Thorpe Park — Fright Nights

Ride world-class coasters in the dark and survive award-winning scare mazes at Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights, the UK’s longest-running Halloween theme park event. 20 Oct–1 Nov 2026, 10am–9pm.

Dates

October 20, 2026

Doors

Early evening

Where

Thorpe Park Resort

Tickets from

£30.00

Inside the venue

Gallery

Instant e-ticket

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Guide-supervised

Every vigil led by experienced staff

Date changes

Move night up to 48 hours before*

About this

Event Description

Ride world-class coasters in the dark and survive award-winning scare mazes at Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights, the UK’s longest-running Halloween theme park event. 20 Oct–1 Nov 2026, 10am–9pm.

Know before you go Intense scares · 12+/15+
  • Format: Award-winning walk-through scare mazes and roaming scare zones after dusk, world-class coasters running in the dark, and hellfire-fuelled live shows. Family-friendly by day.
  • Scare mazes are intense — generally recommended for ages 12+/15+ by intensity. Roaming scare-zone actors work the pathways after dark.
  • No-contact policy: performers will not touch guests, and guests must not touch performers or sets.
  • Getting around: the park is largely flat and accessible; scare mazes are generally not wheelchair accessible.

Now in its third decade, Fright Nights is the event that put Thorpe Park on the map every October. By day the park’s world-class rollercoasters (The Swarm, Nemesis Inferno, Stealth) run as normal; as the sun sets, the whole resort transforms into what’s widely regarded as one of the best Halloween events in Europe. Award-winning live-action scare mazes, roaming scare-zone actors between the rides, and hellfire-fuelled live shows combine with the thrill of riding a launch coaster in near-total darkness — just 20 miles from central London.

Why you should book this

Fright Nights consistently ranks among the top Halloween events in Europe, and its mazes change every year, so returning visitors always get something new. Being just outside London makes it far easier to reach than Alton Towers for anyone based in or visiting the capital, and the mix of genuinely thrilling rides with genuinely well-produced scare mazes is rare — most events lean one way or the other.

What you’ll experience

  • Award-winning scare mazes — walk-through, live-action horror experiences with a new theme added most years (recent themes include a haunted nightclub, a twisted hospital, and a backlot horror maze)
  • Roaming scare zones — costumed actors work the pathways between rides all evening, no separate ticket needed
  • Rides in the dark — the park’s rollercoasters and thrill rides keep running after dark, a genuinely different experience
  • Hellfire-fuelled live shows — themed stage shows with fire effects, dance, and live music
  • Daytime rides for all ages — the full ride line-up operates from opening, so families have plenty to do before the scarier atmosphere builds

Scares, zones & shows

Experience Details
Scare mazes Award-winning walk-through, live-action mazes — rotating line-up (recent themes: a haunted nightclub, a twisted hospital, a backlot horror maze)
Scare zones Roaming costumed actors work the pathways between rides all evening — no separate ticket
Live shows Hellfire-fuelled stage shows with fire effects, dance and live music

Rides after dark

Ride Details
The Swarm Winged wing-coaster, run after dark
Nemesis Inferno Inverted coaster through the tropics
Stealth One of the UK’s fastest launch coasters
Full line-up The park’s thrill rides keep running into the evening — a genuinely different ride experience

Daily schedule

Time What’s on
10:00am Park opens — daytime rides and attractions operate as normal
Throughout the day Family-friendly Halloween theming and photo opportunities
Dusk (approx. 6:30pm) Scare zones activate, scare mazes open, evening atmosphere begins
Evening Live shows run on a rotating schedule — check the event guide on arrival
9:00pm Park closes

Before you visit

🚗 Getting there & parking

By car: just off the M25 (Junction 11 or 13), with on-site parking (a parking fee typically applies — check current rates). Allow 5–10 minutes to walk from the car park. By train: Staines-upon-Thames is nearest; a direct shuttle bus runs from the station on event nights (~15 min). There is no realistic walking route from the station.

🕐 Entry & times

10:00am–9:00pm daily, 20 Oct–1 Nov 2026. A valid ticket for your chosen date admits you for the day. Scare mazes are queue-based on the day; a paid Fast Track may be available — check the official park site.

Code of conduct

Prohibited at all events: real or imitation weapons, full-face masks that prevent ID checks, and glass containers. Costumes are welcome within those limits. Security searches may be carried out on entry. Abusive or threatening behaviour, or failure to follow venue instructions, means removal without a refund.

Content note: Scare mazes involve jump scares, strobe lighting, fog, and close-proximity actors — not suitable for those with photosensitive epilepsy or a strong aversion to being startled. Daytime hours and outdoor zones are gentler and suit a wide age range. Ride restrictions (height, health) apply. Good for: Thrill-seekers · Coaster enthusiasts · Groups of teens and adults wanting a proper scare · London-based visitors · Families wanting daytime rides with the option to stay after dark

Getting there

Where

Venue

Thorpe Park Resort

Please allow extra travel time — several of our venues are rural, with limited public transport. Parking details are on your ticket.

Event dates

October 20, 2026

Before you book

Good to know

Age policy varies by tier — check the ticket option you pick. Photo ID may be requested for age-restricted tiers.

Genuine historic buildings. Expect uneven floors and, at some venues, steep stairs and limited step-free access.

Bring a torch, warm layers and flat, sensible shoes. Venues are cold and dark.

No physical contact takes place. All vigils are guide-supervised and every activity is optional.

Still deciding

Questions

Is anything staged?

No. Nothing is staged and no outcome is ever promised. Genuine historic buildings, investigated with structured vigils and traditional techniques.

What happens after I pay?

Your e-ticket is emailed straight away, with a unique QR code per guest. Save it as PDF, add to Apple or Google Wallet, or resend from My Account.

Which ticket should I choose?

Twilight for families, Standard for the full after-dark tour, Premium for a small-group vigil with equipment, VIP for the extended late session on 31 October.

Can I change my date?

Yes, up to 48 hours before, subject to availability on the night you move to.

Do I need experience?

None at all. Guides run every session and stay with your group the whole time.

Book your experience

£30.00

Early Bird — 20% off

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