Spooky half-term fun and After Dark experiences at Ruthin Gaol this Halloween

After an exceptionally popular Halloween event last year, Ruthin Gaol will once again be opening its historic doors over the October half term for a week of spooky fun and ‘After Dark’ adventures for visitors of all ages.

Visitors can expect a refreshed ghostly torchlight trail and wonderfully wicked craft activities, all included in normal admission, as well as the opportunity to explore the Gaol after night has fallen on selected evenings.

From Saturday 24th to Wednesday 28th October, Ruthin Gaol will be open from 10.30am until 4.30pm. However, from Thursday 29th to Saturday 31st October, the Gaol will open as usual but remain open until 8pm, offering visitors the chance to explore its atmospheric cells by night!

Whatever time visitors may choose, this is a family-oriented event with no scares or actors, and the experience is self-led, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.

To create a spooky atmosphere, the lighting levels in the basement will be lower than usual, so visitors are encouraged to bring a torch if they have one – it’ll come in handy for the family trail too!

The spooky trails and activities are perfect for half-term family outings, while older children, teens and adults may prefer the extra thrill of exploring the Gaol during the ‘After Dark’ evenings.

Philippa Jones, at Ruthin Gaol, said:

“We’re really excited to be bringing Halloween back to Ruthin Gaol, especially after such a positive response to last year’s event. The building lends itself so well to spooky events, and we can’t wait to see both new and returning visitors enjoying the refreshed spooky trail and activities.”

Ruthin Gaol will also remain open throughout Halloween week for visitors who simply want to explore the heritage attraction as normal – although they may encounter a few spooky exhibitions along the way!

Ruthin Gaol is also participating in the Welsh Museums Festival during half term, promoting a greener Halloween.

Carly Davies, Heritage Lead Officer for the Denbighshire Heritage Service, and Trustee of the Federation of Museums and Galleries of Wales, said:

 “Discovering a local museum or gallery is a really lovely way to spend time with your children over the October half term, especially if we get our traditional rainy half term! And this year’s Federation of Museums and Galleries resource, which will be available as part of a visit to Ruthin Gaol, is all about cutting back on glitter and steering activities towards more natural materials instead, so families can enjoy the spooky season without the environmental cost.”

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Education & Children, Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said:

“Ruthin Gaol is an extremely popular attraction that we are fortunate to have right on our doorstep here in Denbighshire, and the activities planned for Halloween offer visitors a different way to experience the Gaol.

“Following the success of the ‘After Dark’ experience last year it’s great to hear that it’s returning to the Gaol this year, we want every visitor, regardless of age, to be able to experience the Gaol’s history and the Halloween activities will be the perfect opportunity to do just that.”

 For further information about the Halloween event taking place at Ruthin Gaol, please contact the Denbighshire Heritage Service via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk