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
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Heritage & History
Farnham
On the 4th weekend of the month the Rural Living Museum runs its 'Working Weekend' events - full of family fun activities and the chance to experience all sorts of its vast collection from tractors to the flower mill, through to weaving and vintage…
Festival
Basingstoke
Experience the sights, sounds, and energy of Diwali as the Light It Up Parade returns to Basingstoke town centre this October. Organised by Kala the Arts, the celebration showcases cultural diversity through music, performance, food, and community…
Free Event
Basingstoke
Head to Basingstoke, Hampshire this October half term for a host of free fun activities and events for kids from 3 - 13 to enjoy.
Christmas
Basingstoke
CHRISTMAS 2026
Exclusive Christmas Party Nights
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT OAKLEY HALL HOTEL, BASINGSTOKE!
Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Party Night at our charming countryside hotel. The room will be exclusively yours where you can…
Music
Abingdon
From the laid back Friday night vibes to fun timeless Tribute Nights, find the music you like at the Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Southampton’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this…
Walking
Hart Street, Henley on Thames
Curious About Henley on Thames takes you to the famous sights and the hidden gems, with surprises tucked around every corner. Each walk takes 1–2 hours, and both are wheelchair and buggy friendly.
Childrens Events
Maidenhead
Sleep is like an old friend I've not seen for a long time. She's stopped returning my calls. But some nights feel sort of magic. Just you and me watching a new day being born.
A Tale of Us is a brand new play for parents and their babies. Join Ivy…
Special Events
Woking
Treat yourself to a delightful two-night getaway with our dinner, bed, and breakfast package, complete with a complimentary bottle of house wine in your room upon arrival. Experience the cosy comfort of our accommodations as you relax and unwind…
Gardens
Arlington
Bates Green Garden was designed and planted by the late Carolyn McCutchan over a period of many years from 1968. The tranquil 1.5-acre garden surrounds the farmhouse, which was originally a gamekeepers cottage built circa 1814.
Vineyard / Wine
Gravesend
Discover English wine at Silverhand Estate in Kent with a guided tasting experience featuring a selection of still and sparkling wines. Set within a historic vineyard, this experience combines expert guidance, award-winning wines and insights into…
Sporting Event
Eastbourne
The Beachy Head Marathon is one the biggest off-road marathons in the UK. It starts and finished on Eastbourne Seafront and is now part of an event that also sees the Ultra-Marathon,10k and Half-marathon all take place over the same weekend with…
Fireworks
Haywards Heath
Ignite your autumn evening with a sky full of color at the Ardingly Fireworks Spectacular!
Music
Guildford
THE GOSPEL EXPERIENCE is an evening where an entire audience learns a song together in harmony, rehearses it, and performs it live.
Along the way, Tim shares the history behind Gospel music: where it came from, what it carries, and why it matters.…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Crawley
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this Halloween with your family? Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Crawley’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special…
Exhibition
Romsey
Talented local textile artists will present a diverse and imaginative range of textile art at Sir Harold Hillier Garden, encompassing both traditional and contemporary techniques and materials.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Thursday October 29 & Friday 30
Doors open 5:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm
Prepare yourself and your little ones for a wickedly spook-tacular family evening this Halloween. You can enjoy some ghostly storytelling and marvel at our owls as…
Participatory Event
Carterton
Enjoy a junior crocodile keeper experience – spend time working with the keepers, meeting many of our animals up close, helping with the feeding and getting hands-on around the zoo, whilst learning all about our crocodilian friends on the way!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Cranbrook
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ampfield, Romsey
Join Sir Sludge on the Sir Harold Hillier spooktacular garden family trail and help restore order in the Land of Decay. Solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and meet some delightfully dreadful characters along the way!
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