The Moors Valley Halloween Trail is back and if you think it’s the same as last year then I’ll let you know it’s not!  There’s just as many spooky animations and features to see but pretty much everything is different which is great for those who would like to do it again.

We started the trail at 5pm (after the clocks had changed) so the first part of the trail was already quite moody and grey but it didn’t take long before the forest became mega eerie.

Everyone on the trail was excited to see what would be coming up next and the kids all looked super cute in their fancy dress costumes, we even saw an adorable little dog in a Stitch costume with a knitted pumpkin on it’s head!

As we wandered through the trail we saw hundreds of gravestones, coffins, bats, spiders, skulls, crows and pumpkins, to name but a few.  Strange sounds can be heard deep in the forest and illuminated skeletons flicker on and off, plus there’s a giant spider tunnel and an eerily possessed pumpkin farm.

We stopped briefly to say hello to Dracula but my daughter wasn’t keen and hid behind me so we bid farewell and continued our journey through the woods.

After the half way point, we came to a seated area and here you can purchase marshmallows with melted chocolate and toppings or seasonal drinks which include boozy hot chocolates, spiced apple toddy, cold brews, soft drinks and hot drinks.

Walking on we saw a sinister Plague Doctor and then came to an area which the children loved the most. Within the trees was glow in the dark mushrooms, skeletons coming out the ground, big spider webs and smoke filled bubbles which came out of the undergrowth. They were thoroughly satisfying when popped and every child that walked past couldn’t resist.

The last part of the trail, we saw a pumpkin forest and a creepy and slightly possessed Scarecrow character who liked to jump around when new people walked by.

We spent approximately 90 mins walking round the trail but I’d say the average would be 1 hour.  We only took longer because I have a bad habit of petting cute dogs and we spent a long time popping the smoke bubbles.

I’ve deliberately not mentioned everything you’ll see because no one likes spoiler alerts! I will say though that it’s brilliant experience and thoroughly recommended by all our family.

If you’re peckish before or after then you’ll find several catering options located at the start of trail. We spotted burgers, loaded fries and carvery - there’s even a Churros and Bar Bus!

The spooky illuminated trail is open from Friday 24th October until Sunday 2nd November 2025.  For more information and to book your tickets, please visit Forestry England.

Good to know:

• The trail opens at 4pm, last entry at 9pm, with the journey through the woods getting scarier as the darkness of night sets in.

• Toilets are located near the food area however I have also been told that the visitor centre toilets will also remain open later than normal. There are no toilets on the trail so make sure you visit the facilities before starting, especially if you have little one’s with you.

• There’s plenty of undercover seating located near the food and toilets area.

• The pathway is flat and suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs however it will be a little bumpy in areas.

Top Tips:

• Take your time, there’s so much to see and so many fun surprises lurking, you don’t want to miss them.

• Sturdy footwear and warm clothing is recommended.

Dorsetmums was invited to the Moors Valley Halloween Trail for the purpose of a review however all words are my own.