Blenheim Palace is set to transform into a world of wonder this October half term, from 25th October to 2nd November, with a week of family-friendly fun guaranteed to keep children entertained.

Visitors can look forward to a full programme of spooky activities, from animal encounters and craft workshops to storytelling sessions and circus shows, all set within the beautiful surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

ZooLab Potions Shows

11am, 1pm and 3:30pm daily (SEN sessions 10:15–11am)

The UK’s leading ethical animal encounter company, ZooLab, will bring their interactive Potions Show to The Rowse Honey Hive. Children can meet real animals—including frogs, snakes, and spiders—while helping to create a magical potion and learning fascinating facts along the way.

Perilous Potion Quest

Daily in the Walled Garden

Families can take part in a potion-themed trail through the Walled Garden, discovering ingredients and clues as they go.

Bumblemore the Wizard Walkabouts

11am daily

Keep an eye out for Bumblemore, the stilt-walking wizard, who will be roaming the Palace grounds ready to greet families and pose for photos.

Family Circus Shows and Workshops

12:30pm, 1:30pm and 3pm

Enjoy a lively circus performance full of tricks and surprises, and then take part in a workshop to learn some circus skills of your own.

Adventure Play Storytelling and Crafts

11:30am make-a-mask workshop | 2:30pm storytelling

Join Pip and Posy for creative mask-making and interactive storytelling sessions. Children can also follow the Pip and Posy Rainbow Treasure Hunt, inspired by the hit pre-school series on Sky Kids and Channel 5’s Milkshake!

More to Explore

Families can take a ride on Winston, the mini train, to the Walled Garden and enjoy a meal at The Walled Garden Pizzeria. The area also features the famous Marlborough Maze, where families can race to beat the clock, and the Butterfly House, now with new feeding stations for an even better chance to see its colourful inhabitants up close.

Tickets and Passes

All Haunted Half Term activities are included with a valid Palace, Park & Gardens ticket, Annual Pass, or Privilege Pass.

To access Adventure Play, families will need a Palace and Play Pass, which includes entry to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year – excellent value for regular visitors.

By Beth Ashton

Beth Ashton is a leading expert in audience engagement and digital media strategy, currently serving as Chief Growth Officer at Bright Sites. With a dynamic career rooted in journalism and digital transformation, Beth has become a key figure in shaping how media organisations connect with and grow their audiences in the digital age. As Head of Audience Strategy at some of the UK's biggest newspapers, Beth oversaw the development and implementation of data-driven strategies that enhanced audience growth, retention, and engagement. Her approach combines deep insights into audience behaviour with creative content solutions, ensuring that media brands can not only capture attention but also build lasting relationships with their audiences. Beth is known for her forward-thinking approach to digital media, leveraging her expertise to drive significant growth across platforms. She has successfully led initiatives that increase audience interaction, optimise content distribution, and expand digital reach, all while maintaining a strong focus on the quality and integrity of content. Contact Beth at beth@parents-news.co.uk