As the nights grow longer and the leaves turn golden, the West Midlands transforms into a playground for spooky fun and autumnal adventures. Whether you’re seeking ghostly encounters, pumpkin-filled days out, or just a cosy café, there’s something for you this season.

Here’s your guide to the best seasonal spots, attractions, and annual traditions to make the most of Halloween and autumn in and around Birmingham.

 

 

Magical and Mysterious Places to Visit

  • Magic Alley – Stratford-upon-Avon: Step into a world of enchantment at Magic Alley, part immersive quest and part spellbinding shop. With themed rooms, interactive puzzles, and seasonal events – it’s an escape room without the locks, blending family-friendly thrills with just the right amount of eeriness. Younger visitors will love the treasure-hunt feel, while adults can marvel at the shelves of dragons, crystal balls, and even sip a frothy Butterbeer.
     

  • Merlin’s Café Bar – Birmingham: For a night out with a gothic twist, Merlin’s Café Bar is your haunt. With its candlelit atmosphere, darkly dramatic décor, and menu of hauntingly good cocktails, it’s a perfect spot for autumn evenings. Pair your potion with hearty food and soak in the mysterious vibes.

  • The Coffin Works – Birmingham: Step back in time at The Coffin Works, once home to the Newman Brothers’ coffin-furniture factory. With immersive tours, costumed guides, and exhibits that supplied fittings for funerals of Churchill and the Queen Mother, this museum is both fascinating and spine-tinglingly atmospheric.
     

  • Catacombs Walking Tour – Jewellery Quarter: Discover Birmingham’s hidden history with a guided stroll through Key Hill and Warstone Lane Cemeteries. From Titanic victims to printing pioneers, these resting places are rich with stories. Highlights include the striking catacombs and even a Banksy mural – a haunting yet beautiful way to explore the city.
     

  • Shrewsbury Prison – Shropshire: One of the most haunted prisons in the world, Shrewsbury Prison offers spine-chilling ghost tours and even overnight stays for the brave. From ghostly encounters to the ultimate prison-break escape experience, this iconic landmark guarantees goosebumps.
     

  • Silver Tree Bakery – Birmingham: Nothing says autumn like a hot drink and freshly baked treat. At Silver Tree Bakery, you’ll find buttery pastries, warm toasties, and indulgent cakes, perfect for pairing with a steaming latte on crisp mornings. They always go all-out on the Halloween and autumn decor - it’s not to be missed.

 

 

Pumpkin Picking

No spooky season is complete without a pumpkin (or three)! The West Midlands is dotted with amazing pumpkin patches:

  • Essington Farm, Wolverhampton: Colourful varieties and a farm shop packed with local goodies.
     

  • Pumpkins R Us, Southam: 25 varieties, a spooky shop, and after-dark pumpkin picking.
     

  • Lower Drayton Farm, Staffordshire: The region’s biggest pumpkin village with tractor rides and indoor carving barns.
     

  • Canalside Farm, Staffordshire: Pumpkins, firepits for marshmallows, and UV/maize mazes.
     

  • Lower Clopton Farm, Stratford-upon-Avon: Budget-friendly PYO plus cooking tips.

Whether you’re carving a lantern, cooking a pie, or just filling your Instagram feed, these pumpkin patches are a must.

 

 

Autumn Walks

Sometimes the simplest autumn activity is also the best – walking through golden leaves with a warm drink in hand. Around Birmingham, you’ll find plenty of perfect trails:

  • Clent Hills: Sweeping views of the countryside in a riot of autumn colour.
     

  • Sutton Park: One of Europe’s largest urban parks, with lakes, heathland, and woodland trails.
     

  • Cannon Hill Park: A city-centre favourite, ideal for a leisurely stroll followed by a pumpkin spice latte.
     

  • Walsall Arboretum: A Victorian park full of charm, with tree-lined paths, lakes, and vibrant autumn foliage. Perfect for a family walk or a quiet moment among the colours of the season.

Discover more gardens, parks and countryside in Birmingham and the West Midlands.

 

 

Annual Events

These calendar highlights return each autumn, making them perfect for planning ahead:

  • Alton Towers Scarefest (27 September – 2 November 2025): World-class rides in the dark, terrifying mazes, and family-friendly trick-or-treat fun make this one of the UK’s ultimate Halloween destinations.

Looking for more spooky events? Keep up to date with our Halloween events page.

 

 

From gothic bars and haunted prisons to pumpkin villages and golden woodland walks, Birmingham and the West Midlands are brimming with autumnal and Halloween adventures. Whether you’re looking for cosy, spooky, or full-throttle thrills, there’s always a way to make the most of the season.

So grab your scarf, pick up a pumpkin, and prepare for a season of spine-tingling stories and autumnal magic.