Halloween returns to Quarry Bank with a brand-new after-dark adventure for all ages

Step into a world where the past stirs, the forest watches and the mill whispers its secrets after nightfall.

The historic venue of Quarry Bank at Wilmslow, Cheshire, will once again switch on the night-time magic this October, unveiling an expanded illuminated Halloween trail that threads through the mill, gardens and woodland.

Running from October 23 to November 1, 2025, expect a richer storyline, bigger set pieces and a moodier atmosphere than ever before, making it perfect for half-term evenings with the kids, a spooky-yet-romantic date, or a memorable night out with friends.

By twilight, the former mill’s paths and terraces take on an otherworldly glow. Follow the route beside the water and keep your wits about you: the Headless Horseman is rumoured to be riding again, while a spectral lady roams on foot, slipping in and out of the darkness.

Inside the mill, a formidable Georgian Mill Owner greets intruders with a laugh that carries through the beams, a reminder that history lingers longest after hours.

The creative team has seeded the trail with striking new moments designed for gasps and great photos.

Venture deeper, and the trees watch back as demon eyes blink from the forest, guiding a careful descent. The slow procession of the life-sized spirits is both eerie and strangely beautiful.

There are pockets of playful colour, too, from a glowing Pumpkin Garden and a wickedly botanical Carnivorous Garden where toothy plants look ready to bite, to huge spiders’ webs slung that will catch the lantern light.

Throughout, projections ripple over the mill’s weathered walls, sketching darker chapters across the stonework in flickers of shadow and light.

Out in the open air, fire takes centre stage. The Fire Gardener’s