Accessible Halloween events for older people

Although ‘trick or treat’ may be reserved for young children and their parents, Halloween is still an occasion that is celebrated across the country by many. Becoming increasingly popular, there are a host of events taking place throughout October that delve into the paranormal, often enlisting in the help of actors to fully frighten their guests. However, for those with low mobility, may benefit from a used stairlift at home, or who are slightly older, attending these events can sometimes be accompanied by apprehension as to whether or not it will be an enjoyable experience. With spiral staircases, poorly lit areas and narrow corridors regular features, navigating through traditional haunted houses can occasionally be too difficult. Take a look at Britain’s best events this Halloween with our helpful guide below!

Ghost Walk of the Lanes, Brighton

Although ghost walks take place over the course of the year, there’s never been a better time to join one than before Halloween! Traditionally, there may be a few difficulties to face, as the walks can sometimes take their groups through the winding back streets of cities. However, Ghost Walk of the Lanes in Brighton is perfect for those who may take a little bit longer getting around.

No booking is required in order to participate in the walk, which is lead by Rob Marks and his ghost walkers. As they divulge facts about the history of Brighton’s oldest streets, wander past sites such as Brighton Old Town Hall and Dr Brighton’s seafront building. In the ten years since it began, the tour has provided its guests with a series of frights, meaning that this is something not to be missed this Halloween!

The walk typically takes 70 minutes, although this can vary due to group size and the mobility of those involved. “We run two walks on Halloween at 6.00 p.m. & 7.30 p.m. The event offers laugh and screams in equal measure and embraces much history of Brighton.” Over the course of the event, participants can expect to visit eight locations in and around The Lanes and is sure to be a highlight to anyone’s evening.

Murder mystery, Bristol

“Where better to spend an autumn night than tucked away after dark inside Bristol’s best-loved museum surrounded by millions of years of history? Coming to a special event after hours is a great way to see another side of Bristol Museum whilst enjoying a delicious dining experience and solving a murder (of course!)” says the team behind the Murder Mystery night at Bristol Museum.

The immersive nature of a murder mystery night makes it perfect for Halloween, and with the event not calling for much movement, guests won’t have any issues with their mobility. These events attract crowds of all ages, all of whom are hoping to solve the puzzle. “Actors will mingle during the drinks reception, dropping clues and storyline plots as they go, before being seated for dinner where the scene will play out around everyone, with each suspect visiting the tables. After dinner, the inspector will round up the evidence and the winning teams will receive a prize. After that, it is onto the dance floor (or to the bar if guests prefer) to soak up the museum’s after dark atmosphere.”

Museums at Night 

The UK has no shortage of beautiful country homes to pay a visit to, allowing visitors to roam through their gardens and grand rooms. However, access to these wonderful locations is often out of bounds after dark. This Halloween, why not pay a visit to Audley End as part of the Museums at Night series? Enjoy discovering facts about the house, whilst its history is brought to life at an event which is sure to capture guest’s attention this autumn. The house also has accessible toilets, and visitors can loan a wheelchair, meaning that this really is an event for everyone.

Shocktober Fest

One of the biggest contributing factors that prevent people from Halloween events is due to not feeling as though they may be age-appropriate. Similarly, some of the biggest events are sometimes off-limits to those who might need the aid of a wheelchair to get around. Fortunately, Shocktober Fest at Tulley’s Farm has a host of spooky elements waiting for everyone. With live music, street theatre and two attractions that are wheelchair-friendly, visitors will never be short of a fright!

Voted the UK’s number one scream park, Tulley’s farm describe the event as “the perfect mix of laughs and scares all wrapped up in a friendly festival atmosphere.” The Haunted Hayride, an open-air attraction has been created to accommodate wheelchairs, allowing visitors to explore the abandoned Horrorwood Film Studios back lot. Elsewhere around the park, visitors can have their tarot cards read, as well as enjoy listening to “the sounds of Nashville” at the park’s relaxed barn stage.

Illuminated Abbey

The gorgeous ruins of Whitby Abbey have been transformed this Halloween in a spectacular light show for all to see. This is the perfect opportunity to snap pictures, as the incredible illuminations bathe the building in a series of colours. In addition to the light show, the story of Dracula is played out for the visitors, with an unexpected twist taking place. To accompany the light show is a historical traders’ market, where souvenirs and refreshments are on offer to allow guests to warm up.