Waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, is delighted to announce the return of its popular ‘Scarecastle’ event, a spooky Halloween canal adventure through Harecastle Tunnel in Staffordshire.
This year’s Scarecastle event will take place from 25 to 31 October 2026 at Harecastle Tunnel on the Trent & Mersey Canal. As visitors travel through the historic tunnel, they can enjoy a range of Halloween-themed surprises and spooky scenes, making for a memorable October half-term experience for all ages.
Harecastle Tunnel stretches almost two miles underground and is one of the longest tunnels on the canal network. Opened in 1777, it played a vital role in connecting the Midlands canal network to the Potteries and beyond. Its atmospheric setting provides the perfect backdrop for this unique Halloween experience.
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Guests will board one of the Trust’s trip boats for a spooky voyage through the tunnel, where they can expect plenty of Halloween-themed frights, fun and surprises along the way. Whether visiting with family or friends, Scarecastle promises an unforgettable October half-term adventure.
Entry to the Scarecastle event is priced at £5 per person, with all proceeds helping the Canal & River Trust continue its charitable work caring for the nation’s historic canals and waterways.
Simon Martin, area operations manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “Scarecastle has become a real Halloween favourite and we’re excited to welcome visitors back to Harecastle Tunnel for another week of spooky fun. The tunnel’s unique atmosphere creates the perfect setting for a Halloween adventure, with plenty of surprises waiting underground.
“As we look ahead to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Trent & Mersey Canal next year, this event is a wonderful opportunity for people to experience one of the canal’s most famous historic structures in a completely different way. Last year’s event proved hugely popular, so we’d encourage people to book early to avoid disappointment.”
The Halloween Scarecastle boat trips will operate from Sunday 25 October to Saturday 31 October 2026. Visitors are required to book in advance and arrive in good time for their scheduled departure. A minibus transfer will be available prior to or following your tunnel trip, so you start and finish at the southern tunnel portal in Tunstall.
Tickets will go on sale from 6pm on Wednesday 7 October. To book your ticket visit the Harecastle Tunnel Facebook page: www.facebook.com/harecastletunnels/
For more information about Canal & River Trust, including how to donate or volunteer to support its work, visit the Canal & River Trust website: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
