With just a couple of weeks to go, October half term is fast approaching. There are plenty of family adventures to be had here in the New Forest this half term including spooky goings on, activities to burn off any excess energy and indoor fun if the weather isn’t playing ball.
Outdoor activities to enjoy this October half term
Get the kids away from tech with some amazing outdoor adventures this half term. From days out at some of our activity centres to bike rides in the New Forest countryside.
The Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre has so much to enjoy on this October half term. Their Halloween activity trail is back on 27 October. Choose your two-hour time slot for just £10 per child and enjoy climbing, bushcraft, archery and many other spooktacular activities or, spend a day out and book a ‘Go Adventure’ 90-minute session for just £15pp and choose from activities like kayaking, archery, climbing, high ropes, zip wire and their tree-top trail. Plus, you can extend your stay by booking a lodge break in one of their 6, 12 and 14-berth lodges in the forest – perfect for family getaways!
Practice your aim on some spooky zombie targets at Insight Activities, near Fordingbridge. Perfect for a family day out with older children, test your aim with their archery range, axe-throwing course and crossbows.
Image - Insight Activities
Hone your archery skills on some willing pumpkins with New Forest Activities, in Beaulieu. Added to this, New Forest Activities will be running canoe treasure hunts, laser battles and other outdoor adventures on various dates across the October half term.
October is a perfect time to explore the breathtaking autumn beauty of the New Forest, and there’s no better way to experience it than by bike. With miles of peaceful cycling trails winding through ancient woodlands, you're in for a scenic adventure. Along the way, you can take a break at one of the many charming, tucked-away pubs for a cozy lunch, before continuing your journey deeper into the forest. Hire a bike from Cyclexperience in Brockenhurst and follow some stunning autumnal rides together.
Image - Cyclexperience
Family days out
You’ll find plenty of great adventures to be had at some of the New Forest’s attractions this October half term.
It’s time to muster your courage and join us for all things Halloween at Hurst Castle. Will you brave the Six Ghosts Maze in the castle’s basement? Or, why not roam your way through every corner of the castle to find the clues to solve the Treasure Trail. There are plenty of arts and crafts being run as well. All activities are included in your castle admission.
Image - Hurst Castle
Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World will be looking a little different as it takes on a spooky makeover for their Halloween Spooktacular event (running from 17 October-4 November). There will even be some late-night openings on selected dates in the lead up to Halloween.
Get ready for a frightfully fun time at Lepe Country Park. Dare to discover who stole Halloween by following their spooky themed trail (26 October to 3 November). Then, on 1 November, test your knowledge about the scariest time of the year at Lepe’s Halloween quiz!
Head to the New Forest Wildlife Park for their Spooky Species event, running across the October half term. With Spooky species stops, Animal Artefact touch tables, a pumpkin design competition and creepy crafts! Timings & cost vary per activity.
Image - New Forest Wildlife Park
Spend time at Beaulieu over the half term, from listening to spooky ghost stories and seeing Lord Montagu's cook bake seasonal recipes in Palace House, to hunting for ghostly ghouls around the National Motor Museum. Plus, follow their new 'Scarecrow Scramble' trail around the site, you won’t be short of things to see and do.
Don't miss your last chance to visit the Dorset Heavy Horse Centre before it closes for winter. This October half term, the centre will be welcoming back country singer/songwriter, Owen Moore, to play live country tunes and along with the usual attractions. Smokey Joe's will be running an outdoor BBQ with vintage cider press display, plus lots of crafts and activities will be running for children including decorating horseshoes, pumpkin carving and children's vintage rides.
Image - Dorset Heavy Horse Farm
Book a family break this October half term
Rather than rushing about for single days out, why not make the most of the October half term and book a break of it? You’ll find various options available for family breaks including cosy cottages that are perfect for multi-generational breaks through to holiday parks with indoors pools and activities.
Image - Bartley Lodge
If you fancy booking a hotel break this October, then be sure to consider either the Bartley Lodge or Forest Lodge hotels. This October (Sunday to Thursday), kids eat for free. Plus, the hotels will be running some lovely events including rock painting and making your own bird feeders.
Take a look at our accommodation pages to check availability, last-minute deals and places to stay.