Practically magical new Halloween event coming to Leeds attraction

Known for its award-winning Halloween events, the premise for Lotherton’s latest is simple – Ten witches. One broken spell. Mend it before winter.

Every autumn the witches of Lotherton cast one charm together to gather the last of the summer's warmth and store it to help the estate get through the winter safely.

But this year the charm has come undone and its ten words have scattered across the estate, one to each witch, and now it needs to be mended.

Families can collect a spellbook at the gate and set off to find the ten willow arches belonging to each of the witches of Lotherton, searching through the woods, gardens, Wildlife World and around Lotherton Hall.

Each willow arch holds a single missing clue and once all ten clues are gathered the charm can be mended back at the Great Cauldron in ‘Cinderwick Village’.

Every single arch to be discovered is a work of art in itself, with lights, foliage-laden brooms, magical trinkets and clues as to which witch it belongs to.

Set amongst the golden-hued trees of the Lotherton estate, Spellbound will be an autumnal exploration where visitors will come across all things enchanting, from the willows and hanging herbs of Old Mother Wren to the misty magic of weather-reading witch siblings The Silvermoor Twins.

Nature, folklore and a bit of detective work are stirred together into a seasonal day out that introduces younger visitors to the fun of Halloween at a gentler pace.

Spellbound is the latest collaboration between Breeze Leeds and Lotherton, following on from several successful events including The Christmas Experience and Dragon Quest.

Lotherton was voted Best Halloween Experience for Families in the 2025 Yorkshire Tots to Teens Awards and is this year host to three Halloween activities.

As well as Spellbound, popular evening scare event Once Upon a Nightmare is returning for the third time, and the estate will also be welcoming visitors to its annual pumpkin patch.

Councillor James Gibson, Leeds City Council’s executive member for environment, said: “This year, Halloween at Lotherton promises to be better than ever, with magical events for the whole family.

“Once Upon a Nightmare is perfect for thrill seekers aged nine and above who are fans of fairytales with a scary twist, whereas Spellbound will be an enchanting trail for those interested in helping our witches mend a spell at a gentler pace.”

Spellbound takes place from 24 October to 1 November 2026 and is included in general Lotherton admission. For more information on Lotherton’s Halloween events visit Halloween at Lotherton | Leeds Museums and Galleries.

ENDS