Your October Half-Term Guide: Best Things To See & Do
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2 weeks ago
Pack your diaries with fun with our October half-term guide to London and beyond
The 2025 October half-term – which runs this year from Saturday 25 October to Sunday 2 November for most London schools – is quickly approaching. The weather might be getting colder, but there are still plenty of family-friendly activities to dive into this autumn season. From foodie days out to magical evening shows, here are some of the best things to do with kids this October half-term.
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Best Family-Friendly Days Out: October 2025 Half-Term
Immersive Titanic Experience, London
Ever wondered what it would be like to walk the deck of history’s most famous ocean liner? After wild success in Madrid and Munich, The Legend of Titanic exhibition has arrived in London, using VR to take immersive to the next level. After a VR and surround-sound tribute to Titanic’s courageous band followed by a 360° projected animation of the ship’s voyage, you will have the chance to experience Titanic’s famous interiors first-hand through the metaverse. This unmissable journey guides visitors around the boiler room, first-class suites and even the grand staircase, interacting with passengers and crew members along the way.
Address: Dock X, Unit 1 Canada Water, Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 2XU
Details: Open every day from 9am to 6.45pm (6pm on Sundays). Family bundle tickets £21pp.
Credit: Getty
Tasty Treasure Hunt, London
Solve puzzles, explore London and indulge in a good bite while you’re at it with this cuisine-themed treasure hunt. Created by Gourmaze, there are six different adventures to choose from, each focused on a different food theme (think decadent desserts, tacos spots in Shoreditch or Asian street food). Decipher codes, solve riddles and find clues hidden around the area to find your way to each eatery, where you can enjoy a well-deserved bite before returning to the game.
Address: Various starting points across London, depending on the chosen maze.
Details: Tickets from £27.99pp.
We’re Going On A Bear Hunt Live, London
Make sure you catch the beloved children’s story We’re Going On A Bear Hunt onstage at London’s Little Angel Theatre before it closes on 8 November. In this musical puppet show aimed at children aged three to eight, a family go on the adventure of a lifetime, braving a dark forest, oozy mud and a mysterious cave. And the production isn’t just for kids – original author Michael Rosen says this is a story ‘that speaks to young and old about getting through things that might be hard’.
Address: Little Angel Theatre, 14 Dagmar Passage, London N1 2DN
Details: Tickets from £8.50pp.
Magical Afternoon Tea, London
Why not lean into a story-themed day and tuck into a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory afternoon tea before going to see We’re Going On A Bear Hunt? This Roald Dahl treat at the One Aldwych hotel on The Strand features scones with snozzberry jam, Augustus Gloop’s strawberry fudge and fluffy candyfloss as well as ever-popular bites like ham sandwiches and luxury hot chocolate. The adults’ menu is just as fun and is topped off with champagne or a selection of fizzy cocktails. Find more of our favourite afternoon teas for children here..
Address: 1 Aldwych, London WC2B 4BZ
Details: Wednesday to Friday, 12–2pm; Saturday & Sunday, 12–4.30pm. £55 per child and £75 per adult
Scottish Storytelling Festival, Edinburgh
If you’re considering getting out of the city for a few days over the half-term break, why not visit Edinburgh for this year’s Scottish International Storytelling Festival? Now in its 36th year, the 11-day event is perfect for children of any age, bringing together world-class storytellers for a celebration of culture, community and the power of both traditional and modern storytelling. The 2025 programme includes workshops, outdoor events and plenty of thrilling tales.
Address: Across Edinburgh.
Details: From 22 October to 1 November 2025. Individual events are ticketed; prices vary and some are free.
Tulleys Farm, West Sussex
Pick The Perfect Pumpkin, Nationwide
Whether you’re in search for the perfect vegetable for carving or for cooking this autumn, the UK is filled with pumpkin patches open to the public. From Surrey to Essex, Gloucestershire to Hertfordshire, have a read through our guide to the best farms for pumpkin picking open this October half-term. The Down’s Hill Hotel in Bishop’s Stortford is even offering an autumnal, pumpkin-themed staycation, in case you (and your children) can’t get enough of cosy season. Read our guide to the UK’s best pumpkin patches here.
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Meet (And Feed) Capybaras, Hounslow & Surrey
Capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, have become social media stars lately thanks to their laziness and gentle nature. If you’ve ever wondered what these famous creatures are like in real life, head down to Hobbledown in Hounslow or Epsom: at this adventure park and zoo, visitors age six and above can feed capybaras, take pictures with them, and meet their keepers. Just make sure you wear wellies – the enclosure is sure to be muddy.
Address: Hobbledown Adventure Farm Park & Zoo (Horton Ln, Epsom KT19 8PT) and Hobbledown Heath (Staines Rd, Hounslow TW14 0HH).
Details: Capybara experiences twice a day at both Hobbledown locations. Tickets are £65pp (includes entry to the whole park).
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The Robot Zoo, London
Sunday 2 November is the last day you can experience The Robot Zoo at the Horniman Museum in south London. This travelling exhibit features giant robot animals from giraffes to grasshoppers, innovatively designed to move in the same way as their real-life counterparts – the chameleon, for example, has a long tongue that children can ‘shoot’ insects with as part of a game. There are plenty of interactive elements to keep youngsters entertained, and lots of interesting facts accompanying each robot animal for older children to read as they explore the zoo.
Address: Horniman Museum and Gardens, 100 London Rd, London SE23 3PQ
Details: Open 10am-5.30pm every day, until 2 November. Family of four tickets are £26.
Halloween Fun, Chelsea
Halloween falls at the end of half-term this year, so why not take the family to Chelsea for some spooky activities? Chelsea Physic Garden is putting on a variety of activities at the end of October, from incense, potion and broomstick making to a scary story night and a Halloween costume party. The annual pumpkin carving workshop is particularly popular; as well as picking the perfect pumpkin to turn into a spooky jack-o’-lantern, you will also explore the autumnal garden and learn about how pumpkin plants and other seasonal plants grow.
Address: Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, London SW3 4HS
How: 24–31 October. Times vary by session, with prices starting from £10.
Port Lympne Safari Park, Kent
A must-visit for animal-lovers, this Kent-based conservation charity is not your average UK wildlife experience. Whether you opt for a day visit or a short stay, you’ll come face to face with big cats, gorillas, giraffes and many more. If you really want to push the boat out (and blow the family’s minds in the process), book in for a stay at Tiger Lodge, where tigers play right outside your (very sturdy) windows.
Address: Port Lympne Safari Park, Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR
Details: Open every day, with extended half-term hours (9am-5pm). £26.36 per child and £31.82 per adult, with overnight stays available.
