Looking for family-friendly Halloween days out this autumn? From spooky trails and trick-or-treating to Halloween shows, science activities and theme park fun, there are plenty of ways to enjoy October half term across the UK.
Paddington Bear Experience Halloween – London
17 October–1 November 2026 | County Hall, South Bank, London
Paddington Bear is getting ready for Halloween with a special seasonal experience at The Paddington Bear Experience.
Families can step into Paddington’s world and enjoy an immersive adventure through Windsor Gardens, with Halloween decorations adding some seasonal fun.
There is also a Trick or Treat upgrade, costing £15 per child. It includes a souvenir pumpkin sweet bucket, sweet treats throughout the experience, a Paw Biscuit, exclusive Paddington Bear ears and a Halloween Paddington postcard.
The Halloween upgrade is available on all time slots from 17 October to 1 November, and fancy dress is encouraged.
The Paddington Bear Experience is aimed at families and includes interactive activities, games, storytelling and the chance to meet Paddington.
Find out more: Paddington Bear Experience Halloween
Wallace & Gromit: Fantastic Fungi Trail – Wakehurst
17 October–1 November 2026 | Wakehurst, Sussex
Wallace and Gromit are bringing some spooky seasonal fun to Wakehurst this October with the Fantastic Fungi Trail.
Families can follow an interactive trail through Wakehurst’s autumn landscape, helping Wallace and Gromit foil Feathers McGraw while discovering the fascinating world of fungi.
Children can take part in challenges, learn about fungi and collect scientific records as they explore the gardens.
The trail runs daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Trail packs cost £3 for non-members, while Wakehurst family members can take part for free. Normal Wakehurst admission also applies.
The trail follows a dog-friendly route, although dogs are not permitted in some play areas.
Wakehurst is also holding Halloween-themed outdoor cinema screenings from 2–4 October.
Find out more: Wallace & Gromit: Fantastic Fungi Trail at Wakehurst
Paultons Park Halloween Spooktacular
9 October–2 November 2026 | Paultons Park, Hampshire
Paultons Park is transforming for its annual Halloween Spooktacular, with spooky entertainment and family-friendly attractions throughout the park.
New for 2026 is Valgard: Realm of the Vikings, which will be decorated for Halloween, alongside returning favourites including Spirit Squad Ghoul School, The Great Halloween Mystery and Ghostly Manor.
Families can also enjoy Paultons Park’s rides and attractions, with Halloween shows and activities included in the admission price.
There will be late-night openings on 17, 23, 24, 27, 28 and 29 October, with Peppa Pig World closing at 6pm on these dates.
The event is designed for family Halloween fun rather than extreme scares, making it suitable for children who enjoy a little spooky excitement.
Find out more: Paultons Park Halloween Spooktacular
Woolwich Works – October Half-Term and Halloween
11–31 October 2026 | Woolwich Works, London
Woolwich Works has a packed programme of family entertainment this autumn, with several shows taking place around October half term.
The line-up includes The Museum of Marvellous Things on 11 October, followed by There’s a Monster in Your Show on 24 October and Out of the Box on 25 October.
Children can also see Olaf Falafel’s Stupidest Super Stupid Show on 27 October, while Spooky Circus arrives on Halloween, 31 October.
The programme brings together theatre, comedy, physical theatre and circus, giving families several options for an autumn day out.
Tickets vary between shows, so check the individual event before booking.
Find out more: Half Term and Halloween at Woolwich Works
Halloween at Bolton Castle
18–31 October 2026 | Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire
Bolton Castle is getting spooky this October with Halloween decorations, creepy characters and activities for families.
Visitors can explore the dungeon and courtyard, where they will find skeletons, a coffin, witches and a cauldron, as well as costumes and props for Halloween photographs.
On selected dates, there will be storytelling at 1pm and a Witches Trial at 2.15pm, included with normal admission.
There are also special Castle by Lanternlight evenings. The 26 October session is aimed at families with children aged 10+, while a younger family session takes place on 29 October from 4.30–6.30pm.
The adult/older children’s lanternlight session costs £23 and runs from 6–8pm.
Find out more: Bolton Castle Halloween events
Shaun the Sheep – National Science and Media Museum
26 October–1 November 2026 | Bradford
Shaun the Sheep is bringing Halloween fun to the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford during October half term.
Families can explore the Mossy Bottom Laboratory and get involved with science and animation-inspired activities.
The programme includes live science, stop-motion activities and special Halloween events on 31 October, including a spooky silent disco and family tours.
There will also be talks exploring Hammer Horror and special effects, while Pictureville Cinema will screen Aardman films.
The museum’s Kids’ Club will offer activities from £3, while museum admission itself is free. Some workshops and cinema screenings may carry an additional charge.
The new film Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom is also released in cinemas on 18 September.
Find out more: National Science and Media Museum
Halloween at Blenheim Palace
22 October–1 November 2026 | Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire
Blenheim Palace is once again getting spooky for Halloween with an after-dark illuminated trail through the palace grounds.
The 2026 experience includes the Spider’s Lair, a ghostly Pirate’s Wreck, Vampire Hunters and the Catacombs, alongside atmospheric lighting and Halloween entertainment.
The experience is designed for families as well as visitors looking for more of a fright, with plenty of seasonal sights and surprises along the route.
There is also a separate Haunted Half Term daytime programme from 24 October to 1 November, featuring activities including animal handling, witchy storytelling and circus workshops.
The Halloween Trail and Haunted Half Term are separate events, so check which experience your ticket covers before booking.
Find out more: Halloween at Blenheim Palace
Ghosts of Station Hall – National Railway Museum
24 October–1 November 2026 | National Railway Museum, York
Families can discover some spooky railway history this October half term with Ghosts of Station Hall at the National Railway Museum in York.
The experience invites visitors to search Station Hall for 30 hand-crafted York Ghosts, hidden among the historic railway displays.
There will also be ghostly railway stories and storytelling activities, giving children the chance to discover some of the history surrounding York’s railway heritage.
The museum’s Wonderlab will also have Halloween-themed science activities, including a robot-car haunted train and Halloween ultrasound activities.
The National Railway Museum is free to enter, although some special activities may carry an additional charge.
Find out more: National Railway Museum
