Halloween decades ago in the United Kingdom used to mean borrowing a white bed sheet from the linen cupboard, whilst your Mother carved a Halloween lantern out of a large turnip, which was a UK custom from times past.
I believe that the turnip certainly took a lot of hard work to scoop out the flesh, unlike the now popular pumpkin.
Then, once it was dark outside, the children would stand chatting to other children, excitedly telling ghost stories huddled around their candle lit lanterns. Occasionally some sort of mischief was committed, such as going up to a neighbouring house, knocking on the door and running away, or daring someone to go to a spooky abandoned place near by..
I believe that the turnip certainly took a lot of hard work to scoop out the flesh, unlike the now popular pumpkin.
Then, once it was dark outside, the children would stand chatting to other children, excitedly telling ghost stories huddled around their candle lit lanterns. Occasionally some sort of mischief was committed, such as going up to a neighbouring house, knocking on the door and running away, or daring someone to go to a spooky abandoned place near by..
Oh how things have changed today, as we shall explore.
Halloween is a huge industry now, and we have lost our traditional, quaint little Halloween.
It has been replaced by a glitzy, large commercialised version from over the pond, where children now have an 'off the peg' costume and go around houses knocking on the doors collecting sweets/sweeties (or 'candies' as our American cousins call them). Many houses are now decorated with things bought from the supermarket and every year it becomes larger that the last.
Halloween is a huge industry now, and we have lost our traditional, quaint little Halloween.
It has been replaced by a glitzy, large commercialised version from over the pond, where children now have an 'off the peg' costume and go around houses knocking on the doors collecting sweets/sweeties (or 'candies' as our American cousins call them). Many houses are now decorated with things bought from the supermarket and every year it becomes larger that the last.
Many cities and rural areas now have events going on for families, so there is something for everyone, if you just do a little search on the internet and have a look in your area, but I would not rely upon just turning up on the night, indeed not. Pre booking is always advisable to avoid disappointment.
For older children and adults, some farms are offering 'Haunted Hay-Rides', (which can be quite scary for younger children). This idea is straight from USA and involves sitting on the back of a trailer, pulled by a tractor, which is then driven round slowly from one 'scary scenario' to another on the farm, this can involve zombies and 'crazed lunatics' with chainsaws, so I would not advise taking anyone too young.
For older children and adults, some farms are offering 'Haunted Hay-Rides', (which can be quite scary for younger children). This idea is straight from USA and involves sitting on the back of a trailer, pulled by a tractor, which is then driven round slowly from one 'scary scenario' to another on the farm, this can involve zombies and 'crazed lunatics' with chainsaws, so I would not advise taking anyone too young.
Also on offer in various places, is the Haunted Maze Maze type events, which is great fun for the smaller children, without being too frightening.
For adults looking for something nice and fun to do on Halloween, then what could be more exciting than having a day and evening out at one of the many haunted locations in the UK, on or near all hallows eve on the 31st October. Lots of large houses and castles also have a cafe or tea room and there will be special afternoon tea available for the occasion, sometimes followed by a ghost walk in the evening.
If you have a look around the area you have chosen, I am more than sure you will find somewhere just perfect.
Have fun and Happy Halloween!
For adults looking for something nice and fun to do on Halloween, then what could be more exciting than having a day and evening out at one of the many haunted locations in the UK, on or near all hallows eve on the 31st October. Lots of large houses and castles also have a cafe or tea room and there will be special afternoon tea available for the occasion, sometimes followed by a ghost walk in the evening.
If you have a look around the area you have chosen, I am more than sure you will find somewhere just perfect.
Have fun and Happy Halloween!