It may not feel like long since the kids went back to school, but it’ll soon be time to start planning your October half term adventures! From kicking through the fallen autumnal leaves on a New Forest stomp, to getting your spook on with some of our Halloween-themed activities, you will find plenty to do with the children this October half term in the New Forest.
Take the kids off tech for a day of outdoor escapades
Don your wellies, get the all-weather gear at the ready and head into our great outdoors to create some magical memories together this October half term.
October is one of the most beautiful times of year to visit the New Forest. Why not hire bikes and navigate your way on some of our family-friendly routes for the ultimate New Forest experience? Our bike hire centres can recommend tried-and-tested routes (many of which involve a well-deserved cafe pitstop!).
Take advantage of some of the family-friendly walks on offer in the forest. A great way to grab some much-needed vitamin D, plus a budget-friendly option. You may also be lucky enough to spot some of our magnificent wildlife, including the pigs, who are free-roaming at this time of year as part of our annual pannage tradition.
This half term, try New Forest Walks’ selection of self-guided walking routes packed with interest for kids. Add to the excitement on a family walk by downloading a kids’ spotter checklist and other fun activity sheets.
Join in with all the action being organised by New Forest Activities this half term. From spooky Halloween river tours on the Beaulieu River, to their intense Battlezone laser experience.
Plan some Halloween fun
Towards the end of October half term is Halloween itself. Whether you love everything supernatural and spooky or are looking for some low-key Halloween fun, the New Forest has plenty of spook-tastic events taking place.
See Paultons Park transformed with pumpkins and a wealth of eerie decorations this Halloween. With daily Halloween-themed shows, late night openings (on 28, 29 and 30 October) and of course, their brand-new ghoulish ride, Ghostly Manor.
At Insight Activities, near Fordingbridge, you can test your aim on the un-dead with instructor-led archery sessions, with some ghoulish zombie targets (suitable for ages 6+).
Learn about some of the special creepy crawlies that call the New Forest home on a guided wildlife walk with Wild New Forest and join in with Halloween activities including broomstick skills at Marwell Zoo’s Wild Autumn event.
At Hurst Castle, join in with the action to discover whether their former prisoner, King Charles I was a faithful or a traitor in their new Halloween trail. And see if you are brave enough to ride the Halloween ghost train at Exbury Gardens this half term.
You will also find several pumpkin picking patches in and around the New Forest – perfect for carving up your very own spine-chilling creation!
Find out more about what’s on this Halloween in the New Forest.
Rainy day ideas
If the weather isn’t playing ball, there are some amazing places you can spend time in over October half term. Why not pop along to Beaulieu and catch their Icons of Formula 1 exhibition? Pop into one of our tea rooms for a warming cuppa and a bite to eat, explore the goings-on at St Barbe Museum & Art Gallery in Lymington.
Family-friendly places to stay this October half term
From cosy cottages with the comforts of home, to jam-packed adventures at some of our holiday parks, you can find plenty of choices when it comes to type of accommodation available and budgets. Just don’t leave it too late as October half term is likely to book up quickly! Discover places to stay with your family in the New Forest.
