Can You Handle the Dark? A Walkthrough of Dark Hollow at Alton Towers Scarefest

Every autumn, Alton Towers Scarefest brings new scares, new mazes, and new reasons to scream. But, all eyes are on the Dark Forest, home to the brand-new Dark Hollow scare zone. This chilling experience takes everything guests love about Scarefest and pushes it further into the shadows. The question is: can you handle the dark?

Here’s a spoiler-free walkthrough of what to expect when you step inside Dark Hollow this Halloween – and why it’s one of the most exciting additions to the Alton Towers Scarefest line-up.

What Is Dark Hollow?

Unlike a traditional scare maze, Dark Hollow is a scare zone. That means it’s an open area of the park you walk through at your own pace, with no set start or finish time. It’s free with your Alton Towers Scarefest ticket, and you can revisit it as often as you like throughout the evening.

The Dark Forest has always had an eerie atmosphere, but this year it’s been completely transformed into a haunted woodland alive with fog, flickering lights, and terrifying creatures lurking where you least expect them.

Entering the Dark Forest

As you step into Dark Hollow, the atmosphere changes immediately. Lanterns flicker in the mist, shadows dart between the trees, and unsettling sounds fill the air. Unlike a maze, there’s no obvious path — the scare actors roam freely, which means every trip through the zone feels different.

What to Expect Inside 

• Roaming scare actors: Dressed in sinister woodland costumes, they’ll interact with you in unpredictable ways.
• Chilling effects: Expect smoke, lighting tricks, and sounds that make you question what’s real.
• Atmosphere over gore: Dark Hollow relies on psychological scares and immersive theming rather than jump scares alone.
• Family note: While Dark Hollow is open to all, younger children may find it too intense after dark.

Why Dark Hollow Is Different

Previous Scarefest zones like Freak Show and Dark Apocalypse were themed around carnival and post-apocalyptic nightmares. Dark Hollow is unique because it connects directly with the Edge of the Forest maze and the legend of the Leshwall, making the Dark Forest feel like a living, breathing horror story.

For thrill-seekers, it’s a perfect warm-up before heading into a scare maze. For families with teens, it’s a way to experience Scarefest atmosphere without queueing for an upcharge maze.

When to Visit 

The later you enter Dark Hollow, the scarier it gets. At dusk, the lighting begins to work its magic, but by full nightfall, the shadows are so thick that every corner feels alive. For maximum impact, save your visit until after dark – but be ready for your heart to race.

Tickets & Tips 

• Included with Alton Towers Scarefest tickets – no extra cost for entry.
• Visit multiple times – each walkthrough feels different.
• Bundle with Edge of the Forest maze – for the full Dark Forest experience.
• Merlin Annual Passholders – enjoy discounted maze tickets and perks like hotel savings, making Scarefest even better value.

Final Thoughts: Do You Dare Enter?

Dark Hollow isn’t just another scare zone – it’s a fully immersive chapter in the Dark Forest legend. With roaming actors, terrifying atmosphere, and a storyline that ties into the brand-new maze, it’s a must-see addition to Scarefest.

Book your Alton Towers Scarefest tickets today and prepare to find out: can you really handle the dark?