Top National Lottery funded places to visit this Halloween

Cardiff Castle, Wales  

Face your fears this Halloween with an unforgettable day out at Cardiff Castle. If you're feeling brave enough, get up close to a variety of creepy crawlies during the Halloween Creepy Crawlies animal sessions on 28 and 29 October, including reptiles, insects, birds and even tarantulas. 

For film fans, the medieval Undercroft transforms into the Halloween Underground Cinema on 31 October, with family screenings of The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hocus Pocus and Little Shop of Horrors, alongside an adults-only screening of horror classic The Descent.  

Thanks to more than £6.7 million of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Cardiff Castle continues to bring its history to life. 

Book your tickets: https://www.cardiffcastle.com/events/ 

The Galoshans Festival, Scotland 

Celebrate Halloween at Inverclyde’s Galoshans Festival, where Scotland's folklore and traditions come to life through street theatre, outdoor arts and spectacular live performances. This year's festival features Arachnobot, a giant spider puppet stalking the crowds at the iconic street party, alongside a packed programme of family-friendly entertainment. Running until 31 October, there's plenty of spooky fun for all ages to enjoy, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and Creative Scotland. 

Book your tickets: https://galoshansfestival.co.uk/ 

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland 

Step into a world of myth, mystery and magic this Halloween at Giant's Causeway. Running from 28 to 31 October, the GIANT Halloween Quest invites visitors to follow clues, solve puzzles and help save the famous World Heritage Site. 

Along the way, families can enjoy storytelling inspired by Irish folklore, creepy crafts, live music and the chance to meet the legendary giant Finn McCool. Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Giant's Causeway has received more than £3 million, supporting the development of its visitor centre and wider site improvements.   

Book your tickets: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/giants-causeway/events/ed38fd5a-8d60-4baf-a385-2a728f3215fb    

Kew Gardens, London 

Experience Halloween after dark at Kew Gardens as the famous attraction is transformed by a magical illuminated trail packed with spooky surprises. Running throughout October until the 31, follow the winding route through the gardens, encounter legendary characters including Dracula and the Headless Horseman, and discover spectacular fire displays and hidden Halloween scenes along the way. 

With frightfully good food and fun for all ages, it's a spellbinding evening at one of the UK's most iconic National Lottery-supported attractions. Kew Gardens was awarded £240,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2025 to support the development phase of the restoration of its iconic Palm House. 

Book your tickets: https://www.kew.org/kew-gardens/whats-on/halloween-at-kew    

Beamish Museum, County Durham 

Enjoy a frightfully fun evening at Beamish Museum as it becomes The Un-living Museum of the North for Halloween. Taking place on selected dates throughout October, visitors can explore the museum after dark, discover spooky characters among the Edwardian streets and enjoy family-friendly entertainment, games and performances. 

Don't miss the frightful fairground and tasty Halloween treats for a hauntingly good night out at this National Lottery-supported attraction.  

Thanks to over £13 million from The National Lottery Heritage fund in 2014, Beamish Museum expanded its open-air experience with a 1950s town, new exhibits and immersive attractions that bring the history of North East England to life. 

Book your tickets: https://www.beamish.org.uk/events/halloween-evenings/