A Nightmare at the Priory Awaits in Hitchin!
This October, Hitchin’s historic Priory Hotel transforms into a chilling Halloween destination with A Nightmare at the Priory, a new immersive event promising terrifying experiences for both thrill-seekers and families. From 21 to 31 October, the Priory Hotel’s eerie setting will become the stage for this high-energy Halloween event, complete with hauntingly crafted experiences and interactive horror elements designed by some of the UK’s top scare producers.

A Nightmare at the Priory combines a terrifying scare maze, ghastly décor, and a haunting backstory that unfolds as visitors brave each twist and turn. Legend has it that for 700 years, unfortunate souls who entered the Priory met twisted fates, their spirits forever trapped in limbo within the decaying walls. Now, guests will experience the tragic tales of these cursed spirits firsthand as they encounter ghostly characters at every corner, each representing a unique fear and tragic backstory. This haunting storyline will lead visitors deeper into the hotel’s mysterious past, making each step feel like a journey into the unknown.
With two distinct sessions, A Nightmare at the Priory caters to a range of horror fans. Families and younger visitors can experience the “Spooky Session” from 4 pm to 6 pm, where the fright factor is dialed down to keep it age-appropriate, while still offering enough chills to keep everyone on edge. But for those seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience, the “After Dark” session from 7 pm to 10 pm ramps up the scares. In these later hours, the terror levels rise, with scarier characters and intensified effects that bring the haunted maze to life in terrifying ways.
Beyond the scare maze, visitors can explore the spooky courtyard, which comes alive with eerie activities. The courtyard offers additional Halloween-themed attractions, including pumpkin carving, and chilling photo ops. For a full Halloween experience, visitors can also indulge in themed food and drinks, with a menu designed to match the nightmarish ambiance of the event.

This event is a central part of Hitchin’s Halloween Pop-Up 12 Days of Autumnal Fun, adding a unique flavour to the local festivities. With a focus on creativity and genuine scares, A Nightmare at the Priory is set to be a highlight of the Halloween season, drawing horror fans from around Hertfordshire and beyond. Limited tickets for the “After Dark” sessions are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended for those brave enough to explore the haunted grounds.
A Nightmare at the Priory runs from 21 to 31 October at the Priory Hotel in Hitchin. Tickets are available online at nightmareatthepriory.com and include entry to the scare maze and the Halloween pop-up courtyard, with additional charges for individual activities. Follow A Nightmare at the Priory on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @nightmareatthepriory for updates and sneak peeks.


