Last Updated on October 5, 2025 by Suzy McCullough
We’ve found events in all of the counties in the North East and there are plenty of ideas to keep you busy during the October half-term of 2025. Things to do October Half Term – Halloween – County Durham – Northumberland and Tyne and Wear.
Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. It is essential that you read their own information carefully. Some venues require you to pre-book online in advance. Please see their website for further information.
Adventure Valley – Pumpkin Festival – County Durham
This October, join our Fa-BOO-lous Fun event, where there will be more giggles than ghouls for all the family. Explore our park to meet our happy Halloween characters to complete the happy Halloween trail! Each character is placed at an activity station, with Halloween-themed activities that will bring a smile to all faces. Enjoy smashing fun with our Corn Cob Catapult, explore the maize maze, dare our rides (suitable for the little ones too) watch daily shows, animal encounters and much more… (For our pumpkin patch, please add a pumpkin ticket to your order) Adventure Valley – Find Out More
Address: Union Hall Farm, The Bungalows Finchale Abbey F, Durham DH1 5SG
When? 18th – 19th and 25th – 31st October
How much? Tickets are £14.95 per person online. Other pricing options are available.
Alnwick Garden – The Pumpkin Garden – Northumberland
Come along and see The Garden transform with Autumnal colours into The Pumpkin Garden. Have fun adventuring around The Garden searching for all the items on our Autumn Scavenger Hunt. Dare to enter the Scarecrow Bamboo Labyrinth – will you find your way out, or get lost among the scarecrows? Warm up with a pumpkin latte and treat yourself to delicious seasonal bakes at The Pavilion Café. October half term (25th Oct – 2nd Nov), join us for fun-filled harvest games – from corn hole, guess the weight of the pumpkin, pumpkin bowling to hook a duck and many more.. Find Out More
Address: Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1YU
When? October 8th – 2nd November
How much? Normal entry fees apply.
Belsay Hall Castle and Gardens – Halloween Half Term – Tyne & Wear
Step into a world of bogles, basilisks and dragons at Belsay Hall this Halloween. Join our band of monster-hunters for a magical theatrical quest through the grounds of Belsay, where you’ll meet curious characters and help protect the world from fearsome beasts. Then, put your courage to the test in the Monster Taming Workshop, featuring crafty creations, silly games and plenty of laughs. A monstrously good day out for brave adventurers of all ages. Belsay Hall – Find Out More
Address: B6309, Newcastle upon Tyne NE20 0DX
When? 25th October – 2nd November
How much? Free for members of English Heritage. Adult ticket from £13 is bought online in advance. Children from £8 and under 5s are free.
Down at the farm – Pumpkin Week – Tyne & Wear
Visit our outdoor pumpkin patch and choose your pumpkin to carve or take home.(Remember to bring your carving kits) Book your pumpkins online for £3.50. Booking your pumpkin online includes entry to the pumpkin patch. (customers who do not wish to book pumpkins online can also pay £3.50 entry to the patch on the day for up to 5 people – this is redeemable against pumpkin purchases) Find the spooky things on the farm and receive a prize. Lots of Outdoor play. Small animal sessions. Barrel rides for each paying child in the ghoulish graveyard. Spooky castle maze filled with lots of Halloween fun. Down at the farm – Find Out More
Address: Stoneygate Lane, Houghton le Spring DH5 8JG
When? 18th-19th and 25th – 31st October
How much? £10.45 per adult and £9.45 per child. Children aged under 2 are free.
Hall Hill Farm – Spooky Half Term – County Durham
Are you brave enough to come to Hall Hill Farm for a ghoulishly good time? There are lots of extra activities- including giant scarecrows, haunted Sheep Race, Mini Monster Maze, Trick or Treat treasure hunt, choose your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, pumpkin carving, and the Spooky Spider Barrel Train. There is a small additional charge for pumpkins and the Barrel Ride (£1.50). Tickets must be bought in advance. Hall Hill Farm – Find Out More
Address: Hall Hill Farm, Lanchester, Durham DH7 0TA
When? Between 25th October – 2nd November 2025. (also 18th & 19th October)
How much? Adult ticket £12.95, £11.95 for a child aged 2-15. Under 2’s are free. Other pricing options are available. Prebook your tickets online in advance. This price may increase.
Lilidorei – Spookydorei – Northumberland
The clans of Lilidorei will once again be decorating for this spooky time of year and the village will once again be divided into a spooky and not-so-spooky side. The Secret Keepers are also in the spirit of the season and rocking cool and spooky costumes! Visitors are encouraged to dress in their Halloween best as well. There will be a Spookydorei adventure given out to all visitors as they enter which leads them on a quest to solve riddles and find hidden objects throughout the village. You can choose the Spooky Path, the Not So Spooky Path, or both. Find Out More
Address: Denwick Lane, Alnwick NE66 1YU
When? October 8th – 2nd November
How much? Please see the website
Raby Castle – Halloween Events – County Durham
Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail in The Plotters Forest – As dusk descends, The Plotters’ Forest stirs with an eerie excitement. Adventurers don their spookiest costumes and venture into the shadows, where spiders spin webs and witches and wolves hide. Amidst the darkness, enchanting creatures appear, inviting brave souls to uncover the forest’s mysteries. Join us at Raby this October for a thrilling journey through The Plotters’ Forest after dark.
Amidst the darkness, enchanting creatures appear, inviting brave souls to uncover the forest’s mysteries. Gather your little ones and join us this October for a ‘spooktacular’ journey through The Plotters’ Forest after dark.
Famly Halloween torchlight tour of Raby Castle – Join us for a special spooky family tour of Raby Castle …with a difference! Bring your own torch and our knowledgeable guides will escort you through some of our favourite rooms in the castle at twilight. With stories of unexplained phenomenon and reported hauntings witnessed over the centuries. From the unfortunate demise of some of the castle’s past residents to the stories of those whose spirits may still dwell within the ancient stone walls. Join us if you dare …. You’ll never see Raby Castle in the same way again! Find Out More
Address: Staindrop, Darlington DL2 3AH
When? Halloween After Dark Illuminated Trail in The Plotters Forest – 25th, 26th, 29th, 30th, 31st October. Torchlight tour – 25th October – 1st November
How much? Please see the website for different pricing options.
Ushaw Historic House – Autumn Half Term – County Durham
Follow the lovely leaves trail to find out more about the trees in our gardens. Entry is free with Membership or Day Pass, no pre-booking required. Digital Interactive Trail – Uncover fascinating facts about Ushaw’s past and meet some of its historical figures. Through interactive digital storytelling, you’ll hear directly from the workers and residents who helped shape Ushaw, revealing their extraordinary stories, secrets, and daily life within these historic walls.
All Hallows’ Daytime Trail | Thursday 30, Friday 31 & Saturday 1 November – Head through our wicked forest, which has been transformed into a haunting trail, filled with wonder, mystery, and a touch of fright. Ushaw – Find Out More
Address: Woodland Rd, Durham DH7 9RH
When? Selected dates in October
How much? Adults are £14 (£12 online), children are £8 (£7) online and children aged under 5 are free.
WWT Washington – Supernatural half term – Tyne & Wear
This Halloween, escape the ghouls and goblins and step into a supernatural adventure that will leave big and little nature fans spellbound. For one week only, make magical memories and experience the wonder of wetlands through enchanting activities:
- Weave a little magic with a handmade willow wand
- Mix a magical potion and cast a spell for wetlands
- Examine an owl pellet to find out what they eat for breakfast
- Search for spotted tops, giant domes, and more on a fungi hunt
WWT Washington – Find Out More
Address: Barmston Lane, Washington, Pattinson, NE38 8LE
When? 25th October – 2nd November
How much? Adults are £12.20 and children are £7.95 each.
If you’re looking for North East Christmas events, please check out – Best Christmas Events North East 2025 – Meet Santa and More
Comments