Thorpe Park’s Fright Nights 2025 is back, bigger and better than ever. While some may have hoped for a brand-new maze this year, the decision to invest in updating existing experiences has paid off massively. The result is a slicker, fresher, and more atmospheric event, complete with a new live show at Stealth – Creature Campus: Shock to the System, enhanced scare zones, more food and drink outlets, improved park-wide lighting, and extended event dates.
From revamped mazes to blazing fire shows, this year’s Fright Nights proves once again why Thorpe Park is the UK’s home of fear.
Purgatory Town – 7/10
The latest scare zone addition, Purgatory Town, sets up camp on Big Easy Boulevard and brings a unique twist to the line-up. The setting has the feel of a quirky street theatre, with guests meeting a cast of oddball characters – from a drunken pirate and a dodgy ice cream vendor to a grave digger and two creepy brides desperate for a groom.
What works especially well here is the sense of interaction. Rather than just jump scares, the performers actively play off guests and, at times, off each other. The area is also dotted with photo-friendly spots, making it more accessible for families and younger visitors.
The costumes aren’t elaborate in terms of gore or prosthetics, but they don’t need to be. Instead, they suit the area perfectly, leaning into theatrical fun rather than all-out terror. Initially, we weren’t sure whether it would gel, but Purgatory Town really grew on us and felt like a lively, refreshing addition.
Creature Campus: Shock to the System – 10/10
The showpiece of 2025 is undoubtedly Creature Campus: Shock to the System, a reinvention of Thorpe Park’s live entertainment. The stage has been raised, providing excellent sightlines for audiences, and the lighting rig is astonishing – brighter, bolder, and more dynamic than anything seen before at Fright Nights.
The story picks up with Medusa creating her most fearsome monsters yet: “The Franks”. The result is a high-energy dance and theatre performance with razor-sharp choreography, edgy costumes, and jaw-dropping make-up design. The soundtrack is packed with bangers that get under your skin in the best possible way, and the pacing keeps you hooked from start to finish.
What elevates the show further is the integration of scare zone elements. Before and after the performance, characters roam the area, adding another layer of immersion. This dual structure – performance and interaction – makes Creature Campus feel like the heartbeat of the event. Quite simply, it’s the best live show Fright Nights has ever staged.
DeadBeat – 8/10
Returning for 2025 with a darker twist, DeadBeat has received a clever refresh. The pre-show now features a polished video that sets the tone perfectly, alongside a more engaging live actor. Gone are the awkward tannoy interruptions of last year, replaced with something that feels purposeful and atmospheric.
Inside, the familiar nightclub-gone-wrong theme continues, but the new gothic-neon styling injects new life into the experience. The actors’ costumes are striking, mixing gothic fashion with fluorescent touches, making them stand out under blacklight.
The scares themselves have also been tightened up. The actors make use of clever hiding spots and well-timed reveals, making the whole experience feel much more effective. It’s still recognisably DeadBeat, but with enough innovation to keep it fresh and entertaining.
Stitches – 6/10
Stitches is back once again, though this time it feels like it’s running out of steam. The first few rooms have seen slight tweaks – the mirror section has been cut, meaning guests now enter straight into the teddy bear scene. This improves the flow of the maze, but beyond that, not much has changed.
The acting remains brilliant, and the costumes are as eerie as ever, but the maze has now had essentially the same layout and character roster for three years. This lack of reinvention means the scares feel predictable, and while still enjoyable, it simply can’t compete with the fresher attractions.
That said, it’s still fun, particularly for those experiencing it for the first time. Long-time fans, however, will likely be hoping that if Stitches returns in 2026, it will be after a full-scale overhaul.
Survival Games – 9/10
Now in its fourth year, Survival Games has received its most substantial update yet. The multi-route format has been scrapped in favour of a single, extended path that takes you through every part of the maze. This simple change makes the attraction feel much longer, more cohesive, and more intense.
The pre-show has also been reworked, providing stronger narrative grounding before you’re thrown into the chaos. The maze is populated by fresh characters who feel more threatening than ever, and the pacing is relentless.
Survival Games has always been strong, but this year it feels revitalised and re-energised – easily climbing back to the top of the rankings. Fans will love the changes, and newcomers are in for one of the most immersive experiences on offer.
Trailers – 8/10
Back to the movies for 2025, Trailers introduces two new rooms – The Hollow Veil and X24: Pain is Progress – which replace a pair of older scenes. The new additions are detailed, atmospheric, and offer some nostalgic nods to past Thorpe Park attractions.
The major downside is the removal of the pre-show involving the eccentric film director, which used to provide an engaging introduction. Now, guests are simply briefed inside the first room, which feels a little flat.
Nevertheless, the acting remains sharp, the new sets are well-designed, and the overall vibe of Trailers remains one of playful yet sinister fun. It’s a strong entry in the line-up that benefits from its variety of themes and settings.
The Crows of Mawkin Meadow – 6/10
The Crows are back for another year, but their time may finally be running out. The 2025 layout is more complex than ever, with multiple rooms and a dramatic finale in which a character is burned at the stake. It feels ambitious and well-themed, with atmospheric sets and chilling sound design.
However, the cast density felt a little low during our run-through, meaning some spaces lacked the intensity they could have had. More importantly, the storyline feels like it has reached its natural conclusion. The Crows were an excellent innovation during the pandemic years, but now they’re beginning to feel repetitive.
Still atmospheric, still enjoyable – but we think it’s time to retire them in favour of something new.
Lucifer’s Lair – 10/10
Once again, Lucifer’s Lair steals the show as the strongest scare zone in the park. The stage has been expanded, the flames tower higher than before, and the shows are spectacular.
The fire performance is nothing short of breathtaking, with pyrotechnics and a pounding soundtrack that electrifies the atmosphere. Meanwhile, Lilith’s live singing adds a theatrical, almost cabaret-like touch, which pairs brilliantly with the hellish setting.
The roaming actors are some of the best at the event, fully inhabiting their characters and ensuring every guest encounter feels unique. The opportunity to confess your “dark secrets” to Lucifer himself is a brilliantly sinister touch – though be warned, you may find yourself locked in a cage for your sins!
With its combination of shows, scares, and atmosphere, Lucifer’s Lair is worth visiting again and again throughout the night.
IT: The 4D Experience®
The IT 4D film remains unchanged from last year, but it’s still a strong addition. The condensed runtime makes it accessible to all, and it offers a welcome chance to rest your legs while enjoying a bit of classic horror.
Though not new, it’s a valuable option in the line-up, especially for guests who prefer something less intense than a maze or scare zone.
Stranger Things Experience
While not a fully-fledged attraction, this three-room Stranger Things photo experience adds fun variety to the event. Guests can test their knowledge with a short quiz for a chance to win exclusive merchandise, all set against themed backdrops.
It’s light-hearted, family-friendly, and a smart addition that helps spread crowds and ensures there’s something for everyone – even those not keen on jump scares.
Merchandise
Thorpe Park has hit the mark with 2025’s merchandise range. The line-up includes hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags, and pin badges featuring embroidered logos and detailed prints showcasing this year’s maze and scare zone line-up.
It feels premium and collectable, showing that the park has finally understood what resonates with fans. Expect the merch stands to be busy – this is easily the strongest collection in years.
Lighting and Effects
The park-wide lighting continues to evolve, with several areas benefiting from impressive upgrades. Hyperia has been bathed in ominous red light, while Stealth features new smoke and light effects beneath its launch. Flying Fish and The Swarm have also been enhanced with lighting and mist effects, with The Swarm’s atmospheric fog finally restored after years of absence.
These details may seem small, but they add massively to the overall immersion, creating a more cohesive park-wide Halloween atmosphere.
Overall Verdict
Fright Nights 2025 delivers a festival of fear that feels both familiar and fresh. By choosing to reinvest in existing attractions rather than debuting a new maze, Thorpe Park has strengthened its line-up across the board.
Creature Campus and Lucifer’s Lair are the undeniable highlights, while Survival Games proves that a thoughtful revamp can make a returning maze feel brand new. Even weaker entries like Stitches still bring something to the table.
Couple this with stronger lighting, expanded food and drink options (including a new bar on Swarm Island), and top-tier merchandise, and you have an event that feels well-rounded, ambitious, and highly polished.
Final Score: 9/10 – A thrilling, fiery, and unforgettable Fright Nights.
