This immersive scare event transforms the serene grounds of Lotherton into a haunting world where your favourite fairy tale characters live out their darkest versions of reality. It's a spine-chilling experience that's perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages (though not recommended for kids under 8).

Lotherton Hall's Once Upon a Nightmare is excepted to be one of the best and most family friendly scare attraction in York. So keep reading if you want to find out more about how to get there and what to expect if you are brave enough to face it.

What to Expect

• Twisted Tales: Prepare to encounter familiar fairy tale characters like Snow White, the Evil Queen, Little Red Riding Hood, and the Wolf, but with a sinister twist.
• Immersive Atmosphere: The event is filled with eerie mist, spooky sound effects, and haunting lighting to create a truly immersive experience.
• Age-Appropriate Scares: While the event is designed to be scary, the scares are age-appropriate, making it suitable for families with older children.
• More Than Just Scares: In addition to the thrilling encounters, you can also enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Lotherton Hall and grab a bite to eat at the Shepherd's Hut.

Is it Right for Your Family?

If you're looking for a fun and spooky Halloween adventure that's suitable for older children, then Once Upon a Nightmare is definitely worth checking out. Just remember that it's not recommended for timid children or those under 8 years old.

Event Details

• Dates: October 25-31, 2024
• Times: 5:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Location: Lotherton, Aberford, Leeds
• Tickets: Available online and at the door (prices vary)
• Adult £12.50
• Children £12.50

Are you ready to face your nightmares? I'm definitely going to be there, and I hope you'll join me!

What do you need to know before visiting Lotherton Hall for Once Upon a Nightmare?

Once Upon a Nightmare FAQs

Do I need to book?

Yes, pre-booking for Once Upon A Nightmare is essential. Both adults and children need tickets.

Website: https://museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/events/lotherton/once-upon-a-nightmare/ 

Where do I book?

Bookings can be made online or by calling Leeds Ticket Hub on 0113 376 0318 (phone lines open Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm).

Do I get a discount with my Breeze Pass?

Yes! Children with a Breeze Pass receive discounted tickets for Once Upon A Nightmare. Check your Breeze Pass app for details on how to book using your pass.

Do I get a discount with my Lotherton membership?

Yes! Lotherton members are eligible for discounted tickets for Once Upon A Nightmare. Members can only purchase tickets at the membership price for the number of people the membership covers. For example, a family membership covers discounted tickets for two adults and two or three children (depending on your membership), while a single adult membership covers one adult ticket.

My child is interested but feeling nervous.

This event is aimed at children aged 8 and above. It’s not suitable for very timid children. Live scare actors will interact with visitors during the route, though they will not touch anyone. The route includes dark areas, goes through estate grounds and woodlands, and actors may come close to you.

Is it suitable for children under 8?

This event is not recommended for children under 8. It involves dark areas and live scare actors. We strongly advise against bringing children younger than 8. However, there’s also a Spooky Skeletons: Scarytales trail for families with children 8 and under, running from 26th October to 3rd November, 9am – 5pm. Please note that a separate ticket is required for Once Upon A Nightmare and the Skeleton Trail as they are aimed at different age groups. For the spooky skeleton trail, you only need a Lotherton Admission ticket. More information can be found at museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk/lotherton.

What are the dates for Once Upon A Nightmare?

Once Upon A Nightmare runs from 25th to 31st October 2024.

Do I need to arrive at a set time?

Yes, entry times are staggered to ensure comfort and safety. When booking, you will select a timed entry. Please arrive at Lotherton at least 30 minutes before your booked time. Entry times are between 5.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

What should I bring if I’ve booked?

Please print your tickets or have them ready on your phone when you arrive. Dress warmly and wear suitable footwear, as this is an outdoor event in October, and bring a torch for the darker areas if needed. Lotherton members must also bring pre-booked tickets and a valid membership card. Breeze Pass holders should have their Breeze Pass app ready to show at the kiosk.

I’ve booked but haven’t received my tickets.

If you haven't received your tickets, check your junk mail. If they aren’t there, contact tickets@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 376 0318 (Mon-Sat, 10am-4pm). Your tickets can also be accessed through your Leeds Ticket Hub account under ‘upcoming events’ 7 days prior to your visit.

Will there be food and drink available?

Yes, hot food, snacks, and drinks will be available. The Shepherds Hut will serve hot chocolate, hotdogs, burgers, and spooky treats. Please note that the café will be closed during the event.

Can I access the rest of the Lotherton estate during Once Upon A Nightmare?

No, the rest of the estate will be closed during the event. There will be no access to the hall, café, or Wildlife World.

Is Once Upon A Nightmare accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the paths around the woods are fairly flat, solid, and wide, making them accessible for wheelchairs. There is a short slight incline in one part of the walk.

How do I get to Lotherton?

Car
Lotherton Lane
Aberford
Leeds
LS25 3EB

Parking
Parking charges are included in admission. Let the cabin staff know if you need accessible parking or additional assistance.

Bus
Buses 64 and 64A run to Aberford from Leeds city centre. From there, it’s a 20-30 minute walk along a public highway with limited footpaths.

Rail
The nearest train station is Garforth, which is 4 miles away. Taxis are available from the station.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are NOT allowed in the gardens, woods, or village during Once Upon A Nightmare due to sound and lighting effects. However, they are permitted in the back fields for walking as usual.

What else is happening at Lotherton during the October half term?

In addition to Once Upon A Nightmare, Lotherton has activities for younger children during the daytime, including the Spooky Skeletons: Scarytales trail. This event is perfect for all ages and takes place in the grounds, gardens, and house at Lotherton, with skeletons reimagining classic fairytales with a Halloween twist.

There is also a Pumpkin Picking event, where visitors can take a tractor trailer to a pumpkin patch to select their own pumpkin to take home and decorate.

Can I stay on after the Spooky Skeleton Scarytales Trail to attend Once Upon A Nightmare?

No, daytime visitors must leave the estate by 5 pm. You cannot stay on for Once Upon A Nightmare as it is a separately ticketed event.