Bats still rule the roost as Halloween fright fest returns to Margam Country Park

Scream Time returns with added scares

The popular Scream Time event is back at Margam Country Park this Halloween, promising more scare points and hair‑raising encounters inside the 19th‑century castle and across the estate grounds. Visitors will come face‑to‑face with nightmare characters including the Sandman’s victims, the Sleepwalkers, in a trail designed strictly for those aged 15 and over.

For younger families, a gentler Spooky Time trail will run alongside the main event, offering Halloween fun without the full‑on frights. Both trails run from Wednesday 15 October to Sunday 2 November.

Protecting Margam’s bats

While the scares are designed to thrill human visitors, organisers J9 Events have worked closely with ecologist Megan Price to ensure the hundreds of bats that call Margam home are not disturbed.

“Bats are sensitive to light, so we need to make sure there are no new lights placed in the areas where they roost and fly,” explained Megan. “Wire and netting can also be hazardous. We’ve worked with the team at Scream Time, and they know how best to work around the bats to ensure these species continue to be protected.”

A haven for wildlife

Margam Country Park is recognised as one of the UK’s richest bat habitats, with 14 of the 18 species found in Britain recorded on the estate. These include three types of Pipistrelle, Brown Long‑Eared bats and the distinctive Lesser Horseshoe bat, named for the horseshoe‑shaped fold around its nose that aids echolocation.

The park’s mix of woodland, open water, parkland and historic ruins provides ideal roosting sites. Other species spotted include the large Noctule bat, with its 18‑inch wingspan, and Daubenton’s bats, often seen skimming ponds for insects.

Authentic Halloween setting

Event organiser Janine Maycock said: “One of the reasons we work with Margam Country Park is because it is such a special location. It works for many of our events and the fact that they have so many bats and protect them means that our Halloween events are even more authentic.”

How to book

Scream Time (15+) and Spooky Time (family trail) run from 15 October to 2 November at Margam Country Park, Port Talbot.

Tickets and further details are available at screamtime.co.uk.

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