Get ready for some spooktacular fun this October Half Term, as we round up the best family-friendly activities taking place for children and grown-ups of all ages.
As the leaves fall from the trees and frost covers the ground, there is also a whole host of Halloween, Bonfire Night and autumnal activities taking place throughout the month and over the October Half Term school holidays and even into November and Decemeber.
Here are 15 of the best Autumn activities and events taking place that you won’t want to miss.
1.
The Art of Banksy, LONDON
- When: open now- until 21st November
- Where: 50 Earlham Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9LJ
- Cost: £19.50 per person (a saving of £5.50 on the standard adult ticket) and available for anyone purchasing a minimum of two tickets when one of the party is aged between six and 16. Under 6s go free.
The Art of Banksy is a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition showcasing the world’s largest collection of privately owned Banksy artworks. Since opening in mid-May the exhibit has attracted over 25,000 visitors already. As to be expected this exhibition is not authorised or curated in collation with the England-based street artist, political activist, and film director whose real name and identity remain unconfirmed and the subject of speculation. A must-see for budding artists.
2.
Cheltenham Literature Festival, CHELTENHAM
- When: 8th – 17th October
- Where: 109-111 Bath Road, Cheltenham, GL53 7LS and various events across the UK
- Cost: events are priced individually, check the brochure for details here
One for all the bookworms, the Cheltenham Literature Festival offers a wide range of literary-themed events to entertain the whole family, from toddlers to teens. This October will see the launch of a major new three-year theme for the Festival: ‘Read the World’. The bumper family programme includes festival favourite Lenny Henry ( as he unveils his first book for children), Junior’s favourite storyteller Michael Morpurgo (who introduces his first new novel in two year). Alongside magic, mayhem, and mishaps galore with current Waterstones Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, Tom Gates creator Liz Pichon, the legendary Jacqueline Wilson, record-breaking Rob Biddulph, TV vet Luke Gamble, comedians David Baddiel and Ben Miller plus Joe Wicks, Nadia Shireen, Anna James, Alex Milway, Ross Montgomery and Amy Wilson.
3. Autumn Treasure Hunt with Percy the Park Keeper, LONDON
- When: 14 October to 14 November (Wednesdays and Thursdays – From 2pm to 4.30pm, Friday to Sunday – From 10am, Half Term Holiday: Monday 25 to Friday 29 October – 10am to 4.30pm daily)
- Where: Chiswick House & Gardens, Burlington Lane, Chiswick London W4 2RP
- Cost: Adults, from £20, Child from £15 and Family Ticket from £60; Under 2’s free of charge.
his Autumn, be part of a live theatrical treasure hunt with Percy the Park Keeper as you help him get his animal friends ready for winter. Forest school meets puppetry, world-class theatrical storytelling and clue-based adventure in this unique outdoor experience designed specifically for Chiswick House and Gardens. Created by a producing and creative team behind many of your favourite family friendly experiences, the treasure hunt kicks off on 14th October with limited availability throughout half term and beyond. Bring your wellies and your family and come and meet Percy and his adorable animal friends. Can you help get the animals ready for winter? …Oh, and has anyone seen Hedgehog?
4.
Brick or Treat at the LEGOLAND ® Windsor Resort, WINDSOR
- When: 14th – 31st October
- Where:LEGOLAND® Windsor Park Ltd, Winkfield Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 4AY
- Cost: Adult tickets from £39
Calling all little monsters and their monster families as Lord Vampyre invites you to Brick or Treat at the LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort for the most spook-tacular time of the year, Halloween! The resort will be transformed into a pumpkin-filled wonderland for what is sure to be the most spook-tacular halloween party of the year perfect for the young, and the young at heart! With many fun Halloween activities to dig your fangs into, including the Haunted House Monster Party Ride and NEW for 2021 Harbour Show, Lord Vampyre’s Creepy Crypt Trail, Monster Rocker’s fang-tastic Pumpkin Trail, costume competitions and so much more – plus the brand new land LEGO MYTHICA: World of Mythical Creatures, live shows and attractions, it’s sure to be a frightfully fun day out for all the family!
5.
The Gruffalo’s Child Interactive Trail, LONDON & SUSSEX
- When: Saturday 16 October – Sunday 31 October
- Where: Kew Gardens, Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE and Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN
- Cost: Adults, from £17.50, Child from £5
The Gruffalo’s Child trail plots an enchanting journey through Kew Gardens. As Adventurous visitors will encounter much-loved characters from author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler’s book, including, Fox, Owl, Snake, The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo’s Child and of course, the Big Bad Mouse. Intrepid explorers of all ages are invited to enjoy a trail across the Gardens, following hazelnuts and acorns to discover more about the wonderful world of the Gruffalo’s Child. Families will also get the chance to play and explore in Kew Gardens’ striking natural landscapes – home to 14,000 trees – and will become immersed in the enchanting world of The Gruffalo’s Child.
