Discover the true gruesome history of Rochford this October half-term.
The Rochford Historic Halloween Trail returns from Monday 26 October to Sunday 1 November 2026, following last year’s successful event, which attracted more than 750 participants.
This free, self-guided family trail will lead you around Rochford town centre, visiting participating local businesses and community locations along the way.
At each stop, you’ll discover a story from Rochford’s past, solve a riddle and search for a hidden letter. Collect all the letters to uncover the mystery phrase and complete the trail.
Visit our dedicated Halloween Trail website for the latest information, participating locations, downloadable trail materials and closing-day updates:
www.thedesigncabin.community/halloween
How to take part
Collect the official trail map and answer sheet from Rochford Library, or download a copy from our Halloween Trail website
Visit the participating locations around Rochford
Read the historical stories and solve the riddles
Find the hidden letters
Collect all the letters to uncover the mystery phrase
The trail can be completed at your own pace throughout the October half-term holidays. Posters will be displayed in the windows of participating locations, allowing families to continue the trail even when individual businesses are closed.
Please check each business's opening hours if you would like to visit them in person.
Closing day – Sunday 1 November
Join us on Sunday 1 November for the official closing day of the Rochford Historic Halloween Trail, featuring additional activities and special opportunities to explore Rochford’s history.
Guided tours of Rochford’s Old House
Rochford Town Team will be offering guided tours of Rochford’s Old House, giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about this important historic building.
Tour times, availability and booking information will be published on the Halloween Trail website.
Rochford Town Rooms
Rochford Town Council will open the Rochford Town Rooms, where visitors can view the Rochford tapestry and a special pop-up museum display celebrating the town’s history.
Rochford WI Hall
Further family activities will also take place at Rochford WI Hall, helping to bring the week-long trail to a close.
Full details of the activities and timings will be announced shortly.
Please note: Rochford Town Rooms and Rochford WI Hall are official stops on the trail, but they will only be open and accessible on Sunday 1 November. Families completing the trail earlier in the week should return on the closing day to visit these two special stops.
Shop Local Prize Draw
We are also planning a special shop-local prize draw with one £20 prize, funded by The Design Cabin Community C.I.C.
To enter, purchase an item or service from a participating business during the trail and submit a copy of your receipt. The winner will receive £20 to spend with the business named on their winning receipt.
Full entry details and terms will be published on the Halloween Trail website before the event begins. Please retain your receipt.
Event information
Trail dates: Monday 26 October–Sunday 1 November 2026
Closing day: Sunday 1 November 2026
Location: Rochford town centre
Price: Free
Registration: Free household registration is encouraged. You can still take part without registering.
Some guided tours or closing-day activities may require advance booking. Details will be announced once the programme has been confirmed.
Children must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult while completing the trail and attending closing-day activities.
Find out more
Maps, participating locations, closing-day details and the latest event updates will be available at:
www.thedesigncabin.community/halloween
Would your business or organisation like to become a trail stop or support this year’s event? Please contact events@tdc.community