On My Mind

If you’re a thrill-seeker looking for a Halloween event packed with scares, Tulleys Shocktober Fest is a must-visit. I recently had the chance to experience it for the first time, courtesy of my partner, who bought the tickets as a birthday present. Having heard so many positive reviews about the event in previous years, my expectations were high — and while the night was not without a few challenges, it was still a fantastic experience.

The Atmosphere: Spooky and Immersive

Upon arriving, the atmosphere was electric — the decorations, lighting, and music were all top-tier. The theming was on point, really setting the scene for an eerie evening. From the moment we arrived, you could feel the excitement in the air, but unfortunately, the event was so busy that traffic and queues dampened our start a bit. We had a slow drive to get there and arrived later than expected, which meant we were on a bit of a time crunch.

One minor gripe was the queue lines themselves. While the theming was excellent, I felt they could’ve been a little more engaging, perhaps with some extra distractions or themed activities to pass the time. But, once inside, the scares more than made up for it.

The Attractions: A Mixed Bag, But Worth the Wait

We only managed to get through three of the haunted mazes due to how incredibly busy it was — but what we did experience was mostly excellent.

• The Cellar: This was hands down our favourite of the night. The scares never let up, and the maze felt endless. The theming was superb, and the entire experience was genuinely terrifying.
• The Coven of 13: This maze was a bit of a letdown for me. While the walk-through was long, the scares were few and far between. The lighting effects were impressive, but I could see the actors too clearly, and they looked like they were dancing more than scaring. Still, it had some great atmosphere.
• Hell-ements: A truly unique experience. This maze forces you to wear a bag over your head, limiting your vision, which really amps up the fear factor. That being said, the tension of not knowing what was around me was scarier than the maze itself. I found the actors didn’t really add to the experience, as I was more focused on following the rope trail and being able to see again.

It was a shame that we didn’t get to try Purgatory or the Haunted Hay Ride, both of which I was really looking forward to. The queues were just too long, and with it being so late in the night and wanting to avoid the apparently horrendous car park queues to leave, we decided to cut our losses and head home — but we’ve already booked our tickets for 2025 with six fast-track passes to make sure we can experience everything next time.

Food and Drink: A Bite to Eat Between the Scares

We had a quick snack from Bentley’s and opted for the cheesy fries. They were delicious — I added bacon to mine, and it was extra tasty. A bit of BBQ sauce or extra cheese sauce would’ve been a great addition, though, to really elevate the experience.

Value for Money?

Given the time constraints we faced and the massive crowds, I can’t say we got the best value for money this year. We only managed to do three attractions, and while those were fantastic, it was a bit disappointing to miss out on others. That said, we’re confident that our next visit will be much better, thanks to the fast-track tickets we’ve purchased.

Is It Worth It?

Tulleys Farm Shocktober Fest is definitely geared toward thrill-seekers, not families. The event attracts a lot of younger adults, and the scares are intense. If you’re looking for a family-friendly Halloween experience, this might not be for you. But if you’re ready for a truly terrifying night with a mix of intense scares and creepy fun, it’s hard to beat.

Final Thoughts and Tips for Next Year

Overall, I’m really glad I attended — the event lived up to the hype in many ways, and I can’t wait to return next year. Here are a few tips for anyone planning to visit:

• Arrive early if you want to avoid the longest queues and experience more attractions (and go earlier in the run if you can – we went literally the day before Halloween which was our mistake!)
• Dress warmly as much of the waiting is outdoors, but wear layers in case it gets warm inside.
• Wear comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy – you’re going to be on your feet all night and if it’s rainy, you WILL get muddy.
• If you can, get fast-track tickets to avoid long waits and make the most of your time there (we tried to get some on the day and they had all sold out, so again, book early!)

I’ll be back in 2025, and I’m already counting down the days!

Event Details: Tulleys Shocktober Fest runs for 25 nights on selected dates from October 3rd, 2025 with tickets starting at £39.95. Located at Tulleys Farm, Turners Hill Road, Crawley, RH104PE, the world-famous scream park promises a night of unforgettable horror.

Tickets available here from November 29th 2024