Halloween
Calling all Witches, Wizards, Bats, Cats Rats and things that go bump in the night …
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Lets get this party startled!
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Powys, offers some unique spots to celebrate Halloween with a mix of spooky history and atmospheric locations.
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Montgomery Castle
This 13th-century castle, perched on a hill, offers eerie ruins that come alive with ghostly tales during Halloween. The surrounding area is rich with history and legends, making it a perfect place for a Halloween walk under the moonlight.
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Llanfyllin Workhouse
The Llanfyllin Workhouse, dating back to the 19th century, is a hauntingly atmospheric site. Its grim history and long-abandoned corridors provide a chilling backdrop for Halloween events.
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Gregynog Hall
This grand country mansion, surrounded by dense woodlands, is rumored to be haunted. The grounds take on a mysterious air in late October, with misty mornings and dark evenings setting the perfect Halloween mood.
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​Powis Castle and Gardens
Powis Castle is one of the most impressive historic sites in Powys, with a history dating back to medieval times. The castle's ancient walls and beautiful yet eerie gardens create an ideal setting for a Halloween visit. National Trust often organizes Halloween events here, including spooky trails for children and ghost stories in the castle.​
Craig y Nos Castle, Penycae,
A sleepover of the sinister variety, Craig y Nos Castle is known as the most haunted castle in Wales. It is the former estate of acclaimed 19th century opera singer, Adelina Patti - once one of the world’s most famous women. Serious ghost hunters can test their stamina at one of the castle’s overnight paranormal investigation events, where scientific tests and spiritual experiments are carried out throughout the night with the use of investigatory equipment. If the ghoulish activity becomes thirsty work, the castle’s Cross Bar offers warming spirits of a different kind.
Find out more on the Craig y Nos website."- Visit Wales​​​
Witch way to the pumpkin patch?” - Powells Farm
Pop on your wellies, Grab a wheelbarrow and Pick Your Own Pumpkin at Powells Farm from the 5th October … a fabulous afternoon out when combined with a visit to the spooky barn and a spooktacular Hot Chocolate or two
https://www.powellsfarmwales.co.uk/
Porth Farm Pumpkin Patch, - Caersws
Arts and crafts, pumpkin carving, pumpkin picking, food and photography sessions available on site!
All available at the FANGtastic Porth Farm. https://porthfarm.co.uk
Heading Out or Staying In:
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Fun Activities for You and the Kids When the Weather Turns Bad
When the weather doesn’t cooperate, it can be a challenge to keep kids entertained. But whether you choose to venture out or stay cosy indoors, there are plenty of activities that can turn a gloomy day into a fun-filled adventure.
If you're looking for indoor Halloween activities in Powys on a rainy day, there are a few places where you can keep the spooky spirit alive while staying dry:
Theatr Hafren (Newtown)
What to Do: Check out if Theatr Hafren is hosting any special Halloween film screenings, performances, or children’s workshops. This cosy theatre often offers family-friendly events that can be a great way to enjoy Halloween indoors.
Comfortable seating and a warm atmosphere make it a perfect spot to escape the rain while enjoying a themed event or movie.
Powysland Museum (Welshpool)
What to Do: Explore local history with a spooky twist. Around Halloween, the Powysland Museum often holds themed exhibits or craft sessions for children. It's an educational and entertaining way to spend a rainy Halloween day.
The museum’s indoor setting is ideal for keeping dry, and kids can engage with hands-on activities that delve into the region’s past, with a Halloween flavour.
Indoor Play Centres
The Play Barn (Welshpool) or Quackers (Newbridge-on-Wye)
These indoor play centres often have special Halloween events or themed play sessions. The kids can run around and enjoy themselves in a safe, dry environment.
They provide a combination of physical activity and Halloween fun, perfect for burning off some energy when outdoor options are limited.
Local Libraries
Brecon Library, Llandrindod and Newtown Library
Libraries in Powys sometimes host Halloween-themed storytelling sessions, craft activities, or even spooky scavenger hunts. Check their schedules for any special events.
Libraries offer a warm, quiet environment where children can engage in creative activities, listen to spooky stories, or even check out some Halloween-themed books.
National Trust Properties (with Indoor Activities)
Powis Castle and Gardens or Llanerchaeron
Some National Trust properties may offer indoor Halloween activities like ghost tours, children’s craft workshops, or historical exhibitions with a spooky theme.
These venues provide a combination of history, culture, and Halloween fun within their sheltered spaces, making them ideal for a rainy day.
Rainy weather doesn’t have to dampen Halloween fun for kids. Here are some creative indoor activities that will keep the spooky spirit alive:
Monster Movies
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What You’ll Need: A cosy space with blankets and pillows, popcorn, and a selection of age-appropriate Halloween movies or cartoons.
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Create a spooky atmosphere with dim lighting, and let the kids pick a lineup of their favourite Halloween-themed movies. Classics like "Hocus Pocus," "Casper," or "The Nightmare Before Christmas" are great choices.
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Indoor Trick-or-Treat
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What You’ll Need: Small Halloween treats or toys, printable clue cards or homemade ones, and Halloween-themed bags or buckets.
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Hide treats around the house and create a series of clues or riddles that lead to each one. Kids can solve the clues and find their treats while staying dry indoors.
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Halloween Arts and Crafts
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What You’ll Need: Construction paper, markers, glue, scissors, googly eyes, glitter, and other craft supplies.
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Set up a craft station where kids can make their own Halloween masks, decorate pumpkins (real or paper), create spooky decorations, or design their own trick-or-treat bags.
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Pumpkin Decorating Contest
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What You’ll Need: Small pumpkins or gourds, paint, markers, stickers, and other decorative items.
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Activity: Instead of carving, which can be messy indoors, have a pumpkin decorating contest where kids can paint and decorate their pumpkins.
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Spooky Storytime and Costume Parade
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What You’ll Need: Halloween books, a cosy reading nook, and the kids' Halloween costumes.
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Activity: Gather the kids for a spooky (but not too scary) storytime session.
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