Now the kids are back to school, it’s time to start planning ahead and organising a fantastic October Half Term for the whole family… and there’s no better place to enjoy a staycation this October Half Term than in the New Forest!

You’re spoilt for choice with so many brilliant places to stay here. Book one of our incredible holiday parks, nestled in the woodlands of the forest, or located by the seaside – some of our campsites and glamping are even extending their seasons for this year, so you and your family can sleep beneath the stars and warm up by the campfire. Some of our wonderful hotels even have specially decorated rooms for kids, or cosy up in a lovely B&B in the forest. Or rent a whole self-catering cottage or house just for you and your family. There's lots of family friendly accommodation to choose from.

There’s so much for you and your family to do while you’re here – even if the weather is a bit off outside. Shelter indoors at one of our amazing museums, including the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, where you can find hundreds of vehicles, from vintage cars to speed world record breakers, plus famous cars from movies and tv programmes. Or head to Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, where you can find a huge collection of motorbikes, all of which are still in full working order!

Get adventurous with Insight Activities and see who in the family is best at archery, axe-throwing or crossbows, or try all 3. Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre have over 40 fun activities for you to experience, including adventure courses, high ropes, kayaking and loads more. Or carry on with active things to do and hire bikes then take on an exploration of the New Forest’s great bike trails and see how many gorgeous animals and other wildlife you find along the way. Or just enjoy a stroll along our footpaths in the forest, under the beautiful autumn colours of our ancient woodland. You might even see some pannage pigs too!

Find even more colourful autumn flora and fauna at Exbury Gardens, and make sure you hop on board their steam railway around the gardens while you’re there. Head just outside the New Forest to the roaring Marwell Zoo to their Supersized! event – which has been created with more than two million toy bricks to showcase some of the deadliest creatures in the world, including the towering red spitting cobra and three-metre tarantula! Find even more all-weather and family friendly things to do on our website.

As October Half Term falls right on Halloween this year, there are lots of spooktacular events for everyone to get involved with as well! The fun-filled Paultons Park and Peppa Pig World are hosting the friendliest, most frightful funfest this Halloween, with their singing and dancing extravaganza show ‘The Legend of Paultons Manor’, lots of ghoulish fun with Pickles the Pumpkin and the rest of the spirit squad and you’ll even get to see Peppa and George’s spooky makeovers. Plus, late night openings on 27th and 29th October!

Head out on a Spooky Halloween River Tour with New Forest Activities! Put on your best fancy dress, hop in an illuminated canoe at nightfall and venture out onto Beaulieu river, hearing ghost stories from your night-time guide. You will also get to indulge in delicious hot chocolate and Halloween candy too.

Keep up to date with any new events being added coming up to October Half Term on our website, so you don’t miss out on lots of fun!

Most of our pubs are super family friendly as well, so you and your family can enjoy some lovely local lunches and dinners together while you’re in the forest. Or head to a family friendly café or restaurant too! Find out more about family friendly places to eat and drink in the New Forest on our website.

However you plan to spend your October Half Term, you’ll be sure to have an unforgettable time together in the New Forest!