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 101 to 120.
Sporting Event
Ascot
Celebrate the start of the 2026/27 Jumps season in unforgettable style at Ascot’s Fireworks Spectacular Family Raceday. This action-packed day combines thrilling National Hunt racing with one of the region’s most dazzling fireworks displays,…
Heritage & History
Bluebell Railwa, Uckfield
The Bluebell Railway is pleased to announce the return of the giants at our Giants of Steam Autumn Gala from the 16th - 18th October.
Experience power, heritage, and atmosphere at one of the Bluebell Railway’s biggest annual events!
Halloween
Chichester
Dare to take on the Monster Maze this Halloween? Friday Fright Night on 30 October, 3:30pm - 7pm at Aldingbourne Country Centre, near Chichester, West Sussex
Walking
High Street, Oxford
Explore Oxford’s big sights and hidden corners, uncover quirky stories, and enjoy 1–2 hours of fresh‑air exploring on each fully wheelchair and buggy‑friendly route.
Halloween
Hailsham
This October, Half Term Horrors returns to Knockhatch Adventure Park! Saturday 24th October to Friday 30th October 2026.
Food
Crawley
Experience one of the finest Afternoon Tea experiences in West Sussex at Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa. Served daily between 12pm and 4:30pm, guests can relax in the elegant Drawing Room and enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in…
Arts
Chichester
Follow your curiosity and try something new at West Dean Gardens, Chichester.
As part of A Summer of Imagination at West Dean, our Creative Taster Sessions offer two unhurried hours around the Gardens Gatehouse craft table to follow your curiosity,…
Childrens Events
Wexham
Explore 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 child to go wild and many Forest School skills to learn about. This includes crafts, tools, campfire skills…
Cycling
Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
Offering full-day adult bike hire only, New Forest Activities offer bike sizes from XS to XL. It’s ideal for couples, adult groups and families with teens who want a relaxed but active day out in the New Forest.
Halloween
Riseley, Reading
Step into a world of magical mischief and playful spooks as Hallo’Welly’Ween returns to Wellington Country Park, Reading for its 13th year!
Walking
Chichester
Step away from the everyday and discover the delicious wild foods growing across the West Dean estate. Whether you're new to foraging or want to deepen existing knowledge, join a professional forager for a relaxed, hands-on walk through the…
Halloween
Beaulieu
The New Forest Activities favourite BattleZone just got a whole lot scarier! Paint the battlefield dead as your ghoulsome troops creep up on the enemy, using infra-red technology guns to spook your way to victory.
Festival
Edenbridge
The Festival Theatre events run throughout the year in our gorgeous locations at: Hever Castle – including our flagship stunning theatre re-built in 2024, Chiddingstone Castle and Penshurst Place & Gardens.
Heritage & History
Edenbridge
As the air turns crisp and a rich display of autumn colour envelops the countryside, pack your walking boots or wellies and head to Hever Castle for one of the most picturesque family days out in Kent this autumn.
The Castle is arguably at its most…
Food
Ascot
Ascot Farmers' Market offers a great choice of fresh produce, pies and pastries, dairy products and plants whilst on-site parking means a stress-free shopping experience.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Bracknell
Go Ape's popular adults-only sessions are back at Bracknell, this time for Sundown Adventures, running across two exclusive nights only.
Childrens Events
Woodstock
Dinosaurs Are Forever comes to Blenheim Palace this summer - a major new exhibition by artist Jay Burridge, created in partnership with the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. At the heart of the exhibition are five monumental sculptures of…
Talks
23 Harbour Parade, Southampton
Calling all parents-to-be. Join the Nursery team and local experts at John Lewis Southampton to learn about this new stage of your life and our All Things Baby service, covering everything you need to know for the arrival of your child.
Childrens Events
Whitchurch
Head to Whitchurch Silk Mill for Halloween-themed trail and activities around the site and collect your Bag of Treats at the end.
Food
Dorking
A relaxed cinematic tour, tasting and lunch is the perfect way to immerse yourself in a complete winery experience at Denbies Vineyard in Dorking.
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