October Half term 2025: 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 2025 October holidays.
The South West
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, which takes place during October half term. 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 October half term.
In the Cotswolds, two castles caught our eye. The enchanting Berkeley Castle is hosting Halloween fun with spooky storytelling and enchanting owls, whilst Studley Castle has an epic pumpkin trail running throughout the castle grounds!
The South East
The South East is an excellent place to visit during the October break. With its seaside resorts and lush rural landscape, there’s an abundance of half term activities for all the family to enjoy.
There are some seriously spooky-looking activities at Hever Castle in Dover. Or for an outdoor adventure, head for RHS Hyde Hall gardens in Essex, where you can learn all about Wicked Plants and try your hand at spooky 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 on board for a scavenger hunt that uses the city’s waterways and cobbled streets. For something a little less spooky, jump aboard the Bure Valley Railway where kids can ride for free during October half term.
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 North East is simply stunning in the autumn. As well as its moors, dales and coastline, there are plenty of vibrant cities to explore. From historic York and Durham to vibrant Leeds and Newcastle, you’ll be spoilt for choice for visitor attractions that host family-friendly half term events.
If you want a classically spooky Halloween, drive across the beautiful North York Moors (stopping off to join Mad Alice’s Ghost Train on North Yorkshire Moors Railway) to Whitby – famous for its Dracula connections. In the evening, join one of York’s famous ghost walks!
The North West
If you book a half-term holiday in the North East, you’ll be spoilt for choice for 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 offers fun for all age groups. Take the Treetop Challenge (age 10+), Nets Adventure (age 1+), or the Treetop Adventure (over 1 metre tall).
SCOTLAND
Its 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 in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen.
Edinburgh’s castle and Old Town are 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 the pumpkin festival 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 plenty 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. There are different activities for different ages, so check the programme before setting off.
Festival Fusion, also in Cardiff, is great for kids who love science. Here, they’ll be able to learn about the fascinating science behind festive celebrations such as Guy Fawkes and Halloween!
Book your holiday cottage for October half term 2025
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.
