1. Pumpkin Picking
You are never too old for some good old-fashioned fun! The West Midlands has some great spots to enjoy an afternoon of rambling through fields of pumpkins, autumnal festivities and other goodies.
Just a short train ride away in Wolverhampton is Essington Farm. The sprawling farm is home to a variety of pumpkins, perfect for an aesthetic Instagram post or an evening of pumpkin carving. You get to pick them yourself and weigh them at the end, ready to take home. Tickets are just £3 per person, which includes access to the farm shop and restaurant, which are great for a post-pumpkin picking treat.
Beech House Farm is another great spot to enjoy a stroll in the crisp autumn air and some pumpkins. It’s free to enter, so just turn up and get going! Fuel your afternoon of pumpkin-picking with lunch in their Cauldron Cafe, and a charming tour of the farm on their Tractor Rides to satisfy your inner child.
Another local legend is Manor Farm Fruits in Tamworth. It’s a great place for a weekend outing with your mates, or a solo date. Enjoy their PYO (pick-your-own) Pumpkins, or their other spooktacular activities. Their ‘Pumkin Fest by Day‘ promises straw bales and Halloween-themed decor for all your selfie needs, or get cosy with marshmallow toasting. Tickets are just £7-£8, making this activity a great option for the student budget. You can also enjoy their after-dark event, with spellbinding decor, music and spooky costumes.
2. Shop Till You Drop “Dead”
Whilst shopping isn’t necessarily a Halloween-themed activity, you can get in the mood for the season by shopping for spooky goodies! Birmingham is the perfect haunt for all goths and ghouls looking for a new Ouija board, some cobwebs or bloody candles. Explore The Goth’s Playground: an alternative, independent space dedicated to all kinds of haunting and macabre goods. Visit one of their markets to find a variety of stalls selling creepy treats, unique clothing and grotesque decor.
We also have the Bullring and the city centre itself, home to so many great places with Halloween decorations and pumpkin-spice lattes that are perfect for when you need something to do this autumn.
In addition to this, Birmingham is close to Merry Hill, where you can find the famous Halloween Megastore. They have everything, from Horror movie-themed mugs to creepy costumes to decor perfect for sprucing up your flat.
3. To the Haunted House!
If you’re someone who likes a good scare, then scare mazes are the perfect activity for you. What’s great about Brum is that there are so many amazing mazes to visit nearby!
At Digbeth’s Luna Springs, you can enjoy a thoroughly terrifying experience in the MELTDOWN scare maze. Experience live actors, haunting special effects and an immersive horror adventure through an abandoned nuclear facility. At just £14, tickets give you access to the maze and so many other amazing things to do. Indulge in fun fair rides, spine-tingling street food or party with the DJs.
The award-winning Xtreme Scream Park is another witch-approved option. They offer a variety of experiences, alongside live theatre shows, thrilling rides and stupefying scares. After being thoroughly spooked, refresh yourself with their food vans and ghoulishly good bar.
Down the road is also the West Midlands ‘No.1 Scare Experience.’ You can find this ‘House of Horror‘ in Walsall, just a train ride away from Birmingham, or a 30-minute drive. This award-winning Scare Maze makes the journey worth it. From live actors to bloodcurdling special effects, they have everything you need for a terrifying and fabulous night out.
4. Do the Monster Mash
Who doesn’t like a cheeky club night? Halloween is the season to glam up and head out for a cocktail and music. Whether you decide to stay local and on campus or venture out, we have some great Birmingham spots for you to check out.
When darkness falls across the land, head out to Rosie’s nightclub for their infamous Nightmare on Broad Street. There are 5 rooms of music to enjoy alongside a Haunted House, Halloween-themed drinks and more hair-raising attractions. Make sure to dress your best with our guide for the top Halloween costumes for students.
If you’re feeling brave, Selly Oak is home to some of Birmingham’s best nightlife for students. Circo’s Halloween Funhouse is a popular haunt for students, but be quick as tickets often sell out early. Enjoy student DJs, great deals on drinks and food, and free entry before 10 pm.
Just a short walk from Selly Oak train station, you can find The Goose and The Soak Bar & Grill. The perfect mix of ‘fright and delight,’ enjoy unique cocktails and boo-licious bites, with costume parties and ghostly decor.
Although if these aren’t enough for you, we’ve listed more of Brum’s best clubs for students here.
5. Spooky socials
Birmingham Universities have got you covered for the spooky season. You could check newsletters and social media for what’s on, as I’ve found that there are always a few Halloween events to enjoy on campus. At UoB, there are activities like the Halloween FAB, with a photobooth, silent disco and live scare actors, or ghost tours across campus. There’s also the Halls Spooktacular, dedicated to students staying in accommodation. It’s free to enter, and comes with fang-tastic perks like food vendors, pumpkin carving, tarot card reading and an open-air cinema!
If you’re an Aston or BCU student, you can find Uni Vibez’ Nightmare in Birmingham just down the road. Enjoy themed cocktails, fancy dress, and some of the best DJs in the Midlands.
University Societies also tend to have Halloween events for their members. From spooky-themed sessions to weekend haunts at local pubs, this is a great place to start if you want something local, affordable and fun for students! UoB societies are known for collaborating with Circo for cool events. Check out your Student Guild’s website and societies’ social media for specific details.
6. Have a frightful night at the movies!
Scary movies are an iconic part of the Halloween experience. Whether you’re watching the latest Horror film or a cult classic, the cinema is a great autumnal activity for everyone.
In the city centre, you can find the Birmingham Science Museum’s Thinktank. In the planetarium’s 360° dome, immerse yourself in the frights and fights of the classic sci-fi thriller Alien on Halloween night. However, if jump scares aren’t for you, there’s also the treasured classic E.T. to continue with the intergalactic adventures.
I recommend visiting Mockingbird cinema, a unique and indie spot for all movie enthusiasts. They’re an affordable spot for students, with great cinema and tasty bites from their restaurant and bar. Check out their range of classic thrillers and scream-worthy blockbusters in their ‘Halloweek‘ event. Additionally, take a look at our list of great cinemas in Birmingham for more high-quality frights and spook-tastic snacks.
Make the cinema experience otherworldly with an outdoor cinema! Enjoy more beloved classics, such as Hocus Pocus and The Lost Boys, under a moonlit sky. There’s grub on site, but you’re welcome to bring your own picnic feast to enjoy. As a heads up, don’t forget to bring a chair, as they’re not provided at the park!
Birmingham Rep also hosts exciting Halloween events, including their Shock Horror theatre. Step outside your comfort zone and experience a thrilling blend of live theatre and frightening cinema through a haunting ghost story.
7. Staying indoors
Hi! I’m Emmie, and I’m currently studying English Literature and Classical Literature & Civilisations at the University of Birmingham. This means I’m a huge fan of anything historical and literary, so you can usually find me diving into research rabbit holes for a new blog post or engrossed in a good book. Outside of my academic pursuits, I enjoy activities like karaoke, travelling, or spending the day in a museum!
