Halloween is creeping steadily this way, which means Alton Towers Scarefest is back.

Every year, the award-winning celebrations have scare experiences that thrill-seekers of every age will love, such as Scare Mazes and live shows. With the theme park staying open until 9pm during Scarefest, there’s also the opportunity to ride Alton Towers attractions like Wicker Man and The Smiler after night falls.

Plus, with Scarefest activities both old and new running throughout the park’s opening hours, there is plenty of time to enjoy the spooky attractions as well as themed areas like CBeebies Land and Sharkbait Reef by Sea Life.

Here's how to get tickets to this year's event.

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What is Alton Towers Scarefest?

Scarefest at Alton Towers is an award-winning annual event which sees the Stoke-on-Trent theme park transformed into a labyrinth of Scare Mazes, spine-tingling live shows, and more.

During Scarefest, you can take on the rides in the dark, like Wicker Man and Oblivion, or try out live-action scare mazes like the brand-new Final Exhibit, where you're at the mercy of a mysterious curator.

Plus, new to this year is Dine with the Dead, an immersive Halloween dining experience featuring a three-course banquet and a selection of entertainment.

For the little ones, there are spooktacular live shows, as well as meet and greets at the front lawn arena, and the well-loved CBeebies Land Monster Ball.

Buy Scarefest tickets at Alton Towers.

When is Scarefest 2026?

Scarefest at Alton Towers will run from 26 - 27 September, 2 - 4, 9 - 11, 16 October - 1 November.

How long is Alton Towers open during Scarefest?

Unlike Thorpe Park’s Fright Night, which begins its spooky activities from 3pm, Scarefest will take place during Alton Towers’ opening times, from 10am until 9pm, giving you a whole 11 hours of terrifying treats.

If you’d like to visit Alton Towers but wouldn’t like to take part in Scarefest, you can still enjoy the 40 rides and attractions, as well as 10 themed areas and rides for little ones like the Night Garden Magical Boat Ride.

How to get Alton Towers Scarefest 2026 tickets

As we head into autumn, you won't be surprised to learn that Scarefest at Alton Towers tickets are on sale right now.

You can buy a day pass ticket for £37 if you book in advance or £68 if you purchase on the day, and this will get you access to all Scarefest activities, including the rides.

Buy Scarefest tickets at Alton Towers.

Is Scarefest scary?

I've visited Scarefest myself and can safely say it's manageable for the scare-averse (which includes me).

If you're just wandering around the park and enjoying the rides, it's especially fine as the most you'll see is pumpkins and troupes of spookily dressed dancers. There is plenty there for young kids to enjoy too like Trick O' Treat Town, a family-friendly version of the Scare Maze where all you're doing is fishing for treats, and Amigos in the Afterlife, which helps you learn all about Dia de los Muertos.

However, if you are planning to stay after dark this is where it can get a bit scary. The actual park itself is fine to walk around, and going on rides in the dark is just as fun as it is during the day. The same cannot be said of the Scare Mazes. Inside these, actors follow you, touch you and yell at you and, once you're in, you have to walk through the entire thing. So if you're someone who doesn't like horror movies, I'd give the mazes a miss.

The RadioTimes.com team know a thing or two about bagging cheap tickets. Just take a look at our how to get cheap concert tickets and how to get cheap football tickets guides. Plus, the Merlin September Sale.