7 September 2026
Halloween 2026 is upon us, and we’re preparing to cover as many UK scare events as possible throughout September and October.
Over the years, we’ve meticulously developed our exclusive rating system by selecting and expanding on key categories that define a great scare attraction and event. For 2026 we’re continuing our more in-depth approach with improvements following on from our findings and feedback; there will be 10 distinct categories for both attractions and events. Each category will be independently scored out of 5 by both members of Thrill Nation, before being brought together to give a total score.
Our scoring scale is simple:
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0 – Non-existent
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1 – Poor
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2 – Improvements needed
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3 – As expected
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4 – Good
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5 – Amazing
With a potential score of 100 for each attraction or event, the total will then be translated into a 1 to 5-star Thrill Nation rating. Every event and attraction we visit will be rated against these categories. We are committed to applying the same logic and mindset to every experience, whether it’s a complimentary or a paid-for visit. We understand that some experiences may not fit neatly into these categories (for example, a one-off maze without an event setup), so we may make a few exceptions by not providing a star rating if we feel it’s not appropriate.
2026 Scare Attraction Categories
Theming
Creating an immersive environment through the quality and detail of the theming. We’ll be looking for both big set pieces and small Easter eggs that enhance the experience.
Storytelling
A unique and coherent story that flows throughout the attraction is crucial for drawing you into the experience and maximizing its effectiveness.
Screams
Halloween is all about being scared, after all. This category focuses on the big scare moments, from jump scares and unnerving gore to chilling tension.
Enjoyment
Laughs and light-hearted moments are a welcome feature of scare attractions, providing enjoyment between scares and a false sense of security for what’s to come.
Actor Performance
No Halloween experience is complete without the team of actors behind it. We’ll be evaluating the quality of acting and the energy they bring to guide and scare you along the way.
Actor Utilisation
The volume and strategic placement of actors is vital to ensuring maximum impact. A large gap without actors is always noticeable.
SFX – UPDATED FOR 2026*
Special effects, especially those triggered at key scenes, truly enhance the experience and add a “wow factor.” This can include lighting animatronics, fog, pyrotechnics, moving floors, and more.
Audio – UPDATED FOR 2026*
The use of audio makes a huge difference in an attraction. We’ll be listening out for subtle backing tracks that seemlessly blend into the experience, to sequences that build tension and key impact moments.
Concept
We’re always looking for something new. This category evaluates elements that make an attraction stand out or offer a different overall experience.
Costume & Makeup – NEW FOR 2026*
The use of, variety and quality of costume & makeup can greatly enhance an actors impact within the theme of an attraction. We’ll be looking out for how this is incorporated throughout.
2026 Scare Event Categories
Variety & Quality – UPDATED FOR 2026*
We evaluate the variety and quality of the attractions on offer to ensure a well-rounded event that caters to different types of guests, with various themes, scare levels, and more.
Roaming Characters
Street theatre is a common feature at events, providing an interactive encounter with scare actors who roam the venue, from queue lines to bars and beyond.
Entertainment
Halloween events are also about being entertained when you’re not in an attraction. We’ll look at the atmosphere created by live bands, DJs, stage performers, fire shows, and more.
Side Shows
People often want extra opportunities for more thrills and fun. We’ll look at what else is on offer, from funfairs and shock chairs to game stalls and guest-triggered scares.
Uniqueness
With more Halloween events appearing all the time, this category focuses on what unique features the event has, whether it’s the venue itself, the types of attractions, or any other element that sets it apart
Operations
Events should operate in a way that is enjoyable for all guests. We’ll take into account entry procedures, staff engagement, and overall busyness, including attraction queue times.
Food, Drink & Retail
Guests will want to take a break for food and drink, as well as take a memento home. We will consider the variety of options, quality, prices, and queues.
Facilities
This category covers the core facilities needed at an event, which are certainly noticeable when insufficient. This includes parking, toilets, covered spaces, and navigation around the event.
Event Info – NEW FOR 2026*
With seasonal events being operated for limited dates & hours, along with various tickets types and sometimes isolated locations, it’s more important than ever for accurate information to be readily available for the guest. We’ll consider information such as what tickets include, what to expect and how to get to the event.
Value For Money
Everyone looks for an event that is both affordable and offers a worthwhile experience. We’re grateful to receive complimentary entry to some events, but we rate every experience with the same mindset, focusing on the quality of the experience versus the ticket price.
WOOs & BOOs: Our CHILLING FINDINGS
Using the scores for the highest and lowest-rated categories, we’ll be highlighting two “WOOs” and one “BOO” for each scare attraction and event in our reviews. This allows us to discuss in more detail the biggest strengths, as well as to outline an area that requires the most improvement.
Why do we do all of this? As huge advocates for the immersive scare industry, we want to see it thrive by giving operators meaningful data which is comparable across the board. We also want to provide customers with useful information on which events and attractions will suit them best. Following the conclusion of the Halloween season, we will reflect on our comprehensive list of ratings and shortlist nominees for our yet-to-be-announced Halloween Awards. This is a great way to celebrate all the hard work that goes into these incredible attractions and events.
THRILL SEAL OF APPROVAL – NEW FOR 2026
We wanted to find more ways to highlight attractions and events that have their own strengths, even if they don’t necessarily come out on top overall. Our woos & boos cover these in more detail, but we thought what if an event or attraction hits top scores in certain areas it should be recognised. So this Halloween season we are introducing our Thrill Seal of Approval; this will be immediately awarded to an event or scare attraction that has a top score of 10/10 on 3 or more categories. This will be on top of its usual star rating, and of course our Halloween awards that come at a later date.
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