Fright Nights 2025 secures Thorpe Park’s reputation as Europe’s best theme park halloween event. From Survival Games to Creature Campus, we explore this year’s mazes, scare zones and spectacular shows in what might just be the event’s best year to date.

Survival Games

Survival Games was our first maze of the season, and right from the moment we entered, it was clear that Fright Nights had levelled up. After three years as a free-flow experience with minimal changes, 2025 has seen a complete transformation – it’s now one-route and takes you through every room in the maze. These changes have really paid off – the pacing, atmosphere and intensity have never been so strong. The cast inside have been absolutely fantastic, keeping up that relentless energy and perfectly timed scares in all of our run-throughs. Easily our favourite version of Survival Games since it launched in 2022.

Stitches

Stitches has always held a special place in my heart. It’s been my personal favourite maze ever since it was first introduced in Fright Nights 2023. The theming and story still hold up beautifully, but in its third year, it’s starting to show its age in the sense that it’s becoming a little too familiar for regular visitors such as myself. With that being said, the atmosphere inside remains top tier, and there are still moments that catch you completely off guard. The puppet and monkey, as well as the mannequins in the finale still terrify me, no matter how many times I go through it – I genuinely hate them with a burning passion, especially that evil, EVIL puppet! But, that’s exactly what I’m there for. It’s still a strong maze despite the minimal changes, and still delivers great scares, but it might be time for Stitches to take its final bow to make room for something new. Alternatively, a redesign, similar to what we’ve seen at Survival Games this year, would be very welcome.

Trailers

WOW. Trailers really took me by surprise this year. After multiple seasons, you’d expect to know what’s coming – but no, not this time. Two brand-new rooms have joined the line-up: The Hollow Veil replaces Knock Knock, while X24: Pain Is In Progress takes over Breakout at Brainsbury’s. Small but clever layout changes keep the maze feeling fresh, and the cast were on absolute top form during every visit we made across the VIP launch event and opening weekend. It’s clear that every actor in there knows their space perfectly, giving the experience an interactive & scary feel. Now in its fifth year, we’re really interested to see whether or not it returns in 2026.

Deadbeat

Deadbeat remains the scariest maze at Fright Nights – and that in itself really says something. It’s claustrophobic and chaotic from the moment you enter. It’s so so dark in there, meaning the Viscerals, still dressed in dark colours, appear out of literally nowhere – one second you’re alone, and the next you’re face to face with something you really wish wasn’t there… or in my case at least! This provides really good scares. I made the mistake of forgetting to take my sunglasses off for my run which obviously meant everything was even DARKER. Recommend for those that want an extra thrill! 😆 The updates to the maze this year are spot on. The inclusion of the DJ Canistro mask ties in with the preshow, which has been tweaked for this year. And yes – the first room still smells absolutely vile. Deadbeat is everything a scare maze should be!

The Crows of Mawkin’ Meadow

Mawkin’ Meadow has had some big changes this year. Previously a multi-route experience, 2025’s version is now one route, a simple but effective improvement. The new layout allows for better control of scares, and there are even more practical hiding spots for actors, creating stronger jump moments throughout. A new centrepiece, The Pire, adds to the storyline – a witch-like figure stands masked in the flames, hinting at a sacrificial ritual(?). The zone also features amazing smoke and lighting effects as per usual. It’s also really nice to see additional safety measures like CCTV and an E-stop in place this year. While they don’t affect guest experience, it’s great to see Thorpe Park taking the safety & security of their staff seriously.

Purgatory Town

Brand new for 2025, Purgatory Town brings something fresh to Fright Nights – a more interactive, story-driven speak-to-scare zone located in Big Easy Boulevard. Guests can speak directly with the undead residents and uncover how each character met their fate. It’s way less intense than other attractions, but it adds a new, family-friendly layer to the event with strong character acting and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s really cool to be able to interact with characters & we’re looking forward to spending more time exploring the details of this one over the next few weeks!

Lucifer’s Lair

Once again, Lucifer’s Lair delivers an outstanding show, and remains my favourite scare zone in the park. The energy here is unmatched. The confession segments, where guests are given the opportunity to ‘confess their sins’ to Lucifer and his minions, continue to be a hit. The zone and shows in Lucifer’s Lair are always the most popular attractions at Fright Nights. The new opening ceremony, larger fire effects, upgraded lighting, and an extended soundtrack (now featuring more tracks than ever before within a 10-minute window) all combine to create something truly amazing. Of course, none of this would matter without the incredible dancers and actors – and luckily for us, this year’s team are nothing short of amazing. The choreography, timing and stage presence are phenomenal. It really is a must-see!

Creature Campus: Shock to The System

Where do I even begin? Creature Campus completely blew us away this year – to say it raised the bar would be a massive understatement, it is quite simply the best show we have ever seen at Fright Nights, or Thorpe Park as a whole. At first, we thought the elevated stage was a risky change, but it’s turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Not only has it improved visibility for guests, but it’s given the park the opportunity to pack it with different special effects. Lighting strips wrap the stage edges, and smoke makes it way all around the area. The Campus facade is also covered in lights. There was a risk that it could look tacky by covering the area in light strips, but it’s been designed perfectly – it looks so good. Really important to mention that the choreography matches with the new soundtrack so perfectly, huge props on that one. This year’s story sees Medusa and her snakes go head-to-head with her latest creations, The Franks. It’s a fast-paced and a really high energy show. The dancers deserve huge praise too – their continuous precision, energy, and stage presence are nothing less than amazing. You absolutely cannot miss Creature Campus – it is THE most perfect combination of music, dance and special effects. Huge congratulations to all involved in the development of this attraction.

Fright Nights 2025 is by far the strongest year yet. From the refreshed mazes and upgraded scare zones to the spine-chilling live entertainment, it’s clear that this year’s event has been created with nothing but passion, creativity, and an incredible attention to detail.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing Fright Nights 2025 to life – it’s scary, it’s unforgettable and it’s amazing. We’ve got many, MANY more visits planned over the next few weeks, and we can’t wait to return for Europe’s best Halloween theme park event. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, X & Facebook as we continue to share photos, experiences and updates throughout Fright Nights and beyond!