Thorpe Park Fright Nights 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Thorpe Park Fright Nights® 2026 runs on 2 to 4 October, 9 to 11 October, and every day from 15 October to 1 November, with the park open from 10am until 9pm on every event date. This year, the UK's Home of Fear is celebrating a spine-chilling milestone: 25 Years of Fear!

The headline addition is Tenement, a brand-new scare maze where you'll step into total darkness with only a flickering torch to guide you! It joins four returning scare mazes, a reimagined line-up of scare zones and live shows, and the chance to ride Hyperia, the UK's tallest and fastest rollercoaster, in the dark.

Halloween is one of our favourite times of year, and Fright Nights is one of the biggest dates in our spooky-season calendar! We've rounded up everything you need to know for 2026, including dates, opening and closing times, what's included with your Thorpe Park ticket, the five scare mazes, age guidance and our top tips for a thrilling night out.

Key takeaways

• Dates: 2 to 4 October, 9 to 11 October, then every day from 15 October to 1 November 2026, giving you 24 event days in total.
• Opening times: The park opens at 10am and closes at 9pm on every Fright Nights date. The Halloween experiences come to life from 3pm.
• Included with park entry: Rides in the dark, all the scare zones and entertainment, including Rebel Ball, Creature Campus: Reunion Reckoning, The Crows, Lucifer's Lair, Purgatory Town and The Conjuring 4D Experience.
• Scare mazes: Tenement (new for 2026), Trailers, DeadBeat, Stitches and Survival Games. These are optional extras booked separately with Thorpe Park.
• Maze tickets: Choose a One Shot for a single maze, the Fearsome Four for four mazes (Tenement is booked separately) or the Phantom Five VIP experience for priority access to all five.
• Age: Fright Nights is recommended for ages 13+, or younger when accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. The Conjuring 4D Experience is recommended for ages 15+.
• Best for: Thrill-seekers, teens and groups of friends who love a good scare, plus coaster fans who want to ride in the dark.

Fright Nights 2026 quick facts

When is Thorpe Park Fright Nights 2026?

Thorpe Park Fright Nights 2026 runs across 24 dates between Friday 2 October and Sunday 1 November. The event opens with two long weekends, then runs every day from Thursday 15 October until the final night, Sunday 1 November.

Popular dates, especially weekends and half-term, are expected to sell out, so booking early gives you the best choice of dates!

Fright Nights and October half-term 2026

Fright Nights' daily run from 15 October to 1 November lines up with October half-term for most families across the UK and Ireland. Here's how the 2026 school breaks compare.

Dates can vary by council, academy trust and individual school, so we'd recommend checking your school's calendar before you book. Families on an earlier Scottish break can enjoy the October weekend dates or the start of the daily run from 15 October.

Thorpe Park Fright Nights opening times and closing time

Thorpe Park opens at 10am and closes at 9pm on every Fright Nights date, giving you up to 11 hours of thrills. The park runs as normal during the day, then the Fright Nights scare zones, shows and mazes come to life from 3pm, just as the autumn light starts to fade.

Your scare maze tickets come with afternoon or evening time slots, so you can plan your day around them. Some rides and areas may close a little before 9pm, so the Thorpe Park app is the best place to check live times on the day!

What's included with your Thorpe Park ticket during Fright Nights?

All the Fright Nights scare zones and entertainment are included with your regular Thorpe Park admission. That means you can enjoy all the thrills and chills of the park from 10am, before it transforms into something much more sinister as the sun begins to set. The five scare mazes are separately ticketed extras, booked with Thorpe Park.

How to book the Fright Nights scare mazes

The scare mazes are Thorpe Park's own add-ons, so you can book them directly with Thorpe Park, online before your visit or at the park on the day, subject to availability.

Every maze ticket needs a valid park ticket for the same date, so you'll need your Thorpe Park ticket too. Booking your mazes ahead is the best way to secure your favourite time slots, especially at weekends and during half-term.

What's new at Fright Nights 2026?

Fright Nights 2026 celebrates 25 Years of Fear with a brand-new scare maze, two new shows and fresh surprises across the returning favourites.

• Tenement - The headline new scare maze, set inside an abandoned building plunged into darkness.
• Rebel Ball - A brand-new high-energy show with music, dancing and fire effects.
• Creature Campus: Reunion Reckoning - A new chapter for the Creature Campus story, set 25 years on.
• Returning with a twist - New toys in Stitches, a new screening in Trailers, new inhabitants in Purgatory Town, and The Crows have left Mawkin Meadow to spread their rituals further afield.
• Welcome back - The Conjuring 4D Experience returns to Sunset Cinema.

The five Fright Nights scare mazes for 2026

Fright Nights 2026 has five scare mazes, each with its own story, setting and style of scare, and all recommended for guests aged 13+. Tenement is the brand-new maze for 2026, joining returning favourites Trailers, DeadBeat, Stitches and Survival Games.

Tenement (new for 2026)

Tenement is Fright Nights' brand-new scare maze for 2026, and it's Thorpe Park's first fully immersive, pitch-black maze. Three nights ago, the lights went out inside the abandoned Tenement, and no one has been seen since. You're the emergency electricians sent in to restore the power!

Inside, nothing stays where you left it. Corridors twist, doors lead somewhere new, and with only a failing torch to light the way, every flicker could reveal something watching you. Whispers say something far older than the building has been waiting beneath its foundations. Will you make it back out?

Trailers

Take your seat at SuperSpark Cinema, a movie theatre with a sinister secret. In Trailers, the silver screen comes alive, and every horror film you can imagine plays out around you, with demonic creatures, devilish clowns and a loop of terror you'll be desperate to escape. For 2026, the cinema is showing a brand-new screening, Blood Red Roses, so there are fresh surprises in store, even for regular visitors!

DeadBeat

It's two minutes to midnight, and the party of a lifetime is about to begin. DeadBeat pulls you into an underground nightclub on what could be the final night on earth, where the music has a dark appetite and creatures lurk in the flashing lights. Will you dance the night away, or try to break free before the beat drops?

Stitches

Award-winning scare maze Stitches invites you into the Toymaker's factory, where twisted toys follow your every step and just want to play. Can you outsmart the Toymaker's malevolent creations, or will you become the newest addition to the collection? Look out for new toys joining the collection in 2026!

Survival Games

Survival Games is one of the most intense scare mazes at Fright Nights. Lost in a lethal labyrinth, you'll fight your way through rooms of assassins and traps, choosing your route as you go. It's the perfect choice for experienced fear-seekers.

In Survival Games, actors may touch guests, and groups are often split up as part of the experience, so we'd recommend agreeing a meeting point with your group before you go in.

Fright Nights scare maze tickets explained

Thorpe Park offers three ways to book the Fright Nights scare mazes, and the right one depends on how many mazes you'd like to take on. Here's how they compare.

Tenement isn't part of the Fearsome Four, so if you'd like to experience all five mazes, you can pair the Fearsome Four with a Tenement One Shot, or choose the Phantom Five VIP experience. Maze tickets don't include park entry, so you'll need your Thorpe Park ticket for the same date too.

Maze arrival times

Your maze ticket shows a time, and Thorpe Park gives you a 15-minute grace period after it. For maze packages, you'll visit each included maze within your booked time window, again with a 15-minute grace period at the end. After the grace period, maze tickets are no longer valid, so we'd recommend building the rest of your day around your maze times!

Our top tip: Treat your maze slot as the fixed point in your plan and head over with plenty of time to spare. Thorpe Park is a big park, and it's easy to lose track of time when you're having fun!

Fright Nights scare zones and shows

All the scare zones and entertainment are included with your regular Thorpe Park admission, so you can explore them as often as you like. Live characters roam these themed areas after dark, and each one has its own story.

Rebel Ball (New for 2026!)

Rebel Ball is one of the big new additions for the 25th anniversary. Set around The Launch Pad, it's a high-energy party of music, dancing and fire effects, with live DJ sets bringing the beats. It's the perfect place to warm up before your mazes.

Creature Campus: Reunion Reckoning (New for 2026!)

Creature Campus returns with a brand-new chapter for 2026. It's reunion night, 25 years on from the original Creature Campus story, and old rivalries are about to resurface. Expect a spooky showdown with plenty of drama.

The Crows

The Crows have abandoned Mawkin Meadow for 2026 and are spreading their unsettling rituals further afield. Tread carefully and hope your presence goes unnoticed, because these folk don't take kindly to outsiders!

Lucifer's Lair

Lucifer's Lair is an underworld party of devilish delights, live music and sinister entertainment. Lucifer's minions lurk in the shadows, ready to strike when you least expect it, so keep your wits about you as you soak up the atmosphere.

Purgatory Town

Purgatory Town brings a voodoo-inspired atmosphere to Big Easy Boulevard, with new inhabitants for 2026. It's Thorpe Park's "speak-to-scare" zone, where characters may come up and tell you their stories. It's a wonderfully immersive way to experience Fright Nights.

The Conjuring 4D Experience (15+)

The Conjuring 4D Experience returns to Sunset Cinema for 2026. Join paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren on their most chilling case, as a family's secluded farmhouse is haunted by a demonic presence. 3D projection and 4D special effects bring you right into the story.

It's part of the Fright Nights entertainment included with your park admission, rather than one of the separately ticketed scare mazes, and it's recommended for ages 15+.

What's the difference between a scare maze and a scare zone?

Rides in the dark at Fright Nights

Riding Thorpe Park's biggest coasters after dark is one of the highlights of Fright Nights, and it's included with your park ticket. Hyperia, SAW - The Ride, THE SWARM, Stealth and Nemesis Inferno headline the after-dark line-up.

Ride availability depends on operational conditions and can change on the day, so we'd recommend checking the Thorpe Park app for live ride information throughout your visit.

Our top tip: Ride Hyperia once in daylight and again after dark. Without the view of the ground, that 236ft drop feels completely different!

Discover more about the UK's tallest coaster in our 4 facts about Hyperia at Thorpe Park Resort.

How old do you have to be for Fright Nights? Age guide and scare ratings

Fright Nights is recommended for guests aged 13+, and The Conjuring 4D Experience is recommended for ages 15+. Younger guests are welcome when accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over, and children under 12 always visit with an adult aged 18+.

Fright Nights is something a little different, and some of the scare attractions are designed with older thrill-seekers in mind. The good news is that younger visitors can still enjoy over 30 other rides, attractions and live events across the park.

Here's our guide to the level of fright in each Fright Nights experience, to help you pick the right thrills for your group.

Children under 1.2m can visit Thorpe Park free with the purchase of an adult online ticket, collected at the attraction. Age guidance is separate from ride height restrictions, so we'd recommend checking both before your visit.

Can you avoid the scare actors at Fright Nights?

Yes, guests who love the rides but would rather skip the scares can still have a brilliant evening at Fright Nights. Thorpe Park sells a No-Scare Lanyard from Guest Services, which lets the scare actors know you'd prefer not to be approached.

• Where it works: Lucifer's Lair, Creature Campus, Rebel Ball, Purgatory Town and The Crows.
• How to wear it: Keep it on the outside of your clothing, where the actors can easily see it.
• Good to know: The lanyard is for the scare zones rather than the scare mazes. Loud sounds, lighting and special effects will still be part of the atmosphere around you.
• Returning visitors: No-Scare Lanyards bought in 2024 or 2025 are still recognised in 2026, and one lanyard covers the whole Fright Nights season.

The No-Scare Lanyard pairs perfectly with the Fright Nights Sensory Guide, below, for planning a relaxed evening of rides in the dark.

Accessibility and the Fright Nights Sensory Guide

Thorpe Park has created a dedicated Fright Nights Sensory Guide for 2026, designed with neurodivergent guests in mind. It breaks down each scare maze, scare zone and show by the five senses, so you can see exactly what to expect before you go.

Here are a few highlights from the guide:

• Tenement: Dark and confined sections guided by torchlight, loud music and sudden bangs, strong smells, smoke, flashing lights and live actors.
• Survival Games: Actors may touch guests, alongside air-cannon effects, strong smells, flashing lights and smoke.
• Stitches: Some low-ceiling areas, plus darkness, smoke and flashing lights.
• The Conjuring 4D Experience: Moving seats, water and air effects, and 4D glasses. The moving seats may cause dizziness or motion sickness for some guests.
• Scare zones and shows: Combinations of live actors, loud music, smoke, LED or flashing lighting and jump scares, with the mix varying by area.

Ride Access Pass and the scare mazes

For Fright Nights 2026, Thorpe Park is trialling a new Ride Access Pass process for the scare mazes. Guests with a valid Nimbus ID collect a Maze timecard from Guest Services by showing their Ride Access Pass.

At the maze, you enter through the Fastrack entrance, and the attendant marks your card with a time to return and enjoy the maze. The Guest Services team can help with any questions on the day.

Thorpe Park's accessibility team can also help you plan your visit, with support including an Accessibility Day Planner, step-free access information and ear defender hire.

Security and what to bring to Fright Nights

Thorpe Park runs enhanced security checks during Fright Nights, including bag searches, so packing light helps you get into the park and start your evening sooner.

• Costumes: Halloween spirit is welcome, but full-face masks, balaclavas and costume masks aren't permitted, so save the full costume for a Halloween party.
• Bags: Large suitcases aren't permitted, and smaller bags make security checks quick and easy.
• Lockers: Lockers are available around the park, and they're the best place for loose items, since most rides don't allow them.
• Food and drink: You're welcome to bring your own food, and there are plenty of places to eat around the park too.
• Layers and waterproof: Autumn evenings in Surrey can be chilly, so wrap up warm for the after-dark fun.

What happens at Fright Nights if it rains?

Fright Nights goes ahead come rain or shine! The scare mazes are indoors, so they're ready for any weather, while the outdoor scare zones, live shows and some rides can be affected by heavy rain, high winds, thunder and lightning, or very low temperatures. Thorpe Park sells ponchos and umbrellas on site, so you can stay comfy and keep the fun going.

Our top tip: Check the forecast before you go and pack a waterproof. A little drizzle only adds to the spooky atmosphere!

Which Thorpe Park ticket is best for Fright Nights?

Both of our Thorpe Park tickets give you guaranteed admission on your chosen date, with all the Fright Nights scare zones and entertainment included when you visit on a Fright Nights date. The best choice depends on how much time you'd like at the park.

The Two Day Ticket is a brilliant way to experience everything at a relaxed pace. It works especially well from 15 October, when Fright Nights runs every day. During the weekend dates in early October, choose a Friday or Saturday start so both days fall on event dates.

Ready to face your fears? Book your Thorpe Park One Day Ticket or Thorpe Park Two Day Ticket with us for guaranteed admission on your chosen date, instant delivery straight to your phone and free cancellation up to 72 hours before your visit. All the Fright Nights scare zones and entertainment are included.

How to plan your perfect Fright Nights day

A little planning helps you enjoy both the daytime thrills and the after-dark scares. Here's our suggested order for a full Fright Nights day in 2026.

Our step-by-step Fright Nights planning checklist

1. Book your Thorpe Park ticket for a Fright Nights date. Booking in advance gives you the best choice of dates, especially at weekends and during half-term.
2. Choose your scare maze tickets. Decide between a One Shot, the Fearsome Four or the Phantom Five VIP, and remember Tenement is booked separately from the Fearsome Four.
3. Plan around your maze times. Build your ride plan around your booked slots, with plenty of time to walk between areas.
4. Check the Sensory Guide. It's a great way to pick the right experiences for everyone in your group.
5. Download the Thorpe Park app. It has a park map and live ride information, perfect for planning your evening.
6. Pack for an autumn evening. Layers, a waterproof and a small bag will keep you comfy and ready for anything.

Our top tips for Fright Nights 2026

• Arrive at opening time. A full day from 10am gives you time for coasters in daylight and the whole after-dark experience.
• Book your mazes early. The best time slots go quickly, especially at weekends.
• Plan your maze slots thoughtfully. Earlier slots leave your evening free for night rides and scare zones.
• Agree on a meeting point. Pick a spot to regroup, especially if anyone in your group is braving Survival Games.
• Eat before the evening. Refuel in the afternoon so you're ready for the spookiest part of the day.
• Use the app. Check live ride information and show times on the official Thorpe Park app.
• Make it two days. Our Two Day Ticket gives you time to enjoy rides, mazes and scare zones without rushing.

Our final thoughts

Fright Nights 2026 is one of the most exciting times of year to visit Thorpe Park, with a brand-new pitch-black scare maze, a reimagined line-up of scare zones and shows, and the UK's tallest coaster after dark, all wrapped up in a 25th-anniversary celebration. Pick your date, choose your level of fright and get ready for an unforgettable night at the Home of Fear!

Book your Thorpe Park tickets with AttractionTickets.com for guaranteed admission on your chosen date, instant ticket delivery straight to your phone, and free cancellation up to 72 hours before your visit.