Thinking of spending your October being chased through the dark by strangers with chainsaws? There are a few things you should probably know first.
York Maze Hallowscream returns this year on selected nights from Friday, 9 October to Sunday, 1 November, with five scare houses, more than 100 actors, live entertainment, food, drinks and fairground rides.
It all takes place at York Maze on Elvington Lane. But before you book your tickets, here’s what you need to know.
Booking is essential
This isn’t an event where you can decide at 7 pm that you’re fancying a fright.
Hallowscream is ticket-only, and tickets must be bought online in advance. There are a limited number of spaces each night, and tickets can sell out, particularly on popular dates.
Standard tickets also come with a specific arrival period, so don’t turn up whenever you fancy and expect to walk straight in.
| Standard | 5 fast tracks | Unlimited fast track and rides | Mega pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| £30-48 | £40-63 | £66-97 | £156-181 |
| Unlimited entry to scare house | Unlimited entry to scare house | Unlimited fast track to all scare houses | Unlimited fast track to all scare houses |
| Corntagion trailer ride experience and fairground rides at an extra charge | Corntagion trailer ride experience and fairground rides at an extra charge | Unlimited Corntagion trailer ride experiences and unlimited fairground rides | Unlimited Corntagion trailer ride experiences and unlimited fairground rides |
| Must arrive at timeslot | No arrival timeslot | No arrival timeslot | No arrival timeslot |
| 5 single fast track entry passes | Access to Lucifers lounge | ||
| 5 drink tokens | |||
| Hallowscream T-shirt | |||
| Digital photo | |||
| Halloween makeover |
It’s strictly 16+
Hallowscream has a strict 16+ age limit, including for anyone accompanied by an adult. If you are under 21, you’ll need a valid photo ID.
For younger visitors and family trips, try Hallowtween, which is Hallowscreams less scary little sister.
Give yourself more time than you think
The organisers recommend allowing at least two and a half to three hours for the full experience.
The scare houses close at 11 pm, while food continues until 11.15pm, fairground rides until 11.30pm, and the bar until 11.45pm.
And that’s before you’ve factored in queues.
So, if you plan to arrive, do all five scare houses and leave within 45 minutes, you may want to rethink that.
Wear sensible shoes
This is a Halloween event, but Halloween chic has its limits.
Hallowscream takes place across old farm buildings, marquees, and other structures, with uneven, rough ground in places. The organisers recommend dressing as though you’re going for a walk in the countryside.
Most of the event is undercover, but you’ll still be outside between some areas, and you may get a little wet inside some attractions.
So perhaps leave the brand-new white trainers at home.
Yes, you can dress up
Fancy turning up as a vampire, witch or something considerably more creative? Go for it.
Visitors are encouraged to dress up, although full-face masks may need to be removed, and weapons or replica weapons aren’t allowed.
It isn’t just about the scary houses
The event also includes live music, stage shows, street theatre, two bars, a food court and fairground rides.
Food options include burgers, loaded fries, pizza, doughnuts and sweet treats, as well as coffee and hot chocolate.
And yes, it’s completely understandable to need chips immediately after being chased through a haunted house.
Bring your bank card
Hallowscream is completely cashless, so you’ll need a card for food, drinks, rides and other purchases.
There are also additional paid experiences, including Corntagion, a new scare experience for 2026. Some ticket types include it, while others require it to be purchased separately.
Be prepared for more than just people jumping out
The organisers are very clear that Hallowscream is an intense scare event.
Inside the attractions, you’ll encounter strobe lighting, smoke machines, loud noises, sudden blasts of air, darkness, narrow corridors, steps and uneven ground. Some sections may involve bending or crawling.
It’s worth checking the accessibility information before booking if you have mobility or sensory requirements, as the organisers say some aspects of the scare houses aren’t suitable for certain mobility and sensory needs.
And finally… don’t touch the actors
You might be frightened.
You might scream.
You might even run.
But don’t touch the actors!
Hallowscream’s terms specifically state that visitors aren’t permitted to touch them.
They may be trying to scare you, but they’re still doing a job.
So grab your friends, charge your phone, wear sensible shoes and prepare to spend a few hours wondering why you voluntarily paid money to be frightened.
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- More details about Hallowscream on their website here*