October Half term 2024: Top Family Events in Britain
Are you planning an autumn holiday for October half term? It’s a great time for a family getaway because there’s always so much to do, including plenty of spooky Halloween-themed events.
We’ve chosen some half term and Halloween highlights from around the country. Here’s what’s in store for families during the 2024 October holidays.
The South West: have a creepy Halloween…
The famous coastline of the South West is no less stunning in the autumn than the summer (although you’ll need a winter wetsuit if you’re braving the October sea!). A rich collection of visitor attractions guarantees an action-packed family holiday.
The iconic Eden Project (near St Austell in Cornwall) is a fantastic family day out, and it’s even more fun during its annual “Halloweden” event. This year’s October half term has a minibeast theme with creepy crawly activities across the attraction. Eden’s ice rink is also open for the holidays, or you can take a tour of Eden’s sister attraction, The Lost Gardens of Heligan.
The Cotswolds
The gently wooded and rural Cotswolds are simply beautiful in the autumn: think golden trees, misty walks and cosy pubs. The regions’ many museums and attractions also host some fabulous family-friendly events during the school holidays.
In the Cotswolds, two castles caught our eye. There’s the Dragons and Wizards event in Berkeley Castle where you’ll learn how to tame wild dragons. Armed with new skills, your family can brave the Medieval Monster Trail at Sudeley Castle complete with a fancy dress competition and Halloween Ball in the Orangery.
The South East
This diverse part of the country has everything from traditional seaside resorts to a lush rural landscape – and the capital city. If you’re looking for a half-term break that you can pack with adventures, the South East is an excellent spot.
There are some seriously spooky-looking activities at Dover. Hever and Walmer Castles, along with special Halloween tours around Canterbury. For an outdoor adventure, head for RHS Hyde Hall gardens in Essex, where you’ll learn all about Wicked Plants, as well as trying your hand at Halloween crafts.
East Anglia
We love East Anglia in the autumn, when the beautiful Fens glow golden in the low light and the much-loved seaside towns are quieter. Cities like Cambridge and Norwich have a lot to offer for families during the October half term.
What could be better in Cambridge than the half term Punt and Hunt tour? Get onboard for a scavenger hunt that uses the city’s waterways as well as cobbled streets. You could also ride an actual ghost train with Halloween events planned on the Bure Valley Railway and the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway.
The Midlands and the Peak District
If you’re a family that loves the great outdoors, pack stout boots and waterproofs, and take to the paths of these beautiful regions. When it rains, head for one of the many museums, theme parks or stately homes in Midlands and Peak District.
From rock climbing sessions to the Fright Fiesta at Gulliver’s Kingdom, there are a lot of different half term activities in the Peak District. If you’re looking for a lot of activities on one site, try Chatsworth House, which has a packed programme of family favourites including tractor tours, face painting, autumn crafts and pumpkin picking.
Yorkshire and the North East
The moors, dales and coast in the North East are simply stunning in the autumn, and you’ll also have your pick of cities. From historic York and Durham to vibrant Leeds and Newcastle, you’ll be spoilt for choice for visitor attractions that host family-friendly events.
If you want a classically spooky Halloween, drive across the beautiful North York Moors (stopping off to enjoy a Halloween-themed activity at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway) to Whitby, famous for its Dracula connections. In the evening, join in with one of York’s famous ghost walks.
The North West
If you book a half term holiday in the North East, you’ll have every sort of entertainment, from Manchester’s theatres, museums and galleries to the Lake District’s sweeping scenery and appealing little towns. This is definitely the place for the family who wants to do everything!
If your family love an outdoor adventure, Go Ape in beautiful Grizedale Forest is an excellent day out. Take the Treetop Challenge or brave the Zip Trekking Adventure, and younger explorers (over 1m tall) will love the Treetop Adventure. For extra excitement, Go Ape is running Sundown Adventures over half term.
Scotland
The dramatic landscape and dark skies make the Scottish Highlands a wonderful place for a memorable October holiday. Explore the national parks, lochs and castles, along with the many visitor attractions of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Edinburgh’s castle and Old Town seem made for Halloween Adventures. Do you dare take the tour of the lost underground city at Mary King’s Close…? Families with younger children may prefer the fun-filled Halloween events at Edinburgh Zoo or to go pumpkin picking at Craigies Farm.
Wales
Last but never least, Wales has a richly varied terrain that’s at its best in the autumn. From pretty Victorian seaside towns to majestic mountains, lively young cities to remote old villages, there are a lot of places to discover in this ancient land.
If you love pumpkins, Cardiff Halloween Festival is a must. There are literally tens of thousands of these much-loved squashes at this popular event, which also includes a disco, live music, street food, trails and a maize. There are different activities for different ages, so check the programme before setting off.
Book your holiday cottage for October half term 2024
At Handpicked Cottages, we still have availability for October half term: take a look at our collection of luxury holiday cottages across the UK. From cosy rural retreats to sophisticated city properties, there’s something for every family this autumn.
