Go Ape Bracknell, 16 October - 8 November
Discover the best October half term events and Halloween activities across South East England. From spooky Halloween events and pumpkin patches to family-friendly outdoor adventures, trails and half term activities, you'll find plenty of fiendishly good things to do this October half term in Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Surrey, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.
From haunted railways and illuminated trails to wildlife parks, museums and family attractions, there are plenty of ways to make a great day out this October half term. Whether you're searching for family-friendly Halloween events, haunted attractions, ghost trains or spooky trails, South East England offers plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween during the October half term holidays.
Whether you're planning October half-term holidays by the coast, a countryside escape with the family, or simply looking for things to do this October half term, South East England is packed with events and attractions for all ages. From pumpkin hunts and Halloween storytelling to science shows, wildlife encounters and family attractions, there are activities taking place throughout the school holidays.
Make the most of the autumn colours and crisp countryside air with outdoor adventures across the South East. From treetop challenges and wildlife trails to laser tag and outdoor family activities, there's plenty to enjoy away from the crowds this October half term.
From ghost trains and Halloween trails to pumpkin hunts, wildlife encounters and outdoor adventures, South East England offers hundreds of October half term activities for families, couples and groups of friends. Explore our spooktacular list for ideas and inspiration for things to do and places to visit over the October half-term and Halloween, or keep heading down to the bottom of the page to find hundreds of ghoulishly fun events to keep the whole family entertained.
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Most schools in South East England break up for the October half term on Friday 23 October 2026, returning to school on Monday 2 November 2026. Schools in the Isle of Wight however get an extra week off with students breaking up a week earlier on Friday 16 October returning to school on Monday 2 November 2026. Halloween falls on a Saturday this year and as always is celebrated on the 31 October.
Some of the best things to do this October half term include Halloween trails, ghost trains, pumpkin hunts, wildlife experiences, outdoor adventures and family-friendly attractions. Popular events include the Bluebell Railway Ghost Train, Halloween at Blenheim Palace, Owl-O-Ween at the Hawk Conservancy Trust and family activities taking place across Hampshire, Sussex, Kent, Oxfordshire and the Isle of Wight.
Yes. Many Halloween events across South East England are designed specifically for families, with pumpkin hunts, character encounters, spooky storytelling, wildlife experiences and Halloween trails suitable for younger children. Look out for events marked as family-friendly or use the type filter above and select family to find the best ones.
To find out what's on near me, use the search bar at the top of the page to filter events by specific dates or counties. If you are travelling to South East England for a short break or day trip, use the 'map view' button to find something local to you, or head on over to specific county what's on pages in the navigation to find something right for you.
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Number of results: 268
, currently showing 221 to 240.
Walking
Hastings
Get ready to explore Hastings like a real‑life detective!
Curious About Hastings takes you to famous places and secret corners, with surprises hiding around every turn. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly, so…
Childrens Events
Great Missenden
Our late-night Halloween event is back this year and will be better than ever… Our spooky event is the perfect Halloween treat for after dark. Enjoy an evening of foulsome frights and swashboggling surprises!
Portsmouth 100
Portsmouth
In 2026, Portsmouth celebrates its 100th anniversary of becoming a city with a wide round program of events and activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy. Visit the city, join the events and discover more of Portsmouth's fascinating…
Food
Horsham
Celebrate 15 years of The Velvet Rooms with an unforgettable evening inspired by the dazzling decadence of the Roaring Twenties. Slip into your finest flapper dresses, fedoras, and feathers, and prepare to become part of an immersive, interactive…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
The Woodland Wizard is in need of your help! Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Bedgebury’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra…
Music
Maidenhead
Hosed by Jeff Lloyd.
Get into the Halloween spirit with an evening of dark delights on vinyl. 12 participants spin a track including some or all of the event title! Expect a gloriously macabre evening of classics, curiosities and, erm, killer tunes…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Bracknell
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Bracknell, taking thrills up a level as you climb through the canopy on a high ropes course lit with glowing lights and illuminated trees.
Special Events
Uckfield
The Ghost Train is back at Bluebell Railway! Step aboard if you dare… the Ghost Train returns to The Bluebell Railway this October!
Journey into the darkness for a spine-tingling ride through the Sussex countryside, with eerie surprises lurking…
Walking
West Street, Marlow
Have fun (re)discovering Marlow with two quirky treasure‑hunt walks that get you spotting things you’ve never noticed before. It’s a fresh‑air adventure that’s fun, affordable, and perfect for all ages.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Looking for a great way to get outdoors during the school holidays, with plenty of climbing, balancing and zip-lining to keep the whole family entertained. Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Moors Valley’s…
Walking
Dorking
The two hour walking Secret Vineyard Trail takes you at a leisurely pace to some of the most beautiful viewing points within the Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey. Enjoy selected wine tastings served along the way. The wine tasting and vineyard walking…
Halloween
Brockenhurst
We've put a spooky twist on our archery sessions for October, with ghosts, ghouls, zombies and werewolves acting as your new targets. Then it's onto the pumpkin shooting round where your little monsters will get to decorate their pumpkins before…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sturry
The Bison Ranger Experience at West Blean & Thornden Woods in Kent offers a unique behind-the-scenes wildlife encounter with the Wilder Blean bison project. Guided by expert rangers, visitors can learn about rewilding, track free-roaming European…
Food
Henley-on-Thames
Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, the Heyworth Restaurant at Venue Henley, offers a hearty roast with all the trimmings, freshly prepared by our chefs and served with views of the River Thames.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sandown
Head out with the team from Dinosaur Isle Museum for a fossil hunting walk. These really popular walks will take you to fantastic locations to find fossils and learn about the geology of the Isle of Wight and about palaeontology. Walks take place in…
Participatory Event
Aston Clinton
Discover the joy of trail running with this majestic race with the forest is shrouded in Autumnal colours. The route is a 10k multi-lapped course along a challenging and hilly course, there are some significant hills to mention! Due to it's nature,…
Food
Whiteley
Come along for a spooky afternoon of delicious delights! There will be a selection of sandwiches and treats, followed by a spooky cookie decorating.
Halloween
Bembridge
We love Halloween at Away Resorts, from dressing up as ghosts and ghouls to carving scary (or funny!) faces into a plump, rump pumpkin.
It's so much fun that we'll be getting into the spooky spirit at Whitecliff Bay, Isle of Wight, from 2nd October…
Fireworks
Hayling Island
Funland Hayling Island have 2 nights of mischievous merriment taking place on Saturday 24th and Friday 30th October 2026.
Walking
The Hard, Portsmouth
Get ready to explore Portsmouth like a real‑life detective! With two treasure‑hunt walks, you’ll spot clues, solve puzzles, and discover amazing things you’ve never noticed before. It’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s perfect for curious kids (and…
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