At Lotherton Hall in Leeds, the spine-chilling event ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ runs from October 25-31, inviting brave souls aged 8-15 to traverse a haunting realm of twisted fairy tales. Visitors will encounter cursed characters like a darkly altered Snow White on a thrilling, lantern-lit journey through the historic estate’s eerie grounds.
What is the ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ event at Lotherton Hall?
‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ at Lotherton Hall is a Halloween event (October 25-31) for ages 8-15, offering a thrilling walk through twisted fairy tales. The historical venue transforms into a haunting experience with cursed characters from beloved stories against the backdrop of the Hall’s elegant setting.
Lotherton Hall: A Venue with a Tale
Lotherton Hall, a historical Edwardian country house nestled in the outskirts of Leeds, is no stranger to events that captivate the imagination. Yet, as autumn leaves begin to fall, this heritage site prepares to host a Halloween spectacle unlike any other. The event, ‘Once Upon a Nightmare,’ is crafted to send shivers down the spine of attendees as they wander through a reimagined world of fairy tales gone awry.
The serene grounds and gardens of Lotherton, typically a picture of tranquility, will soon transform into a haunting tableau. This transformation is designed to beckon the brave-hearted. Between October 25th and 31st, the estate will see a parade of visitors eager to experience this chilling adventure. With 30-minute slots available from 5 to 8:30 pm, this event is tailored to accommodate a multitude of guests without compromising the intimate terror of the experience.
It is this dichotomy of beauty and horror that sets the stage for an unparalleled Halloween festivity. The contrast between the historic elegance of Lotherton and the eerie ambiance of ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ makes for a storytelling canvas that is both unique and unsettling. The Hall, with its storied past, provides the perfect backdrop for an event that entwines the fantastical with the frightful.
A Journey Through Darkened Tales
This Halloween, for those who dare, the misty grounds of Lotherton will become a place of twisted fairy tales. Aimed specifically at the eight- to fifteen-year-old demographic, ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ offers an immersive scare event that is just as much about the thrill as it is about the narrative. Guests are invited to traverse the dimly lit pathways, guided only by the soft gleam of lanterns, where they will encounter fairy tale characters that have strayed far from their original stories.
There’s a palpable tension in the air as visitors come face-to-face with the likes of Snow White, whose fate is darkened by a curse, or Little Red Riding Hood, who is perpetually stalked by the menace of the wolf. The event promises to be a collision of children’s stories and horror, where every encounter is a familiar tale reworked into a nightmarish vignette.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles, and culture, remarked on the event, emphasizing its appeal: “Whether you’re a fan of fairy tales or just enjoy a good scare, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience. It’s a spooky event but it’s all been planned with young people in mind, so it’s a perfect way for the family to experience a thrilling Halloween together.”
A Halloween Schedule Not to Miss
The event is delivered by Breeze at Lotherton, both respected parts of Leeds City Council, and represents a unique addition to the city’s Halloween festivities. It is important to note that ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ is not suitable for children under eight or those easily frightened. Those wishing to participate can secure their spot in this chilling adventure by booking tickets through Breeze Leeds’ official site.
In addition to the evening scare event, Lotherton is set to offer a more lighthearted, but no less festive, daytime experience. Starting on October 4th, the estate will host its first-ever pumpkin patch experience. This family-oriented activity includes a delightful tractor ride and an opportunity for visitors to select their own pumpkin to carve at home.
Moreover, from October 26th to November 3rd, an all-ages ‘Scarytales’ event will be available and is included in the regular admission fee. This daytime experience promises to entertain while staying within the bounds of family-friendly fun. For those interested in more activities during the half-term break, a full list of events hosted by all Leeds Museums and Galleries can be found by visiting their half term events page.
With such an array of Halloween-themed events, Lotherton Hall is poised to become a hub for those seeking both thrills and autumnal tradition during this festive season. From the spine-tingling ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ to the joyous pumpkin patch, Lotherton caters to a broad audience, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a story to tell.
ENDS
- The ‘Once Upon a Nightmare’ event at Lotherton Hall runs from October 25-31 and is designed for children aged 8-15.
- Visitors will embark on a thrilling lantern-lit journey through twisted fairy tales, encountering cursed characters like a darkly altered Snow White.
- The event features 30-minute time slots available from 5 to 8:30 pm, ensuring a unique and intimate experience for each group.
- Lotherton Hall also offers a daytime pumpkin patch experience starting October 4th, along with an all-ages ‘Scarytales’ event from October 26th to November 3rd.
- The event is organized by Breeze at Lotherton and is not suitable for children under eight or those easily frightened, emphasizing its focus on a thrilling yet age-appropriate experience.