Seven spooky sober activities to do in Bournemouth

From scary to wholesome, not every halloween night needs alcohol. Every October, Bournemouth is brimming with halloween parties and club events. But for the sober students, introverts, and anyone just sick of nights out, there are fewer choices.

We’ve found some of the best non-alcohol focused Halloween events and activities for the student that just needs some wholesome fun. Whether you want hair raising haunts or innocent arts and crafts, whatever floats your ghost – Bournemouth has got it.

Scream Aloud

It may be a train trip away, but Scream Aloud is the biggest, best, and closest scare event a Bournemouth student could hope to find. If you love the excitement of halloween, but don’t want to drink and dance the night away, you can enjoy all the thrills and chills Scream Aloud has to offer.

Scare actors, a food court, funfair, bar, DJ, and live entertainment. Instead of screaming Dancing Queen in Cameo’s vinyl room, you can scream with terror until the 29th October.

Pumpkin picking

Everyone knows carving pumpkins is one of the best autumnal activities, but if you’ve never had the pleasure of visiting those picturesque pumpkin patches yourself there’s plenty to choose from in Bournemouth.

You can go to the Sopley Farm and The Cat & Fiddle Farm pumpkin patch and pick your own or select from a range of ready picked. They even have white pumpkins, so your aesthetic clean girl instagram feed will be uninterrupted. The farms are open 9am to 5pm all October with free parking on site.

Open 10am to 5pm, the New Forest pumpkin patch is just as fun, with the added bonus options of hay bale lane bowling and a pumpkin catapult. Prices vary based on your activities

Society events

A lot of societies will let you come to their Halloween events without paying for a full membership, sometimes it’ll just be an event ticket, sometimes it’ll be free!

The Bournemouth Uni Film Society is hosting a horror themed screening with drinks in Dylan’s student bar after. Those in attendance will vote from the three options on the night, Thursday 26th at 7pm, Cobham Lecture Hall, Talbot Campus, and a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Monday, same time and place.

Visit the most haunted areas in Bournemouth

Bournemouth isn’t just heaving with students. From the chattering voices in Knowlton Church to the ghosts in Scalpen’s Court, the county has ghouls to spare. If you want to stay close to home, you can always pay a visit to Mary Shelley’s grave, then have a fry up at the Spoon’s next door.

If you’re feeling brave, these are the spookiest places in Bournemouth to visit this Halloween.

The Russell Côtes gallery

While not explicitly Halloween centric, the elegance of the Russel Cotes manor is a top tier choice for an October day out. The Art-noveau architecture and extensive historical collection make this a dark academic dream.

It’s definitely an Instagrammable choice, and an economic one – you can visit the gallery for just under £5 if you show your student card.

Axe throwing at the Boom Battle bar

Ever thrown an axe? Me neither. The Boom Battle Bar, located in the BH2 leisure complex, gives you the opportunity to learn this unique skill on your own, or with your mates. Whether you pretend you’re a slasher villain or a final girl, the best way to prepare for a horror movie scenario is to practice your aim. You could even pop to the Odeon upstairs for a cheeky horror movie, no travel required.

Critical Mass bike ride

On Sunday the 29th October, 11am, the Cycling Rebellions monthly Critical Mass bike ride will be held in Boscombe. Over 75 people joined their last ride, so this is a great way to meet like-minded people, or blend in with your friends. You can bring your bike, or rent a beryl for a few hours (with 200 minutes free with your BU email), and get cycling. A great choice for anyone looking for daytime events and a fun way to get to know the greater Bournemouth area.

Halloween dress up is encouraged and there will even be prizes for the best costumes!

But if these don’t bewitch you (or in the likely event of the weather being miserable), just trick or treat yourself with a restful night in. Cuddle up with a scary movie, do some arts and crafts, bake something black, orange, or horrendously pumpkin spiced. Just you and a boo.

Related stories recommended by this writer:

•Feeling brave? These are the spookiest places in Bournemouth to visit this Halloween

•These are the 10 best Bournemouth inspired Halloween costume ideas

•This is what you should go as for Halloween based on your Bournemouth uni course