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What's On This October Half Term Near Shorefield Holiday Parks

Discover what’s on around our Shorefield Holiday Parks this October half term, from spooky Halloween trails and family attractions to autumn adventures, creative activities and frightfully fun days out across Hampshire and Dorset.

Shorefield Holidays

A person holds a carved pumpkin with a mischievous face, featuring black eyes and a toothy grin. The pumpkin has a vibrant orange color and a long stem, set against a blurred background.

Planning an October half-term getaway?

From spooky Halloween trails and family days out to autumn adventures, creative activities and plenty of Halloween fun, there’s lots happening around our Shorefield Holiday Parks this October.

Whether you’re looking for a frightfully fun day out, somewhere to keep the kids entertained whatever the weather, or simply want to make the most of the beautiful autumn scenery, we’ve put together some of the highlights to help you plan your half-term itinerary.

Don’t forget to check our local events calendar for the latest dates, times, ticket information and any changes before setting off. You can view the local events calendar here: https://sfhols.com/LocalEvents

Halloween at Hurst Castle Saturday 24th October -Sunday 1st November

Step into the spooky surroundings of Hurst Castle this Halloween and enjoy a range of family-friendly activities. Take on the Halloween Maze, follow the Treasure Trail and get creative with Halloween arts and crafts. You can also make the journey extra special by taking the ferry from Keyhaven across to the castle.

A green-lit wall features a calendar for December 1648 with many crossed-out dates, two decorative chains with metallic balls, and a lantern casting a warm glow. The numbers "19" are visible on the wall.

Halloween at Exbury Gardens - Sunday 25th – Saturday 31st October

Get into the Halloween spirit at Exbury Gardens with The Curse of the Haunted Circus. This year’s famous Ghost Train takes you on a 30-minute live-action adventure with the ghost of Ricardo the Ringmaster as you try to break the curse.

There’s plenty more Halloween fun too, including creepy crafts, pumpkin carving, face painting and a gruesome garden trail through the beautiful autumn gardens. The Ghost Train can be a little scary for very young or sensitive children, so bear this in mind when planning your visit.

October Half Term at Beaulieu - Monday 24th – Sunday 1st November

Head to Beaulieu for a magical day of family fun this October half term. Explore the beautiful estate, follow the new folklore trail, hear spooky stories in Palace House and try your hand at magical potion-making.

There’s plenty to discover indoors too, including the National Motor Museum and its collection of iconic vehicles. Car fans can also enjoy the Disney and Pixar Cars 20th anniversary display, featuring a fantastic collection of Cars-themed vehicles and displays.

With plenty to see and do, Beaulieu is a brilliant choice for an October half-term day out in the New Forest.

A woman in a period costume, wearing a white cap and black dress, sits in a wooden chair, reading from a large red book. Historical portraits hang on the wall behind her, adding to the setting's vintage atmosphere.

Halloween at Moors Valley – Saturday 17th October – Sunday 1st November

Enjoy a spooky adventure at Moors Valley this October half term with an atmospheric Halloween experience in the woodland. Follow the illuminated trail after dark, looking out for creepy characters, giant skeletons and spooky surprises along the way.

Younger children can enjoy the earlier sessions, while older visitors can experience the trail after dark for a scarier atmosphere. There’s also a Halloween Hunt running during the day throughout October, making Moors Valley a great choice for a family autumn adventure.

October Half Term at The Tank Museum Saturday 24th October -Sunday 1st November

Keep the whole family entertained at The Tank Museum this October half term, with hundreds of tanks and plenty of interactive exhibits to explore.

Children can enjoy a themed trail, dressing-up activities, games and colouring, while younger visitors can make the most of the indoor soft play and outdoor tank-themed play area. With so much to see indoors, it’s also a great option if the autumn weather takes a turn for the worse.

A vintage tank labeled "Fury" stands on a grassy field with a large explosion of fire and smoke erupting nearby. Trees and a cloudy sky are visible in the background.

Halloween with New Forest Activities Saturday 24th October -Sunday 1st November

Enjoy an active Halloween adventure with New Forest Activities. Families can take part in seasonal activities including spooky canoe tours, Halloween Candy Hunts and pumpkin shooting. Older children can also get involved in the BattleZone Apocalypse laser-tag experience, combining Halloween fun with an outdoor adventure in the New Forest.

Halloween at the Blue Pool Saturday 24th October -Sunday 1st November

Head to The Blue Pool for a family-friendly Halloween Haunt surrounded by beautiful Dorset countryside. Follow the spooky woodland trail, solve clues and discover the mystery of the cursed Pumpkin King and Queen.

There’s also pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts and face painting on selected dates. With no jump scares, it’s a great option for younger children looking for some Halloween fun.

Night Sky October at Highcliffe Castle Saturday 24th October -Sunday 1st November

Discover the magic of the night sky at Highcliffe Castle this October half term. Families can explore the castle, search for hidden stars and learn more about the wonders of space.

Children can also get creative by designing their own planet, with special craft activities offering the chance to make rockets and planet suncatchers. It’s a great choice for families looking for something a little different from traditional Halloween activities.

A grand historic mansion surrounded by lush trees, illuminated by a warm golden sunset. The architecture features turrets and detailed stonework, with pathways winding around the property. Photo credit -Andrew Millard

Halloween Activities at Swanage Pier Sunday 25th – Saturday 31st October

Enjoy some spooky fun at Swanage Pier with a Halloween trail for the whole family. Follow the clues, find the hidden surprises and solve the Halloween puzzle as you explore the pier.

Once you’ve completed the trail, head back to the Pier Gatehouse for a Halloween treat and the chance to enter the prize draw. There are also Halloween crafts and games taking place during the week.

Terror Trail at Dorset Adventure Park Friday 30th & Saturday 31st October

For older children, teenagers and adults looking for a proper fright, head to Dorset Adventure Park for its Halloween Terror Trail. Venture into the woods after dark and face live actors, spooky effects and plenty of terrifying surprises.

This is one for brave visitors, with the experience recommended for ages 13+.

Halloween at Swanage Railway Friday 30th & Saturday 31st October

Climb aboard Swanage Railway for a spooky Halloween Ghost Train adventure through the Purbeck countryside. Enjoy Halloween characters, entertainment and surprises along the journey, with more activities and crafts at Corfe Castle Station.

Children are encouraged to dress up, making this a fun and memorable way for families to celebrate Halloween together.

A steam train with a large skull decoration on its front is parked at a platform. A worker in a blue uniform stands nearby, holding a circular object. Surrounding trees and a brick wall are visible in the background.

Make the Most of October Half Term

With so many fantastic events and activities taking place in our local area, there’s plenty to look forward to this October half term. From spooky Halloween adventures and family attractions to autumn walks and days out, you’ll never be short of things to see and do during your stay.

But don’t forget, there’s plenty happening right here at Shorefield Holiday Parks too! 

If you’re staying with us at Shorefield Country Park or Oakdene Forest Park, you can enjoy a fantastic range of activities and entertainment without even having to leave the park.

Take a look at our guides to What’s On at Shorefield Country Park and What’s On at Oakdene Forest Park to discover all the activities, entertainment and Halloween fun taking place during October half term.

With so much happening both on and off the parks, it’s the perfect time to enjoy an autumn getaway with the whole family.

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