Classic comedy Shaun of the Dead is celebrating its tenth year of frights and belly laughs this month. Since the film’s launch, the zombie lifestyle has truly taken off in the last decade, with all sorts of cadaver-themed events and adventures appearing around the world.
If you’ve ever wanted to battle them or be a zombie yourself, here are a few places where you can do it without getting a Queen-choreographed pool cue to the head.
Reading, Berkshire
Try to survive three hours in a zombie-ridden shopping centre, just like in George Romero’s Dawn of the Dead.
San Francisco, California
The San Francisco Zombie Walk takes place on October 25 2014. Smear on your best fake blood and throw on some torn clothes to join the immortal masses shuffling down Market Street.
Warrington, Berkshire
Another three-hour endurance test, this time on the grounds of an abandoned manor in Warrington. You’d think a big mansion would be safe from the undead, but oh no!
If you’d actually rather be a zombie than a survivor at the manor, then shuffle along here too and get ready to fill your pockets with brains.
Hamburg, Germany
The 2014 Zombie Run will be scaring the bejeezus out of runners on 12 October in Hamburg. If the thought of running 5km doesn’t inspire you, a few starving zombies chasing you should get you moving.
The Lake District, Cumbria
The most intense experience on our list – a whole weekend of zombie madness around one of the most beautiful areas of England. Not only will you battle the zombie horde, but you’ll learn real survival tactics for living in the wild from grizzled experts.
San Diego, California
The 2014 Zombie Blood Run will take place on 29 November this year, giving everybody bored of this mortal coil a chance to moan and stumble about like it’s the end of the world in Lakeside just outside San Diego.
Here’s a clip from the 2013 Zombie Blood Run
Florida, USA
Everybody’s favourite zombie TV show has a live off-shoot that stalks various locations around the south east of the USA, particularly Florida. The Walking Dead Escape offers the ultimate experience for the show’s fans.
Waterloo, London
How do you make zombies even more terrifying? Yep, turn them into WWII zombies. The WWII Zombie Blitz is like playing the video game Wolfenstein in real life.
Droitwich, Worcestershire
The Zombie Boot Camp offers anti-undead training for only the bravest. Located between Droitwich and Kidderminster, this gruelling experience takes place in a compound offering three different missions to keep you on your toes.
Chicago, Illinois
Ever wanted to be locked in a room with a zombie? Of course you have! Room Escape Adventures in Chicago are offering exactly that. Figure out the clues in time or you’ll get your brains chewed.
Brentwood, Essex
The Last Survivors takes place in a large compound with bunkers and all sorts of dark scary hiding places. Will you be able to survive two hours here?
Greenwich, London
If you’re reading this list, you’ve probably always wanted to run around the depths of a secret bunker filled with zombies. Well, now you can with Zombie Experiences in London.
World Zombie Day – October 11 2014
Wherever you are in the world on World Zombie Day (London site), get shuffling to your nearest zombie walk. Over fifty cities take part so you have no excuse!
And finally … On Ramsey Street:
For Hallowe’en, the producers of Neighbours are set to release a series of episodes. With zombies. A spin-off. Online. Look for Zombies on Ramsay Street on YouTube from the end of this month.
(Feature image: Zombie Minnie by Carlos Adampol Galindo)
