If you’re not quite fond of the party scene or you feel that you’re a bit too old for trick or treating, then have no fear (or lots of it…) because I’ve come up with eight alternative things for you to do this All Hallows Eve, fit for both extremes of student budget. Readers beware, you’re in for a scare…
Netflix n’ Scream
If you’re one of those fortunate ones with access to Netflix, then there are plenty of horrors and thrillers available right now for you to indulge in on Halloween. With the clocks now changed and darker nights upon us, why not spend your evening binging on the likes of the American Horror Story TV series? Optional: add a spooky skull mug from Morrisons for £2 and fill with your favourite beverage. I’ve been loving Robinson’s Toffee Apple squash this Autumn.
All Aboard the Ghost Train
Aberystwyth’s own steam train is turning into something pretty horrific this Halloween. Travel from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge on the 29th, 30th and 31st October at 6pm, then dine on a Halloween feast before embarking on a frightful trip back to Aberystwyth for 9pm, all for £22 return and food included. Book early to avoid disappointment on The Vale of Rheidol Railway website.
Pumpkin Carving
A typical thing to do on Halloween: carving a pumpkin. Morrisons offer great medium sized pumpkins for only 50p so I highly suggest heading on down there if you fancy carving your own original design into a pumpkin this Halloween. Try carving an expected creepy face or channel your inner creative and attempt something new. When you’re finished, add some fake battery powered tea lights into your carved pumpkin to avoid upsetting the porters with real ones. I grabbed a 6 pack from Matalan for £4 but I’m pretty sure Poundland probably do them also. Just remember to be careful when carving, you don’t want to add severed hands to your collection of Halloween decorations…
Make Use of That Pumpkin
Got too many pumpkins lying around? I thought so… so why not make use of that amazing source of Vitamin A (great for boosting the immune system, especially now that it’s getting colder)? I used Deliciously Ella’s recipe to make this Pumpkin Bread loaf. My housemates just can’t get enough of it, so I’ve baked two of these within 24 hours!
Bookworm Infestation
If books are more you thing than watching shows or films on Netflix, then light a few autumnal smelling candles rich with notes of cinnamon and cosy up with a good typical horror. Some of my favourite classics are Edgar Allan Poe’s short stories, such as The Pit and the Pendulum, The Tell-Tale Heart and The Black Cat. If more modern books take your fancy, then maybe get your fangs stuck into something along the lines of a Stephen King novel? I can guarantee that once you get absorbed into a good book, you’ll never come back up for air.
Terror Mountain
If you’re car enabled, travel to what is usually known as Silver Mountain, a mining experience just outside of Aberystwyth. For £14.40 a pop for students on Halloween weekend, starting Friday, traipse through three live horror attractions, including a live maze. Get lost in the Wild Woods, protect yourself from some deadly infection in Virus, or avoid the sorcery in Cursed. Open from 7pm until the penultimate hour, you’re in for a terrifically terrifying night. Book tickets from the special website in advance to guarantee yourself a thrill.
Cheap and (Not So) Cheerful
If you and your housemates are running low on funds, split a bag of giant marshmallows between yourselves, grab your duvets and build yourself a fort, and get those creative brain juices flowing by telling each other some creepy stories. You’d be surprised how spooky your imagination can get.
Happy Halloween, boys and girls!