HALLOWEEN is lurking just around the corner. Don't let it jump out at you unawares this year. Read on for two top suggestions for eerie experiences in Merseyside that'll bewitch children and give adults a proper good scare.
Looking for Halloween fun in Manchester? Check out our full Halloween round-up.
Scarewood Forest
Liverpool's Shiverpool company has created a brand new 'scare attraction' in the deep, dark pinewoods of Formby. Scarewood Forest is a Halloween wonderland centred around the Haunted Forest, which is home to all kinds of nasties at night, and gentle fairytale folk in the day.
If you've got children, go in the afternoon to the 'Little Monsters' experience to avoid giving them a sleepless night. They'll meet fairytale and nursery rhyme characters as they explore the enchanted woods and take part in a haunting treasure hunt. There's also traditional Halloween games, arts and crafts, pumpkin lantern-making, face-painting and food and drink. It's open from 3pm to 6pm for families.
As darkness falls, it all gets a lot more serious. The 'After Dark' experience is for adults and teenagers who are brave enough (12 to 16-year-olds must be accompanied by adults). The forest is taken over by nightmarish characters from sinister versions of classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes like Hansel and Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood and Three Blind Mice.
There are three haunted houses to explore, and over 50 actors to bring the horrors to life. There's also a Halloween Market Place with seasonal food, music, games, workshops, and gifts. The After Dark experience is from 6pm till late.
Scarewood Forest is open for six days only, from Friday 26 October to Wednesday 31 October.
To find out more and book tickets, click Scarewood Forest.
Shiverpool Ghost Tours
If you prefer an urban Halloween adventure, book on one of these theatrical ghost tours of Liverpool city centre. They combine history, street theatre and storytelling delivered by the Shiverpool Spirit Guides. It's a ghoulish exploration of the the city's most famous locations, revealing their hidden histories, legends and mysteries.
There's two classic ghost walks to choose from – The Hope Street Shivers and The Auld City Shivers.
The first is the city's original and most famous historic ghost walk. On it you'll meet some of Liverpool’s most famous ghosts, discover its grisly history and be taken on a journey that ends at the awe-inspiring Gothic Anglican Cathedral.
The Auld City Shivers tour explores old Liverpool. It's a gory tour that brings to life the Napoleonic wars, the cholera-ridden slums, the North West’s oldest ghost story and more. It ends in a location 40 feet below the ground, in the underbelly of the old city.
Tours run throughout the year with extra tours on Halloween. To find out more and book tickets, click Shiverpool Ghost Tours.
