There’s plenty of family fun to be had in October, especially during the half term holidays with many spooky themed events! From pumpkin carving to dressing up and scary stories, the kids will love getting out and about over half term. If relaxation is more your thing, make the most of your own swim slot in our heated indoor pool, enjoy a country walk and lunch at one of our local pubs then relax back at your cottage and curl up in front of the wood burner 🤩 🎃
Twyford Waterworks Autumn Rally
Discover how the drinking water that’s piped to all our homes has been pumped from deep within the Hampshire Downs for over 120 years! Twyford Waterworks will be open to the public where much of the site will be in operation. Visit to enjoy the sights, sounds and smell of a working Edwardian Waterworks! Find out more…
1st October
Pumpkin Spotter Challenge at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Autumn fun in the Gardens! Join in and become a pumpkin spotter. How many pumpkins can you spot hidden the in the Gardens? A fun autumn activity for kids of all ages! Find out more…
1st to 31st October
Ghostly Winchester Guided Tour
Join Winchester’s professional Guides for a 90 minute night-time meander around the streets and alleyways of old Winchester including the Cathedral Close. Hear age-old tales of local supernatural activity intertwined with Winchester’s rich history and learn about some of Winchester’s contemporary ghostly goings-on. Find out more…
6th October
Science Lates: Horror Movies at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium
Join in this frightful season and unearth the science behind horror movies. Are you brave enough to enter the Science Centre at night? Experience live blood-curdling talks, watch special effects science demos and be wowed by ghoulish make-up tutorials. Experience the psychology of fear, compete against your friends in the Haunted Hovercrafts Lates Challenge. Join in with the silent disco or enjoy a horror movie themed cocktail. Only suitable for adults. Find out more…
6th October
Plus
Science Spooktacular
Visit Winchester Science Centre for frightfully fun science throughout October!
Join Skully the Skeleton for a fun trick or treat trail around the Science Centre. Discover the science behind the oozes, squelches and gurgles of our digestive system in free live show, Can You Stomach It? Find out more…
7th to 30th October
Autumn Steam Gala at The Watercress Line
The Autumn Steam Gala is a chance to enjoy unlimited rides on a range of visiting locomotives as well as those based on the line. Explore the heritage stations along the 10-mile line, find out more about the restoration work and enjoy talks and various exhibits. Find out more…
6th to 8th October
Plus
Wizard Week at The Watercress Line
Children of all ages are invited to dress up as their favourite scary character – little monsters, ghosts, witches and wizards are welcome with prizes to be won. Plus rides on the Wizard Express train and the thrill of walking in Harry Potter’s footsteps over the famous railway footbridge where Harry received his Hogwarts Express ticket in the film. Find out more…
21st to 29th October
Guided Chawton Village Walk: Family Special
This fun, guided family walk will take you back in time to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Inspired by Jane’s hoard of over thirty nephews and nieces, you’ll be dressing up, telling stories and playing games. The walk starts at Jane Austen’s House and is particularly aimed at families with children aged 8+ but all are welcome. Find out more…
7th October
Horrible Histories – Barmy Britain at New Theatre Royal
We all want to meet people from history. The trouble is everyone is dead! Barmy Britain is back full of crazy new characters and rude new rulers from Britain’s barmy past. From being conquered by William to hiding from Queen Victoria, Britain’s favourite history show is back – it’s history with the nasty bits left in! Find out more…
7th October
Pumpkin Time at Sunnyfields Farm
Head to Sunnyfields farm to view the wonderful variety of pumpkins on display. There will be thousands of pumpkins and squashes to pop into your wheelbarrow and purchase. You can then take them home to carve, paint or decorate your home! Find out more…
7th to 29th October
Big Guns to be fired at Fort Nelson
The Big Guns are being fired at Fort Nelson for a Firepower at the Fort event. Visitors will be able to experience the power and might of a range of artillery from the World Wars, including anti-tank guns and field artillery. Uniformed members of the Garrison Artillery Volunteers will fire the artillery for this special event with firings at 11.30am and 2.30pm. With static displays, singing performances, theatrical displays, a museum trail and face painting. Find out more…
7th & 8th October
Plus Fear at the Fort 21st to 29th October
Southsea Makers Market at Southsea Castle
A monthly exhibition and sale of original work from local artists, designers, makers and crafters. With a selection of work on offer including paintings and prints, sculptures and jewellery – there’s something for every taste. Find out more…
8th October
Sunday Waterside Market at Port Solent
Situated alongside the picturesque marina on the second Sunday of every month, the waterside market boasts a unique collection of over 40 market stalls offering an array of products from home furnishings, gifts, homemade crafts, stunning jewellery, delicious cakes and other yummy treats. Find out more…
8th October
Rogate Pumpkin Patch
The Pumpkin Patch and all its wonders returns with a wonderful world of everything spooky and pumpkin. Charming visitors of all ages, the unique attractions are designed not only for imaginative play but are also a perfect backdrop for taking some fabulous photos! Find out more…
13th to 29th October
Happy Halloween at Paultons Park
Bring the family to the friendliest and most frightful Halloween event at Paultons Park. Tornado Springs will have a ghostly makeover and Peppa Pig fans will delight in seeing Peppa Pig World transformed for the occasion. Find out more…
14th to 30th October
Halloween Archery Pumpkin Shooting with New Forest Activities
New Forest Activities have put a spooky twist on their archery sessions for October Half Term. Using weapons of old; vampires, werewolves and zombies will be your new targets. To add an extra challenge, you can practice your newfound archery skills shooting pumpkins too! So gather your ghoulish gang and join New Forest Activities on the archery range this Halloween! Find out more…
21st to 29th October
Halloween Half Term at Portsmouth Museum
Dress to Distress this half term for some ‘spooktacular’ all-ages activities. There’s a fun programme of spooky activities taking place right across the half term holidays. Plus, go along in your scariest costume and claim your trick or treat prize. Find out more…
21st to 31st October
Autumn & Halloween Steam up at Brickworks Museum
The autumn steam up welcomes the traction engines back from their summer show season to join in one last celebration of brickmaking before the Museum closes for the winter. As the nights darken and the season draws in, don’t miss the chance to explore the genuinely haunted museum at Halloween. Find out more…
22nd October
October Half Term Activities at the Weald & Downland Living Museum
Head to the Museum for fantastic indoor and outdoor fun this half term. Activities include Creepy Creatures and Superstitions Witches Broom Trail, Frightful Folklore Stories and Potions and poisons. Find out more…
23rd to 29th October
PAW Patrol at Marwell Zoo
PAW Patrol’s Chase and Skye will be keeping everything in order over half term during a series of special visits from the canine Adventure Bay heroes following the launch of their new movie. See Chase, the police pup and Skye, the air rescue pup, where guests of all ages can listen to tales of their epic adventures at intervals during the week. Find out more…
24th to 26th October
Monster School at Sky Park Farm
Get ready for a bewitching experience at Sky Park Farm this half term! From spine-tingling creepy crafts to mysterious special guests. Dive into a world of creativity, crafting eerie masterpieces. Hosted by our resident witch, the excitement is set to soar. Find out more…
24th to 27th October
