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Scarefest is back at Alton Towers for Halloween 2026, bringing together family-friendly spooky fun, scare attractions, live entertainment and the chance to take on some of the resort’s biggest rides after dark.
If you’re looking at an October half-term break rather than squeezing everything into one day, I’ve pulled the key 2026 information together here, including the confirmed dates, what’s happening and the Scarefest short-break option.
Alton Towers Scarefest 2026 Dates
Scarefest runs on selected dates from 26 September to 1 November 2026: 26–27 September, 2–4 October, 9–11 October and 16 October–1 November.
What’s at Scarefest 2026?
There are two sides to Scarefest. Families can find Halloween entertainment, meet and greets, photo opportunities and spooky experiences, while older and braver visitors can head towards the scare attractions and nighttime thrills.
For 2026, Alton Towers is advertising Final Exhibit and Edge of the Forest as new scare mazes, alongside returning Halloween experiences. Both are currently recommended for guests aged 12+. Some scare attractions require an additional ticket on top of Theme Park admission, so check what your chosen ticket includes before booking.
Rides in the Dark
This is one of the biggest reasons Scarefest feels different from a normal Alton Towers day. The resort highlights rides including The Smiler, Nemesis Reborn and Wicker Man for after-dark riding during Scarefest nights.
Is Scarefest Suitable for Families?
Scarefest isn’t only aimed at adults or horror fans. Alton Towers has a separate family-friendly side to the event with spooky shows, character experiences and Halloween activities. The more intense scare attractions have their own guidance, so it’s worth checking the individual attraction information when planning with children.
Alton Towers Scarefest October Half-Term Breaks
If you’re travelling to Staffordshire or want more time at the resort, a Scarefest short break is worth comparing with separate tickets and accommodation. Staying over also means you don’t have to try to fit the daytime attractions, Halloween entertainment and rides in the dark into one frantic visit.
Planning Your Scarefest Visit
- Book your Theme Park entry in advance for your chosen date.
- Check which scare attractions need a separate ticket.
- If rides in the dark are a priority, plan your day so you still have energy when evening arrives.
- Check individual age, height and accessibility guidance for the attractions you want to experience.
- October half term is an obvious high-demand period, so accommodation choice may be better if you plan ahead.
More Alton Towers Planning
For regular tickets, two-day passes, Christmas stays and 2027 breaks, head to my Alton Towers 2026–2027 planning guide. If you’re already thinking ahead to festive season, see my Alton Towers Christmas 2026 & Santa Sleepover guide. You can also read my Toxicator ride guide for height-limit and accessibility information.
