Family Friendly Winter Walks
Hot chocolate season is here, and this can only mean one thing, the South of England is turning into a wonderland of frosty walks.
Halloween Events 2025 (Hampshire, Sussex and Dorset)
The spooky season is almost upon us! The month of October is when you’ll discover a whole host of fun and spooky events, some suitable for little ones and others that are more appropriate for older teens and adults!
Most of these events take place at popular attractions during the October half-term (including the weekends), giving families plenty of opportunity to make the most of the thrilling Halloween activities that are on offer.
Keep reading to discover the best Halloween thrills near you.
Hampshire Halloween Events
Spooky Woodland Walk and Trail
Dates: 25th October – 2nd November
This October half-term, the Red House Museum and Gardens invites families to take part in a fun woodland trail filled with ghosts, ghouls and even dinosaurs! Children can count how many friendly ghosts are hiding in the trees as they explore. No booking is required, just drop in, grab a trail leaflet for £3, and enjoy free entry to both the museum and gardens.
Basing House Ghost Walks
Dates: 23rd – 30th October
Discover the eerie history of Basing House on a spine-chilling evening tour through its barn and ancient ruins. This spooky Halloween event is guided by a storyteller, each walk (taking place at 5:30 pm, 7pm, and 8:30 pm) recounts tales of strange happenings and at the end, there’s the chance for brave guests to crawl through a dark 3-foot-high tunnel. This is optional and should only be carried out by those who are confident in tight, dark spaces.
To warm up after listening to spine-tingling tales, visitors can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate included in the ticket price. Please note that this event is not recommended for children under 12. Visitors aged 12–16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Halloween Spooktacular at Paultons Park
Dates: 16th October – 3rd November 2025
Paultons Park will become a Halloween wonderland and is the perfect destination for a spooky half term family day out. The park’s new Ghostly Manor ride invites visitors on a thrilling haunted house adventure, while favourite areas like Peppa Pig World and Tornado Springs will be transformed with seasonal decor. Visitors can look forward to a programme of live entertainment, including The Great Halloween Mystery, Spirit Squad Ghoul School, and the lively Little Monsters Ball.
On the 28th, 29th, and 30th of October, opening hours are extended until 7:30 pm. With spooky decorations, live shows and lots of thrilling rides, Paultons Park is the place to be this October half-term.
Go Ape Sundown Adventures
Dates: 17th October – 9th November 2025
This autumn, Go Ape is adding a special twist to its high ropes activities with Sundown Adventures. As the name suggests, you can take part in tree-top challenges at dusk, under glowing lights at Southampton, Moors Valley, and Alice Holt locations, making the climbs even more exhilarating! It’s a unique way to enjoy autumn evenings, surrounded by peaceful woodland scenery with friends or as a family. Wear extra layers, sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to bring a torch to make the most of your night-time adventure in the treetops.
Sussex Halloween Events
We’re Going On A Ghost Hunt This Halloween at Standen
Dates: 4th October – 2nd November 2025
Standen House puts on an incredible event this October, inspired by the well known children’s book, you and your little ones can go on a ghost hunting adventure around Standen and enjoy fun Halloween themed activities along the way. There are even fun stickers and prizes to be won! Booking is not needed, and the trail is free, but normal admission charges do apply for this venue. Starting from 10am until 3:30pm, Standen is sure to leave families feeling spooky this half term.
Halloween Half Term at Nymans
Dates: 18th October – 2nd November 2025
Head over to Nymans for the perfect Halloween celebration for the whole family! Between the 18th October to 2nd November, families can enjoy Halloween themed activities, games and even some spooky surprises. Get ready to explore the gardens on a free trail and make lifelong memories. With fresh air in a safe family friendly space, what’s not to love. Bookings are not needed, and events are free, however, normal admissions apply.
Magical Potion and Wand Making Workshops at Bodiam Castle
Dates: 18th – 26th October 2025
This October half term, Bodiam castle will transform into the perfect place to spend some Halloween family time. Make potions or wands within the magical surroundings of this castle. Join the workshops and bring magic to life this season. There are two workshops available. Measure, mix and brew your own bubbling potion in the potion making workshop. Children can use measuring cups, cauldrons and funnels to create their own unique spell to take home with them. What spell would you choose?
Or prepare for quests by crafting your very own wand. Using air dry clay and a pinch of seasonal magic, little ones can create their own wand. Afterwards they can take part in a practice balloon game to test their new wands’ magical abilities. These are both really great indoor Halloween events for families. Each session lasts 50 minutes and starts at 11:30am to 12:20pm, 1pm to 1:50pm and 2:30pm to 3:30pm on each day. Be sure to check availability before planning your trip.
Petworth’s Academy of Witches and Wizards
Dates: 18th – 31st October 2025
Join in with the festive magic this October half term at Petworth, where the gates open once again to welcome families to an unforgettable Halloween adventure. Once again Petworth is turning into an academy just for witches and wizards and will host fun Halloween themed activities. Open between 10am and 5pm between 18th to 31st October, you can hunt for hidden spell ingredients to brew your next potion, have a go at the obstacle course or even try to spot magical beasts lurking in the shadows! This free trail is open to all and is pushchair friendly. With this event being held outside, be sure to keep this in mind when planning ahead. This event is free, there’s no need to book, but normal admission charges do apply.
Dorset Halloween Events
Halloween Experience at Moors Valley
Dates: 23rd October – 2nd November
The Moors Valley Halloween Experience is back and bigger this time, with new installations that bring the forest to life after dark. Walk through spooky paths such as the haunted forest cemetery and the glowing pumpkin patch, and you may encounter scarecrows and haunting spirits on your journey. A great activity for families, as this event runs during half-term, giving children the chance to dress up and make memories. Dogs on leads are welcome too. Tickets are limited with specific slots, so booking is essential.
Halloween Hunt at Moors Valley
Date: 3rd October – 4th November
Great for children aged 3 and up, the Halloween Hunt turns Moors Valley into a puzzle-filled adventure. Families are needed to help the rangers break a mischievous spell by solving riddles, finding hidden pumpkin shapes, and uncovering clues from Sir Croaksalot the toad. Hunt packs are £3.50 and can be collected from the Visitor Centre on the day, which will include a clue sheet, puzzles, a toy and a pencil, no booking required! This is the perfect Halloween excursion for younger kids to have lots of fun without experiencing anything too scary!
Mystical Woodland Quest Trail
Dates: 25th October – 2nd November 2025
Join Brownsea Island where nature and family Halloween fun combine. Discover the magical and spooky story tales of the Oak, Birch and Yew trees that stand tall on the grounds. This enchanting adventure combines local tales, nature and loads of hands-on fun. Along the way learn the hidden secrets of the forest. This is an amazing free Halloween event is, it really is an ideal day out for families, so what are you waiting for, the forest awaits!
Please note: As this event is held outdoors and British weather can be unpredictable, we advise you to plan accordingly.
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