Halloween in the Cotswolds: A Real Spooky Escape

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Halloween in the Cotswolds is a perfect mix of countryside charm, rich history, and a hint of mystery. From haunted castles to family-friendly pumpkin festivals, the region offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for ghostly adventures, scenic autumn walks, or festive activities, the Cotswolds has plenty to offer this Halloween season. Here’s a guide to the best verifiable Halloween experiences in the Cotswolds.

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1. Pumpkin Picking and Halloween Festivals

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Throughout the Cotswolds, numerous farms open their gates in October for pumpkin picking and Halloween-themed activities. Families and children can enjoy picking the perfect pumpkin for carving, while also taking part in spooky maize mazes, face painting, and craft workshops.

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• Cotswold Farm Park: Adam Henson’s famous Cotswold Farm Park, located near Cheltenham, offers pumpkin picking, a spooky woodland walk, and plenty of Halloween activities throughout October. Kids can dress up and participate in a fancy-dress competition, while adults can enjoy the seasonal food on offer.

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• Fairytale Farm: Near Chipping Norton, this magical farm has its own “Halloween Half Term” event. Families can pick pumpkins, meet farm animals, and explore the “Enchanted Walk” with spooky decorations.
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2. Haunted History and Ghost Tours

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The Cotswolds is filled with historical sites, many of which come with a spine-tingling twist. Several historic locations offer ghost tours, bringing the past to life with stories of haunted happenings and mysterious sightings.

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• Sudeley Castle, Winchcombe: Famous for its royal history, Sudeley Castle offers haunted tours during the Halloween season. The castle is said to be haunted by several ghosts, including the spirit of Queen Katherine Parr, the last wife of Henry VIII, who lived and died at Sudeley. Special Halloween ghost tours allow visitors to explore the castle’s eerie rooms and learn about the paranormal activities that have been reported over the centuries.

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• Woodchester Mansion, Gloucestershire: This unfinished Gothic mansion is one of the most haunted locations in the UK. Woodchester Mansion offers guided ghost tours during October, where you can explore the eerie and empty halls by torchlight. Paranormal investigations also take place here, with visitors invited to stay overnight to experience the supernatural for themselves.

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3. Halloween Events for Families

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For families looking to celebrate Halloween in the Cotswolds, there are plenty of fun and family-friendly events that avoid the scares but still embrace the seasonal spirit.

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• Westonbirt Arboretum: Famous for its stunning autumn foliage, Westonbirt Arboretum hosts an annual "Enchanted Autumn" trail during half term. This event combines the beauty of the arboretum’s trees with interactive displays and fun storytelling that engage visitors of all ages. It's the perfect way to celebrate Halloween without the frights.

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• Cotswold Wildlife Park: Located near Burford, this family-friendly wildlife park offers its own version of Halloween fun. Visitors can participate in a pumpkin carving competition and enjoy seeing the park’s animals, many of which are given pumpkin treats of their own. The spooky Halloween decorations around the park make it a fun experience for families.

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4. Halloween Dining Experiences

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Many pubs and restaurants in the Cotswolds celebrate Halloween with themed menus, seasonal dishes, and spooky decorations.

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• The Ebrington Arms, Chipping Campden: A beautiful pub known for its award-winning food, The Ebrington Arms often offers seasonal menus during autumn, with hearty dishes that celebrate local produce. In the run-up to Halloween, visitors can enjoy autumnal fare such as pumpkin soups, roasted game, and spiced desserts.

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• The Kings Arms, Stow-on-the-Wold: Another historic pub, The Kings Arms is well-known for its cozy, rustic charm. It offers seasonal dining experiences, perfect for Halloween celebrations. Guests can enjoy traditional British dishes alongside pumpkin-themed treats, making it a great place for a Halloween meal with family or friends.

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5. Halloween at Cowley Manor

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Cowley Manor, a luxurious 17th-century manor house nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, is an ideal spot for a sophisticated yet spooky Halloween retreat. While Cowley Manor doesn’t host traditional haunted events, its historical ambiance and lush surroundings offer a tranquil setting to enjoy the beauty of the season.

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• Seasonal Dining at Cowley Manor: Chef Consultant Jackson Boxer’s seasonal autumn menus showcase the best of local Cotswold ingredients. During the Halloween season, guests can expect dishes like roasted squash, warming soups, and indulgent desserts made with apples, blackberries, and other autumn fruits. For those seeking something a little different, Cowley Manor’s cocktails often reflect the flavors of the season, with creative combinations of spices, fruits, and herbs sourced from the hotel’s kitchen garden.

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• Relaxation at C-Side Spa: After a day of Halloween festivities in the Cotswolds, Cowley Manor’s award-winning C-Side Spa is the perfect place to unwind. Guests can enjoy the heated indoor and outdoor pools or treat themselves to one of the spa’s luxurious treatments, including massages and facials using natural, locally sourced products.

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• Autumn Walks Around Cowley Manor: The 55 acres of gardens and woodlands at Cowley Manor are ideal for an autumn stroll. The landscape, with its towering trees and peaceful lakes, offers a chance to experience the beauty of the season. The grounds take on a magical quality during autumn, with crisp leaves underfoot and the possibility of misty mornings, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking peace and serenity over the Halloween weekend.

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Why the Cotswolds is Perfect for Halloween

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The Cotswolds’ combination of historic charm, rolling countryside, and deep-rooted traditions makes it a top destination for celebrating Halloween. Whether you’re hunting for ghosts in ancient castles, picking pumpkins with the family, or enjoying a luxurious escape at Cowley Manor, Halloween in the Cotswolds promises a mix of fun, fright, and relaxation.

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Plan Your Halloween Escape

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Whether you’re seeking an eerie adventure or a peaceful autumn retreat, the Cotswolds has something for everyone this Halloween season. Cowley Manor offers a luxurious setting from which to explore the region’s Halloween events, while local attractions and haunted sites provide the perfect mix of fun and fright. Book your Halloween getaway in the Cotswolds today and immerse yourself in the region’s magical autumn atmosphere.

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