Frightful fun!

Image: National Trust / Annapurna Mellor

Half term is here already and it’s packed with spook-tacular fun & magical moments

Will it be wellies or can you trot out in trainers, whatever the weather, there’s no excuse not to get out this half term and explore the glories and colours of this time of year, not to mention the frightful fun of Halloween. 

Jump to your area:
Berkshire
Buckinghamshire
Hampshire
Oxfordshire
Surrey
West Berkshire
Wiltshire

Berkshire 

Dare you embark on a batty trail of discovery at Greys Court, a haven for bats with different species making their home in the nooks and crannies on the estate. Find out more from October 25th to November 2nd. 

Get inspired by the patterns and colours of nature in autumn at Basildon Park this half term, October 25th to November 2nd. Follow an autumnal trail inspired by the beauty of the outdoors. 

Hallo’Welly’ween returns at Wellington Country Park, October 25th-31st, with circus fun, recycled crafts, exotic animal encounters, petting sessions at the animal farm and, of course, no Halloween fun would be complete without spooky rides on the train and treats and (no) tricks at the pumpkin patch. To book, please visit wellingtoncountrypark.co.uk/whats-on/hallowellyween/ 

Explore the colourful pumpkin patch at Beale Wildlife Park on October 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th & 25th through to November 1st. Wander the woodland scarecrow walk, tackle the maze quest and dress up your dog for Dog Day on November 1st. Book at bealepark.org.uk/pumpkin-patch-2/ 

LEGOLAND Windsor hosts Brick or Treat from 4th October to 1st November, with character meet-and-greets, dance shows like Monster Jam and the all-new Lord Vampyre’s House Party show. legoland.co.uk  

Looking for something fun-filled, action-packed and adventurous this autumn? Sundown Adventures returns to Swinley Forest, Bracknell for tree top thrills in a whole new light for a limited time between 17th October and 9th November. It’s the ultimate adventure with epic forest views under the night sky. Experience a Go Ape adventure after dark and tackle tree-top crossings and epic ziplines, under glowing lights. Thrill seekers will love it! 

Go on a pre-historic journey to the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods and watch the life-like dinosaurs come alive right on stage at the Hexagon, October 28th, when the Natural History Museum presents Dinosaurs Live! a roaring experience like no other. Book at whatsonreading.com/dinos 

Celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen during your visit to Windsor Castle this half term. Jane did not visit The Castle but knew the area and referenced it in her writing. A highlight of the Royal Library’s extensive collection of English literature includes the copy of Emma, presented by the author to the Prince Regent. Children can enjoy Georgian themed crafting and make a memento to take home. A Georgian trail is also available for children throughout the week, October 25th-November 2nd. 

Experience Nordic Rhythm Sauna + Plunge in Henley-on-Thames — an authentic wood-fired sauna and ice bath experience set in the beautiful walled garden of Badgemore Park, perfectly curated for recovery, health and wellbeing. Whether a peaceful solo escape or a memorable group activity, Nordic Rhythm offers private and communal sessions in a unique space that prioritises community and connection. It’s time to embrace the ritual. Book at nordicrhythm.co.uk 

Buckinghamshire 

The White family welcome you to their Pop-up Pumpkin Patch in Stokenchurch, HP14 3YF, for the fourth year. “Tom is a second-generation farmer and we love to welcome kids,” says Brooke White, mum to George, Mollie & Harry. “We’re raising funds again for Ibstone Primary School through our cafe and scavenger hunt.” 11am-3pm, 23rd to 31st October, with a straw bale mountain, tractor and trailer rides in the field and a maize maze. Follow @thepopuppumpkinpatch on Instagram & see Facebook for more info, too. 

The enchanting Land of Lights Lantern Festival returns to Milton Keynes in north Bucks, MK15 0DT for its fourth spectacular season. Discover new lanterns and dazzling displays as the trail glows with colour, creativity, and magic. Perfect for all ages, this after-dark adventure promises to light up your winter with unforgettable sights and photo moments. Don’t miss the brightest highlight of the year! miltonkeynes.landoflights.co.uk 

Over at historic Hughenden Manor (Disraeli’s old Wycombe home), HP14 4LA, the National Trust hosts We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt from 11th October to 2nd November. Based on the much-loved Bunny Adventures books, the enchanting trail invites children to pick a bunny name and search for friendly ghosts hidden around the gardens. Expect broomstick races, Halloween hoopla, stepping stones, warty toads and a celebration party. Perfect for preschoolers & younger children. Visit nationaltrust.org.uk for this & more. 

At wondrous Widmer Farm Park in Princes Risborough, HP27 0PG, enjoy, a spooky biscuit decorating drop-in on Thursday 10th and a pop-up pumpkin patch from 18th to 31st October with carving and sticker sets available. widmerfarmpark.co.uk 

Odds Farm Park, HP10 0LX, is another fun treasure trove, with a pumpkin patch, animal encounters and indoor play barns; oddsfarm.co.uk. And don’t miss Pumpkin Fest, 19th-31st October at gorgeous West Wycombe Walled Garden (the food is great, too!); westwycombewalledgarden.com. There are also pumpkin-picking opportunities aplenty at Peterley Manor Farm in Great Missenden, (peterleymanorfarm.co.uk), Copas Farms in Cookham & Iver (thefruitfields.co.uk) and The Pumpkin Patch at Christmas Tree farm in Chesham, HP5 1NE; thepumpkinfarm.co.uk 

Over at Norden Farm near Maidenhead, SL6 4PF, there are three enchanting live shows lighting up half-term: Cinderella Ice Cream Seller on 28th October (a blend of storytelling and magical music, a spooky, interactive family comedy WiFi Wars and The Great Baldini Family Magic Show on 29th. Visit norden.farm 

The Halloween Spectacular is back at Chiltern Open Air Museum in Chalfont, HP8 4AB, 5-9pm on Friday, 31st October, with spooky buildings (and horses) as well as spine-tingling storytelling. Warm yourself by the bonfire, toast marshmallows and brave the scary walk with an amazing fire performance & family activities. Visit coam.org.uk 

All of the workshops at Backwoods Experiences in Stokenchurch, HP14 3XS, are for adults. However those aged 14+ can try axe throwing (adult supervision required), plus there are autumn plant propagation and wreath-making workshops on Sunday, 26th October; visit backwoodsexperiences.co.uk 

Gates open at 6pm on Sunday, 2nd November at Marlow Sports Club, SL7 2AE, for Marlow Monster Fireworks at 7.15pm, thanks to Marlow Tennis Club. Tickets £12pp online (£6 kids) at ticketebo.co.uk or £15/7.50pp on the gate. 

Bucks has plenty of ghost stories and sightings, from haunted coaching inns in Old Amersham to eerie footsteps at Missenden Abbey. Wrap up warm (with a Thermos of hot chocolate) for a family ramble through Wendover Woods or Black Park, where the autumn colours are at their most breathtaking now.  

Hampshire 

There’s no better place to make the most of the rich vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, greens and chestnut browns that pepper autumn than at National Trust properties in Hampshire. 

As part of Hinton Ampner’s harvest celebrations marvel at the plump pumpkins on show around the grounds from 11th and if you’re looking for some frightful family fun then join Wilma the Witch on her Quest for the Dutton Crest (October 18th-November 2nd) to find the missing feathers and meet mysterious beasts along the way as you tackle bean bag challenges, leap, jump and dash your way through half term hunting the clues to solve the mystery. The more magic wands and pointed hats the better! 

There’s Halloween fun at The Vyne with We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt from October 11th to November 2nd. Find the ghosts hidden around The Vyne, play Halloween hoopla, race your broomstick and watch out for warty toads! 

Follow the pumpkin trail at Gilbert White’s House where you’ll spot pumpkins and gourds of all shapes, sizes and colours in some unusual places around the gardens this half term – collect your Pumpkin Spotters guide and see how many you can find! There will be one carved pumpkin to unearth – where is it and what creature does it show? Twilight Tales at the house features stories, craft and a torch-lit trail around the museum after hours on October 30th. This year’s theme is bats – you’ve been warned! gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 

Before half term, October starts with the Autumn Steam Gala on The Watercress Line from 3rd to 5th. Enjoy unlimited rides behind two stunning visiting locomotives, explore the heritage stations along the 10-mile line and get up close to some of the locomotives and various exhibits. The Watercress Line then undergoes a transformation becoming a spellbinding world of magic, mischief, and spooky fun for the whole family, October 25th – November 2nd, as the historic railway is transformed into a haunted haven filled with exciting activities for young witches, wizards, and little monsters. Visit watercressline.co.uk to book. 

October wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins so head to Rogate Pumpkin Patch near Petersfield for one of the best. Located on Slade Farm on the Hampshire and West Sussex border. Unleash your autumn spirit, and celebrate all things Halloween. Immerse yourself in a world of pumpkin fun and spooky delights at this magical outdoor event each from October 17th to November 4th. Get ready for another season of pumpkin-filled fun, adventure, and magical moments. Book at rogatepumpkinpatch.com 

October at The Shed in Bordon is packed with fun for all ages. On 4th October, little ones can enjoy a sparkling Princess Party. Then, on 30th October, the day is filled with creativity and laughter: Daisy’s Crafts (11am–2pm), colourful face painting (11am–2pm), the classic Punch & Judy (11am–1pm), and magical storytelling (1–2pm). To finish the month, don’t miss a Wicked screening on 31st October – a perfect autumn treat! More at theshedwb.com 

This half term, Farnham Maltings is bursting with activities for children, teens and families. Enjoy hands-on fun including Halloween soap making, jewellery, cupcake decorating, crochet, puppet workshops and Crafty Kids at Farnham Museum. Teens can try 3D Design & Make, Mixed Media Artbox or the Spooky Sustainable Horror filmmaking workshop – ideal for budding directors! Plus, there’s live theatre and family-friendly cinema to enjoy. Come and get creative this half term. More at farnhammaltings.com/half-term 

At The Artisans Kitchen & Cookery School, near Liss, the Cook Together Classes are all about fun, food, and family. Perfect for parents and children, these hands-on sessions let you roll up your sleeves, learn new skills, and create delicious dishes side by side. From pizza making to sweet treats, it’s a chance to bond, laugh, and enjoy quality time while sharing the joy of cooking. More & booking at theartisanskitchen.school 

Oxfordshire 

Oxford Castle & Prison sees the return of Ghost Fest with spooky tours 24th-31st October, potion making 27th-31st Oct and A Paranormal Evening hosted by Barri Ghai, including a delicious two-course meal on 1st November; oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk 

Alfred Fest promises bundles of family fun on Sunday, 26th October. Taking place in the heart of Wantage, the town that gave us King Alfred the Great, enjoy historical reenactments, talks, traditional crafts, music, family-friendly fun, artisan markets and a special film screening. Dress up as an Anglo Saxon to win a prize! 

Staying in Wantage, we love The Beacon, which is a hive of activity this month! On Thursday, 30th October there’s a free playtime event for 2-6-year-olds (and their grown-ups) thanks to The Last Baguette Theatre Company and you can make a Halloween hand puppet to take home (£10pp). Plus see our article on Wantage Lit Fest & Mr Wilson’s Second Liners on 7th November! beaconwantage.co.uk 

Abingdon Craft Fair might be the UK’s oldest active craft fair. From 31st October to 2nd November (entry 10am-3pm) in the glorious Abbey Buildings, browse or buy work by 65 artisans. Book tickets & find info at abingdoncraftfair.org.uk or pop by! 

The Ashmolean in Oxford invites you to see the museum through new eyes. At a free family-friendly drop-in event on Sunday, 2nd November, create a paper monocle or binoculars, and explore the museum with some hidden surprises! ashmolean.org 
Millets Farm Centre in Frilford, offers a Spooktacular, PYO & SEND sessions; milletsfarmcentre.com. Something wicked is stirring at Blenheim Palace… 23rd October to 2nd November: a new Halloween trail with skeletons, giant spiderwebs, a cursed tomb and pagan ritual site; blenheimpalace.com 

At gorgeous riverside High Lodge Farm near Abingdon book in for Pumpkin Nights, PYO, the spooky trail & SEND sessions (you can also camp); highlodgefarm.com. Abingdon Museum presents a poignant, educational exhibition, Abingdon 1945 remembering the end of WWII. Learn about the town’s experience of the war in parallel with the global conflict, and beyond, plus, on 7th November, Gareth Howell will give a talk, 1945 – The End of the Third Reich. abingdon.gov.uk/abingdon-county-hall-museum 

Music at Oxford’s season of events has just got under way, highlights coming up include Mozart’s beautiful C Minor Mass on 10th November, a festival of the serene and contemplative music of Arvo Pärt running 11th-16th November and the amazing sitar playing Roopa Panesar performing her album ATMA on 5th December. Just before Christmas they have their very popular seasonal events at Christ Church Cathedral (6th, 17th & 19th) – early booking essential, musicatoxford.com/whats-on 

The Halloween Hunt at Waterperry Gardens, 18th October-2nd November, offers spooky fun & scary prizes; waterperrygardens.co.uk We love Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, where there’s a cauldron full of Halloween fun 22nd October to 2nd November with The Witch’s House & Monstrous Movies. cogges.org.uk   

Surrey 

There’s no better place to make the most of the rich vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, greens and chestnut browns that pepper autumn than at Winkworth. Join Cyril and Bruce the squabbling squirrels, discover Fungi Fun around Winkworth, enjoy some forest bathing or capture the beauty of the season with some early morning photography. Full details of all these at nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/winkworth-arboretum 

Go on a bear hunt at Polesden Lacey and follow in the footsteps of the much-loved children’s tale or how about going on a ghost hunt at Claremont in search of ghosts hidden around the grounds – race your broomstick and watch out for warty toads. Join in half term Halloween fun at Hatchlands Park on a pumpkin hunt and go in search of spooky creatures. What’s brewing in the witches’ cauldron? 

Cranleigh Arts invites you to get spooked this Halloween with spider’s web drawing & painting (October 25th). Book at cranleigharts.org/event/kids-craft-spooky-spider-s-web 

Slip on your wellies, your fancy dress and get ready for the spooky season at Merrist Wood where you’ll find more than 2,000 wonky big and small pumpkins. Have a go at the free scavenger hunt and much more on October 25th, 26th & 27th. eventbrite.com/cc/merrist-wood-pumpkin-patch-3609629 

Discover the secret life of pumpkins at RHS Garden Wisley, October 25th to November 2nd. 

This time of year isn’t just about Halloween, there are also fireworks to spark the imagination with the Ripley Bonfire set for Saturday, 25th October, complete with funfair and live music, ripleybonfire.co.uk 

Celebrate pumpkin week at Secretts Farm, Milford this October. Dress to impress in the Halloween costume competition and compete in the pumpkin carving competition. Dates and more at secretts.co.uk/pumpkin-week 

Brooklands Museum in Weybridge is worth a visit especially after being named Family Attraction of the Year in the Time & Leisure Food & Culture Awards 2025 by their readers. The Museum’s mission is to create inspiring and inclusive experiences for visitors of all ages. From families exploring the immersive historic site and children discovering the wonders of pioneering motorsport and aviation for the first time, to multi-generational days out filled with interactive fun and learning.  

This half term, Farnham Maltings is bursting with activities for children, teens and families. Enjoy hands-on fun including Halloween soap making, jewellery, cupcake decorating, crochet, puppet workshops and Crafty Kids at Farnham Museum. Teens can try 3D Design & Make, Mixed Media Artbox or the Spooky Sustainable Horror filmmaking workshop – ideal for budding directors! Plus, there’s live theatre and family-friendly cinema to enjoy. Come and get creative this half term. More at farnhammaltings.com/half-term 

Perfect for this spine-tingling time of year, Guildford Shakespeare Company are staging Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein in St Nicolas’ Church, with three actors. It follows the ambitious Victor Frankenstein as he attempts to create a super-being, but when his experiment fails to live up to his ambition he begins to realise the repercussions of the horror he has created. Oct 20th- Nov 8th. Book at guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/tickets 

West Berkshire 

Wander the enchanting woodland trail at Wasing Estate, Aldermaston, where you’ll be met by a life-sized fairytale pumpkin carriage and stunning autumnal views. Pick your own pumpkin and enjoy seasonal snacks from October 17th to 31st, selected dates, more at wasing.co.uk/pumpkins 

This autumn step into a brand-new breathtaking trail of light, colour and fantasy at Welford Park’s Spectacle of Light. This enchanting night-time experience, selected dates October 17th to November 9th, transforms the park’s majestic woodland and gardens into a dazzling world of illumination and sound, featuring different and unique installations not seen before. Wander with family, friends and your four-legged friends through much-loved paths in a whole new light. Whether you’re revisiting or discovering Welford Park for the first time, this magical journey under the stars offers a fresh and unforgettable perspective. Don’t miss the food village and covered bar, serving delicious local treats. Book tickets at https://spectacleoflight.co.uk/welford-park/ 

Explore the grounds of Shaw House, Newbury, to find the fairy doors this half term, 27th-31st. Additional magical craft and colouring will be available in the Activity Room. Trail sheets available from Reception for a suggested donation of £2. Pay on the door. 

We all want to meet people from history but everyone is dead! So it’s time to prepare for Horrible Histories live on stage with the acclaimed production of Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians on Friday, 31st October at Corn Exchange, Newbury. Would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin? Can you help detectives find the headless man? Will you be saved by Florence Nightingale? Find out what a baby farmer did and move to the groove with party Queen Victoria. Don’t miss this horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in! Book at cornexchangenew.com/events/horrible-histories-georgians-and-victorians 

Join a nocturnal safari at Nature Discovery Centre, Thatcham at twilight to explore the nature reserve and find out more about the animals that come out after dark. Enjoy a variety of activities including a bat walk, star gazing and lantern making. Some activities will be self-led and others led by members of the BBOWT learning team. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Tuesday, 28th October, 4.30-7.30pm. Book at https://tinyurl.com/4y9dmtdz 

Why not use the school break to improve an essential life skill? Join Madden Swim School for their popular half-term intensive courses of swimming lessons at Downe House / Oratory School? With fun-filled but informative lessons by qualified and experienced teachers, plus small classes with no more than 6 swimmers per class, it is amazing how much progress can be made in just 5 days. Find out more at maddenswimschool.co.uk  

Find the clues to solve the case at The Living Rainforest Mysteries this half term. Can you help find the missing orchid? Book at livingrainforest.org 

Head to The Base at Greenham for Halloween craft fun and more starting on October 26th with Halloween Pinch Pots: Hats, Cats & Bats and try your hand at screen printing your own unique trick or treat bag. The holiday art clubs runs Monday to Wednesday and help create the annual illuminated willow lantern display to join the stag display for The Base’s festive season. Details at thebasegreenham.co.uk/workshops-events/ 

Wiltshire 

For half term, beautiful Bowood House and Gardens in Calne will host den building, game playing and fun all on   Thursday, 30th October and Creepy Critters interactive sessions with snakes, giant snails and tarantulas presented by ZooLab UK from Tuesday 28th October to Saturday 1st November: visit bowood.org 

Roves Farm & Visitor Centre in Sevenhampton, will have pumpkins galore as well as carving, potion shows at noon, wand making and spell casting, Monsters Ball & more, 23rd to 31st October; rovesfarm.co.uk 

On 29th & 30th October, Owl-O-Ween at the Hawk Conservancy Trust in Andover you can enjoy ghostly storytelling and marvel at the owls as they put on two beautiful flying displays against the backdrop of the moonlit reserve. For more info visit hawk-conservancy.org      

Marlborough Town FC will welcome your little horrors – in their best spooky costumes – for a children’s Halloween party, 6.30-8.30pm on Friday, 31st October. Buy your tickets at marlboroughtownfc.co.uk 

Visit the pop-up pumpkin patch at Cobbs Farm in Hungerford, which is open from 10am to 4pm (3pm on Sundays), with small, medium and large pumpkins to choose from. There’s no need to book for pumpkin picking but why not make a day of it (and save yourself the monster mess) by booking a £10pp slot in the carving tent and create a beautiful masterpieceto take home. Book and find out more at cobbsfarmshops.co.uk/hungerford-events 

This beautiful part of the world has plenty of ghost stories and sightings, from a spectral coach and horses in Savernake Forest to two ghosts (one royal) at Silbury Hill in Avebury: find out more at weird-wiltshire.co.uk. Wrap up warm (with a Thermos of hot chocolate) for a woodland ramble while the autumn colours are at their most breathtaking now. Keep an eye out – and your ears pricked – for owls, bats and other nocturnal creatures.