Top five spook-tacular days out to enjoy in Edinburgh and Loch Ness
With Halloween nearly upon us, we’ve put our thinking caps on and have come up with the ultimate What’s On Guide of events taking place in Scotland.
And that includes the chance to sing your way through Little Shop of Horrors!
Dine on fantastic food as you can enjoy your favourite musical moments from the show as the haunted Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh serves up a devilishly good dinner and movie night.
The monstrously fun evening starts on Friday (31 October) at 8 p.m. whereupon the team at Hard Rock Café Edinburgh can provide you with a two course feast – as you enjoy the cult classic.
They ask you book in advance for an event where costumes are highly encouraged! Our top tip: don’t feed the plants!
‘Land of the Dead’ breakfast: Hard Rock Café Edinburgh
The team are also giving you the chance to enjoy a ‘Land of the Dead’ breakfast as the Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh sees families kicking off weekend with a Coco family movie morning and breakfast. It starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday (01 November).
It’s chance for everyone to enjoy a delicious breakfast while watching the Disney Pixar favourite and sing along with Miguel and friends on their journey through the Land of the Dead.
The team are recommending you book for the event where they’re encouraging children to dress up in bright colours – or Coco-inspired costumes to make it a morning to remember.
The Mysterious Dark Past of The Real Mary King’s Close
Or, perhaps you’d like to discover Edinburgh’s mysterious dark past in the lantern light at The Real Mary King’s Close?
The event is running through to Friday (31 October) and gives the truly brave the opportunity to venture beneath the Royal Mile.
Guided by a resident of The Real Mary King’s Close, you’ll explore eerie alleyways once home to plague doctors, merchants and townsfolk, all illuminated by only the flicker of your lantern.
Expect rich storytelling, chilling encounters and fascinating history brought to life beneath the city’s cobblestones. It’s the perfect way to mix education and atmosphere for curious kids this spooky season.
Tours are suitable for children aged five and upwards. Advance booking is recommended.
Ancient myths, eerie legends and spine-tingling tales
And then there’s an evening of folklore and mystery at The Loch Ness Centre. The Stories of Scotland Podcast hosts will guide guests through ancient myths, eerie legends and spine-tingling tales surrounding Scotland’s most famous loch.
It’s a chance for you to step into the shadows of the Highlands with its legends and atmospheric storytelling. The event starts at 5 p.m. and runs until 7 p.m. It’s being held at the Loch Ness Centre, Old Drumnadrochit Hotel, Inverness. Tickets are available.
The evening is designed for brave kids and curious adults with organisers describing it as an ‘atmospheric storytelling session that celebrates the enduring mystery of Nessie – with just the right amount of fright!’
Giant Lanterns Trail: Edinburgh Zoo
Looking ahead a few weeks and Edinburgh Zoo will start to host its Giant Lanterns Trail from the 14th November (it runs until to 22nd February).
Organisers describe it as Scotland’s most dazzling winter trail – and it’s set for a wonderful return to Corstorphine.
Back for the first time in six years, Edinburgh Zoo’s Giant Lanterns transforms the zoo into an underwater wonderland which features more than 600 handcrafted Chinese lanterns – from giant crabs to glowing whales.
Running on select nights from 14th November to 22nd February, it’s the perfect post-Halloween adventure for families looking to brighten up dark autumn evenings.
With toasted marshmallows, mulled wine and ocean-inspired storytelling along the route, it’s a feast for the senses that supports vital wildlife conservation work. Tickets and VIP packages are available from Edinburgh Zoo’s website.
