October’s break lands just as autumn is getting properly atmospheric and Halloween mania reaches fever pitch. It is, then, the moment to begin to slip into the season of early festivity. Of course, if you miss all of the below, no fear – there will always be pleasure in a spontaneous welly-clad stomp followed by cake. But if you are in the market for a more set piece family outing, consider this your friendly reminder that those require a little more forward planning.
So, before every other parent has the same thought, we’ve picked the things worth booking now. Diaries at the ready.
Get Spooked At Warwick Castle
The Haunted Castle, Warwick Castle
24 October – 1 November 2026
A medieval castle at Halloween? Frankly, they’ve done half the work already. Warwick goes all-in for October half-term, with more than 15 live shows and attractions taking over its towers and grounds. New for 2026 are a family-friendly silent Scarecrow Disco and the decidedly ominous Spirit Hotel, alongside mazes, entertainment and 1,100 years of suitably grisly history. From £29 per person. Book it.
See Kew After Dark
Halloween at Kew, London
16 October – 1 November
If you’ve never seen Kew Gardens after dark, Halloween offers an excellent excuse, should you need one. The annual illuminated trail turns the gardens into an atmospheric nocturnal adventure, with spooky installations and suitably eerie goings-on along the way. It’s one of London’s big-ticket Halloween outings and is already being highlighted among the capital’s key half-term events, so this is very much a book-rather-than-wing-it affair. From £19.50 per adult for non-members. Book it.
Go Behind The Scenes At Hogwarts
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
16 September – 8 November
The Great Hall decked out for Halloween is catnip for young Potterheads – and, if we’re being truthful, plenty of their parents who devoured them first time round too. The Studio Tour’s seasonal Halloween takeover returns for autumn, making half-term an especially good moment to wander through the sets, props and costumes of the films. It is perennially popular, so secure a timed slot rather than promising the children and hoping for the best – perfect for getting in the Potter mood before the new TV series hits screens at Christmas. From £58.50. Book it.
Brave Halloween At Blenheim
22 October – 1 November 2026
Blenheim is always a good idea if you’re Cotswolds-bound. And just in time for half term, it’s leaning firmly into spooky season with an after-dark Halloween trail through its grand grounds. Expect eerie illuminations, a Spider’s Lair, ghostly Pirate’s Wreck, Vampire Hunters and decidedly chilling Catacombs, with live entertainment and plenty of surprises along the way. Wrap up warm and prepare to be spooked. This is a separately ticketed event and does not include Blenheim’s daytime Haunted Half Term activities. Book it.
Have A Haunted Half-Term With English Heritage
English Heritage sites nationwide
Castles, ruins and Halloween are natural bedfellows, which English Heritage exploits to excellent effect each October. Its Great Pumpkin Party is popping up at historic sites around the country, bringing interactive storytelling, spooky games, themed trails and fancy dress into the mix. Stonehenge is running its Halloween programme from 17 October to 1 November, while Kenilworth Castle joins in from 24 October – do check the site for the full list of participating properties. Members go free; tickets included with general admission - do note, advance booking also saves non-members 15 per cent on admission. Book it.
Make A National Trust Day Of It
National Trust properties nationwide
Not every half-term outing has to be about animatronic ghosts by law. The National Trust’s October programme is particularly good this year, with everything from broomstick racing at Stourhead to Welsh myths and mysteries at Dinefwr, a scarecrow trail at Arlington Court and Diwali celebrations at Stowe. Then there’s the blazing autumn colour, muddy walks and the almost inevitable slice of cake afterwards – in other words, all the makings of a very satisfactory day. Do check the site for the full roster of nationwide events to book. Book it.
Hunt Ghosts At Chartwell
We’re Going On A Ghost Hunt, Chartwell, Kent
3 October – 1 November 2026
For younger children who prefer their ghosts friendly rather than frightening, Chartwell is laying on a Halloween trail inspired by the classic We’re Going on a Ghost Hunt. Eight activity stops wind through the garden and woodland, with games and challenges en route and a sticker at the end. It’s aimed particularly at under-eights and the trail itself is free, although normal admission applies. No booking is required for the trail, but we’d still get the day firmly into the diary. Book it.
FAQs: October Half Term
When is October half-term 2026?
Dates vary between schools and local authorities, but for many families in England the main half-term week runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026, with the weekends either side extending the break from 24 October to 1 November.
When should I book October half-term activities?
For major attractions, theatre and limited-capacity Halloween events, September is a sensible time to book. Timed evening events and the most family-friendly slots can sell particularly quickly.
What are the best things to do with children at October half-term?
Make the most of the season: Halloween trails, illuminated gardens, castles and autumn walks all come into their own in late October. It’s worth mixing one or two pre-booked treats with cheaper, more spontaneous days outdoors.
Are there free things to do during October half-term?
Yes. Museums, galleries, parks and woodland walks are good starting points, while some National Trust and heritage activities are included with normal admission or membership. It’s always worth checking whether an event carries an additional charge before booking.
What can we do at October half-term if it rains?
This is Britain in late October, so a wet-weather contingency is wise. Museums, exhibitions, theatre, indoor attractions and historic houses are obvious options — or simply embrace the weather, pack waterproofs and choose somewhere with a particularly good café.
