00-15:00.
Mini Pumpkin Decorating at Chepstow Castle begins in the castle's spooky prison, where each participant selects a mini pumpkin before heading to the decorating station. Pens, stickers, and gemstones provide everything needed to create a mess-free Halloween keepsake. The event runs from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November, 10:00-16:00.
Ghost stories and theatre
Halloween Fun: Spooky Stories and Creative Crafts at Blaenafon Ironworks provides the backdrop for mysterious tales drawn from Welsh legends, folklore and ghost stories. Creative Halloween crafts complete three days of seasonal entertainment, running Thursday 29th October to Saturday 31st October, 11:00-15:30.
An Evening of Ghost Stories at Chepstow Castle invites guests to settle into the castle's old pantry as storytellers recount local legends and ghostly tales in the medieval fortress. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary hot drink to this intimate, adults-only evening; booking is essential. The event runs Thursday 29th October, 18:30-19:30 and 20:30-21:30.
Halloween at Plas Mawr with Ceridwen Theatre Company steps inside one of Britain's finest Elizabethan townhouses as the Master of Plas Mawr and his household prepare for a legendary Halloween party. Historical characters share local folklore and reveal sixteenth-century Welsh superstitions to daytime visitors on Saturday 31st October, 10:00-15:00.
Ceridwen Theatre Company Presents: The Mystery of the Plas Mawr Murder is an immersive theatrical event set on All Hallows' Eve, 1585, where murder has disturbed the halls of Plas Mawr. Participants can question the household, examine rumours of witchcraft and supernatural activity, and uncover the truth. Booking is required for the sessions on Saturday 31st October, 18:30-19:45 and 20:15-21:30.
More spooky trails and activities
Spooky Halloween Trail at Denbigh Castle features creepy crafts, face painting and chocolate prizes. Visitors can come dressed in a scary costume and explore the dramatic hilltop fortress. The event runs Saturday 31st October, 10:00-16:00.
Live History – In Time Unlimited at Castell Conwy travels back to 1283 to help build Castell Conwy through an immersive live-action experience. Participants can meet historical characters, solve puzzles and complete medieval missions. The experience runs Tuesday 27th October to Friday 30th October, 10:00-16:00.
Spooky Halloween at Beaumaris Castle features gruesome figures lurking inside the unfinished medieval fortress during a Halloween trail. Visitors can meet the resident witches in their creepy craft room, make something scary to take home and complete the challenge for a chocolate prize. The event runs Saturday 31st October, 10:00-17:00.
Halloween Trail at Kidwelly Castle invites families to hunt for Halloween questions concealed within the castle's walls and solve them all to earn freedom and a prize. Those who fail may find themselves sharing the dungeons with Gwenllian's ghost. The trail runs Monday 26th October to Sunday 1st November, 09:30-17:00.
Halloween Trail at Laugharne Castle explores the towers and grounds to find missing letters, piece them together to reveal a Halloween word, then claim a prize. The event runs Saturday 31st October, 11:00-16:00.
Children's Activity Days at Strata Florida Abbey allow young historians to explore the abbey's medieval past through interactive activities in Welsh or English. Topics include Cistercian monastic life, the Mynachlog Fawr Farmhouse, and the area's industrial landscape. Booking is essential via the website for the event on Thursday 29th October, 10:00-12:00.
Spooky Trail at Tretower Court and Castle sees the Witch of Tretower misplace her belongings throughout the historic court and castle. Visitors can search the rooms and grounds to reunite her with the missing items, with a sweet reward awaiting successful hunters. The trail runs Friday 30th October to Saturday 31st October, 10:00-16:00.
Membership and booking
Dr Kate Roberts, Chief Executive of Cadw, said: "Halloween is a wonderful time to experience Wales' historic places in a different light. Many of our sites have fascinating stories, myths and legends connected to them, making them the perfect backdrop for seasonal events."
She added: "Whether you're looking for a fun family day out, a creative activity during half term, or one of our adults-only evenings exploring ghost stories and folklore, there's something for everyone to enjoy across our network of historic monuments this autumn."
To make the most of autumn adventures, a Cadw membership offers free entry to events and unlimited access to more than 130 historic places across Wales. Children go free with adult memberships, making it a great value option for families year-round.
Some events have limited capacity and require booking. Please check the website for details. Find out more and book tickets at https://cadw.gov.wales/halloween.
