A Halloween adventure at Guildenacre
A spellbinding Halloween adventure awaits families at Guildenacre, with a new treasure hunt, glitter bar and collection of spooky crafts adding to the fun this October.
Set within four acres of beautiful woodland at Helmingham Estate, the immersive play experience is preparing for a mysterious Halloween transformation during October weekends and throughout the October half term.
Little witches and wizards can take part in the Halloween Treasure Hunt, following clues and completing their trail sheet as they explore Guildenacre's four themed play areas. Each area is inspired by different woodland animals and will be given a spooky makeover for the season.
Six mysterious Halloween installations will also be hidden throughout the woodland, offering children plenty of surprises to discover without anything too frightening.
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Edward Tollemache, custodian of Helmingham and co-founder of Guildenacre with his wife Sophie said: "After opening the doors for the very first time this year, Guildenacre had a fantastic debut summer and it was incredibly special to welcome so many families to our new adventure playground – something which we believe has been a brilliant addition for the region.
"As the colour of the leaves change and the nights draw in, we're now looking ahead to Guildenacre in autumn and we have some exciting plans in store for families to celebrate Halloween here. These have been designed not to scare but to enchant children and with a spectacular setting surrounded by woodland, the atmosphere at Guildenacre is going to be something special to behold at this spooky time of year."
The Halloween entertainment continues with pedal cars offering an extra dose of adrenaline, while a glitter bar will add some sparkle with spine-tingling Halloween designs.
Young adventurers can also make the most of Guildenacre's four play areas, packed with tunnels, slides, rope ladders, wooden walkways and bridges, monkey bars, balance beams, a zip line and more.
Edward added: "We know how Halloween can capture the imaginations of children and we'd love to encourage all adventurers to come along in fancy dress – whether that's a witch, wizard, woodland creature, ghost, vampire or something entirely of your own creation – as long as costumes and footwear are suitable for climbing, running and exploring the woodland safely."
Families can complete their Halloween adventure with a selection of creepy crafts at the Grade II listed Wades Barn. The barn also provides a place to relax and enjoy refreshments from the kitchen in the adjoining single-storey brick range, operated by Suffolk deli group The Black Dog Deli.
Inspired by the Estate's natural surroundings and beautiful woodland, Guildenacre's play areas encourage children to explore and appreciate nature while enjoying plenty of outdoor activity.
The four play areas are connected by bark pathways, with additional facilities including a refreshment kiosk, seating areas and toilets. Free parking is available on site.
The Halloween event, Night Guild, runs every Saturday and Sunday throughout October, as well as daily during the October half term from Monday 26th to Saturday 31st October.
There are two sessions each day, giving families plenty of time to enjoy the play areas, complete the Halloween trail and take part in activities at Wades Barn. The morning session runs from 9:30am to 1pm, followed by an afternoon session from 1:30pm to 5pm.
Tickets cost £16.50 for children aged five and over, £8.50 for children aged three and four, and £8 for adults. Children aged two and
under go free. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available on the day.
For further information and to book tickets, visit https://www.guildenacre.co.uk/halloween/

