Plymstock’s majestic Radford Park, which traces its foundations back to the 13th century and is the setting for the area’s famous “White Lady” ghost legend, will host a nature-themed Halloween event on 26 October.
This Halloween Half Term, Plymstock’s ancient Radford Park – a site steeped in history and ghostly legend – will come alive with bats, pumpkins, and spooky fun as it hosts a family-friendly Bat Walk and Pumpkin Lantern Trail on Saturday 26 October.
The free event which will run from 4-6pm will feature a bat-spotting walk, a candle-lit trail, and Halloween costume and carved pumpkin contests, judged by local MP Rebecca Smith and Councillor Kathy Watkin, with prizes for the most creative designs.
Ghoulishly attired attendees will be led through the park to Radford Castle, perched on the edge of Hooe Lake’s spectral ship graveyard, spotting resident bats along the route before returning for Halloween-themed activities and refreshments at the Beckly Centre in Radford Dip.
The route will be marked by spooky waymarkers styled by award-winning local artist Debby Mason, adding a touch of eerie magic to the trail.
Free Halloween treats will be available to attendees, with street food and drinks available to purchase from Spriggy’s Street Food, who will also be operating a pop-up bar from his van at the Beckly Centre.
Organised by the Radford Park Community Project (RPCP) and Friends of Radford Woods, the bat walk will be guided by wildlife experts from Plymouth Natural Grid (PNG). PNG is a partnership project between Plymouth City Council, National Trust and Natural England, which has been working to conserve and protect the environment and wildlife in Radford Woods Local Nature Reserve.
John Voaden of RPCP said:
“We’re thrilled to welcome families to Radford Park for a night of spooky fun and to celebrate the wildlife and history of this iconic local space.”
Brian Steele, Chair of RPCP added:
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for locals to reconnect with Radford Park, which is both a beautiful green space and a vital habitat. By engaging the community through fun and informative events, we hope to ensure its preservation for future generations.”
Join us for a spook-tacular evening at Radford Park this 26 October! Don’t forget to bring your best home-styled Halloween costume, your carved pumpkins, and your sense of adventure.
More information on the event can be found at hooelake.org.
Radford Park’s history and its ghosts
Radford Park’s rich history dates back to the 13th century when William le Abbé’s descendants made this land their home. Later, it became the seat of the prominent Harris family, whose 16th-century manor once stood at the edge of a beautiful deer enclosure – the remains of which now constitute Radford Park. Over the years, Radford Park has become a place where local legends thrive—like the mysterious monk, an animal with glowing eyes, and the famous White Lady of Radford, who haunts the park’s grounds to this day.
