Scarefest: Exploring Alton Towers’ Dark Forest with Edge of the Forest & Dark Hollow

Halloween is always a magical time at Alton Towers Resort, but Scarefest is shaping up to be the most chilling year yet. This autumn, the park has unveiled two brand-new Dark Forest experiences: Edge of the Forest, an immersive scare maze, and Dark Hollow, a terrifying new scare zone. Together, they transform the Dark Forest into the beating heart of fear at Scarefest.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know about the new attractions, ticket tips, and how to make the most of your spooky day out.

Edge of the Forest: Face the Leshwall

The headline addition for Scarefest is Edge of the Forest, a brand-new scare maze that introduces guests to the mythical creature known as The Leshwall.

Inside the maze, you’ll step into an eerie woodland brought to life with unsettling soundscapes, disorienting paths, and live actors lurking in the shadows. Designed to blur the line between reality and legend, Edge of the Forest promises one of Alton Towers’ most intense experiences yet.

💡 Tip: This maze is a paid upcharge experience. If you’re booking Alton Towers tickets for Scarefest, secure your maze passes early – they often sell out fast.

Dark Hollow: A New Scare Zone

Located deep within the Dark Forest, Dark Hollow is a scare zone free to all guests. Fog, haunting music, and roaming actors bring the area alive with eerie energy. Unlike mazes, scare zones are open walk-through areas – meaning you’ll encounter jump scares even when you least expect them.

This zone is perfect for groups who want the Scarefest atmosphere without queueing for a maze. Families with older kids will especially enjoy the immersive but accessible level of fear.

What Else to Expect at Scarefest

While the Dark Forest is the star this year, Scarefest also includes:

• Returning favourites like Altonville Mine Tours and The Curse at Alton Manor.
• Family-friendly fun with CBeebies Land Monster Ball and Trick or Treat adventures.
• Late-night rides on coasters like Nemesis Reborn and The Smiler – scarier than ever in the dark.

Scarefest in September to November giving you plenty of time to plan your visit

Ticket Tips & Tricks

🎟️ Book online early: Scarefest dates sell out quickly – secure your Alton Towers tickets in advance.

🎟️ Bundle in mazes: If you want to experience Edge of the Forest, add maze tickets at checkout.

🎟️ Consider a Merlin Annual Pass: Passholders get discounts on maze tickets, food, and hotel stays – making Scarefest more affordable for repeat visitors.

Why Dark Forest Is the Place to Be 

By combining a brand-new maze with a brand-new scare zone, Alton Towers has elevated the Dark Forest into a must-visit area of Scarefest. Whether you’re ready to brave Edge of the Forest or soak up the sinister atmosphere of Dark Hollow, this year’s Halloween event delivers spine-tingling thrills like never before.

Final Thoughts: Enter If You Dare

Scarefest is set to be unforgettable, and the Dark Forest is its darkest secret. With terrifying new experiences, returning classics, and family-friendly frights, there’s no better time to grab your Alton Towers tickets and prepare for a night you’ll never forget.

👉 Don’t wait – book your Scarefest tickets now and get ready to face the shadows of the Dark Forest.