Things to Do This Halloween Near Chester: Ghost Hunts, History and Spooky Fun

05/10/26

Halloween is creeping closer, and if you're looking for things to do in Chester this October, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the spooky season.

From exploring Chester's historic streets after dark to family-friendly Halloween attractions and real paranormal investigations, there's something for everyone. And this year, there's a new reason to add Chester to your Halloween plans.

On 31st October 2026, Escapism Chester is opening its brand-new escape room, Ghost Hunt.

Whether you're planning a Halloween day out with the family, a night with friends or a date with a difference, you can combine a visit to Ghost Hunt with some of Chester's other spooky activities for the ultimate Halloween experience.

Ghost Hunt at Escapism Chester

If solving puzzles, uncovering secrets and racing against the clock sounds like your idea of Halloween fun, Ghost Hunt should be high on your list.

Opening at Escapism Chester on 31st October, Ghost Hunt takes players inside Ravenscroft Manor, an abandoned Victorian mansion with a dark and tragic past.

The young heir of the Ravenscroft family died mysteriously more than a century ago, and according to legend, his spirit remains trapped inside the manor.

But he isn't the only ghost waiting inside.

The former members of the Ravenscroft family have unfinished business, and your team has 60 minutes to enter the manor, uncover its secrets, banish the spirits and help the trapped heir find peace.

The challenge is recommended for teams of 2–5 players and has a difficulty rating of 4/5.

It's a Halloween experience where you're not simply watching the horror unfold. You're part of the story, and every clue, puzzle and decision could determine whether you make it out.

Combine Ghost Hunt with a Chester Ghost Tour

Why settle for one ghostly experience when you can have two?

Chester is famous for its history, ancient city walls and tales of paranormal activity, making it the perfect place for a Halloween ghost tour.

Start your evening with a walk through Chester's historic streets and hear stories about the city's darker past before heading to Escapism Chester for Ghost Hunt.

After hearing about Chester's real-life ghost stories, you can put your own bravery to the test inside Ravenscroft Manor.

It makes for a great Halloween night out with friends, particularly if you're looking for something different from the usual Halloween party.

Explore Chester During the Day, Then Escape After Dark

If you're planning a full Halloween day out, there's plenty to see and do before your escape room.

Spend the afternoon exploring Chester's historic city centre, walk along the city walls and stop for food or drinks before heading to Escapism Chester.

Then, as darkness falls, step into Ravenscroft Manor for 60 minutes of puzzles, clues and supernatural suspense.

The contrast between exploring the real history of Chester and entering the fictional world of Ravenscroft Manor makes Ghost Hunt a great way to finish the day.

Make It a Family Halloween at Chester Zoo

For families, Halloween at Chester Zoo provides an opportunity to enjoy some seasonal entertainment before heading into the city.

The zoo's Halloween activities run from 17th October to 1st November 2026, making it an option for families visiting Chester during the school holidays.

If your group includes older children or teenagers who enjoy puzzles and challenges, you could make Ghost Hunt part of a wider Halloween weekend or day out.

For younger children, enjoy the zoo during the day and save Ghost Hunt for another occasion when everyone in your group meets the recommended age requirements.

Visit The Hole in Wand Before Your Escape

If you're looking for something magical rather than terrifying, The Hole in Wand Chester is another Halloween activity to consider.

The Halloween experience runs from 10th October to 1st November and offers a more light-hearted way to get into the Halloween spirit.

You could start your afternoon with some magical fun at The Hole in Wand before exploring Chester city centre and finishing your day with Ghost Hunt at Escapism.

It's a particularly good combination for groups who want Halloween atmosphere without spending the entire day being scared.

Go Ghost Hunting at Stanley Palace

For those who want to take their Halloween experience a step further, Stanley Palace is hosting a ghost hunt on Saturday 24th October 2026.

Running from 9pm until 2am, the event gives participants the chance to explore the historic building after dark and take part in paranormal investigations and vigils.

If you're visiting Chester around Halloween, you could make a full weekend of it by experiencing a traditional ghost hunt at Stanley Palace and then returning on Halloween itself to take on Ghost Hunt at Escapism Chester.

The two experiences offer very different takes on the supernatural, making them ideal for anyone who can't get enough of the paranormal.

Have Dinner Before or After Ghost Hunt

Halloween plans don't have to be all about the scares.

One of the easiest ways to turn Ghost Hunt into a complete night out is to combine your escape room experience with dinner in Chester city centre.

Meet your friends for food before your booking, then head to Escapism for 60 minutes of supernatural puzzles and challenges.

Alternatively, make Ghost Hunt the centrepiece of the evening and head out for food and drinks afterwards, where you can argue about who spotted the most clues and who nearly got the team trapped.

It also makes Ghost Hunt a great option for a Halloween date night, birthday celebration or group get-together.

Plan the Ultimate Halloween in Chester

With so many Halloween activities taking place in and around Chester, you don't have to choose just one.

A Halloween itinerary could look something like this:

Afternoon: Explore Chester city centre and its historic streets.

Late afternoon: Visit a Halloween attraction such as The Hole in Wand.

Early evening: Stop for dinner in Chester.

Evening: Head to Escapism Chester and enter Ravenscroft Manor for Ghost Hunt.

Afterwards: Finish the night with a ghost tour or drinks in the city centre.

Or, if you're looking for something more intense, swap the daytime activities for a ghost tour and make Ghost Hunt the main event of your Halloween night.

Are You Brave Enough for Ghost Hunt?

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween, but Ghost Hunt offers something that puts you directly into the action.

You won't just be watching a horror story. You'll be searching for clues, solving puzzles and trying to uncover the secrets of Ravenscroft Manor while the clock counts down.

You'll have 60 minutes to work together and escape.

The question is whether you'll make it out before midnight.

Ghost Hunt opens at Escapism Chester on 31st October 2026.

If you're searching for things to do this Halloween near Chester, gather your friends, plan your perfect Halloween itinerary and make sure Ghost Hunt is part of it.

Just remember: once you enter Ravenscroft Manor, there may be no way back.