We’ve gathered a range of activities that will give kids a scream during October half term

• Go pumpkin picking (until 31 Oct)

Cotswold Farm Park, Guiting Power, Cheltenham

One of the pleasures of the autumn season is visiting a pumpkin patch and leaving with armfuls of pumpkins to carve, decorate or bake with.

• The Museum of Ghoulster (24-31 Oct)

Museum of Gloucester, Brunswick Road, Gloucester

Ghastly ghouls will be descending on the museum for the October half term this year. There will be family friend food, films and trails. Check out the website for full details and to book tickets.

• Spooktacular Halloween fun (25-28 Oct)

Berkeley Castle

Take in some ghastly history at Berkeley Castle this half term. Kids can enjoy some of the more gruesome parts of the castle’s history including meeting two of Henry VIII’s beheaded wives, Tudor-time plague history and much more. Book tickets online.

• Halloween children’s afternoon tea (23-31 Oct)

Blenheim Palace

Book a table at Blenheim Palace’s cafe for a special spooky themed children’s afternoon tea which includes ghost gingerbread biscuit, owl cupcake, milk chocolate waffle witch hat and eyeball jelly, with drinks including Dracula punch and red velvet hot chocolate with marshmallows and raspberry. Book your table online.

• Spooky walks (24 Oct - 1 Nov)

Blenheim Palace

Explore the grounds of Blenheim with a guided tour around the spookier parts of the estate. Performers will tell spooky stories that are sure to leave you a little chillier. Check the events page on the Blenheim Palace website for more Halloween events including turnip carving and fire shows.

• Fright Night at the Palace (31 Oct)

Blenheim Palace. 8.30pm

The palace is pulling out all the stops this Halloween. Book your tickets for Saturday 31st October, Halloween night, for Fright Night. There will be terrifying live performers throughout the palace that will be spooked up with decorations and low lighting. £30 per person or £25 for annual pass holders. Book online.

• Spooky Science Family Open Day (27-29 & 31 Oct)

Science Oxford Centre, Headington, Oxford

Science gets spooky at the Science Oxford Centre this half term. There will be sessions throughout the day that will include getting up close to minibeasts, a pumpkin trail in the forbidden forest and lost more scientific activities.

• Ghost Fest: Spooky Tours (16 Oct - 1 Nov)

Oxford Castle

Explore the depths of Oxford Castle which is reportedly haunted by ghouls and spirits, particularly at this time of year. It’s not surprising as the castle is over 1,000 years old. Book your tour tickets online. This tour is suitable for older children ages 12+.

• Visit the witch’s house (17, 18 & 24 Oct - 1 Nov)

Cogges Manor Farm, Witney, Oxfordshire

The pretty Cogges Manor House will be transformed into a scary witch’s house. There will be glow in the dark spells, a witchy dining table with Halloween treats and see where the witch sleeps.

• Family Discovery Days (22, 23 & 26-30 Oct)

South Cerney Outdoor, Cirencester

After months of lockdown, visit South Cerney Outdoor for water sports, survival skills and archery for the whole family. This is a perfect remedy to sitting around at home. For full details, visit the website and book online.

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