The Moors Valley Halloween Trail is back and if you think it’s the same as the previous years then you’ll be mistaken.  There’s just as many spooky animations and features to see but pretty much everything is different which is great for those who have been before and wish to do it again.

We started the trail just after 5pm so the first part of the trail was already quite moody and grey but it didn’t take long before the forest became dark and 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 black dog with lit up spider legs!

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 figures flicker on and off, plus there’s haunted characters wondering, a giant spider tunnel, graveyard and a carnivorous garden with giant plants and bones!  All kids loved the area where smoke filled bubbles came out of the undergrowth.  They were thoroughly satisfying when popped and every child that walked past couldn’t resist chasing them.

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 hot and cold drinks.

Walking on we came across Sweeney Todd with his dentist chair and gruesome tables with pies and body parts.  He had his eyes on anyone he could put in a pie but luckily he wasn’t really scary and all the children nearby were asking him lots of funny questions.  From here we went through a super cool area with disco balls, flickering lights and clouds of smoke.

The last part of the trail was our favourite and we stood watching Frankenstein for a while because he made us all laugh.  The scene he was in was incredible and he liked to ask and answer any medical questions.  Every time someone referred to his monster as Frankenstein he would explain in a funny German accent that the monster was the monster and Frankenstein was the creator.  He also showed us the skeleton who was a colleague of his and he told us the last thing he did before he died was feed the monster.  The skeleton only had one hand haha!

We spent approximately 70 mins walking round the trail but I’d say the average would be around 1 hour unless you're stopping for drinks and treats.  I wasn’t in a rush at all because it’s easy to miss things lurking in the woods and my daughter was in heaven popping smoke bubbles for ages.

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 it’s thoroughly recommended by all our family.

If you’re peckish before or after the trail then you’ll find several catering options offering delicious treats and dinner options.  We spotted burgers, hot dogs, fries, pizza, churros, sweets, and refreshments.  We’d eaten before we arrived but I did see quite a few people feasting on their food and everything looked very tempting.

The Halloween trail is open from Friday 23rd October until Sunday 1st November 2026. For more information and to book your tickets, please visit Forestry England.

Address: Moors Valley Country Park, Horton Road, Ashley Heath, Ringwood, BH24 2ET

Good to know:

• The trail opens at 4pm, last entry at 8.30pm or 9pm, depending on which night you book.
• Toilets are located near the food area.
• 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 is a little bumpy in areas.
• If like me you are having signal problems and need to download your ticket for scanning then head to the ticket booth and they’ll print them off for you.
• Dogs are welcome.

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.

Fingers crossed for no more rain or wind during half term.  If you do go then we hope you have an amazing evening!

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