Edinburgh Castle will transform into Edin-boo! Castle as it opens its gates to Halloween Shenanigans on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, inviting visitors to come and explore some of the darker tales of history with Living History performers sharing stories of ghosts and dastardly doings.
Join Stirling Castle for some Halloween fun with Stiring C-aaahstle: Halloween Shenanigans on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October. Visitors can meet characters from Stirling’s past who will be sure to share an eerie story or join in with some creepy crafts and make their own historic ghost. There’s also the chance to meet a hedgewife teaching ancient customs from Scotland's past, try a Halloween dance, have a go at dookin’ for apples and much more.
Delve into the dark side of Stirling Castle’s history during the Halloween themed ‘Lantern Tours: Mystery and Malice’ on selected dates from Friday 24 to Friday 31 October, where a ghastly guide will lead visitors through the castle by lantern light and regale the mysteries, murders and malice that echo through the castle's long history. Not for the faint of heart!
On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, Craigmillar Castle becomes Craig-thriller Castle, with Halloween Shenanigans. Visitors can hear from the Master of Owls himself, who will be on hand to delve into the myths and legends surrounding owls. There will even be a chance to meet the winged creatures up close. A magical storyteller will also be on site to share scary stories, songs, riddles and even some magic.
Urquhart Castle will also welcome Halloween Shenanigans on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October as it becomes Urrrr-quhart Castle for the weekend, when visitors can hear all about the darker, mythical side of highland history. Living History performers will bring previous inhabitants of the Castle back from the dead as they haunt the grounds, showcasing myths and legends from Pictish warriors to medieval knights, as well as talks and demonstrations of the crimes and gruesome punishments inflicted throughout Scotland’s history. There will even be the chance to meet some owls and creepy crawlies, or compete in the Squire School featuring a mini assault course and a Halloween-themed twist.
Families can also explore the Mythical Mystery Hunt, discovering some of the magical and mystical creatures of Scottish folklore. This self-guided activity is taking place at sites across the country until Sunday 2 November and is included in admission.
Kit Reid, Head of Experience at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said:
“We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors across the country for a ghoulishly good time this October. Halloween is a great way to explore the chills and thrills of the darker parts of these iconic historic sites. From Living History performers sharing eerie stories to a family-friendly Mythical Mystery Hunt, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into the Halloween Spirit.”
Members can also collect their exclusive History Hunt Halloween card at any of these events. Find out more about The History Hunt.
Find out more about our Halloween events and book tickets. Daytime entry is free for Historic Scotland Members.
About Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. It is at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future, investigating and recording architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes across Scotland and caring for more than 300 properties of national importance. We are also the lead on delivering Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.
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For further information, please contact:
Laura Ely
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
07881 512 379
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