Halloween comes alive at New Lanark World Heritage Site

For the first time this Halloween, the quiet world heritage village of New Lanark will gather for a Haunted Duck Race down the ‘eerie’ Lade, the water channel conveying water to the mill-wheel. But something strange is happening… legend has it that on the day of the Autumn moon, the old mill’s Halloween magic has awakened, and the lade is now a portal of power. Only the fastest duck can break the spell. Cheer them on in our first-ever Haunted Duck Race this Halloween weekend (1st & 2nd November 2025).

The New Lanark duck races are such a popular event, that they have returned, but not as we know them, this time in Halloween theme, and they’re heading straight for the lade. Whispers tell of the old mill’s Halloween magic awakening once more. On the day of the autumn moon, the lade becomes a portal of mysterious energy… and only the fastest duck can break the mysterious Halloween spell.

As the race begins, the water glows an eerie green. The Halloween themed rubber ducks, seem to take on personalities of their own, some speeding ahead as if possessed, others spinning in circles like they are under a spell. Rumour has it that one of the ducks holds the Halloween prize, and whoever’s duck finishes first will lift the New Lanark curse.

The ducks in their spooky style, may experience “phantom gusts” (fans or water jets) that may cause chaos, and “swamp fog” (bubble or smoke machines) rolls in to obscure the finish line. Spectators can cheer for their favourite duck to help give it a burst of “magic speed.” The winner will find a prize at the finish line, earning the title of Keeper of the Lade for next year, meanwhile a surprise twist: the ghost of the Halloween Duck may appear (someone in costume!) to congratulate the winner—or warn them that the curse isn’t over yet…

 

Event Details:

1st & 2nd November 2025

Open Daily: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Price: £8 per child · Adults go FREE

 

What’s Included in your ticket:

Haunted Hatchlings Duck Race
Races at 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM
Each child ticket includes one duck entry into the race. Your selected time is for the race itself, but you’re welcome to enjoy all other activities throughout the day.
 Prizes for winning ducks: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place!

Pumpkin Decorating
Get creative and design your own spooky pumpkin mask.
 Prizes awarded for the best crafted designs!

Annie McLeod Ride – Halloween Edition
 Enjoy our classic ride with a spooky seasonal twist.

Ghost Tree Messaging
 Leave a message for the spirit of Annie McLeod and take part in a unique Halloween tradition.

Cotton Trails Scavenger Hunt – Autumn Edition
 Explore New Lanark with a seasonal twist on our popular self-guided trail.

Costumes encouraged
 Bring your family and friends for a magical autumn adventure filled with mystery, creativity, and Halloween fun.