October 2025 Half Term fun, days out and holidays
SOUTH EAST UK
Magical train rides
Step aboard the Spellbound Express October half term 2025 for a family Halloween like no other. The steam train journey brings spells, smiles and magical fun for children aged 4–12 years.
Activities for young spellcasters
On board, children join Wendy the Wicked Witch for potion practice and watch dazzling tricks with Merlin the Magician. Families also meet a friendly baby dragon for an unforgettable photo. Each child receives an activity pack, treats, and a Junior Spellcaster Certificate at the journey’s end.
Dates and travel details
Journeys run on 21, 23, 28 and 30 October with return travel to Wittersham Road, extended to Northiam for 2025. Tickets include all activities and surprises. Book early to avoid missing this magical Halloween adventure.
All thrills no chills at Dreamland Margate
Dreamland Margate stays open every weekend in September and October with free entry for all. Families enjoy half price ride wristbands throughout October and daily opening during October half term 2025 from 18–26 October.
Events and live music
Dreamland Dog Day returns on 21 September with agility courses, dog shows, stalls and free film screenings. The autumn music line-up includes Richard Hawley (3 Oct sold out), The Enemy (11 Oct) and Margate Rock Festival (25 Oct). Tribute nights feature Fell Out Boy & The Black Charade (17 Oct) and Manchester in the Area (1 Nov).
New rides and treats
For 2025, Dreamland unveils Wild River, a thrilling log flume with two epic drops. Families can enjoy the retro Roller Disco, VR games, arcade fun and KERB street food treats.
Wakehurst Zog trail & adventure
Family fun in Sussex gardens
This autumn, Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, invites families to join the Zog trail from 18 October to 2 November October half term 2025. Children master dragon skills, complete their Zog Log and earn a colourful iron-on badge.
Interactive dragon school activities
The trail celebrates 15 years of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s beloved story. Families meet carved Zog sculptures, test roars at sound stations, solve scarecrow puzzles and enjoy photo moments. Kids can explore five themed stations before claiming their Zog Nature Heroes badge.
Nature and seed science
This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Millennium Seed Bank, with fascinating facts about seeds that fly, burn or sing. Families can explore autumn colours, enjoy buggy-friendly trails, and bring dogs for the first time.
LONDON
Zog at Kew Gardens
18 October – 2 November 10.00 – 15:30 For tickets visit Kew Gardens.
October half term 2025 at Polka Theatre
Exciting theatre for children
Polka Theatre in Wimbledon brings families a vibrant October half term season. From 4 October to 9 November, the Adventure Theatre hosts Dweeb-A-Mania. This punchy new comedy by Sarah Middleton, directed by Hannah Stone, entertains ages 8–13. Two girls fight stereotypes and chase their wrestling dreams after being labelled ‘dweebs’. The show won the Polka Playwriting Award 2025, funded by The Garek Trust and supported by Cockayne and London Community Foundation, with Methuen Drama as publishing partner.
Heartwarming family adventures
In the Main Theatre, Well Done, Mummy Penguin runs 18 October to 2 November. Based on Chris Haughton’s picture book, this Can’t Sit Still production delights ages 3–7. Families enjoy acrobatics, sign language, captions and humour celebrating penguin parenting.
Creative workshops for families
Half term workshops include Glow Jar Making (28 October), Stage Combat Masterclass (29 October), Voyage to the South Pole (30 October), and Wicked Wardrobe Workshop (31 October). Tickets from £12–£50.
James Campbell comedy for kids
Family laughs this October half term 2025
The godfather of children’s stand-up, James Campbell, brings his brand-new show Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks! to the Museum of Comedy in London. Performances take place on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October, making it perfect for half term family fun.
Comedy 4 Kids: Reducks!
James pioneered comedy for children and now returns with a show promising exploding penguins, silly songs, and jam-filled surprises. Recommended for families, the live event mixes hilarious storytelling with playful audience interaction.
Internationally loved children’s comedian
Since 2001, James has performed worldwide in theatres, schools, and festivals. He has written the popular Boyface and Funny Life books, as well as Daphne and the Marmalade Cow. His comedy workshops have inspired children across the UK.
Families should not miss this chance to see James Campbell live in London.
SOUTH WEST UK
October half term 2025 fun at Bowood House & Gardens
Family trails and outdoor fun
Bowood House & Gardens invites families to enjoy autumn adventures this October half term. From 23 October to 2 November 2025, children can follow the Pumpkin Trail through the Arboretum with an activity booklet and enjoy daily arts and crafts in the Treehouse Café. Activities are included with admission and free for season ticket holders.
Exciting workshops for children
Young nature lovers can meet exotic animals with ZooLab UK’s Creepy Critters workshops from 28 October to 1 November, priced at £8 per child. Outdoor explorers can join Mud & Guts on 30 October for den building and games, tickets £21.50.
Creative experiences for all ages
A Chunky Arm Knitting Workshop runs on 18 October for ages 10+, with tickets £78 including materials. Children can also enjoy the Adventure Playground with pirate ship, zip wires, and giant slide before seasonal closure.
MIDLANDS UK
Haunted half term 2025 fun at Blenheim Palace
Zoolab potions shows and magical encounters
From 25 October to 2 November, Blenheim Palace invites families for spooky fun. ZooLab’s Potions Shows run at 11am, 1pm and 3:30pm, with SEN sessions at 10:15am. Children handle frogs, snakes and spiders while helping conjure potions and learning fascinating facts.
Perilous quests, wizard walkabouts and circus workshops
Daily Perilous Potion Quests challenge families in the Walled Garden. Stilt-walking wizard Bumblemore appears at 11am to meet visitors. Family circus shows take place at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3pm, with workshops for children to learn their own tricks.
Storytelling, crafts and treasure hunts
Adventure Play offers make-a-mask workshops at 11:30am and Pip and Posy storytelling at 2:30pm. Children can also join the Rainbow Treasure Hunt inspired by the Sky Kids series.
Explore gardens, mazes and butterfly house
Ride mini train Winston to the Walled Garden. Race through Marlborough Maze or visit the Butterfly House with new feeding stations. Tickets include Palace, Park & Gardens entry. For full details, visit https://www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/haunted-half-term.html
HOLIDAYS
Best spots for October half term 2025 holidays
Windjammer Landing, Saint Lucia
Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences offers the new Family Fitness Escapes package. Families enjoy yoga, wellness, cooking, beach olympics, paddleboarding and dolphin cruises. Kids 11 and under eat free.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has a teen programme with spa packages, diving, reef cleaning, Boduberu drums and evening BBQs. Rates start from USD 1055++.
Sani Resort, Greece
At Sani Resort families enjoy tennis with Rafa Nadal coaches, Chelsea FC football, Bear Grylls Survival Academy and the new Ozone Teen Club. Prices from €234 per night.
Quinta do Lago, Algarve
Quinta do Lago offers sports camps, outdoor cinema, family cycling, watersports and luxury villas. Rooms start from €116/£98 per night.
Ballygally Castle, Northern Ireland
Stay at Ballygally Castle for ghost tours, sea dips, Giant’s Causeway trips and cosy family rooms from £300 per night.
October Half term 2025 family escape in the Maldives
Children stay and dine free
Families can enjoy paradise this October half term with Adaaran Select Meedhupparu in the Maldives. Children under 12 stay and dine free with the premium all-inclusive Family Getaway package, making a tropical break both exciting and wallet-friendly.
Adventures for all ages
The resort offers Koama’s Kids’ Club, four beachfront sunbeds, and daily family activities. Children can enjoy creative games while parents relax with spa treatments or cocktails. Complimentary snorkelling gear unlocks coral gardens, while stays of five nights include a Sunset or Dolphin Cruise. Active families can also enjoy tennis, paddleboarding, canoeing, or catamaran sailing.
Dining and island experiences
Gourmet dining caters for every taste with fresh seafood, international dishes, and a children’s menu. Families also enjoy live cookery demonstrations and complimentary beach parties, making every evening memorable.
Active October half term 2025 escape Algarve
Half term sunshine in Portugal
Quinta do Lago, only 15 minutes from Faro Airport, offers families the perfect autumn getaway. With October temperatures around 23°C, the Algarve promises sunshine alongside seasonal activities, sports camps, and Halloween events.
Family activities and sports camps
The Campus, the resort’s multi-sports hub, provides expert coaching in dance, golf, tennis, football, and rugby for all ages. Children can join Aquatic Sports Week, Dance Camp, or the Aquathlon, while families enjoy cycling through Ria Formosa or watersports at the lake.
Halloween celebrations for all ages
Highlights include the Boo-tiful Costume Parade on 29 October, the Sunset Scary Party on 30 October, and Zombie Night on 31 October. With mini-golf, outdoor cinema, and live music also available, families can stay entertained day and night.