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 1 to 20.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Southampton
Go Ape Sundown Adventures are back for autumn 2026 at Go Ape Southampton, offering a new level of forest fun in the evenings after dark.
Childrens Events
Slough
Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt,a 'spell-tacular' addition to Go Ape Black Park's Treetop and Nets Adventures. Combining nets, high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra twist to the Treetop Adventure,…
Childrens Events
Maidenhead
Step into Luca Silvestrini's acclaimed new dance-theatre adaptation of Mozart's opera, The Magic Flute.
Join the fun-loving bird-catcher Papageno and the lost Prince Tamino as they set out to rescue Princess Pamina, uncovering the truth about the…
Arts
Chichester
Join us at Pallant House Gallery, West Sussex for a three-part series of engaging art history lectures exploring the British landscape through key movements in 20th century British art.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Faversham
Our one day willow weaving courses introduce you to the traditional craft of working with willow & basket weaving. Get hands on practice and learn the skills you need to work with willow and make baskets. Perfect for those new to traditional willow…
Exhibitions
Maidstone
An Audience With Eleanor: Unveiling the World's First AI Queen Experience
Immerse yourself in the life of medieval England's most remarkable and misunderstood queen through a groundbreaking exhibition featuring the world's first interactive…
Free Event
Portsmouth
Get your bag for life ready — there’s never been a more exciting time to shop the market.
Exhibitions
Chichester
This major exhibition will bring the British landscape to life
through the eyes of some of the 20th century's most inspiring
artists. It will explore works from 1910 to 1970 that reimagined
the countryside and coastlines of the British Isles as…
Childrens Events
Chipping Norton
This family-friendly Halloween adventure near Chipping Norton invites children to follow Hansel and Gretel's Trail of Puzzles and Riddles, complete their Spellbook Passport and earn a "No Trick, Just Sweet Treat!" reward.
Childrens Events
Chatham Road, Sandling
Celebrate Halloween with us at Kent Wildlife Trust with an autumnal natural craft, a hot chocolate, and a toasted marshmallow around the campfire!
Food
Winchester
Join us at Winchester Royal Hotel for a delightful afternoon of sipping tea, eating delicious food inspired by Jane Austen's time
Childrens Events
Faversham
Come along to Brogdale during our apple harvesting season and walk through our heritage orchards. Pick some apples from our special heritage orchards and have a go at making freshly pressed juice!
Other
Brighton
Discover the best of Brighton with a seaside stay at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. Perfectly positioned on Brighton’s vibrant seafront, this package combines a relaxing overnight break with tickets to the magnificent Royal…
Outdoor Event / Activities
Farnham
Take on the Halloween Potion Hunt, a ‘spell-tacular’ addition to Go Ape Alice Holt’s Treetop and Nets Adventures. Combining nets, high ropes crossings, zip wires and a seasonal trail, this special event adds an extra twist to the Go Ape family…
Childrens Events
Aldingbourne
Step into a magical Halloween world filled with spooky games, enchanting activities and plenty of Halloween fun at Aldingbourne Country Centre. A child-friendly experience perfect for little witches, wizards, fairies and monsters wanting a day out…
Childrens Events
Ardingly, Haywards Heath
Feathers McGraw is up to his old tricks, and Wallace and Gromit need your help to stop him at Kew Wakehurst this October half term. Follow a fun-filled family trail through Wakehurst's autumn landscape and discover the fascinating world of fungi.…
Health & Wellbeing
Little Horwood, Milton Keynes
Designed to pamper you from head to toe, come and experience the Instant Radiance Spa Day at Horwood House Hotel near Milton Keynes.
Food
Reading
The Great British Sunday Roast is not just a delightful meal, but also an occasion for entertainment and enjoyment with fun filled activities that include culinary workshops at the ‘Mini-Chef’s Station’, board games, goodie bags and movies in our…
Halloween
Woodstock
Take a daring journey through a newly imagined trail where every twist reveals something sinister at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire this Halloween and October half term.
Arts
Chichester
Join one of our experienced guides for a tour of our current exhibition, British Landscapes: A Sense of Place.
Explore our current exhibition British Landscapes: A Sense of Place with one of our guides and let them share their knowledge and passion…
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