Halloween events in Portsmouth 2020: spooky activities near me - from horror film screenings to pumpkin picking

It goes without saying that Halloween celebrations are going to be anything but normal this year.

Portsmouth is currently under Tier 1 restrictions, with people having to abide by the rule of six both indoors and outdoors, and venues closing at 10pm.

This means the usual fancy dress parties and late-night local events are off the cards.

Yet, lovers of all things spooky can rejoice as there are still plenty of Covid-safe activities planned in the area for all ages.

From scary film showings to family pumpkin picking, here’s a list of Halloween events near you:

Horror film screening

Halloween isn’t complete without a scary movie, and Portsmouth Film Society are putting on the perfect one.

Fabric, the 2018 horror-comedy film starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste, follows a lonely woman, recently separated from her husband, who is cursed by a dress she bought from a bewitching London department store.

The film, rated 15, will be screening at Portsmouth Guildhall on Halloween night, at 7pm. Tickets start at £4.

Gills and Ghouls week

If visiting an aquarium wasn’t already fun enough, Blue Reef Aquarium is hosting a themed Halloween week.

As well as coming eye-to-eye with underwater creatures of all shapes and sizes - from deadly lionfish to starfish - there’s a special pumpkin trail and educational talks and quizzes.

Covid-secure guidelines are in place throughout the museum. The week runs until 1 November, from 10am-5pm.

Scary Spinnaker tower

The imposing, 170-metre tall Spinnaker Tower is set to get spooky this year with a sky-high game of I spy, running until 1 November.

Venture to the landmark’s view deck and see if you can spot the Halloween-themed surprises hidden around the tower.

If you’re feeling brave, you can walk the glass Sky Walk for the extra fear-factor.

The Waterfront Cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and lunch options. An adult entry ticket is £11.95, while a child ticket costs £9.50.

UV spooky forest

Popworld Portsmouth is hosting the closest thing to a Halloween party this year, and you’ll be pleased to know that scary costumes are encouraged.

The adults-only space will be adorned with UV decorations, and Halloween-themed drinks - the Vamprie sounds interesting - will be half-price before 6pm.

Book a table in advance at Popworld’s website for either October 30 or October 31. The events will run from 4pm-10pm, as per Covid-19 regulations.

Where’s Wally? museum search

Kids are tasked with finding “spooky” Wally throughout The D-Day Story museum’s collections, making for a fun but educational Halloween activity.

What’s more, there’s a small prize up for grabs for the sleuths that are able to spot the hidden character.

Entry to the search, which is on until 1 November, is included in the museum ticket, which can be bought on the website. Adult entry is £9 and it’s £4.50 for kids.

Pumpkin picking

Last, but most definitely not least, enjoy a spot of family pumpkin picking as part of Fordingbridge’s Halloween spectacular, from 28 to 31 October.

There, you’ll find over 25,000 pumpkins of every shape and size ready to be picked, with craft activities and seasonal food and drink on offer, too.

Entry and parking is completely free, and the patch is open from 9:30am-4:00pm on the days leading up to Halloween.