Halloween is just around the corner, and families across Barnsley are preparing for a season full of spooky fun, autumn adventures, and creative activities. Did you know that in 2024, consumer spending for Halloween in the UK reached £776 million, reflecting the growing popularity of the holiday? Source: The Guardian. With Halloween 2025 approaching, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy October Half Term, explore nearby attractions, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you are looking for indoor fun, outdoor adventures, or themed events, Barnsley and the surrounding areas have something for everyone. From Barnsley town centre to Sheffield and beyond, here is your complete guide to Halloween events in Barnsley 2025.
Halloween Events Near Barnsley
Even if you live in Barnsley, some of the most exciting Halloween experiences are only a short car journey away. These destinations are perfect for families who want to mix a little travel with Halloween fun.
- Cannon Hall Farm Pumpkin Picking, Cawthorne – Just 15 minutes from Barnsley, Cannon Hall Farm is hosting its annual pumpkin patch from 4th–31st October 2025. With almost 10,000 pumpkins to choose from, fancy dress encouraged, and indoor and outdoor playgrounds, it is a fantastic day out for children of all ages. Children with a paid entry ticket get one free pumpkin, making it a fun and affordable option for families.
- Boston Park Farm Halloween, Sheffield – Around a 25-minute drive from Barnsley, Boston Park Farm offers a Halloween pumpkin hunt in the maize maze, lantern-making workshops, and access to indoor and outdoor play areas. Free witches’ potion-making sessions run from 1–3pm on select days (25th–31st October), providing creative and hands-on activities for the whole family.
- Yorkshire Wildlife Park Halloween, Doncaster – Just a 40-minute drive from Barnsley, this event features live Halloween shows, costumed characters, pumpkin-themed activities, and trick-or-treat trails. With plenty of activities included in the ticket price, it is a full day of family fun in South Yorkshire.
These events offer classic Halloween fun along with unique experiences for families who want to enjoy something more than trick-or-treating at home.
Halloween Activities in Barnsley Town Centre
If you would prefer to stay local, Barnsley town centre has many family-friendly Halloween activities to enjoy without needing to travel far.
- Trick-or-Treat Events – Local shops and businesses take part in fun trick-or-treat initiatives, allowing children to collect sweets while exploring the town centre.
- Halloween Workshops – Look out for creative sessions such as pumpkin painting, monster puppet making, and Halloween-themed crafts, often held in community centres or local cafés. These workshops are ideal for younger children or for families who want a relaxed Halloween experience.
- Barnsley Market Treats – Barnsley Market is a hub for seasonal goodies. Stock up on sweets, Halloween-themed snacks, and autumn treats to enjoy at home. Some stalls even offer small pumpkin-decorating stations to keep children entertained.
Staying in town is ideal for families seeking convenience, free or low-cost activities, and a safe environment for young trick-or-treaters.
Places to Go
If you are happy to take a short drive from Barnsley, there are more Halloween destinations that promise fun and excitement:
- Whirlow Hall Farm, Sheffield – About a 35-minute drive, the indoor pumpkin patch is ideal for all ages. Children can explore safely while enjoying seasonal decorations and farm animals.
- Web Adventure Park, York – Roughly an hour from Barnsley, WEB’OWEEN offers themed pumpkin trails, magic shows, and indoor and outdoor activities. Full-day tickets include fairground rides, interactive play zones, and workshops suitable for children of all ages.
- Alton Towers ScareFest, Staffordshire – Around 1.5 hours away, this event is for families who enjoy thrill rides. With themed attractions, spooky areas, and trick-or-treating towns, it is a must for adventurous families. Book tickets early to avoid missing out.
- Wentworth Garden Centre, Rotherham – About 30 minutes away, enjoy pumpkin picking, animal encounters, fancy dress competitions, and Halloween trails in a family-friendly setting.
Many of these destinations offer affordable family tickets and free activities for younger children, making them perfect for a day out during October Half Term.
Plan Your Trip
To make the most of Halloween events in Barnsley and nearby areas, consider the following tips:
- Book Early – Popular events such as Cannon Hall Farm, Whirlow Hall Farm, and Web Adventure Park can sell out quickly during October Half Term.
- Check Age Guidance – Some attractions, particularly haunted trails or scare-themed rides, may be more suitable for specific age groups. Read the guidance before visiting.
- Pack Essentials – Waterproofs, comfortable shoes, and warm clothing are recommended for outdoor events. Remember costumes, especially if events encourage fancy dress.
- Look for Free Options – Many town centre workshops and craft sessions are free, or include small complimentary treats such as trick-or-treat bags.
Planning ahead helps families enjoy Halloween adventures in a stress-free way.
Discover
Halloween is more than just costumes and sweets. Families can enjoy creative, educational, and interactive activities that make the season extra special. Take part in interactive trails, such as haunted woods, pumpkin hunts, or themed adventures like the Room on the Broom trail at Anglers Country Park, which offer slightly spooky experiences suitable for all ages. Workshops and crafts provide another way to get hands-on, with pumpkin carving, monster puppets, and trick-or-treat bag decorating allowing children to express their creativity while making keepsakes to take home. Autumn farm visits, including Cannon Hall and Boston Park Farm, let children encounter animals, pick pumpkins, and enjoy outdoor play, combining fun with a little learning about nature and seasonal produce. Many farms and centres also feature cafés serving autumn-inspired menus and Halloween-themed treats, from pumpkin-spiced drinks to themed desserts, so there is something for everyone to enjoy. These activities together help families celebrate Halloween while spending quality time and creating lasting memories.
October Half Term Activities and Halloween Events Sheffield 2025
Sheffield is full of family-friendly events during October Half Term 2025, just a short drive from Barnsley:
- The Cutlery Works – Spooky kids’ discos, free Halloween craft workshops, and pumpkin painting sessions. Ideal for children aged 3–12.
- Tropical World, Leeds – Monkey-themed challenges, games, and keeper talks. Children dressed as monkeys receive half-price entry during October Half Term.
- Thornbridge Hall, Bakewell – Face painting, Halloween trails, workshops, and a pumpkin patch provide a full-day experience for families.
- Sheffield Cathedral – Activities such as the Hungry Hedgehogs trail and Teddy Zip Line offer fun experiences for younger children.
- William’s Den Trick or Treat Street, Sheffield – An immersive family-friendly Halloween adventure including trick-or-treating, meeting quirky characters, and solving a child-friendly mystery.
These events near Sheffield allow families to enjoy Halloween without travelling far, while taking part in interactive, seasonal activities.
Halloween Family Events in Barnsley
In conclusion, Halloween Family Events in Barnsley and the surrounding areas offer something for everyone. From Barnsley town centre workshops and trick-or-treating to pumpkin picking at Cannon Hall Farm and interactive trails near Sheffield, there are endless opportunities for fun, creativity, and family bonding. Plan ahead, check for age-appropriate activities, and consider nearby destinations for a short car journey to enjoy even more events.
Make this Halloween season unforgettable and enjoy all the spooky, seasonal fun @ The Priory.
Halloween & October Half Term Events Near Barnsley 2025
| Event | Dates | Location | Approx. Travel Time from Barnsley | Notes |
| Cannon Hall Farm Pumpkin Picking | 4th – 31st October | Cawthorne, Barnsley | 15 mins | Free pumpkin for each child ticket, fancy dress encouraged, indoor & outdoor play |
| Boston Park Farm Halloween | 18th – 31st October | Sheffield | 25 mins | Pumpkin hunt, lantern making, free witches’ potion sessions 1pm – 3pm (25th–31st) |
| Whirlow Hall Farm Pumpkin Picking | 11th,12th, 18th,19th, 25th–31st October | Sheffield | 35 mins | Indoor pumpkin patch, farm animals, pre-booking advised |
| Web Adventure Park – WEB’OWEEN | 11th,12th, 18th,19th, 25th Oct – 2nd Nov | York | 1 hr | Full-day activities, fairground rides, workshops, pumpkin carving |
| Alton Towers ScareFest | 27th–28th Sept, 3rd–5th, 10th–12th, 17th Oct – 2nd Nov | Staffordshire | 1 hr 30 mins | Family rides, themed attractions, trick-or-treating town |
| Yorkshire Wildlife Park Halloween | 25th Oct – 2nd Nov | Doncaster | 40 mins | Live shows, pumpkin activities, trick-or-treat trails |
| Wentworth Garden Centre Halloween | 25th Oct – 2nd Nov | Rotherham | 30 mins | Pumpkin picking, animal encounters, fancy dress, trails |
| William’s Den Trick or Treat Street | 25th–30th October | Sheffield | 40 mins | Immersive adventure for kids, trick-or-treating, family-friendly mystery |
| The Cutlery Works | 27th–31st October | Sheffield | 30 mins | Kids’ Halloween discos, pumpkin painting, free craft workshops |
| Thornbridge Hall | 27th Oct – 2nd Nov | Bakewell | 1 hr 15 mins | Face painting, Halloween trails, pumpkin patch, workshops |
| Sheffield Cathedral | 27th–30th Oct | Sheffield | 30 mins | Hungry Hedgehogs trail, Teddy Zip Line, activities for young children |
| Tropical World, Leeds | 25th Oct – 2nd Nov | Leeds | 55 mins | Monkey-themed games, challenges, keeper talks, half-price entry for children in costume |
| Room on the Broom Trail | All October | Anglers Country Park, Wakefield | 30 mins | Themed walk, Explorer Packs £2, free park entry, muddy paths possible |