Halloween events in Essex 2026
If you’re looking for Halloween events in Essex 2026, there is plenty on offer this October. From pumpkin picking and family-friendly Halloween trails to spooky displays and seasonal activities, there are lots of ways to enjoy the autumn half term across Essex.
For those who are local to us at Burnham Waters – or perhaps visiting grandparents here, there are also some great options close to Burnham-on-Crouch.
Read on and discover a selection of local Halloween events and activities, along with a few ideas a little further afield, so there should be something to suit all ages.
Halloween events near me: Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex
Joyce Family Big Halloween Display
31st October 2026, 4pm – 10pm
The much-loved Halloween display at 56 Eastern Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, is back for 2026 and is promising to be bigger, scarier and spookier than ever. The family-friendly display features spooky scenery, animatronics, live actors and plenty of photo opportunities. Donations on the night will support Farleigh Hospice, making this a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit while supporting a local cause.
Children’s Halloween Party at Let’s Go Bonkers
30th October 2026, 4pm – 6.30pm
For younger Halloween fans, Let’s Go Bonkers in Burnham-on-Crouch is hosting a Halloween party for children aged 0–12. The afternoon includes soft-play entry, a disco, Halloween fun and a boxed meal with a choice of juice. Fancy dress is encouraged. Tickets are £15 per child and booking is required.
Pumpkin picking and family Halloween days out
Sarah Green’s Organic Farm Pumpkin Patch, Tillingham
October 2026
Stay local and head to Sarah Green’s Organic Farm in Tillingham to choose your own pumpkin. The farm grows dozens of varieties of pumpkins and squashes, with free entry to the pumpkin patch and refreshments including hot drinks and cake available. The patch is open at weekends through October and every day during the school half term. Dogs on leads are welcome.
Pumpkin Village, South Woodham Ferrers
26th September – 1st November 2026
Next door to Marsh Farm in South Woodham Ferrers, the Pumpkin Village returns for 2026. Alongside pumpkin picking, visitors can enjoy games, crafts, seasonal food, photo opportunities and selected evening sessions. The village is open on selected dates from 26th September to 1st November, with daily opening during much of October half term. Booking is recommended.
Marsh Farm Halloween Festival
October weekends and half term
Marsh Farm’s Halloween Festival returns for another year of family-friendly spooky fun. Visitors can dress up and explore the Halloween-themed farm, enjoy rides and adventure play, visit the Pumpkin Village and take part in Halloween entertainment. The festival also includes access to Dinosaur Adventure. A special Toddler Takeover runs from 19th–23rd October, offering Halloween fun tailored to younger children.
Hurley’s Pumpkin Forest, Battlesbridge
October 2026
Hurley’s Pumpkin Forest is another option for pumpkin picking, with thousands of pumpkins and squashes to choose from. The pumpkin farm is open throughout October at weekends, with daily opening from 21st–31st October, from 9am to 6pm. Visits must be pre-booked.
More Halloween events across Essex
Danbury Autumn Craft Fair and Halloween Fun
24th October 2026, 12pm – 4pm
Head to Danbury Leisure Centre for an autumn craft fayre featuring local makers, creators and small businesses, followed by Halloween fun on a spooky trail. It’s a good option for families looking for a mixture of seasonal shopping and Halloween entertainment.
Spooky Halloween at the Museum of Power, Langford
29th October 2026, 10am – 4pm
The Museum of Power near Maldon is getting into the Halloween spirit with arts and crafts, ghost and pumpkin hunts, spooky activities and stalls selling Halloween goodies. Visitors can also enjoy the Model Village and miniature railway, with the Steam Pump Tea Room open for refreshments.
Hylands Fear Fest, Chelmsford
16th October – 1st November 2026
For those looking for something a little more thrilling, Hylands Estate is hosting Hylands Fear Fest throughout the Halloween period. The event includes a family-friendly Spooky Trail as well as a more intense Fear Fest Extreme experience aimed at older visitors. Check age guidance and ticket information before booking.
Halloween at Colchester Zoo
24th October – 1st November 2026
Colchester Zoo’s Shriek Week runs throughout October half term, with spooky daytime activities for children of all ages. The zoo is also hosting its Trail of Terror on selected October dates for those looking for a more frightening Halloween experience.
Creepy Castle Family Tour, Colchester
26th – 30th October 2026
Discover the darker side of Colchester Castle during this family-friendly guided tour. Children and adults can hear gruesome stories, explore hidden corners and learn about some of the castle’s more spine-tingling history.
Halloween Special at Audley End Enchanted Railway
17th–18th and 24th October – 1st November 2026
Hop aboard the Audley End Enchanted Railway for a not-too-scary Halloween adventure. Young visitors can meet the Pumpkin Queen, make a potion pouch and enjoy magical woodland fun. The experience runs over selected weekends and throughout the October half term.
Halloween Pumpkin Patch at Cammas Hall Farm
3rd–31st October 2026
Cammas Hall Farm’s Pumpkin Patch Extravaganza is back for October, with pumpkins, Halloween characters, photo opportunities and seasonal surprises for the whole family.
A note before you visit
Dates, opening times, prices and booking arrangements can change, so we recommend checking with each event organiser before setting off. Some events require advance booking and several have age guidance or different sessions for younger children.
Find out more about Burnham Waters in Essex
Burnham Waters is a new, luxury retirement village for the over 55s in Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex. The retirement village offers a selection of one, two and three-bedroom new build bungalows, all set within a purpose-built community. The village will deliver a host of local amenities, including shops and health care services, alongside leisure facilities.
At Burnham Waters, our aim is to create more than just a collection of retirement homes. We believe we have created a retirement community that gives residents independence, privacy and the opportunity to stay connected with friends and neighbours, while having convenient access to medical facilities, shops and amenities.
Explore the range of lifestyle facilities available at Burnham Waters.
Explore our new build bungalows for sale at Burnham Waters.
Our retirement bungalows at Burnham Waters
All of our bungalows enjoy flexible, open-plan living, with floor-to-ceiling windows that welcome in lots of natural light. Our homes incorporate high-quality fixtures, fittings and appliances throughout. The kitchens include Quartz worktops and Bosch appliances, while the bathrooms include high-end fittings and sanitaryware.
All homes have bi-fold doors opening onto a private patio area and the halls, utility rooms, lounges and kitchens are fitted with beautiful, hardwearing oak or chestnut-effect vinyl plank flooring. Luxury carpets are fitted to all bedrooms, and all bathrooms and en-suites feature tiled floors. There is underfloor heating throughout.
Each property has a driveway for two cars with an electric vehicle charging point and bicycle and bin storage.
Get in touch with our retirement village
Are you interested in becoming part of our forward-thinking, luxury retirement community for over 55s? Have you been looking for retirement villages in Essex? If so, we would love to hear from you.
You can contact us via email at info@burnhamwaters.co.uk or complete our enquiry form today. If you’re interested in learning more about our properties, we offer a downloadable brochure, complete with everything you need to know about our retirement community.
Or why not come and visit us? Our Marketing Suite is open daily. Book your appointment today by calling 01621 861 559 and explore our beautiful show homes.
