What Are the Themes of the New Scarefest Attractions Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow?

Every autumn, Alton Towers Scarefest transforms the resort into the UK’s premier Halloween destination. With scare mazes, chilling scare zones, and rides in the dark, it’s a highlight for thrill-seekers and families alike. For Scarefest 2025, the spotlight falls on the Dark Forest, home to two brand-new attractions: Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow.

But what exactly are the themes behind these new experiences? Let’s dive into the chilling details of what awaits in the shadows this year.

Edge of the Forest: A Maze of Folklore Nightmares 🌲

The Story

The Edge of the Forest is a brand-new scare maze that plunges guests into an eerie woodland where ancient folklore comes to life. The maze centres on the terrifying legend of The Leshwall, a mythical creature said to stalk the edges of the Dark Forest.

 

 

Visitors step into a labyrinth of twisted trees, fog, and flickering lanterns, never knowing where the next scare will come from. It’s more than a maze — it’s a living nightmare built around fear of the unknown.

The Theme

 

• Folklore & Mythology: Drawing on European forest legends, Edge of the Forest creates a timeless story that feels both local and universal.
• Immersive Atmosphere: The design uses sound, scent, and lighting to transport guests into a haunted woodland.
• Predator vs. Prey: The Leshwall is always watching, blurring the line between hunter and hunted.

Why It Stands Out

Unlike traditional scare mazes that rely heavily on jump scares, Edge of the Forest is story-driven. The theme builds tension through its immersive environment, so every step feels like part of a horror tale.

Dark Hollow: A Scare Zone of Shadows 👤

The Story

Where the Edge of the Forest maze traps you in claustrophobic woodland, Dark Hollow opens the forest up into an expansive scare zone — and nowhere feels safe. This area is haunted by creatures who have already fallen under the Leshwall’s curse, forever trapped in the shadows of the Dark Forest.

Visitors pass through mist-filled paths as roaming actors create unpredictable scares. There’s no set route, no beginning, and no end — you simply enter, and the horror unfolds around you.

 

The Theme

• Cursed Woodland: Dark Hollow expands on the theme of a haunted forest where nature itself feels alive.
• Unpredictable Encounters: Unlike a maze, scare actors roam freely, keeping guests constantly on edge.
• Atmospheric Horror: Instead of gore, the focus is on lighting, sound, and the sense of being watched.

Why It Stands Out

Dark Hollow isn’t an upcharge — it’s included with your Scarefest ticket. That makes it one of the most accessible ways for families with teens or groups of friends to experience a taste of the Scarefest atmosphere without queueing for a maze.

How the Themes Connect 🌌

What makes Scarefest 2025 unique is how Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow work together. Both attractions share the same Dark Forest storyline, creating a consistent horror world:

• Edge of the Forest is the maze — intense, claustrophobic, and story-driven.
• Dark Hollow is the scare zone — atmospheric, unpredictable, and open.

Together, they turn the Dark Forest into the heart of Scarefest 2025, offering layers of fear that connect to one central myth.

Why Families and Thrill-Seekers Will Love It 🎃

• Thrill-seekers get a brand-new maze to test their limits.
• Families with teens can explore the scare zone for free.
• Repeat visitors will enjoy the fresh storyline that ties directly into Scarefest lore.

It’s the perfect balance of scares for all levels of bravery.

Tickets and Dates 

• Scarefest 2025 runs from 27 September – 2 November.
• Entry to Dark Hollow is included with your Alton Towers ticket.
• Entry to Edge of the Forest requires a maze add-on ticket, which must be booked online in advance.
• Merlin Annual Pass holders get discounts on maze tickets, food, and hotels.

 

Final Thoughts: Enter the Dark Forest If You Dare 🌲👻

With Edge of the Forest and Dark Hollow, Alton Towers has created a fully immersive horror experience that will dominate Scarefest 2025. The shared woodland theme, haunting atmosphere, and terrifying legend of The Leshwall make this the must-visit part of the park this Halloween.

 

Book your Scarefest tickets now, add your maze passes, and prepare to discover the dark secrets of the forest.