October Half-Term 2026
Fun family things to do in the holidays
Seeking a little half-term inspiration? From eerie Halloween-themed venues to adventure days and crafts workshops, there’s plenty for families with kids of all ages across the county. Prepare to get your spook on...
Hideous Histories Trails
Where? County-wide
When? Open all year round but perfect for spook-season
Get to know the ‘dark’ side of Herefordshire by exploring one of four different self-guided family adventures. Beyond the pretty black and white houses and green fields, you’ll find ruined castles, spooky caves, and centuries of bloody deeds, ghastly ghosts and fearsome folklore! Visit Herefordshire’s Hideous Histories Trails is available to download free of charge, bringing history to life for kids aged 6 to 12 years, with plenty of fun for younger siblings to enjoy too. Exploring Key Stage 2 & 3 curriculum topics including: Prehistoric Britain, the English Civil War, the Tudors, Plague and Medieval times, these trails include nature craft activities and treasure hunts.
(Friendly) Fright Nights
Where? Small Breeds Farm, Kington
When? 24 - 30 October 2026 (5pm–8pm)
The animals at Small Breeds Farm Park near Kington in Herefordshire need help to lift spells which have been cast on them and to solve who is behind the mischief! In the Owl Garden you’ll chant spells to lift the curse and find hidden gems before moving through to the next haunted zones on a Halloween scavenger hunt. Tickets cost £10 (under 2s enter for free).
Pumpkin Trail & Scavenger Hunt
Where? Newton Court, Leominster
When? 24 October – 1 November 2026
Over half term visitors to Newton Court Cider, near Leominster, can take part in their fantastic orchard pumpkin hunt through Knowl Orchard and take on their Spooky Scavenger Hunt available daily. The café will also be serving warming seasonal specials to bring the Autumn vibes! Other Harvest happenings include their Harvest Feast on 3rd October, and year-round cider tours and tastings can be booked on a Friday afternoon.
Halloween Happenings at one of England’s Most Haunted Houses
Where? Croft Castle, near Leominster
When? 24 October – 1 November 2026
Croft Castle near Leominster in Herefordshire is inviting visitors to step into a world of myths, magic and mystery. Follow the family-friendly Legends of Croft Trail through ancient trees and historic grounds as you uncover ghostly tales, woodland spirits, hidden creatures and forgotten folklore. Meet the Grey Lady, track the Black Dog, discover the Green Man and help solve playful puzzles, games and challenges along the way. Can you collect all the clues and become an official Keeper of Croft's Legends?
On 28, 29, 30 October pumpkin carving will also take place in Croft Castle’s greenhouse where families can carve pumpkins to take home. Pumpkins, tools and paints are provided. £3 per pumpkin, normal admission applies. Children must be always accompanied by an adult.
Family tickets for non-National Trust members to Croft Castle cost from £42.50 (adult admission £17 / child admission £8.50). The gardens and park are open 9am-5pm. The castle is open 11am–5pm.
In addition, Croft Castle is running after-hours ghost tours for those aged 13+. Knowledgeable guides will share chilling tales and eerie legends that surround this ancient site. You’ll hear stories of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena as you wander through shadowy corridors and dimly lit rooms. From sightings of a tall knight, thought to be Owain Glyndŵr, to hearing cries in the night, you’ll need to keep your wits about you in case these haunting experiences return to Croft Castle during your visit. After the spooky tour, join your fellow guests to enjoy a warming autumn supper, included with your booking. Dates in October
Spooky Halloween Half Term Herefordshire Fun
Where? Ralph Court Gardens, Bromyard
When? 3 October – 1 November 2026
Magic, mystery and merriment make Ralph Court Gardens a Halloween destination like no other. The daytime displays are carefully crafted to be suitable for all ages, blending spooky fun with family-friendly entertainment. Highlights include the Halloween quiz, the singing pumpkin trio, joking ghosts, a graveyard flower seller and Gremlins show. Brand new for 2026 is the opportunity to meet Chewin Charlie on his porch. He's not very friendly with strangers so keep your distance!
Ralph Court Gardens is also home to themed gardens representing different parts of the world including a fabulous Dinosaur experience and an on-site restaurant. A family daytime Halloween ticket for two adults and three children (3 to 16yrs - under 3 go free) to Ralph Court Gardens costs from £55. Child tickets cost from £10. Adult tickets cost from £16.
Separate nighttime tickets can be purchased (£25 for adults and £15 for kids) for a thrilling alien-themed cosmic adventure session running 6–8.30pm featuring a Halloween light show. Each night, daring guests will be scanned for ‘The One’ destined to travel beyond the stars. Meet the legendary Ambassador Vorak – the galaxy’s wisest alien – and help him unravel the mysteries of human traditions and Halloween fun.
Pumpkin Picking
Where? Pumpkin Pete's, near Ledbury
When? 3 - 30th October
Pumpkin Pete’s near Ledbury is a Herefordshire Harvest highlight! They plant over 20 varieties of pumpkins and gourds and offer themed weekends, so more people than ever can enjoy their patch of gorgeous Herefordshire countryside. Keep an eye on their socials for details of how to book tickets and be aware they sell out quickly!
Skeleton Search Trail & Wand Making
Where? The Weir Garden, near Hereford
When? 24 October - 1 November 2026
The Weir Garden near Hereford, run by the National Trust, is a stunning riverside garden managed to create a varied habitat for wildlife. The Skeleton Search Half Term Trail is an interactive outdoor activity perfect for young archaeologists who are curious about ancient life. By studying skeletons, archaeologists can learn about how old someone was when they died, whether they were male or female, and even what they ate. Bones can also show signs of diseases, injuries, and how people moved or worked. The Trail costs £3 per trail, which includes a prize, normal admission applies. Wand making is also being offered free of charge on 26th October 11am–3pm
Broomstick Making for Witches & Wizards
Where? Berrington Hall, near Bromyard
When? 30 October 2026
The National Trust property, Brockhampton Estate, near Bromyard in Herefordshire is running a Broomstick Making for Witches and Wizards experience on 30 October. Craft your own broomstick to ride through their ancient orchards this half term! £6. Normal National Trust admission fees apply.
The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep
Where? Courtyard Centre for the Arts, Hereford
When? 27 October 2026, 11am and 2pm
The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep is a musical theatre experience from the creators of A Big Egg. Being a witch is exciting – there’s always something fun to do, especially around holidays like Halloween. But all that excitement means Natascha the Witch just can’t drift off to sleep. Can anyone – or anything – help her finally fall asleep? This enchanting musical gently guides young audiences through a story about rest, comfort, and better bedtimes, filled with songs, puppetry, magical adventure, and warm, interactive moments. Tickets from £9.
A Spooky Night Out (18+)
Where? The Left Bank Village, Hereford
When? Dates throughout October 2026
This October, The Left Bank Village in Hereford will transform into a hauntingly Halloween destination. From spine-tingling clairvoyance to outrageous bingo, from decadent cocktails to the wildest Halloween party in town, they have something for every kind of night creature. Events 18+ only.