REVIEW: Halloween Experience at Moors Valley

If you are looking for the ultimate Halloween experience in and around Dorset then look no further!

We attended the first evening of the Halloween Experience at Moors Valley last night and I'm here to tell you it's the best Halloween event we've been to.

My 4 and 7 year olds were joined by one of their besties and they were absolutely thrilled by the wonder of it all.

The Halloween Trail at Moors Valley in Dorset has brought the spooky season to life with a family-friendly blend of nature and Halloween excitement, perfect for all ages. Nestled in the enchanting forest backdrop, the trail offers a mix of eerie ambiance and playful spooks that make it an ideal destination for families looking to enjoy some lighthearted Halloween fun without overwhelming little ones.

Atmosphere and Decorations

The forest has been transformed into a spooky wonderland. The trail is lined not just with seasonal decorations—pumpkins, cobwebs, skeletons and ghosts, but with spooky sounds and music there are even real-life actors. This was really what makes it stand out amongst the other local Halloween events - you can get up close and personal with a witch casting her spells (she was incredible and responded to the kids speaking to her and came over and interacted with them). I won't spoil it for you by giving too much away but you will find some interesting characters dotted around the trail.

The Halloween Trail Experience

The Halloween Trail itself is creatively designed with themed clues and interactive spots to keep children engaged. Along the way, visitors encounter various stations and different decor themes. Each stop is carefully crafted to keep things interesting all while exploring the beautiful woodland.

For those who love the thrill without the chills, the Halloween Trail is the perfect level of spookiness. The environment is eerie yet comforting—no jump scares or intense frights. It strikes a nice balance, letting children enjoy the thrill of Halloween without the fear factor that might come with some scarier events.

Extras and Amenities

In addition to the trail, there are special Halloween-themed food and drink stalls adding to the seasonal charm.
There's an event village by the entrance where you can sample everything from a Hog Roast to Burgers Greek food, Mulled Wine and hot chocolates.

Half way through the trail there's a mini refreshment area with the most incredible chocolate and sprinkles apples and marshmallow treats and more mulled wine which pleased us parents!

Accessibility on the trail is well-thought-out, with smooth paths suitable for strollers and young walkers. The trail also includes clear signage, making it easy for families to navigate.

It’s clear the team have gone the extra mile to embrace the Halloween spirit while keeping it accessible and inviting, even for younger children.

Tips

We arrived in daylight and therefore only experienced half the trail in the darkness, so the earlier you arrive the scarier it will be. Note the clocks go back tonight (26th Oct) so it will be darker earlier. 

The ground wasn't too wet, the kids were fine in trainers, you may need wellies if the weather turns.

The selection of food and drinks stalls are very tempting so I'd budget for sampling some of them.

There are no toilets on the trail itself but there are Portaloos at the event village which is at the start and finish.
Parking - as we arrived in dusk and left in darkness, it felt very disorientating trying to find the car and the car park isn't numbered so do make a good mental note of where you are parked.

Availability - the experience is running from Oct 25th to 3rd Nov from 4pm to 9pm. Booking is required and availability is limited. Ticket prices are £16 per adult, Children 3 to 16 are £12 and Under 2s are Free. Click here to find out more and book online - https://www.forestryengland.uk/moors-valley-halloween

Overall Impression

Moors Valley’s Halloween Trail is a wonderfully family-oriented experience that captures the essence of autumn and Halloween in a natural, whimsical way. It’s a chance to immerse in nature while enjoying the seasonal festivities, making it a memorable outing for families. Perfect for children of all ages, the Halloween Trail at Moors Valley in Dorset is a delightful celebration of Halloween, it's definitely one that we'll be re-visiting!