Leeds Castle, 17 October - 1 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.
.jpg)
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.
.gif)
Number of results: 268
, currently showing 161 to 180.
Indoor
Turners Hill, Crawley
Escape to the multi award-wining Utopia Spa at Alexander House in the West Sussex countryside.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Sarson Lane, Andover
Running over the October half term, Saturday October 24 – Sunday November 1
10:00am-5:30pm
Over the October half term enjoy an autumnal day out in the Hampshire countryside, surrounded by the beauty of nature as the seasons change, and the Hawk…
Comedy
Maidenhead
Recently married, emotionally feral.
The Gallus Glaswegian Goon returns with a riotous show about refusing to grow up.
As seen on SNL, Live at the Apollo, QI and The Royal Variety Performance.
★★★★★ Telegraph | ★★★★★ Broadway World | ★★★★★…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Ringwood
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Moors Valley offering the chance to experience the high ropes course lit with glowing lights and illuminated trees.
Performing Arts
Reading
Celebrate Diwali with Kala The Arts as the town comes alive with light, music and movement on Saturday 24 October! Festivities begin at 4:15pm with a community stage performance in Town Hall Square and the Grand Lantern Parade at 5.30pm
Exhibitions
East Sussex
Infused with wit and shaped by her surrealist sensibility, this playful display in the Farleys Gallery Café focuses on Lee Miller's animal subjects. From taking 'pet portraits' at the request of rich clients in her New York Studio, to rescuing a…
Theatre
Reading
A Miss Marple Mystery comes to the Mill at Sonning near Reading this Autumn. The Mirror Crack'd is set in a picture perfect village with a glittering party and a chilling murder.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Maidstone
Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Leeds Castle’s Treetop Adventures. Combining high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra twist to the Go Ape family experience.
Childrens Events
Wexham
xplore and get messy at Black Park!
Join us in Black Pines Camp for some fun in the woods! We have a variety of activities for your tot to go wild, including the mud kitchen, the sand pit, bug hunting, games stations, water play, weaving, balancing,…
Childrens Events
Portsmouth
Fort Nelson will be transformed into a hub of spooky adventure, with a new 'Creepy Codebreaker' museum trail and a host of free daily activities for children and families from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November.
Music
Faringdon
The 15th century Coaching Inn, has a vibrant pub, cocktail bar, plus fine dining and casual dining restaurant. Most Saturday Nights from 8.30pm until 23.00pm they welcome musicians to play, attracting visitors and locals alike to enjoy the different…
Food
Whitchurch
Enjoy an afternoon at Bombay Sapphire Distillery, with an upgrade to add a Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail.
Water Based Activities
Dengemarsh Road, Lydd
Do you want to try paddleboarding with your dog? Looking for a fun, dog-friendly day out in Kent?
Head along to Action Watersports in Lydd, Romney Marsh, for Pups on SUPs, a brilliant stand up paddleboarding experience where you and your…
Food
Southsea
South West Surrey Farmers Markets bring beautiful, fresh local produce to Southsea every month.
Festival
Southampton
Get ready for Oktoberfest - a weekend of Bavarian fun in the heart of Southampton. Head to Southampton's Guildhall Square this October for a night of laughter, merriment, and the true spirit of Bavaria. Prost!
Childrens Events
Waterperry
October fun at Waterperry Gardens....can you find the sneaky slithering snakes (not real ones) around the garden with our fun family-friendly activity trail.
Theatre
Brighton
Our popular backstage tours are back!
Halloween
Brockenhurst
Pay a visit to New Forest Activities in Hampshire this Halloween for a wonderfully spooky twist on an archery session. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. Plus to add an extra challenge, you'll get to…
Halloween
Petworth
We're Going on a Ghost Hunt™ this Halloween at Petworth. Come and join the fun! Can we find them all? Yes! Run, run, run!
General event
Reading
Enjoy a luxurious night away with that special someone. The Roseate Reading is just 25 minutes from London and is the perfect place to relax and get away from the everyday stresses of life.
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
