Looking for things to do in the Cotswolds this October half term?From family-friendly attractions and autumn trails to Halloween events, outdoor adventures and magical after-dark experiences, there’s plenty to enjoy across the Cotswolds during the school holidays.
Taking place from 24 October to 1 November 2026, October half term is a fantastic time to explore the Cotswolds. Enjoy spectacular autumn colours, discover family-friendly events and activities, get outdoors in the countryside or embrace the spooky season with Halloween trails and lantern experiences.
Whether you’re planning a family day out in the Cotswolds, a short break or looking for things to do with kids during October half term, discover some of the best events and activities happening across the region below.
Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience at WWT Slimbridge
Location: WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Slimbridge
Dates: 23 October–1 November
Time: Entry slots from 5.45pm–7.30pm, every 15 minutes
Price: See website for ticket prices
Looking for something magical to do after dark? Head to WWT Slimbridge Wetland Centre for the Mystical Marsh Lantern Experience.
Follow a nighttime trail through the wetlands, illuminated by giant lantern sculptures inspired by British wildlife, including badgers, barn owls, deer, kingfishers and leaping hares.
Along the way, you can meet the Marsh Witch, explore a firefly tunnel, spot luminous insects and bats, make your own lantern and toast marshmallows around a firepit.
It’s a fun and atmospheric October half-term activity for families, and a chance to experience the Cotswolds countryside after dark.
October Half-Term Family Fun at the British Motor Museum
Location: British Motor Museum, Gaydon
Dates: 24 October–1 November
Price: See website for ticket prices
Get ready for a week of family fun at the British Motor Museum this October half term, with a host of hands-on activities inspired by Forza Horizon 6.
Children can put their engineering skills to the test with ComputerXplorers, work together on the Big Build and explore the museum’s impressive collection of cars.
There’s also the chance to experience Forza Horizon 6: The Experience, featuring cars from the new game, from sports cars to cult classics. Once you’ve explored the collection, take on the state-of-the-art racing simulator and see who in the family can set the fastest time.
Brambly Hedge at Hidcote
Location: Hidcote, Hidcote Bartrim
Dates: Daily until September 2027
Price: Free with normal entry
Step into the storybook world of Brambly Hedge at Hidcote this autumn.
Inspired by Jill Barklem’s much-loved stories, the gardens at Hidcote have been transformed into a charming Brambly Hedge landscape. Follow Primrose the mouse on her adventure, explore miniature mouse homes and discover hidden doorways and favourite scenes from the stories.
Start your adventure in the Manor House before heading outside into the gardens, where immersive displays and interactive elements bring the world of Brambly Hedge to life.
With the trail included in normal admission and running daily, it’s a great option for families looking for something to do during the October half term.
Gruffalo Granny at Westonbirt
Location: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Westonbirt
Date: 28 October
Time: Various storytelling sessions throughout the day
Price: Free event; normal admission to Westonbirt applies
Step into the deep dark wood this October half term as Gruffalo Granny comes to Westonbirt.
Forestry England is joining forces with Macmillan Children’s Books to celebrate the launch of Gruffalo Granny, the brand-new story from The Gruffalo creators Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler.
Families can enjoy storytelling sessions, themed activities and special meet-and-greet opportunities with the Gruffalo himself.
There’s no need to book, with sessions and meet-and-greets operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early as activities may become busy.
And with Westonbirt at its most colourful in late October, you can make a whole day of it by exploring the arboretum and enjoying the autumn colours.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt at Newark Park
Location: Newark Park, Ozleworth
Dates: Daily until 15 November
Price: Free with normal entry
You can’t go over it. You can’t go under it. You’ve got to go through it!
The much-loved story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt comes to life at Newark Park this autumn, with installations across the beautiful grounds inspired by the family’s adventure.
Follow in the characters’ footsteps as you brave the elements and explore the trail – and keep your eyes peeled to see who can spot the bear first.
The family-friendly trail runs throughout October half term and is included with normal admission to Newark Park.
Ghosts of Roman Britain at Chedworth Roman Villa
Location: Chedworth Roman Villa, Chedworth
Dates: 1 October–1 November
Time: 10am–4pm daily
Price: Free with normal entry
Fancy a spooky history lesson this October half term? Discover the Ghosts of Roman Britain at Chedworth Roman Villa.
Throughout October, explore Roman beliefs about death and the afterlife as you uncover stories of restless spirits and cryptic prophecies around the Roman villa.
During half term, from 24 October to 1 November, families can take on the additional Roman Ghost Investigators challenge. Solve a series of fun challenges to appease six wandering spirits and help guide them safely to the underworld.
The main Ghosts of Roman Britain experience runs daily from 10am to 4pm, with the additional family trail available throughout half term.
Stranger Folk at Snowshill Manor and Garden
Location: Snowshill Manor and Garden, Snowshill
Dates: 17 October–1 November
Time: 10am–4pm daily during half term
Price: Free with normal entry
Something strange is happening at Snowshill Manor and Garden this October half term.
British folklore comes to life as goblins, boggarts and other Stranger Folk slip through the cracks between their world and ours. Gather your team, harness the elements and take on the challenge of closing the gaps before the creatures cause too much mischief.
The trail runs daily from 10am to 4pm throughout half term and is particularly suited to children aged 7 and over.
After 1 November, the trail continues at weekends until 29 November.
Willow Workshop with Rosie
Location: The Folk of Gloucester, Gloucester
Dates: Saturday 3 and Saturday 31 October
Time: 10am–12pm
Price: £25 per person
Fancy trying something creative this October? Join local willow weaver Rosie Hart at The Folk of Gloucester for a two-hour hands-on willow workshop. With 13 years’ experience, Rosie will introduce you to the mindful process of working.
Trade Screen Time for Lake Time at Log House Holidays
Location: Log House Holidays, Cotswold Lakes
Dates: October half term – availability varies
Price: See website
Swap screens for outdoor adventures this October half term with a family getaway at Log House Holidays.
Set within a private 130-acre nature reserve in the Cotswolds, the luxury log cabins offer plenty of opportunities for children to explore and families to spend quality time together. Row across the private 90-acre lake, build dens in the woodland, go wildlife spotting or try fishing from your own deck.
After a day of adventures, warm up in the outdoor hot tub, gather around the fire with hot chocolates and settle in for board games. With walking trails and Cotswold farm parks nearby, there’s plenty to keep the whole family busy.
Autumn Family Trail at Dyrham Park
Location: Dyrham Park, Chippenham
Dates: Until 1 November
Price: See website for admission prices
Get outdoors and become a nature detective at Dyrham Park this autumn.
Inspired by the children’s book There’s No Deer Around Here, the autumn family trail encourages children to explore the signs of nature around the park.
Pick up a trail booklet and head outside to discover what you can spot as the seasons change.
It’s a simple way to combine some fresh air and autumn exploring with a family day out during the school holidays.
The Magic of Maples at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum
Location: Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Westonbirt
Dates: Throughout autumn, with family activities during October half term
October is one of the best times to visit Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, when the trees are bursting into autumn colour.
This autumn, discover The Magic of Maples, including the Perfectly Imperfect trail in Silk Wood, which explores the Japanese maple collection through nine Japanese concepts.
You can also wander through the Haiku exhibition on The Downs and enjoy a programme of family activities during half term.
Sensory Activity Walks take place on Monday 26 and Friday 30 October, 10.30am–3.30pm, combining a maple-themed walk with storytelling.
From Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 October, Maple Magic runs from 10.30am–3.30pm, giving children the chance to go leaf hunting and make their own leaf lantern.
There are also opportunities to encounter the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo’s Child, as well as the Room on the Broom trail.
Gloucester Alternative Market
Location: The Folk of Gloucester, Gloucester
Date: Saturday 24 October
Time: 11am–4pm
Price: Free entry
Looking for something a little different this October half term? Head to Gloucester Alternative Market at The Folk of Gloucester, celebrating individuality, creativity and all things wonderfully unusual.
Browse unique handmade gifts, discover local creatives and artisans, enjoy delicious homemade food or even get a tarot reading.
The historic building will also be open to explore, with market stalls located on the ground floor to ensure the event is wheelchair accessible. The café will be serving freshly prepared lunches, homemade cakes and hot and cold drinks.
Illuminated Evenings at Fairytale Farm
Location: Fairytale Farm, Chipping Norton
Dates: 23 October–15 November
Time: After dark; see website for timings
Price: Included with standard day admission; optional Supper Deal available
As the days get shorter, Fairytale Farm lights up for its annual Illuminated Evenings.
From 23 October to 15 November, explore glowing gardens and fairytale scenes after dark, follow the Twilight Animal Trail and step into Journey to Alice’s Wonderland.
The illuminations are included with a standard day ticket. There’s also an optional Supper Deal, which includes entry from 3pm, a hot meal and a drink.
It’s a fun choice if you’re looking for an October half-term evening activity in the Cotswolds.
Plan your October half-term in the Cotswolds
From Halloween trails and illuminated evenings to autumn walks, family attractions and hands-on activities, there are lots of things to do in the Cotswolds this October half term. Explore the events and experiences in this guide, head to our What’s On section to discover more family-friendly days out across the region and start planning your October half-term break in the Cotswolds.
