SCARE FAQs

Prepare for even more terrifying thrills this year with reimagined favourites plus two brand-new scare attractions and an entirely new route! First, brace yourself for the Bad Barnyard, where grotesque pigs and unsettling smells create a truly nightmarish experience. Watch your step – you never know what horrors are lurking in this twisted farm!

Then, test your survival skills in The Z Factor. A terrifying outbreak has brought the undead back to life, and they're hungry! Navigate through hordes of groaning, staggering zombies and try to escape before you become one of them. These new additions promise to make this year's Descend into Darkness the scariest yet!

This event is designed to be extremely scary, featuring live actors, simulated blood and gore, complete darkness, and deliberate jump scares. You must assess your own risk before attending, as well as the suitability of any children over the age of 12 in your group. This experience is not for the faint of heart.

  • Under 12s are not permitted.
  • Ages 12–16 must be accompanied by an adult that has assessed the experience to be suitable.

Children under 12 will not be admitted under any circumstances. If your child is aged 12 or over but you are unsure how they will cope, please use your discretion and read through all the warnings before booking. This is an intense experience designed to scare, and may not be appropriate for every child—even if they’re over the recommended minimum age.

We do not recommend pregnant women attend due to the intense nature of the event.

No, dogs are not allowed at the event.

Yes however there is a limited number of open dated tickets available for the event which offer more flexibility. 

We recommend guests with disabilities use discretion when deciding to attend. The trail is designed to be frightening, with loud sounds, darkness, flashing lights, and sudden scares that may be distressing. Guests should carefully consider whether the experience is suitable for members of their group, particularly those with sensory sensitivities or additional needs. Due to uneven terrain and narrow walkways, this event is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. It is also not suitable for visitors with epilepsy.

Yes, we offer one free carer ticket per paying disabled guest who is able to walk the route. Proof of eligibility is required. Please carefully consider whether the experience is appropriate for your needs or those of your guest, especially if anyone in your group has sensory sensitivities or additional needs. Due to uneven terrain and narrow walkways, this event is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. It is also not suitable for visitors with epilepsy.

Yes, as long as you book the same time slot and the total in your group is 8 people or under.

Groups will typically consist of 6-8 people. If your party is smaller, you may be grouped with others.

The event runs on 17th, 18th, 24th October - 29th October, 31st October & 1st November 2025

 

Please arrive onsite at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time to allow for parking and check-in. Food is available before and after your experience (except for the 9:00 pm slot—please purchase food before this time).

The experience lasts approximately one hour from the time of entry.

Dress warmly and wear comfortable clothing suitable for all weathers, as this experience has a mix of indoor and outdoor elements. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential. Please do not wear crocs, sliders, sandals, or high heels. Costumes are welcome, but masks and face paint are not permitted. Please do not impersonate actors for safety reasons.

The event will go ahead in rainy weather, so please dress appropriately for all conditions—as the experience includes both indoor and outdoor elements. In cases of extreme weather that make it unsafe to proceed, we will contact you to reschedule.

No, running is not allowed unless instructed by a team member.

Yes. The experience includes flashing lights, strobe effects, and smoke. If you have medical conditions triggered by these, please reconsider attending.

  • Actors may come very close as part of the experience
  • You must not touch the actors.

  • Refreshments available in the courtyard 6:00–9:00pm.
  • Food/drink is not allowed inside the scare attraction, only in the courtyard area.

  • Alcohol is sold on site (ID required).
  • No alcohol to be brought in.
  • Intoxicated guests may be removed without refund.

The event closes at 10 pm.

Watermouth Castle, A399, Ilfracombe EX34 9SL

We understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule, please get in touch via our contact centre. A £10 rescheduling fee applies per booking.

Every effort will be made to accommodate late arrivals, but this depends on capacity and cannot be guaranteed. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to avoid missing your slot.

Absolutely. Our contact centre is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday 9-4.30pm Saturday & Sunday. Feel free to call if you have any questions before booking.

  • The event includes steep stairs, without alternative routes, cobbled surfaces, and narrow walkways in low lighting.
  • There is a slide element, but an alternative stair route is available.
  • Loud noises and special effects (strobe, smoke, etc.) are used throughout the experience.
  • Please assess your suitability based on the information provided above.

  • Our on-site team conducts spot checks.
  • We enforce a Zero Tolerance policy for aggression, harassment, or disruptive behaviour.

  • No photography, filming, or torches/flashlights during the experience.

  • Your safety is our top priority. The event runs in all weathers; there may be rare occasions when extreme/specific weather makes it unsafe to proceed. In such cases, we may need to delay, adjust, or postpone your experience to ensure everyone's safety and to comply with Health & Safety legislation.

Other questions?