Things to do in October Half Term 2025

Keeping everyone entertained during Half Term can be a challenge, but there are plenty of activities and events to enjoy across the UK this October. From pumpkin picking to costume competitions, there's something for everyone!

North Devon

Scarecrow Trail at Arlington Court

12.6 miles/26 min drive from Golden Coast
Wednesday 8th - Friday 31st October

This community-led event makes its way to Arlington Court every autumn, giving guests the opportunity to explore the gardens and grounds while spotting scarecrows created by local schools and community groups. It’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon and enjoy the crisp, autumn air.

Endangered Animals and Halloween Spook-Tacular at Exmoor Zoo

14 miles/25 min drive from Golden Coast

Endangered animals event: Monday 1st September - Saturday 25th October
Halloween Spook-Tacular: Tuesday 28th October - Monday 3rd November

With two exciting events taking place this autumn, Exmoor Zoo is the perfect place to let your little ones (and yourself) go a little wild. Their events will see visitors discovering more about the world’s endangered animals, as well as getting into the spooky spirit with their annual Halloween celebration. Whatever you prefer, it’s a great day out for the whole family.

Halloween Hocus Pocus at The Milky Way Adventure Park

30.3 miles/58 min drive from Golden Coast
From Sunday 26th October

Enjoy a fabulous family day out at The Milky Way this October Half Term, complete with plenty of Halloween activities to enjoy. Enrol the little ones at the School for Witches and Wizards to write spells and brew potions before taking a spin on the Spooky Swamp Dodgems and settling in for Merlin’s show full of magical stories. Your perfect family day out awaits!

North East England

Thrilling days out at Alnwick Castle

16.9 miles/30 min drive from Riverside
From Monday 13th October

Step into one of England’s most well-known and iconic castles for a fabulous day out this October. With a variety of events on offer, you can assist a valiant knight on a quest to recover his shattered armour, meet the medieval barber surgeon for a demonstration of his trade or embark on a harrowing journey to thwart the sinister Alnwick Vampire. Whether you’re visiting with little ones, teens or adults, there’s something for all to enjoy this spooky season.

The Canterville Ghost at Howick Hall

22.1 miles/36 min drive from Riverside
Wednesday 29th October

For fans of theatre, the supernatural or even those looking for a ghostly grin, this Halloween-themed performance is sure to put a smile on your face. Delivered by the talented team at Don’t Go Into The Cellar, this unique adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s enchanting story promises a delightful mix of comedy and thrills, with plenty of audience interaction. The show has been carefully crafted for children and families, so everyone can enjoy the fabulous one-man performance.

Brocksbushes Pumpkin Patch

19.1 miles/31 min drive from Heather View
Open on selected dates from Saturday 4th October

With over 90,000 pumpkins of various shapes, sizes and colours available, Brocksbushes Pumpkin Patch is the place to be for the ultimate autumnal day out. Grab your wellies, head into the field and choose the perfect pumpkin to bring home before enjoying everything else on offer at the farm, from delicious marshmallow toasting to funfair rides and Halloween games!

Adventure Valley's Fa-BOO-lous Halloween

23.4 miles/43 min drive from Heather View
Saturday 25th October - Sunday 2nd November

Offering more giggles than ghouls, Adventure Valley’s special Halloween event is guaranteed to be a fang-tastic adventure this October. Explore the park as you take on the Halloween trail, meeting plenty of happy characters along the way and tackling themed activities to bring a smile to all. With a Corn Cob Catapult, Maize Maze, daily shows, animal encounters, a pumpkin patch and more, there’s endless fun to be had!

Halloween Family Fun Day at Hopetown in Darlington

27.1 miles/47 min drive from Heather View
Friday 31st October

If you fancy a day packed full of spooky surprises and ghost-busting giggles, Hopetown is the place to be this Halloween! With its first Family Fun Run, costume competitions, face painting, live music, a spooky juggling illusionist and much more, it’s the perfect spooky day out for the whole family!

There is also a Bushcraft Experience where you can learn lots of survival skills such as shelter-making, fire-striking and more. It's a great way to embrace the joys of the autumn season while learning something new! 

Family Stargazing at Raby Castle

18.1 miles/34 min drive from Heather View
Wednesday 29th - Thursday 30th October

For a truly unique and educational activity, head over to Raby Castle for an unforgettable evening under the stars. Taking place at their stunning High Force Waterfall, you’ll settle in for an interactive stargazing session with experienced and passionate astronomy experts, journeying through the night sky to discover constellations, planets and stars. You may even hear a celestial story or two.

South West Scotland

Pumpkin Picking at Walby Farm Park

24 miles/34 min drive from Queensberry Bay
Saturday 4th - Friday 31st October

This popular seasonal event returns for 2025, bringing jam-packed days of fun. Head out into the patch to find the perfect pumpkin, get partying at Walby’s Wicked Boogie Woogie interactive disco and try your hand at the corn and pumpkin cannon for a fantastic family day out you won’t forget! If you’re looking for something a little different, why not opt for the Pumpkin Picking After Dark event for an evening like no other.

Halloween at Dino Park

7.5 miles/15 min drive from Queensberry Bay
Sunday 5th October - Sunday 3rd November

What could be more fun than celebrating Halloween at a Dino Park? Step back 150 million years and discover the giants who roamed the earth, all while enjoying the spooky scenery and activities. Do you dare embark on the Halloween Ghost Hunt or visit the spooky mine? There’s even a fancy dress competition to take part in, so don your best costume and get spooky!

Halloween Happenings at Drumlanrig Castle

33.8 miles/55 min drive from Queensberry Bay
Saturday 11th - Sunday 26th October

After a sellout event in 2024, even more spine-chilling family fun will be returning to Drumlanrig Castle this October. Whether you make your way to the picturesque pumpkin patch or head out on the Halloween trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy the magic of the season.

Halloweenies at Heads of Ayr Farm Park

23.5 miles/40 min drive from Viewfield Manor
Saturday 11th - Sunday 26th October

Ready to embrace the spooky season? This October, Heads of Ayr Farm Park are bringing plenty of family-friendly fun with their Pumpkin Patch and Halloweenies party. With Halloween crafting, pumpkin games, toasting marshmallows, animal encounters and much more, everyone’s sure to have a fa-boo-lous time!

South East Scotland

Hartland Abbey & Gardens

13.8 miles/23 min drive from Thurston Manor
18.4 miles/30 min drive from Pease Bay
26.9 miles/44 min drive from Scoutscroft
26.6 miles/45 min drive from Coldingham Bay

With over 60,000 pumpkins in 27 varieties, Balgone is the place to head to find the perfect pumpkin this October! With plenty of picturesque spots for family photos, local food and drink to sample, a Haunted Trail and lots of treats on offer at The Crooked Cauldron, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Pumpkin Festival at East Links

7.1 miles/12 min drive from Thurston Manor
11.7 miles/18 min drive from Pease Bay
19.9 miles/33 min drive from Coldingham Bay
20.2 miles/33 min drive from Scoutscroft

Running from Saturday 11th - Friday 31st October

A trip to East Links Family Park is always a fantastic day out, but this October you can celebrate the season with their range of Halloween activities, all free with your park tickets. On your visit you can enjoy pumpkin carving, brave the haunted house, take on the Halloween hunt, compete in the fancy dress competition and lots more!

Artie's Singing Kettle in Haddington

15.2 miles/22 min drive from Thurston Manor
19.9 miles/28 min drive from Pease Bay
28.1 miles/43 min from Coldingham Bay
28.4 miles/43 min drive from Scoutscroft

Wednesday 15th October

Artie’s Singing Kettle Halloween Show promises a spooktacular extravaganza bursting with magic and merriment. Help solve spooky mysteries, sing along with fun and fabulous characters and laugh out loud at a number of jokes and hilarious antics. Don’t forget to don your most creative costume to fully immerse yourself in the fun!

Central Scotland

Halloween Bath Bomb Workshop at Lush, Stirling

45.3 miles/60 min drive from Erigmore
Tuesday 14th - Saturday 25th October

Get spooky and sparkly with this fun, seasonal workshop! Perfect for witches and wizards aged four or above, this hands-on, interactive session is all about unleashing your creativity as you mix, mould and decorate your very own Halloween bath bomb! All ingredients are safe, materials are provided and no experience is needed, so be sure to head over for a bubbling good time. You can even show off your favourite costume at the session!

Selkie Trail at the V&A Dundee

34.5 miles/52 min drive from Erigmore
29.8 miles/55 min drive from Ballintuim

Join Selkie the Seal on a trail to discover more about the incredible The V&A museum. With a free, family-friendly printed map, you’ll sketch, wander and learn lots of fun facts about the building’s architecture and design. When you return, you’ll even be able to claim an Official Explorer stamp and Selfie’s Seal of Approval. This delightful trail is the perfect way for families to explore the museum, making it a fun and exciting experience for all!

Witchcraft and Wizardry Escape Room with Escape Dundee

28 miles/55 min drive from Erigmore
27.9 miles/56 min drive from Ballintuim

There have been some funny goings on at Dundee’s school of witchcraft and wizardry, and it’s up to you to solve the puzzles to put a stop to the evil professor. Get your thinking caps on and step into the classroom to face the tricks before making your escape and graduating with a distinction! This fantastic experience is a wonderful way to challenge the whole family, and October Half Term is the perfect time to embark on your magical adventure.

Verdant Events

If you fancy getting into the Halloween spirit without venturing too far, we also have a range of fang-tastic activities taking place across our parks. Whether you love the chance to dress up and party or would rather chill with a spooky film, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this October Half Term.

Find out more about October Half Term activities here.

See what’s on at Golden Coast, Thurston Manor and Riverside.