About

Halloween at the American Museum & Gardens

This Halloween, the American Museum & Gardens will transform its historic estate into an atmospheric world of lights, frights and Halloween surprises for a brand-new after-dark experience in Bath.

Taking place from 16 October to 1 November 2026, Halloween at the American Museum & Gardens invites visitors to explore the museum's autumnal gardens after nightfall, when familiar pathways will take on an eerie new appearance. Imaginative lighting, projections, spooky scenes, sound effects and playful surprises will transform selected areas of the gardens, while strange characters and unexpected discoveries await along the route.

For the first time, visitors will be able to experience the gardens in this way after dark, with the historic Claverton Manor providing a dramatic backdrop to the Halloween experience.

There will also be an opportunity to venture inside the Manor House by candlelight. Special tours will take visitors through selected historic rooms and collections after hours, offering a rare chance to see the house in a completely different atmosphere. Candlelit Manor House tours are included in the event ticket but have limited capacity and are offered on a first come, first served basis.

Designed especially for the American Museum & Gardens, Enchanted Nights of Lights and Frights is a new Halloween event for 2026. Rather than a traditional scare attraction or actor-led trail, the self-guided experience focuses on atmosphere, visual spectacle and the unique setting of this heritage attraction overlooking Bath. Visitors will not be chased or singled out by performers, although spooky scenes, characters, sounds and surprises feature along the way.

Most visitors are expected to spend around 60 minutes completing the experience, with additional time available to enjoy seasonal food and drink from the American Garden Deli. Halloween costumes are also encouraged.

Is Halloween at the American Museum & Gardens suitable for children?

The Halloween experience has been designed to be eerie, playful and atmospheric rather than terrifying, making it suitable for families looking for Halloween events in and around Bath. However, the route includes darkness, spooky characters and displays, theatrical sound and lighting effects, so parents and carers should consider whether these elements are suitable for their children.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Accessibility

The Halloween experience takes place across indoor and outdoor areas of the historic estate. The route is step-free, although garden paths include slopes and uneven surfaces and may become more challenging during wet weather.

Wheelchairs, mobility scooters and pushchairs are welcome. Limited Blue Badge parking is available close to the entrance on a first come, first served basis.

Visitors should be aware that the experience uses theatrical lighting, projections, lasers, haze and sound effects, with some areas deliberately dark or dimly lit. Those with photosensitivity or sensory sensitivities are advised to take this into consideration when planning their visit.

Getting to the American Museum & Gardens

The event takes place at American Museum & Gardens, Claverton Manor, Claverton, Bath, BA2 7BD, around ten minutes from Bath city centre.

Free parking is available, with additional parking further along Claverton Hill if the main car park reaches capacity. Visitors are asked to arrive around 10 minutes before their allocated entry time.

Tickets and booking

Advance booking is strongly recommended as entry is divided into timed slots with limited capacity, and popular dates and early evening sessions are expected to sell out. Everyone attending requires a ticket, including children; children under two can attend free of charge but still require a ticket.

The Halloween ticket is valid specifically for the evening experience and does not include daytime admission to the American Museum & Gardens. Standard daytime admission and annual membership also do not include the Halloween event.

FAQs

When is Halloween at the American Museum & Gardens?
The event runs from 16 October to 1 November 2026, with timed entry between 5.30pm and 8.30pm.

How long does the Halloween experience take?
Most visitors are expected to spend approximately 60 minutes exploring the experience, although guests can follow the route at their own pace.

Are there jump scares or actors?
This is not an actor-led scare attraction, and visitors will not be chased or singled out. There will, however, be spooky scenes, characters, sounds and surprises along the route.

Can visitors dress up for Halloween?
Yes. Halloween costumes are encouraged, although suitable outdoor footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Is parking available?
Yes. Free parking is available at the American Museum & Gardens, with additional parking available further up Claverton Hill when required.

Can visitors go inside the Manor House?
Event tickets include the opportunity to join a special candlelit tour of selected rooms. Places are limited, offered on a first come, first served basis and cannot be reserved in advance.

Is food available?
Yes. Seasonal food and drink will be available to purchase from the American Garden Deli during the evening. The event and Deli are card-only.