Crisp autumn days, golden leaves, and spooky nights — the Cotswolds is the perfect place to enjoy Halloween and October Half Term with the family. From pumpkin patches and haunted castles to hands-on workshops and cosy autumn escapes, there’s plenty to keep little witches and wizards (and their grown-ups!) entertained this October.
Haunted Castles & Historic Adventures
Blenheim Palace: Spooktacular Halloween Trail
Woodstock
23rd Oct – 2nd Nov
This year, Blenheim Palace is going all out with a series of thrilling installations and immersive encounters that get scarier as the sun goes down. From towering mausoleums and medieval dungeons to a new Carnivorous Garden and giant spiderwebs in the trees, the whole family can expect spine-tingling surprises. Younger children can enjoy the magic earlier in the day, while braver visitors can test their nerves after dark. With themed food stalls and warming drinks, it’s a truly atmospheric night out in one of Britain’s most iconic settings.
Sudeley Castle: Medieval Monster Trail & Ghost Tours
Winchcombe
26th Oct – 3rd Nov
Sudeley Castle is bringing history to life with a Medieval Monster Trail by day and spooky ghost tours by night. Children can dress up and explore the castle grounds, meet mystical medieval characters, and even join a Medieval Monsters Ball. As dusk falls, smoke effects and eerie lighting transform the ruins for a spookier family trail, while after dark, brave adults can join lantern-lit ghost tours to hear chilling tales of Sudeley’s most famous spirits.
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Woodchester Mansion – Tales for Halloween
Nympsfield
30th & 31st Oct 2025, 7:30pm
For those with a taste for the spine-tingling and mysterious, Woodchester Mansion offers Tales for Halloween — an adults-only evening of twisted tales and haunted magic performed by award-winning storyteller Nick Brunger in the mansion’s atmospheric unfinished drawing room. The performance isn’t suitable for children or anyone of a nervous disposition, but for thrill-seeking adults it promises to be unforgettable. A minibus service will run from the NT car park around 6:50pm for your ease, returning after the tale ends at about 9:45pm. Tickets are £16.
Book here
Halloween at Berkeley Castle
Berkeley
26th – 29th Oct
Step back in time with a Halloween adventure at Berkeley Castle. Families can enjoy spooky storytelling, owl encounters in the Great Hall, and even a daring trip into the castle’s dark cellars. All activities are included with admission, making it a brilliant day out in a historic setting.
Plan your visit
Pumpkin Patches & Spooky Trails
The Pumpkin Patch at Cotswold Farm Park
Guiting Power
3rd – 5th Oct, 10th – 12th Oct, 17th – 19th Oct, 23rd – 31st Oct
There’s nothing that says autumn quite like picking your own pumpkin, and Cotswold Farm Park’s much-loved Pumpkin Patch is back this October. Every weekend and throughout half term, families can enjoy daytime pumpkin picking, carving sessions, and free face painting, all included with Farm Park tickets. On Saturday evenings, the farm transforms into a spooky celebration with live music, hot food, a pumpkin trail, and a bar for the grown-ups. Dogs are welcome too, so the whole family can get into the Halloween spirit.
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Time Traveller Scarecrows at Painswick Rococo Garden
Painswick
18th Oct – 2nd Nov (excluding 20th & 21st Oct)
This October half term, Painswick Rococo Garden will be alive with time-travel magic! The much-loved Great Scarecrow Hunt is back, and this year’s scarecrows come from the past and the future. From Roman gladiators to steampunk explorers and even robot gardeners from the year 3025, the garden will be filled with colourful Time Traveller Scarecrows from across the ages (and beyond!). Local organisations, schools, and community groups have been hard at work dreaming up and building fabulous creations. Each scarecrow comes with its own little backstory, and your challenge is to spot them all! It’s a light-hearted adventure perfect for families, friends, or anyone who loves a seasonal day out.
WWT Slimbridge – Super Natural Half-Term Adventure
Slimbridge
25th Oct – 2nd Nov
If your family prefers magical nature over ghosts and ghouls, WWT Slimbridge has just the thing. From 25th October through half term, Super Natural at Slimbridge invites parents and children alike to explore the wonders of wetlands with hands-on nature activities: make your own willow wand, enjoy a science show, roam through “Toad Hall,” and paddle a mystical 1km canoe safari. As dusk falls, the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience comes alive with interactive bat puppets, glowing bugs, and larger-than-life bird characters. Pick up a Super Natural log book to capture memories, and book ahead to save 10%. It’s perfect for nature lovers of all ages.
October Half Term Bug Trail at Dyrham Park
Dyrham
25th Oct – 2nd Nov
For something a little different, head outdoors at Dyrham Park and follow an insect-themed trail across 270 acres of parkland. Children will love hunting for creepy crawlies along the route while parents enjoy the fresh air and autumn colours. Trails cost just £2.50 (normal admission applies) and no booking is required.
Details here
Bibury Trout Farm – Pumpkin Picking
Bibury
18th–19th & 25th–31st Oct 2025
Get into the Halloween spirit with pumpkin picking at Bibury Trout Farm, set in the idyllic Cotswolds village of Bibury. Families can wander through the patch to find the perfect pumpkin, meet the farm’s friendly animals, and enjoy outdoor play in the autumn air. With its riverside setting and stunning seasonal backdrop, Bibury Trout Farm offers a fun and memorable day out for children and adults alike. Bookings are required.
Family Fun for Little Ghouls
Cogges Manor Farm: The Witch’s House
Witney
22nd Oct – 2nd Nov
This October, Cogges Manor Farm transforms its Manor House into The Witch’s House, with this year’s theme celebrating Monstrous Movies. Families can step into scenes from classics like Frankenstein, Ghostbusters, ET, Harry Potter, and more. With Halloween crafts, animal encounters, and plenty of outdoor play, it’s a magical day out for children of all ages.
More info
Oxford Bus Museum: Spooky Bus Rides & Pumpkin Hunt
Long Hanborough
26th & 29th Oct
Families can explore decorated buses, take part in a pumpkin hunt with prizes, and even meet real owls at the Oxford Bus Museum this Halloween. On 29th October, there’s also a special twilight bus ride for an extra spooky adventure.
Spooky Spider Hunt at The Roman Baths
Bath
1st Oct - 2nd Nov
Hunt for spiders in this family trail and discover the the Roman myth of Arachne and Minerva. Included in admission ticket
Natural Cookery School Kids' Kitchen Halloween Baking Afternoon Tea
Nailsworth
31st Oct
Young chefs will whisk, mix, and bake their way to delicious Halloween-themed treats—from bat cupcakes and witch cookies to coffin sandwiches and “blood & bones” garlic bread. With expert guidance, kids will get creative with decorations and take home their spooky bakes to share. A frightfully fun way to spend Halloween for children aged 7-12.
Natural Cookery School Kids Kitchen Pasta Making – Three Course Meal
Nailsworth
29th Oct
For older children, the Natural Cookery School also offers an immersive pasta-making workshop. Kids will prepare a full three-course Italian-inspired meal, from seasonal bruschetta to homemade pasta with roasted vegetable sauce, finishing with a traditional Italian apple cake. Along the way, they’ll learn knife skills, baking techniques, and kitchen confidence for ages 10-16.
Broadway Museum: Spooky Fun & Workshops
Broadway
Broadway Museum is offering families plenty of half-term fun, with activities including:
- A Night at the Museum (25th Oct) – trails, biscuit decorating, slime-making, and a chance to meet a real witch.
- Pumpkin Carving Workshop (28th Oct) – everything provided for kids to create their own spooky masterpiece.
- Halloween Trail (25th Oct – 1st Nov) – included with entry, families can follow spooky clues, make creepy crafts, and explore the museum’s eerie exhibits
Beep-Beep, Build! At the British Motor Museum
This October Half-Term, get creative with The Big Build at the Museum! Help make LEGO® car models for local community pantries, snap a photo of your creation, and contribute to a project bringing joy to children who’ve never owned LEGO® before.
Join the Beep-Beep, Boom! science show (28–31 Oct) to see fun, hands-on experiments with Professor Pickle and Doctor Pumpkin, or take the Beep-Beep Family Tour to explore the sounds of the Museum’s car collection.
Don’t miss the Black Cat Trail – hunt for hidden cats with a torch and collect your sticker – or the Driven by Your Senses Family Trail, exploring sound, sight, and touch.
All activities are included in the price of admission, making it a fun, value-packed day out for the whole family!
Autumn Stays in the Cotswolds
Why not turn your Halloween adventure into a cosy autumn break?
The Greenway Hotel & Spa
Shurdington
Enjoy a luxurious autumn stay at this beautiful Cotswold retreat, with offers running until 30th November.
Explore offers
Cotswold Glamping Pods at Notgrove Holidays
Notgrove
For a family-friendly stay in nature, the self-catering glamping pods at Notgrove sleep up to four, overlook the village, and come with alpacas, goats, and donkeys for neighbours! With games, a football pitch, and dog-friendly options, it’s the perfect countryside escape.
Find out more
Ellenborough Park: Little Explorers Package
Cheltenham
Treat the whole family to an unforgettable getaway this October half term with Ellenborough Park’s Little Explorers Package. Kids stay and dine for FREE when sharing parents’ rooms, making it a magical break for everyone. Children will love the adventure extras in your room, including a teepee and Yoto player filled with stories and kid-friendly podcasts, plus an exclusive Ellenborough Park Activity Book to guide their explorations across the 90-acre estate. After a day of adventure, enjoy a family dinner, unwind in oh-so-comfy beds, and wake up to a hearty breakfast with a Kiddie Buffet & Milkshake Bar.
StayCotswold – Half Term Escapes
Across the Cotswolds
Dreaming of a cosy countryside escape this October half term? StayCotswold offers a wide collection of beautiful properties across the region, perfect for families, couples, or groups. Think honey-stone villages, roaring pub fires, and scenic walks right on your doorstep. Whether you’re planning a ramble along the Cotswold Way or a leisurely stroll through market towns, their holiday homes put you in the heart of it all.
Bluewood Lodges – Luxury Lodge Living
Kingham
Tucked away near the golden Cotswold hills and storybook villages, Bluewood Lodges offers the perfect autumn retreat. Whether you’re craving a peaceful countryside escape or a cosy Halloween getaway, you’ll find it here among rustling leaves, bubbling hot tubs, and starry skies.
From intimate couple’s lodges with king-size beds to spacious family hideaways, there’s something for everyone.
Pumpkin Trail - 20th Oct - 31st Oct: Hidden Pumpkins & spooky sweets to win
Devilish Deal discount - Any bookings made from 15th September onwards to stay in the month of October save 10% with code HALLOWEEN when booking direct
Witches Weekend - Book a girls trip on any weekend in October and use code PROSECCO to claim a free bottle of Prosecco for your lodge for you & the girls
Lower Mill Estate
Somerford Keynes
Escape to Lower Mill Estate this October half-term for an unforgettable Halloween. Set within a 500-acre private nature reserve in the Cotswold Lakes, our estate offers the perfect mix of autumnal adventure and relaxation.From cute and cosy Cotswold cottages to large lakeside homes sleeping up to 12, there’s the perfect home for every family, big or small.Join in the seasonal fun with our Pumpkin Trail, Halloween Craft Workshop and more. Then unwind in one of our heated indoor and outdoor pools, or retreat to your lakeside haven and soak up the peace of nature.
Explore more accommodation in the Cotswolds
Plan Your Half-Term Adventure
With pumpkin picking, spooky trails, haunted castles, and cosy stays, Halloween in the Cotswolds promises fun for the whole family. Whether you’re carving pumpkins, meeting medieval monsters, or exploring autumn’s golden countryside, you’ll make magical memories this October half term.
Explore places to eat in the Cotswolds