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Autumn is officially here – hot chocolates, cosy jumpers, and, you know it, spooky season! Whether it’s your first October in Exeter or you’re a returning student wanting to make the most of your weekends, there are loads of good day trips and activities that will put you in the mood for Halloween. !
Darts Farm Pumpkin Fest (Topsham)
It’s not truly autumn until you’ve gone pumpkin picking, and Darts Farm is the place to do it, with over 12,000 homegrown pumpkins. Grab your housemates, throw on your warmest knitwear, and wander through rows of bright orange pumpkins just begging to be carved. Once you’ve picked your favourite, pop into the café for a seasonal treat or a sourdough pizza before heading home to carve your masterpiece.
Crealy Adventure Park (Clyst St Mary)
Crealy goes all out for Halloween with frightening rides, themed mazes, and more spooky fun than you can imagine. Their "Spook-Fest" is filled with live shows, costume dressing, and the kind of jump-out scares that'll leave you in stitches(and maybe screaming) all the way home. It's close to campus, so ideal for an excursion that requires minimal driving around. They're open until 20:00 on Halloween!
Torre Abbey & Kents Cavern (Torquay)
Longing for a seaside twist on Halloween? Head down to Torquay for culture and fright in equal proportions. Torre Abbey has ghost tours and hair-raising historical events, whereas Kents Cavern (yes, actual caves) hosts spine-tingling film nights underground. It's the perfect mix of coastal vibes and spooky atmosphere.
Pennywell Farm Pumpkin Nights (Buckfastleigh)
Pennywell Farm’s Pumpkin Nights are a Halloween favourite for a reason. Think glowing pumpkin trails, marshmallow toasting, and farm animals wandering around after dark. They even have live performances from local musicians! It’s a fun, relaxed way to get into the Halloween mood - just make sure to book ahead, as there are limited tickets left!
Spork! Dead Poets Slam (Exeter Phoenix)
For something different, exchange ghosts for ghoulish verse in Spork!'s Dead Poets Slam. This Halloween poetry night is energetic, creative, and darkly humorous, and dressing up is essential. It's a chance to support local performers, sample Exeter's cultural scene, and it has £5 student discount tickets.
Exeter Red Coat Ghosts and Legends Tour
Meet at the Hooker Statue on the Cathedral Green for a free guided walking tour! Every Tuesday at 19:00 you can learn why Exeter is reputed to be one of the most haunted cities in England and hear some chilling tales from the past.
Spooky season is the perfect excuse to get out and explore more of Devon. Whether you’re pumpkin-picking, cave-exploring, or reciting haunted haikus, grab some friends and make a day of it!