Spooky season is just around the corner, so it’s time to get planning what to do this October half term. Read on for the best Halloween days out I’ve spotted happening around England.
Don’t forget the October half term falls differently for different parts of the county. Some events will only be on over school holiday dates specific to the attraction’s location.
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Halloween days out near you
In this post you’ll find October half term events and Halloween fun ordered alphabetically by county or city.
Be warned: some of these days out are scarier than others! For more information about the best ages for these events contact the organisers. Each event has a link to more information and booking details (if necessary).
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
Halloween days out in Birmingham
Here’s what’s on this October half term in Birmingham:
Brick-or-Treat Monster party at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham – 30 September to 5 November 2023
Brick-or-Treat returns to LEGOLAND Discovery Centre this autumn.
There will be loads of spook-tacular activities including a scary scavenger hunt and a chance to see the brand new LEGO® 4D Halloween movie ‘The Great Monster Chase!’ – exclusive to LEGOLAND®
The Brick-or-Treat Halloween event is included in the standard admission price and pre-booking online in advance is advised due to limited capacity.
Find out more and book tickets for Brick-or-Treat*.
Spooktacular Stage Show at Cadbury World – throughout October 2023
Freddo the Frog’s new stage show is choc-full of tricks and treats this Halloween.
Expect ghoulish games, spooky songs and some devilish dancing. Ghouls old and young are encouraged to dress to impress for the daily fancy dress competition, where judges will be handing out prizes to the most haunting visitors.
Plus, visitors of all ages will also have the chance to meet and greet the conic Cadbury characters throughout the day.
Find out more about what’s on at Cadbury World*.
Need some more ideas? Here’s my guide to days out in the West Midlands.
Half term fun in Cambridgeshire
Try this Halloween day out with a difference in Cambridge:
Halloween Punt and Hunt – 21 October to 31 October 2023
Discover Cambridge’s most haunted places by land and boat in this Halloween scavenger hunt for all the family.
Those who have successfully located all the ghosts, witches and monsters can claim a sweet treat at Hardy’s Sweetshop.
Find out motor about this Halloween scavenger hunt.
Halloween days out in Cornwall
Here’s where to head for October half term fun in Cornwall:
Halloween at Flambards – 21 to 31 October 2023
There’s a host of fang-tastic family fun on offer at Flambards throughout the October Half Term holidays as it hosts ‘Trick or Treat Week’!
As well as the usual rides and attractions you can pick up a Pumpkin Hunt sheet and hunt for clues throughout out the park. Solev the riddles and you might even win a treat! Or tackle the Penny Dreadful quiz sheet or Mystery Trial in the Victorian village.
The popular Fireworks Spooktacular will return to the park on Wednesday 25 October 2023.
Book online and receive 10% off your tickets!
Find out more about what’s on at Flambards this October half term.
Halloween and ice skating at Eden Project – 18 to 29 October 2023
This spooky season take on a special quest to protect the world’s forests, guided by the legendary Tree Giants who have taken up residence at Eden.
On your magical adventure to become a forest guardian, you’ll discover the Tree Giants’ ancient wisdom, hear extraordinary tales and witness enchanting performances.
You can also get hands-on in in Wand Making Workshop and take a spin around Eden’s ice rink.
There is an additional charge and pre-booking required for ice skating and the wand workshop/ Pre-booking tickets to Eden is also recommended.
Find out more about what’s on at Eden Project this Halloween.
Here’s some more days out in Cornwall that are ideal for this time of year.
Halloween in Cumbria
Here’s where to find Halloween fun in Cumbria this October:
Halloween at Muncaster Castle – 21 to 29 October 2023
Muncaster Castle offers a whole host of Halloween experiences this year. The most family-friendly happens during the daytime when visitors can take part in the Halloween festival with shows, arts and crafts.
Then embark on a castle tour with ‘FRANKENSTEIN’. This will take you into Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory, where mischief and chaos unfold.
Find out more on the Muncaster website.
October half term in Devon
Expect Halloween trails, pumpkin patches and plenty of frightfully good fun in our home county of Devon this October half term.
Find out what’s on by checking out my other blog, Devon with Kids, where you’ll find a full guide to what’s on in Devon this Halloween.
October half term events in Hampshire
Here’s some Halloween activities to try in Hampshire this half term:
Halloween Treasure Hunt by Canoe in the New Forest – 21 to 29 October 2023
Treat (not trick) your little monsters to some scarily good fun on the Beaulieu River this Halloween.
Head out in canoes with New Forest Activities for a two-hour hunt for devilishly delicious Halloween candy along the riverside.
Find out more about this Halloween activity on the water.
Owl-O-Ween at The Hawk Conservancy Trust – 27 to 28 October 2023
This bird of prey attraction and conservation charity is hosting a series of Owls by Moonlight events this autumn.
Visitors will have the chance to step into the nocturnal world of British owls and get an insight into some of the conservation and research projects that the Trust undertakes with flying displays and meeting owls in the Trust’s care.
Owl-O-Ween includes special interactive spooky shows.
Find out more about Owl-O-Ween.
Halloween days out in the Isle of Wight
Here’s what’s on in the Isle of Wight this October half term:
Robin Hill Fiesta of the Dead – selected dates from 20 October to 2 November 2023
Immerse yourself in a vibrant eruption of light and colour inspired by the traditional Mexican celebration.
Find out more on the Robin Hill website.
Halloween and half-term at Carisbrooke Castle – 28 October to 5 November 2023
Grab your broomsticks and get ready for a bewitchingly brilliant day out. Gather round for tales from spooky storytellers and solve creepy clues in the English Heritage Halloween Quest.
English Heritage members can visit for free. Non members can get cheaper if they book in advance.
Find out more about what’s on at Carisbrooke Castle this half term.
Pumpkin Festival at Tapnell Farm – selected dates from 7 to 31 October 2023
Head to Tapnell Farm for pumpkin related activities including pick your own pumpkin, axe throwing and pumpkin carving.
There will also be pumpkin themed treats, licensed bar and live music on selected dates. Entry to the Pumpkin Festival is free. Tickets for the farm park are sold separately.
Find out more and book tickets for the Pumpkin Festival.
Halloween events at Blackgang Chine – selected dates 23 October to 3 November 2023
Immerse yourself in in this year’s spooktacular Blackgang Chine Hallowenn even, Frights and Sprites!
There’s a haunted mansion, spine-tingling activities on Rumpus Lawn and the chance to conjure up your own mystical potions in the Rumpus Laboratory.
Find out more on the Blackgang Chine website.
Wizard Week on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway – 23 to 27 October 2023
There’s wickedly, wonderful fun on the trains this half term as witches, wizards and other ghouls takeover the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Meet the friendly witches of Havenstreet, see a bird of prey display by Haven Falconry and head to the station yard for terrible tales and mesmerising illusions.
There’s also a Halloween treasure hunt and a crafty witch dealing out treats (maybe a few tricks).
Book online to reserve your exclusive compartment on the train for you and your family.
Find out more about Wizard Week.
Here’s some more ideas for things to do in the Isle of With with kids.
Halloween in Kent
Here’s what’s on in Kent this October half term:
Halloween at Kent Life – 21 to 29 October 2023
Kent Life is being transformed for the spooky season with pumpkin carving, a creepy corner and fun farm rides. Don’t forget to wear your best Halloween fancy dress for the daily competition.
Find out more and book tickets on the Kent Life website.
Electric Medway Festival – 27 to 29 October 2023
Discover the fusion of art and technology at the Electric Medway Festival, where three days of cutting-edge digital experiences await.
Visitors to this free event will be able to immerse themselves in VR cinema, augmented reality history trails and live electronic music – all set against the backdrop of Medway’s everyday spaces.
Find out more about what’s planned for this year’s Electric Medway Festival.
October half term in Lancashire
Here’s what’s on in Lancashire this Halloween:
Reaper’s Retribution at The Blackpool Dungeon – 1 October to 6 November 2023
Here’s a Halloween day out for you and the teens. This Halloween there’s an extra show included in The Blackpool Dungeon experience: Reaper’s Retribution.
The Dungeon offers an adventure bursting with giggles, ghouls and grisly tales as visitors learn more about Lancashire’s murky history.
The 90 minute live-action experience blending fun and laughter with some scares.
Find out more and book tickets for The Blackpool Dungeon*.
Scarecrow Festival at Rufford Old Hall – 20 October to 5 November 2023
The annual Scarecrow Festival will be taking place with an array of incredible creations appearing around the Victorian and Edwardian grounds of the Tudor hall.
The theme for 2023 is Myths, Legends & Fairy Tales giving everyone the opportunity to delve into favourite childhood stories and take a look at local Lancashire myths and legendary stories.
The festival is included as part of the normal admission prices and is free for National Trust members.
Find out more about visiting Rufford Old Hall.
Pumpkin Adventure at Windmill Animal Farm – 7 to 29 October 2023
Harvest your own pumpkin at the farm where you’ll find more than 20,000 grouds.
Tickets also include the Runaway Farm Train, Maize Monsters and all the animal interactions and activities at the farm.
Wheelbarrows are provided and wellies are a must!
Find out more and book tickets.
Halloween Family Party in Blackpool Tower Ballroom – 31 October 2023
This Halloween Blackpool Tower is hosting the ultimate family Halloween party, Terror at the Tower.
Featuring Russ Brown’s Monster Magic Show, a spooky dance from Hawks cheerleaders, and a spectacular UV show, there will be something for all the family this spooky season.
Come dressed for the occasion as there will be a fancy dress competition.
Find out more about the Tower’s Halloween Party*.
Halloween events in Lincolnshire
Here’s an event to check out in Lincolnshire this half term:
Spooky Tours at Burghley House – 18 to 28 October 2023
Spooky torchlit tours of one of England’s grandest Elizabethan houses return this October with more scary stories and haunting hidden history.
Led by ghostly expert Martin Tempest and his fiendish friends, this year the guided tours will offer the chance for visitors to brave the creepiest corners and darkest depths of the grounds at Burghley.
Designed to be scary but fun, the tours reveal Burghley’s ghostly goings-on across the centuries and promise plenty of history, as well as scares, during the 50-minute flickering torchlight trails.
This event is recommended for visitors aged 12 and up.
Find out more and book your tour.
October half term events in Liverpool
Heres’ the events happening Liverpool at half term:
River of Light – 27 October to 5 November 2023
This free to visit outdoor illuminated gallery along Liverpool’s Waterfront features ten artworks of light and sound from local, national and international artists.
More details about this year’s event will be announced soon.
Find out more about River of Light.
Halloween days out in London
Here’s some of the October half term fun happening in London this year:
Scared Shrekless at Shrek’s Adventure – 21 October to 5 November 2023
The witch is hiding out at Shrek’s Adventure in London to surprise guests with some tricks and treats!
All autumn half term, young guests and their families can get a fun fright on a journey through Far Far Away and maybe event snap a photo with a witch before she flies away!
Find out more and book tickets for Scared Shrekless.
SEA LIFE London: Creepy Creatures – 22 to 31 October 2023
Crawl into SEA LIFE London Aquarium and get closer to a world of creepy crawlies and curious critters this half term.
Meet the Rainforest Ranger and help bust the myths around some of the rainforest’s creepiest creatures. Immerse yourself in a world of creepy crawlies, charming crocs and curious critters. And come just centimetres away the UK’s biggest collection of Piranhas!
Are you brave enough to come face-to-fang this Halloween?
Book online* today.
Big savings on London attractions
If you’ve got a few days to spend in London, or are visiting on different occasions, why not take advantage of the London Eye’s Multi-Attraction ticket offers?
These give you access to the London Eye and some of the city’s most iconic attractions for a discounted rate. Pick from a combination of attractions that suit you from Madame Tussauds to SEA LIFE London Aquarium or a river cruise.
You can book any combination and use it within 90 days of visiting the London Eye.
Disney100: The Exhibition, London – from 13 October 2023 to 22 January 2024
Less spooky but still sure to be a hit over the October half term holidays, the Disney100 exhibition is coming to London this month.
Celebrating 100 years of The Walt Disney Company, this iconic event will be hosted in London filled with characters and stories that have captured the hearts of millions both young and old.
Disney 100: The Exhibition is the largest showcase from The Walt Disney Archives ever created and will be hitting England’s capital at ExCel London.
Find out more and book tickets for Disney100.
October half term in Manchester
There’s loads of Halloween events in Manchester this year, including pumpkin patches in the area.
Here’s a couple of my top picks from the events happening this October:
Halloween Ghost Train at the East Lancashire Railway – 27 to 28 October 2023
Step inside the haunted house that’s landed at East Lancashire Railway and board the ‘scream train’ for a monster hunting adventure.
There’s also a spooktacular show, filled with even more colourful characters, taking place at regular intervals and including a disco, magic show and fancy dress competition with prizes.
Find out more and book tickets on the East Lancashire Railway website.
Want to explore more? Here’s some Manchester attractions that will have Halloween events on too.
Halloween days out in Norfolk
Here’s where to find treats in Norfolk this October half term:
The Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade at BeWILDerwood – selected dates from 14 to 31 October 2023
Head to BeWILDerwood for its most fantastical event of the year, the Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade.
More details will be available soon.
Check the BeWILDerwood website for more information.
Halloween days out in Nottinghamshire
Find fiendishly good half term fun in Nottinghamshire:
Halloween at Belvoir Castle – 16 to 31 October 2023
Belvoir Castle is hosting a Halloween activity trail with more treats than tricks this half term.
Dress up in your best costume and get into the spirit of the spooky season with fun mysteries to solve and prizes to win along the way.
Find out more on the Belvoir Castle website.
Got time to see more? Check out my post about things to do in the East Midlands.
October half term in Oxfordshire
There will be plenty of Halloween fun at this half term event in Oxfordshire:
Halloween at Blenheim Palace – 20 to 29 October 2023
There’s a chill in the air at Blenheim Palace where ghosts, ghouls and witches are getting ready to deliver a whole host of tricks and treats along a spooktacular trail.
Wander from dusk into darkness and through the spooky spider tunnel to be surprised by fantastic fire performers as you watch out for the headless horseman emerging from the mist.
Discover scary scarecrows, listen to the werewolves’ howl and dodge the grinning pumpkins as you approach the Vampires crypt.
Find out more and book tickets for the Halloween trail at Blenheim Palace.
Moon Witch’s Halloween Adventure at Tumblestone Hollow – 18 to 29 October 2023
Follow the clues around the mysterious world of Tumblestone Hollow and the Gardens at Stonor to win a special treat.
Folk of Tumblestone Hollow will also be reading stories from ‘The Moon Witch and The Thief’ and giving away spooky temporary transfers. There will be pumpkins galore and ghoulish surprises.
Find out more and book tickets on the Stonor website.
Want to explore more? Here’s some things to do in Oxford.
What’s on in Shropshire this Halloween
Here’s where to find seasonal fun in Shropshire:
Alderford at Halloween – 21 to 29 October 2023
Family-friendly thrills and frights can be expected at Alderford this Halloween with multiple events for all ages.
For ghouls under 10 there’s Witchcraft Woods (21 to 22 and 26 to 27 October ) where they will begin their experience selecting a wand and creating their very own animal companion to join them on an adventure filled with games and battles to become the best student in the class.
Slightly older mini trolls (8 to 13-years-old) can enjoy Spooky Island (from 27 to 29 October ) which features a maze filled with twists and turns to thrill rather than fright.
Find out more on the Alderford website.
Halloween days out in Staffordshire
Here’s what’s on in Staffordshire this Halloween:
Scarefest at Alton Towers
There’s plenty of family-friendly frights happening throughout October at Alton Towers. Dress up for the Monsters Ball at CBeebies Land, visit Trick O’ Treat Town and dance along with the Alton Ancestors.
Find out more about the less frightening side of Scarefest at Alton Towers.
Gandy’s Circus at Trentham Estate, Stoke-on-Trent – 13 to 29 October 2023
Gandeys Circus returns to Trentham with a brand-new action-packed Halloween Spooktacular Big Top show for all the family.
A specially selected international cast of skeletons, vampires, Jack o’lanterns and not forgetting Circus Artistes, have been brought together for this year’s sensational extravaganza.
From the thrill acts to the big production numbers Gandeys are famous for, it’s all here and you will be on the edge of your seat with excitement, rolling in the aisles with laughter, and hiding under your coats from the spooky thrills.
Find out more about what’s on at Trentham this October.
October half term days out in Suffolk
Here’s where to find Halloween fun in Suffolk:
Halloweenies at Kentwell Hall – 23 to 29 October 2023
Take your little witches and wizards to a magical Halloween world at Kentwell Hall’s Halloweenies School for Sorcery, near Bury St Edmunds.
Explore the spooky outdoor zones around the buildings and 30 acres of gardens and grounds for immersive Halloween fun, challenges and activities aimed at children from three to 14 years of age and their families.
Come dressed in your favourite Halloween outfit but as this is an outdoor event ensure you are wrapped up warmly underneath.
The house is closed to visitors during this event and advance booking is required as numbers limited.
For more information and to book visit the Kentwell website.
Half term days out in Surrey
Here’s here to find an illuminating event happening in Surrey this October:
Howl’o’ween at Chessington World of Adventures – selected dates 7 to 30 October 2023
Things are getting spooky at Chessington on October weekends and during half term. There will be entertainment for all ages, rides at dusk, Halloween fancy dress competitions and a brand new trick or treat experience, Enchanted Hollow.
Meet the charming animal residents of Enchanted Hollow, as you and your family wander through the recently unearthed underground town complete with Mayor’s house, post office and sweet shop.
Enchanted Hollow is an optional extra and can be bought in a package alongside a Howl’o’ween day ticket.
Find out more and book your tickets for Chessington this Halloween*.
October half term in East Sussex
Treat your mini ghouls to this day out in East Sussex:
Halloween Shriek Week at Drusillas Park, East Sussex – 21 to 29 October 2023
It’s live action galore at Drusillas Park this Halloween with plenty of immersive experiences and roaming actors.
Kids can test their nerve in Haunted Heights, Drusillas’ very own haunted mansion, where they will meet Hocus and Pocus, the resident witches. There will also be Mummy Mayhem, a child-friendly terror maze that will take visitors back to ancient Egypt where they must escape the curse of the dead.
Throughout the park there will be Halloween decorations offering families photo opportunities as well as tasty treats.
Find out more on the Drusillas website.
October half term and Halloween events in West Sussex
Here’s where to find Halloween fun in West Sussex this half term:
Halloween at Leonardslee Gardens – 22 to 31 October 2023
Dragons, knights and fair maidens are being invited to discover the legend of St. Leonards Dragon this half term.
Follow the pumpkin trail, enter a woodland filled with medieval history, and discover the journey that historic St Leonard took to slay our fearful dragon (or did he?).
This Halloween day out is perfect for all knights and fair maidens big or small. Craft your very own crown or shield in our Courtyard Café to take on your quest.
Find out more about Halloween at Leonardslee Gardens.
Hanging out in Sussex this half term? Check out my guide to things to do in Sussex with kids.
Halloween fun in Warwickshire
Here’s where to head for October half term fun this year:
Halloween at Warwick Castle – 1 to 31 October 2023
Venture through The Haunted Hollows, meet the Witches of Warwick, and explore the castle grounds spooky décor and pumpkins as part of the Halloween festivities at Warwick Castle.
Over October half term there will be a range of interactive experiences in the Haunted Castle including special Halloween schools and spooky performances on the Dead Centre Stage.
For those feeling a little braver, The Castle After Dark experience (22 to 31 October) will spook visitors with fearful frights and haunted spirits.
Find out more about what’s on at Warwick Castle this October*.
Wiltshire Halloween events
Dress up in your finest Halloween costumes for this event in Wiltshire:
Cholderton Scare Breeds Farm – 21 to 31 October 2023
Take part in the interactive spooky trail to find freaky friends and take advantage of photo opportunities.
There will also be broom making workshops and a Family Halloween Party (28 October) where monsters big and small can bust a move to spooky classics.
Fancy dress is encouraged and those who have gone to the effort will receive a free child return ticket to visit the farm in the new year and a free bag of animal feed.
Find out more on the Cholderton website.
Things to do this October half term in Yorkshire
Here’s some of the the Halloween events in Yorkshire this half term:
Frightwater Valley at Lightwater Valley – 28 October to 5 November 2023
Something spooky is coming to Lightwater Valley this half term with activities to keep young families eerily entertained in-between rides.
Knock on the trick or treat doors, meet ghastly ghouls or bothersome beasties and get lost in the scare maze.
Find out more about what’s on at Lightwater Valley.
Light Spectacular at North Yorkshirre Moors Railway – selected dates from 27 October to 12 November 2023
As the darker nights draw in, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is preparing for its annual October Light Spectacular Event which will depart from Pickering station every evening during October half term.
Tickets for the hugely popular audio and visual sensory journey adorned with 17,000 LEDs are £30 per person, and include an hour-long illuminated experience from Pickering to Levisham station.
To find out more and book tickets for the Light Spectacular.
Illuminated Abbey at Whitby Abbey – 21 to 31 October 2023
Whitby Abbey will once again be illuminated after dark with the chance to experience the story of Dracula brought to life.
This year is the 126th anniversary of the publication of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, so where better to celebrate Halloween than at its inspirational gothic backdrop.
Find out more about the illuminations at this English Heritage site.
Find more days out in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in my big round up of 101 UK attractions for families.
Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links makes with *. If you click on one of these and make a purchase I may earn some commission. This does not affect the price you pay.