October Half Term and Halloween in Dorset

The nights are drawing in, the leaves are falling and the 2024 October Half Term is just around the corner.

If you want to find out what’s going on this spooky school holiday in Dorset, you’ve come to the right place! We've got some gruesomely ghoulish Halloween events too for monsters big and small.

Be bewitched by Autumn

Just because the summer has drawn to a close, it doesn't mean the fun has to end! Pack your chunky knitwear and head on down to Dorset for a few days away this half term holiday.

The quieter beaches means the children (and dogs) will be free to run and play. Our countryside also looks gorgeous as the leaves change colour and shorter days mean you can curl up for some quality time together in the evenings. Plus, there are some great family-friendly events taking place too. Your perfect autumn escape is here waiting to be discovered.

A trip to Brownsea Island is almost like a rite of passage at this time of year. Enjoy a woodland walk, test your balance skills on the adventure play area or take part in some Forest Bathing. And not forgetting the chance to see the Island's rare red squirrels busy hoarding their food ready for the winter.

Sherborne Castle and Gardens host their annual Autumn Colours weekend event on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October. Saunter around the gardens and enjoy something tasty from their café by the lake afterwards.

At Exbury Gardens you can see beautiful autumnal shades of golden yellow and ruby red throughout their magnificent landscapes.

For a few more ideas about where to visit this season, check out our Awesome Autumn Colours blog.

Fun for the little ones

For a spooktacular half term, head to Farmer Palmers for pumpkin picking, face painting, trick or treat tractor rides and witches races.

New for 2024, at Abbotsbury Swannery children can follow the Brambly Hedge Trail. Brambly Hedge is a collection of children's stories and illustrations by author Jill Barklem. The trail takes visitors around the Swannery grounds, to discover more about the swans and the adventurous mice in the books. Designed for families to enjoy, the trail includes stamp points, questions to answer and characters to meet, all alongside the swans and discovering more about the unique Swannery.

Fang-tastic family events

All aboard the Halloween Ghost Train to Exbury Gardens. Gruesome characters will be guiding guests through the gardens on their ghoulish ghost train, entertaining visitors with their panto-esc comedy. You might also hear some ghastly singing and see some dreadful dancing along the way. There'll be pumpkin carving too!

This autumn half term at Lulworth Castle, seek out the pumpkins and find the funny bones on the autumn trails as you explore the Park. Practice your sporting skills with the themed pitch’n’putt and traditional lawn games, or get crafty at the activity table and complete your quizbooks for a prize. PLUS back by popular demand - the ZOMBIE BARN! Will you be brave enough to enter?

In the run up to Halloween, Nothe Fort is becoming the spookiest place to be this season! Visit their famous ghost tunnels and lots lots more ghostly activities for all the family in this Halloween extravaganza.

Spine-tingling tales

There's nothing like a good ghost story to scare everyone at Halloween and Dorset has its fair share of spooky goings on.

We dare you to visit some of Dorset's most haunted locations this Halloween! Can you hear the ghost of the ape at Athelhampton House? Are you brave enough to walk along the Roman Road at Thorncombe Woods or wander the Whistling Gunner's tunnel at the Nothe Fort? For more terrifying tales and places to visit, read our Haunted Dorset blog - just don't turn off the lights! Mwah ha ha...

Bats not all, folks!

Halloween and October half-term events are still busy brewing and more details will be added soon - watch this space for up to date info!

Don't forget to check out our things to do guide for a huge range of attractions, activities, shopping and more. Make sure you're following our lively Social Media channels for up to date info, holiday inspiration, competitions, picturesque Dorset imagery, events and everything else in-between.