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Top five ways to get into the Halloween spirit in Middlesbrough

The nights are drawing in and Halloween is just around the corner. If you’re planning ahead for the spookiest day of the year, we’ve carved out some ideas on how big and little kids can have a scream in Middlesbrough:

See creeping giant tentacles as part of ‘MonsterBoro’

From Tuesday 24 October until Sunday 29 October, take time to look up as town centre rooftops become host to a fiendish mish mash of ghoulish ghouls and creeping tentacles on an epic scale.

The giant air filled monsters by Bristol based production company “Designs In Air’ have already become a global phenomenon having appeared in locations around the world as well as a number of major UK cities.

The biggest and most spectacular monster will be at Captain Cook Square with 13 giant tentacle appearing from the roof above the Level X complex. All monsters will be visible 24/7 and lit up at night for added spookiness.

An extra surprise monster called ‘Eye Scream’ will also make an appearance somewhere in the town centre with clues being dropped on social media.

Experience the Dorman Museum after dark…

If you’ve ever wanted to spend a night at a museum, now is your chance thanks to a very special event which is exclusive to adults. Linthorpe Road’s Dorman Museum are throwing open their doors after hours on Friday 27 October for a Beer and Bricks Night inspired by their popular LEGO® themed exhibition, Brick by Brick.

During the event, you’ll gain special access to the exhibition, try your hand at Halloween-inspired craft workshops, sample tasty treats and play LEGO® themed bingo!

The museum has also teamed up with Middlesbrough Town Hall to put on a spooktacular bar with a range of specialist beers, artisan ciders and Halloween themed cocktails.

Tickets are priced at £12.50 per person with some additional costs for craft workshops. This event is strictly for those aged 18+. Don’t miss out – book your tickets here.

The Dorman Museum is throwing open their doors after dark for an adult only event.

The Dorman Museum is throwing open their doors after dark for an adult only event.

For little monsters, the Dorman Museum is playing host to a Brick and Treat Weekend on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October, where budding builders can have a go at a number of LEGO® build challenges with a spooky twist.

Each afternoon, mini artists can make their own creepy critter creations to take home such as a bat, pumpkin or sugar skull for a small extra fee. Book your child’s place here.

And the whole family can celebrate Halloween with a difference by exploring the Museum of Cryptozoology at the Dorman on Tuesday 31 October. From Big Foot to the Lock Ness Monster to fairies, come and discover more about legendary cryptids characters.

This spooky themed day is filled with trails, crafts, stories and the chance to meet some real life animal friends! This event is free to attend and there is no need to book.

Have a ghoulishly good time at Ormesby Hall

Dare you enter the historical grounds of the boo-tiful Ormesby Hall this Halloween? The National Trust property has plenty of spine-chilling activities lined-up to keep you entertained over half term.

As darkness falls on Sunday 29 October and Monday 30 October, they are opening their doors to the public to explore the spookily decorated house at night. Face painting, storytelling and mask making will also be available. The event takes place from 6pm – 8:30pm each evening with the final entry at 8pm.

Between Sunday 29 October until Tuesday 31 October, you can roll up to The Creepy Circus at Ormesby Hall featuring plenty of bone-tingling tricks performed by The Walking Theatre Company. Tickets are priced at £6 for an adult or £3 per child and can be booked here.

Throughout the half term week, the hall’s coven of witches will be on hand performing a special dance which everyone can get involved with! Dust off your dancing shoes and have a go at this wicked witch boogie which will be performed each day. Normal admission prices apply.

Pick a pumpkin at Newham Grange Farm’s patch

Nothing will get you into the spooky spirit more than picking pumpkins and this year’s Newham Grange Farm’s patch is bigger and better than ever!

Open every weekend throughout October, you can carve a fun day out by enjoying the Halloween-themed arts and crafts activities, trail and there is even spot prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.

Don’t forget to snap a selfie, as there are plenty of photo opportunities all around the farm. And before you head along, pop on your wellies and waterproofs to enjoy all the farm fun, no matter what the weather!

Normal farm admission applies. Pumpkin picking tickets are priced at £3.50 per pumpkin and are available from the welcome desk upon arrival. Pre-book your admission here.

Pick and crave your pumpkins every weekend throughout October at Newham Grange Farm.

Pick and crave your pumpkins every weekend throughout October at Newham Grange Farm.

No frights – try a food and drink delight this autumn

It’s the season to enjoy pumpkin spice and everything nice – and if you want to sample some autumn treats, Middlesbrough’s venues have brewed up some tempting offers.

Baker Street Kitchen has switched up their drinks offer, where you can indulge in gingerbread, honeycomb or pumpkin spiced flavoured coffees. Or check out their dedicated soup menu to keep you warm all day long.

You may have tasted pumpkin pie but have you ever sampled pumpkin topped pizza? Over at Panuozzos, the popular Italian eatery is serving up pumpkin & squash pizza with chicken, pancetta and pecorino cheese. For those with a sweet tooth, save some space for their new pudding – baked milk chocolate cookie dough served with fresh strawberry ice cream.

It's all about the pumpkin topped pizza at Italian eatery, Panuozzos.

It’s all about the pumpkin topped pizza at Italian eatery, Panuozzos.

Highly-rated Asian restaurant, Umi Japanese have released their updated seasonal menu where you can indulge in a trio of delicious courses for less than £22 per person. Will you be one of the first to try their onigiri platter which features a selection of fruit and cheeses.

Renowned for their high quality cocktails, The Nuthatch on Bedford Street have launched a brand new drinks menu to see in the changing season. It includes a tequila old fashioned featuring a spicy kick to warm your cockles on a cold evening and the introduction of ‘the pine warbler’ which is full of autumnal flavours.

And if spooky cocktails are your thing, The Dovecot have released their Halloween drinks menu which offers a fang-tastic twist on some classic cocktails.

Planning a night out to enjoy some frightfully good food and drink? Get inspired by visiting our dedicated guide.