Last Updated on September 4, 2023 by Suzy McCullough
We’ve found events in all of the counties in the East Midlands and there are plenty of ideas to keep you busy during the October half-term of 2023. Things to do October Half Term – Halloween – Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Please double-check the event descriptions on the attraction’s website as the below information could change. Some venues require you to pre-book online in advance. It is essential that you read their own information carefully.
Belvoir Castle – Halloween at the Castle – Tickets on Sale – Lincolnshire
Embark on our enchanting poetry trail this Halloween, a family-friendly treat that’s more poetic than it is tricky! Put on your most splendid costumes and get into the spirit. This spooktacular adventure will surely delight the little ones as they explore our poetic wonders!
Don’t forget, while you’re here, be sure to check out the free craft events happening at the Engine Yard Shopping Village in our new workshop area just across from the main castle car park. It’s a perfect way to extend the festive fun and creativity this Halloween.
Address: Grantham NG32 1PE
When? Selected dates 16th – 31st October
How much? – Normal entry prices apply, please visit their website for pricing options.
Bluebell Dairy – Halloween Festival – Tickets on Sale – Derbyshire
A pumpkin picking patch with 10s of THOUSANDS of pumpkins, a Halloween trail, and daily spooky shows, there’s always something exciting for you to enjoy!
Join us at Bluebell Dairy for our fantastic festival! FREE Pumpkin with every child ticket. But we are MORE THAN JUST PUMPKINS, we have lots of Activities and Shows:
Pumpkin Village with LOADS of selfie spots!
NEW! Witch’s Potion Class
Trick or Treat Training Show
The Secret Life of Bugs
NEW! Scarecrow Maize Maze and more
Address: Locko Rd, Derby DE21 7AR
When? 14th-15th, 21st-22nd and 28th-31st December
How much? Please visit their website.
Bolsover Castle – Halloween Half Term – Tickets on sale – Derbyshire
Grab your broomsticks and get ready for a bewitchingly brilliant day out. Gather round for tales from our spooky storytellers and solve creepy clues in our Halloween Quest.
Book online and save 10%.
Address: Castle St, Bolsover, Chesterfield S44 6PR
When? 28th October – 5th November
How much? Free members English Heritage. Adult peak tickets are £14.50, children 5-17 £8.60 and under 5s are free. Off-peak tickets may be cheaper.
Burghley House – Halloween Trail – Tickets on sale – Lincolnshire
Our spooktacular Halloween Trail returns this October half term. Can you find the ghosts hiding around Burghley’s Sculpture Garden?
Get the whole family together to follow the ghoulish trail, collecting clues as you go. Crunch through Autumn leaves and creep along hidden pathways to complete the trail sheet and be rewarded with a tasty treat.
Address: Peterborough, Stamford PE9 3JY
When? 14th – 29th October
How much? Admission to the Halloween Trail is included in your House or Gardens ticket. See their website for prices.
Chatsworth House – Half Term Halloween Fun – Tickets on Sale – Derbyshire
Bring your little monsters to the farmyard to meet the animals and join in with creepy Halloween-themed activities this Autumn half term.
As well as our fun daily activities, such as animal feeding and milking demonstrations, you can join in any of these spooktacular Halloween-themed events:
– visit our pumpkin patch and choose your own pumpkin
– carve and decorate your pumpkin to take home
– Halloween-themed face painting
– spooky Halloween-themed crafts
Address: Bakewell DE45 1PP
When? 23rd October – 3rd November
How much? Prices vary as you can book all-access tickets or just ground tickets. Please visit their website.
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway – Halloween Special – Tickets on Sale – Derbyshire
Journey into the October darkness on board our Halloween Special steam train departing Wirksworth at 18:00.
Experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a steam train in the autumnal darkness, plus a fish and chip supper (or sausage and chips) served upon arrival at Duffield. There will be entertainment, spooks & games from our spooky characters. There is a goodie gift for children too.
Before you arrive, the Station Cafe and Apollo Bar at Wirksworth Station will be open for drinks and sweet treats.
Address: Wirksworth Station, Coldwell St, Wirksworth, Matlock DE4 4FB
When? 27th October
How much? – Tickets are priced at £75 for a table for 4 persons (little ones on the knee not included), £40.00 for a table for two or £60.00 for a table for three.
Gulliver’s Kingdom – Fright Fiesta – Tickets on sale – Derbyshire
Join our festival-style Halloween that’s bursting with colour, costumes and music. Fright Fiesta is full of fabulous family activities, frights and theme park fun. Come together and celebrate the spookiest season of the year at Gulliver’s.
Showcase your fancy dress costume in our spine-tingling street parade or delve deep into the theme park and discover our spooktacular rides. Experience a Gulliver’s Halloween event that’s all about families, joy and celebration. Save money on the freaky festivities by booking your theme park tickets at least two days in advance.
When? 7th October – 3rd November
Address: Temple Walk, Matlock Bath DE4 3PG
How much? Tickets from £15 per person online in advance.
Hall Farm Park – Pumpkin Patch – Event Confirmed – Lincolnshire
Come and visit us this October for lots of Halloween fun. Our pumpkin patch will be open from Saturday 14th October until Monday 30th October (the park is closed Wednesday 18th). Please note that there is an additional charge for pumpkins and that the patch will only be open at set times of day – more information to follow soon.
During your visit in the October half term ( Saturday 21st – Monday 30th October 2023 inclusive) be sure to look out for tricks and treats. Do you dare to visit the spooky shepherd’s hut to complete the challenge?
When? See Above
Address: Caistor Rd, South Kelsey, Market Rasen LN7 6PR
How much? £8.50 per person aged 2+ and under 2s are free.
Heights of Abraham – Half Term Fun – Tickets on sale – Derbyshire
Join our Octoberfest scarecrows for half-term family fun at the heights. With marshmallow toasting, I-Spy trails, pumpkin displays and some historical characters.
When? 21st October – 5th November
Address: Dale Rd, Matlock Bath, DE4 3NT
How much? We strongly recommend you book your cable car tickets for your October half-term well in advance to avoid disappointment during this busy period. An adult online ticket is £24 and a child aged 5-15 £20. This is the normal entrance fee for all attractions.
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park – Halloween Mystery Walk – Tickets on Sale – Lincolnshire
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park presents a spooky surprise walk around the park this Halloween half-term! What will you discover within the mystery boxes as you enjoy your day out? There may be some tricks or maybe even some treats along the way, will you dare feel or sniff the mystery boxes to complete your trail and win not one, but two Halloween prizes for being brave?
It’s just £1.50 extra to join in… or maybe you’d like to upgrade your trail to just £3 and take home a peculiar pumpkin! Plus, there’s bouncy castle fun for the kids on 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st October too!
When? 28th – 31st October
Address: Dickon Hill Rd, Friskney, Boston PE22 8PF
How much? Normal entry plus £1.50 extra to join in or upgrade your trail ticket to £3 and take home a pumpkin.
Lincolnshire Wolds Railway – Halloween Spooktacular – Tickets on sale – Lincolnshire
Love Halloween? Join us on the scariest train ride of the year. Hear the church bells of Ludborough ring out as the Demonic Monk walks among us,
Do you dare brave the Spirits of Ludborough? Board the train to conquer your fears !!
Disguise behind your best Halloween costumes, fearing the spirits onboard as they travel with you!! If you make it safely to North Thoresby, jump off to join us as we lighten the atmosphere with a platform dance, we all love a good dance to The Time Warp !!
Address: Lincolnshire Wolds Railway, Station Road, Ludborough, Lincolnshire, DN36 5SQ
When? 29th October
How much? Adults £9.00, Children aged 2-12 £5.00, under 2s are free. Other pricing options are available.
Manor Farm Park – Half Term Halloween Fun – Tickets on sale – Leicestershire
- Experience Ghoul School in the woodlands.
- Enjoy carving a spooky pumpkin.
- Meet our smaller animals in the Animal Chat Room.
- Say hello to our bigger animals out in the paddocks.
- Follow The World of Dinosaur Roar! Discovery Trail in our woodlands.
- Experience falconry displays at 11.30 am and 1 pm, weather permitting*.
- Enjoy owl holding from 11 am to midday and from 1.15 pm to 3 pm (an additional £1 per person).
- Explore our Indoor Playbarn with adventure play for all ages…and more
When? 21st – 31st October
Address: Castle Hill, East Leake, Loughborough LE12 6LU
How much? Adult ticket £12.45 online in advance, child aged 2-17 £13.95. Under twos WITH token for Ghoul School & Pumpkin Carving – £2.
Matlock Farm Park – Halloween Festival – Tickets on Sale – Derbyshire
Come and walk along our spooky trail in our woodland and see some familiar Halloween characters at different prop sets – don’t worry – it’s fun, not scary! we’ll have friendly characters too to interact with in the woodland and around the park, even providing some broomstick flying workshops! We’ll have friendly live characters too to interact with in the woodland and around the park.
Of course, there’ll be our Pumpkin Patch which you can buy a token for and children with their grown-ups can grab a wheelbarrow to explore the patch and pick their favourite pumpkin – carve it here at our carving stations or take it home with you!
When? 25th – 31st October
Address: Jaggers Ln, Matlock DE4 5LH
How much? Adults are £15.95, children aged 2-14 are £13.95 and under 2s are free.
Mini Meadows Farm – Halloween Experience – Tickets on sale – Northamptonshire
Dust off your costumes and put the dates in your diary because our Halloween Fun Fair and Pumpkin Picking extravaganza is just around the corner!
So, hold onto your broomsticks for a hauntingly good time as we transform Mini Meadows with some spider, skeleton, and spooky decorations, plus spine-tingling games and amazing prizes … there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Or why not take a wander through our pumpkin field? We’ve got pumpkins of all shapes and sizes for the perfect Halloween masterpiece, where your little ones can choose their pumpkin, carve on-site … and leave all the mess with us!
When? Halloween Fun Fair: 14th – 15th October and 21st – 31st October and Pumpkin Patch: 14th – 31st October
Address: Naseby Road, Northampton NN6 6HZ
How much? Book your standard entry* farm tickets and add your Halloween options:
- £1 per token for fun fair games (purchase on arrival)
- £5 per pumpkin (bookable online or at check-in)
National Justice Museum – Kids, ghost hunter tours – Tickets on sale – Nottinghamshire
Catch the pesky ghosts this October at the National Justice Museum.
Around Halloween, the National Justice Museum becomes a hive of paranormal activity. Are you brave enough to help our over-worked Ghost Hunter catch the pesky ghosts which are causing mayhem throughout the museum?
Our Kids Ghost Hunter tours also include craft activities and spooky games!
All children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Address: National Justice Museum, High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN
When? 21, 26, 27, 28, and 29 October
How much? – Children aged 5-10 £7.95 and £6.95 for adults (All children must be accompanied by a paying adult).
Newstead Abbey – October and Halloween – Tickets on Sale – Nottinghamshire
- Explore the grounds with the ‘Haunted Houses’ outdoor trail
- Discover tales of ghosts with the Family Ghost Tour
- Meet some of Newstead Abbey’s most famous spectral residents by exploring the Historic House at night.
- Keep your eyes peeled for the ‘Naughty Gnomes of Newstead‘ inside the Historic House
- An outdoor cinema experience like no other with Ghostbusters (12), Beetlejuice (15) and Hocus Pocus (PG)
- Indulge in gifts & treats in our shop & cafés
When? The trail is on during the October half-term. Please visit their website for other event dates.
Address: Newstead Village NG15 8NA
How much? Prices vary as there are different events. The trail costs £2 (includes a goodie bag of spooky treats & trail sheet).
Normanby Hall – Spooktacular Day – Tickets on sale – Lincolnshire
Calling all witches, wizards, ghosts and ghoulies! Prepare for some seriously spooky goings on at Normanby Hall Country Park, with the long-awaited return of our seriously scary Spooktacular event. For one day only, Normanby Hall will transform itself into the creepy capital of North Lincolnshire.
When? 29th October
Address: Normanby Rd, Normanby, Scunthorpe DN15 9HU
How much? Park admission charges apply to non-members. (see website)
Northampton and Lamport Railway – Halloween Weekend – Tickets on sale – Northamptonshire
We’ve got daytime ‘Trick or Treat Trains‘ running both Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th, suitable for all ages. We also have 3 special ‘Fright Night Trains‘ running after dark on Saturday. These are aimed at slightly braver souls!
Members of the local Duston Players amateur theatre group will also be attending as LIVE ACTORS in full Halloween costume dress, to add that extra (child-friendly) thrill! (exact times TBC). Come see our fabulous display of jack-o’-lanterns and other decorations.
When? 28th – 29th October
Address: Pitsford Rd, Chapel Brampton, Northampton NN6 8BA
Pink Pig Farm – Pumpkin Festival – Tickets on Sale – Lincolnshire
Join us in the October half-term to take your little wheelbarrow to the pumpkin patch (with lots of great photo ops), choose your own pumpkin then return to the carving barn to create your masterpiece. FREE pumpkin with every paying child. If you would like your under 2 to enjoy a pumpkin just add a pumpkin to your order. Windle the witch will be on hand to teach you how to make potions and there will be spooky food and cakes in the Greedy Pig cafe and Playbarn cafe.
When? 21st-29th October
Address: Holme Hall, Holme Ln, Scunthorpe DN16 3RE
How much? Adult (no pumpkin) £10 and children with a pumpkin are £13 each.
Rand Farm – Halloween Pumpkin Festival – Tickets on Sale – Lincolnshire
Daytime PYO Pumpkin Festival – Perfect for a family day out with all the fun on the farm, play, actor entertainment, and our pumpkin patch.
Toddler PYO Pumpkin Festival – A morning out for your younger ones whilst the bigger kids are in school with fun on the farm, play and our pumpkin patch
Night Time PYO Pumpkin Festival – Family night or date night under the festive lighting and glistening moon with fun on the farm, indoor play and actor entertainment, licensed bar and live music in the pumpkin patch.
When? Selected dates in October
Address: Rand, Market Rasen LN8 5NJ
How much? Please visit their website for pricing as there are a few different events to choose from.
Rockingham Castle – Halloween Fun – Tickets on sale – Leicestershire
Rockingham Castle is hosting a spooktacular Halloween event this Autumn half term. The Castle has been decorated by witches and wizards and there are pumpkins carved in the shape of various characters. As you explore the historic Castle, your task is to guess the character each pumpkin represents.
Additionally, there is a garden trail where you need to find hidden letters to make up a spooky word. Finally, you have the opportunity to showcase your pumpkin rolling skills and see if you can get closest to the witch.
Suitable for families and children of all ages to enjoy together!
When? 24th-26th & 28th-29th October
Address: Rockingham Castle Estate, Rockingham, Market Harborough LE16 8TH
How much? Adult £10-15, child 4-16 £6.50-11. Other pricing options are available.
Rufford Abbey – Trick or Treat Trail – Tickets on sale – Nottinghamshire
Our popular Halloween trail is returning this autumn with some new twists! Investigate our spooky ruins, explore the creepy forest to see if you can find the pet graveyard and find out what lurks beneath the lake! Are you brave enough?
Pop your wellies on and join us for a spooktacular time!
Trail sheets can be purchased on the day from the Gift Shop in the Abbey Courtyard. The Gift Shop opens at 10am.
When? 21st October – 5th November
Address: Rufford Abbey Country Park, Ollerton NG22 9DF
How much? Cost: £2.50 per trail. You will receive a prize… if you survive! (normal car parking charges apply)
Springfields Adventureland – Halloween Fun – Tickets on Sale – Lincolnshire
Come and join us for a weekend of spooks at Adventure Land!
You can enjoy:
- Spooky Bingo
- Halloween Twister
- Best Fancy Dress Competition with prizes to be won
- A spooky gift bag for all paying children that pre-book entry online
- Plus all your favourite Adventure Land Activities
When? 28th-29th October
Address: Springfields Outlet Shopping & Leisure, Camel Gate, Spalding, Lincoln PE12 6EU
How much? Tickets are cheaper online at £4 for an adult and £7 for a child aged 3-15. Other pricing options are available.
Sundown Adventureland – Spooktacular – Tickets on sale – Nottinghamshire
For the spookiest, family-friendly fun, you can’t beat the Spooktacular Sundown Adventure at Sundown Adventureland. This year we’re having a spooky, fun-filled, family-friendly Halloween adventure. The fun starts with a brand new step-by-step Spooky Skeleton Puzzle Trail to complete. Enjoy the park (Exploring all of the rides and attractions on the way).
When? 14th October – 5th November
Address: Treswell Rd, Rampton, Retford DN22 0HX
How much? £22.00 per person and under 90cms are free.
Tattershall Farm Park – Pumpkin Pass – Tickets on sale – Lincolnshire
Visit during October and upgrade your day with a visit to our Pumpkin Patch. Follow the Pumpkin Trail, solve the clues and claim your lollipop prize. Includes a visit to our Halloween Room, where you get your Glitter Tattoo and do your Creepy Keepsake Craft. Don’t forget to collect your terrifyingly tasty sweet treat too! Nearer the time you’ll be able to book your tickets by clicking on the Purple Tab at the top of our website.
When? 8th – 31st October
Address: Marsh Ln, Tattershall, Lincoln LN4 4JR
How much? Normal entrance fee applies, there is an additional cost for the pumpkin pass. For example a pumpkin pass plus entry costs from £14.94 pp.
Twinlakes – Family Scream Park – Tickets on sale – Leicestershire
It’s time to get into the Halloween spirit because Twinlakes Family Scream Park is back this October, and it’s going to be a spooktacular time! Don’t be afraid because there’s nothing scary about our Family Scream Park – it’s all about having fun and enjoying the spooky season with the whole family!
Step inside Farmer Phil’s pumpkin display and choose your own FREE pumpkin to decorate or carve. Farmer Phil has been working hard, growing thousands of pumpkins just for you!
When? 1st – 31st October
Address: Melton Spinney Rd, Melton Mowbray LE14 4FF
How much? £14.41 for anyone measuring over 108cm, £10.15 for those measuring 95-108cm and under 95cm are free.
Twycross Zoo – October Fiesta – Tickets on Sale – Leicestershire
Back by popular demand, bring your family to embrace the magic of animals at our October Fiesta this half term!
Inspired by the Mexican celebration Dia de Los Muertos, enjoy the enchanting natural world, the infectious rhythms of Mariachi Loco, awe-inspiring stilt performers, mask making, our BRAND NEW magic of animals trail and an abundance of unforgettable experiences for your whole family!
When? 14th – 22nd Oct 2023, 28th Oct – 5th Nov 2023
Address: East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Rd, Atherstone CV9 3PX
How much? Included in your zoo entry. Adults are £22.50 and children are £17.10 (ages 3-16).
West Lodge Farm Park – Halloween Fun – Tickets on sale – Northamptonshire
Collect your Pumpkin Passport on arrival at the farm. Choose a pumpkin from our Pumpkin patch and head to the carving barn where you can scoop out all of the insides and leave the mess with us! One of our Perfect Pumpkin Carvers will do the tricky job of carving out your design ready for you to take home! Head over to the wand-making area to make your own wand. Watch our animated talking pumpkins and finish off with a visit to Daisy the Witch’s House!
When? 14th – 31st October
Address: Back Lane, Desborough, Kettering NN14 2SH
How much? Adult £11.50 (does not include a pumpkin), child £17.00 (including 1 pumpkin)
White Post Farm – Pumpkin Festival – Tickets on Sale – Nottinghamshire
- Free Pumpkin for every paying child. We’ll scoop it out for you for some mess-free carving in the carving canopy.
- Creepy animal meets and greets across the day.
- Head to Scarecrow School to perfect your scaring skills. (Grown-ups are required and will look very silly)
- Watch the awesome Bird of Prey Flying Display
- Do some spooky scrambling in the Spider Maze
- Toast marshmallows at the fire pit. (£1 extra charge)
Plus pumpkin nights – please visit their website for further information.
When? 21st – 31st October
Address: Mansfield Rd, Farnsfield, Newark NG22 8HL
How much? Please visit their website for pricing as there are two different events.
Wicksteed Park – Spooktacular Half Term – Tickets on sale – Northamptonshire
Join us on a thrilling Halloween experience and join the enchanting world of ghosts and ghouls of yesteryear on our family-friendly Halloween trail. Only £16 for Unforgettable Thrills and dive into a day of eerie excitement, including a peek at the Wicky Scare Show at our iconic theatre.
Take a spooky ride on the train as it winds through the park, offering glimpses of the eerie wonders that await you. Bring your family and friends for a hauntingly good time. Participate in our Halloween trail and don’t forget to drop into the Adventure zone. Unravel the mysteries, share spine-tingling laughs, and create unforgettable memories together.
When? 29th October
Address: Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ
How much? Tickets cost £16 each in advance
Wicksteed Park – Mini Monsters Ball – Tickets on sale – Northamptonshire
Cheer with horror as our Annual Mini Monster’s ball is making a spooktacular appearance once again. Groove to the tunes of terror at Wicky’s wicked Disco, join us for some ghoulish games and don’t forget to dress up in your freakiest fancy dress!
When? 29th October
Address: Barton Rd, Kettering NN15 6NJ
How much? Tickets cost £6 each available online or at the door.
Wollaton Hall – Halloween Outdoor Cinema – Tickets on sale – Nottinghamshire
Adventure Cinema brings thrilling outdoor cinema experiences this Halloween. Bring a blanket or camping chair, wrap up warm, and watch classic Halloween films on a giant cinema screen under the stars!
Fancy dress is highly encouraged, plus there will be a spooky soundtrack to enjoy before the movie with specially curated songs for witches, ghouls, ghosts, vampires, werewolves and humans alike. Sunday 29 October: Hocus Pocus (PG). Monday 30 October: The Lost Boys (15). Tuesday 31 October: Scream (18)
When? 29th – 31st October
Address: Wollaton Hall, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG8 2AE
How much? Under 12: £9.50 (Hocus Pocus only). Adult: £15.50. Premium: £21.50 (includes luxury deck chair in a prime position)
If you are interested in East Midland-based Christmas events please check out this post – Best Christmas Events East Midlands 2023 – Meet Santa and More Or how about a more general look at Halloween events across the UK?
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