Quote from Fergus McCarthy on September 24, 2025, 12:35 pm

Magical train rides this October half term 2025

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.

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.

All thrills no chills at Dreamland Margate

October Half term 2025 fun for families

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 October half term 2025 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.

Zog at Kew Gardens

18 October – 2 November
10.00 - 15:30

For tickets visit Kew Gardens.