What’s On In The October Half Term?
By Rebecca Cox
6 months ago
Pack your diaries with fun with our October half term guide to activities in the country and in town
October half term is fast approaching: from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October (or thereabouts), the kids are off school and in need of entertaining. It’s always rather savvy having a few fun family activities marked in the calendar the school holidays to ensure you’re not looking at endless days that blend into each other. Here’s the C&TH guide to the best ways to keep the kids occupied this October half term.
October Half Term 2023
Matilda at The Cambridge Theatre
In London? If you haven’t seen this musical yet, now is the time to do so. A fantastic adaptation of the Roald Dahl book, the original story is transformed into a vibrant and electric production bursting with energy. The cast is impressive, the script packed with humour and nostalgia, and you won’t be able to get the songs out of your head for weeks.
Details: Earlham St, London WC2H 9HU. sevendials.co.uk
Borde Hill’s Halloween Trail
Join the Borde Hill Academy of Witches & Wizards this half term, and help Sapphire the Witch’s Cat regain her magical powers on a bewitching story trail full of spells, potions and mystery. Supernatural youngsters aged 3 to 8 years old can explore the historic garden, take on fun challenges from their own spell book, and restore Sapphire’s powers in time for the Borde Hill Crystall Ball extravaganza.
Details: Running 14–31 October 2023 at Borde Hill Ln, Haywards Heath RH16 1XP. To join the adventure, it’s free for Members, or just £4.00 per child plus Garden admission. Adults: £11.50, Children (3-16 years): £8.00, Family 2+3: £35.00, Family 1+3: £26.00. Tickets booked a day in advance receive a £1 discount. bordehill.co.uk
Pawsitive Cafe
Gather the whole family – four legged friends included – at Notting Hill’s Pawsitive Cafe, where brunch treats and seasonal DIY await.
Details: 52 Westbourne Grove, London W2 5SH. pawsitivecafe.com
Explore Barking Riverside’s New Wildlife & Wellbeing Trail
Barking Riverside invites intrepid explorers to its unique ecosystem this half term, to discover its endangered, protected and often hidden wildlife tucked by the waterside. The new 5km trail takes you to Oystercatcher Park, as well as the Thames Foreshore, where you might see seals sunbathe on the shoreline while overlooking the historical trade and transport route for London. Meanwhile, graphics and artworks are scattered along the route, introducing little ones to water voles, bats, snakes and the rich bird life beside the river. Plus, there are two sound artworks made by artist Joseph June Bond and residents.
Details: Find out more and download the map at thewildsbarkingriverside.london
Image © Thierry Bal
Peter Pan Afternoon Tea at aqua shard
Transport yourself to Neverland this October half term via aqua shard’s child-friendly afternoon tea, inspired by J.M Barrie’s legendary novel. Think Tinker Bell-shaped cookies and crocodile jellies served on a pirate ship-inspired tea stand, alongside Fairy Dust cocktails – all enjoyed alongside panoramic city views. And, for each tea sold, £2 will be donated to the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.
Details: Level 31, The Shard, 31 St Thomas St, London SE1 9RY. Book your table at aquashard.co.uk
Visit The Eden Project
Time well spent year-round, the Eden Project is a lovely space to cart the kids in October half term. Special additions for this half term include: Towering Tree Giants taking root, a staggering eight metres tall and telling magical stories about our woodlands; wand making workshops; and the lovely ice skating rink, which returns from 14 October 2023.
Details: Bodelva, Par PL24 2SG. edenproject.com
Try A Walking Trail
Spice up your half term holiday walks by following a trail, like Emma Smith’s ‘Gwelen’ trail on the section of the South West Coast Path that connects Marazion and Penzance. Inspired by the ancient forest hidden beneath the ocean waves, the installation is accompanied by a podcast. newlynartgallery.co.uk
Details: Mount’s Bay, Cornwall
Image © Mike Newman
Gravity Wandsworth
Children will easily be entertained for a whole day at this family-friendly attraction site in Wandsworth. Set over three floors, the venue uses the latest technology to create numerous exciting game zones – from electric go-karting to a 14-lane bowling alley with augmented reality.
Details: Wandsworth High St, London SW18 4TF. gravity-uk.com
Sportfish Game Fishing Centre
Fancy some fishing? Sportfish offers courses for parents and children alike who are interested in angling. Visitors can expect a delightful day filled with fishing and education around it, while surrounded by 45 acres of Berkshire countryside.
Details: Fishing Store Haywards Farm, Station Rd, Theale, Reading RG7 4AS. gamefishingcentre.co.uk
Stourhead House
This National Trust estate is perfect for all ages. From pram friendly (just avoid the grotto) to satisfying under 10s to teens, a walk around the utterly stunning landscape is the perfect afternoon pursuit to see the shoots of spring come through.
Bring a picnic, or have lunch at The Spread Eagle (a really gorgeous historic pub within the estate). There’s the obvious benefit of walking around within nature, but there’s plenty of art history to soak up too. Marvel at the Temple of Apollo, the house itself, and learn all about the intriguing Hoare family who lived here.
Details: High St, Stourton, Warminster BA12 6QE. nationaltrust.org
Tour The Globe
Family tours are back at Shakespeare’s Globe for the October half term, introducing curious 7–11 year olds to the Bard’s London and the theatrical world he created.
Details: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT. shakespearesglobe.com
Children Of Clay
Not feeling like leaving the house? Can’t blame you, it is gloomy after all. Order The One-off Box from Children of Clay and spend some quality time together creating a masterpiece from clay. Who knows, the kid might be an artist in the (mess) making. Subscriptions are also available if you want to keep the fun going beyond the school holidays.
Details: childrenofclay.co.uk
Visit The Story Museum
The Story Museum in Oxford makes a lovely trip for the family, with plenty of activities for a range of ages. Plus, the Brilli-ANT exhibition makes learning fun for little ones curious about creepy crawlies, featuring giant cardboard insects designed to help children connect with the natural world and tackle climate anxiety. A range of celebrities have lent their voices to bring the insects to life, including Isy Suttie, Floella Benjamin, Julian Clary and Derek Jacobi.
Details: 42 Pembroke St, Oxford OX1 1BP. storymuseum.org.uk
Check out Port Lympne, 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 their minds in the process) book in for a stay at Tiger Lodge, where tigers play right outside your (very sturdy) windows.
Details: Aldington Rd, Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR. aspinallfoundation.org
Forest Nets at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport
If you want to drag the kids away from their screens and get them playing outside, take a day trip to the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales and check out the Forest Nets, where kids can clamber through the trees bouncing on suspended nets. It is absolutely as fun as it sounds, for the young and young-at-heart alike.
Details: Caerleon, Newport NP18 1HQ. celtic-manor.com
See Baby Animals At Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, Norfolk
Great Yarmouth’s Thrigby Hall Wildlife Centre is the place to be if you want to enjoy some cuteness this half term.
Details: Filby Rd, Thrigby, Great Yarmouth NR29 3DR. thrigbyhall.com
Image © Tom Jones Photography
Go for a Family-Friendly Walk in Cornwall
Exploring the rugged Cornish coastline is best done away from the crowds, so autumn is the perfect time to travel south west. Make St Mawes your base and try a family-friendly walk on the Roseland Peninsula, suitable for all abilities. See our guide here.
Featured Image via Getty.
