October half-term happenings

If Halloween is your little one's holiday of choice, Herefordshire's got you covered. Here's our not-to-be-missed spooky hit-list...

Nobody does ‘spooky season’ quite like Ralph Court Gardens (near Bromyard). Each year, the gardens undergo a ghostly transformation and 2025 promises an unforgettable experience full of magic, mystery, and merriment. You'll encounter a singing pumpkin, haunted manor house, and a trio of shy ghosts. But don't be too afraid, this spook-fest is designed to be suitable for all ages. For older kids who want to up the scare factor, check out their evening events, but shhhh, you don't want to wake Dracula! And don’t miss the Halloween-themed grub in the Restaurant. 

Head to the first ever Halloween Fest at Small Breeds Farm, for the rare chance to explore the farm after dark and discover what your favourite animals get up to at night. But that’s not all, those brave enough can take part in the Big Scary Walk, featuring live actors ready to deliver spine-tingling scares (plus, tickets include a free pumpkin, a Halloween scavenger hunt and spooky treats).

Get crafting at Lyde Court. There'll be a Halloween making station where aspiring artists can create their own spooky masks and decorations, as well as pumpkin carving, apple bobbing and ghoulish face painting.

Feeling brave? Head over to the National Trust's Croft Castle, rumoured to be one of the most haunted houses in the midlands, for their ghoulish half-term trail. The challenge? A quest around the castle seeking out hidden ghosts and uncovering spooky sights lurking in the shadows. Boo!

Ever wondered what it's like to study skeletons? Now's your chance to find out, at The Weir Garden (National Trust). Their Skeleton Search themed half-term trail offers a fascinating insight into archeology, learning about how the study of skeletons can reveal how old someone was when they died and even what they ate. This activity is perfect for curious young minds. 

Over at Pumpkin Pete's near Ledbury, roam the field and take your pick from 20 varieties of pumpkin and gourd. There's face painting, a barrel train, cakes, coffees, hot chocolates, craft stalls, and more. Each weekend throughout the season is themed for extra fun, including a street-food extravaganza with the legendary Beefy boys, a circus, Farmfest and the chance to get up close and personal with some exotic animals. Tickets are limited, so it's advisable to book early on this one.

Also near Ledbury is The Farm Patch, with a magnificent two acre pumpkin patch, open for PYO pumpkins.  

Another option is The Pumpkin Patch, in Marden, a few miles outside Hereford. Pick farm fresh pumpkins, go on a scavenger hunt, ride around on pedal tractors and play in the games area. 

Over at Newton Court, there's the chance to take part in the fantastic orchard pumpkin hunt through Knowl Orchard. The café will also be serving warming seasonal specials to bring the Autumn vibes!

Take one of our 'Hideous Histories' mini road-trips to take a legendary family adventure through the county's past to a magical cave, wild woods, haunted houses and captivating castle ruins. You'll get to know the ‘darker’ side of Herefordshire… centuries of bloody deeds, ghastly ghosts and fearsome folklore! Roam the dramatic ruins of  Wigmore Castle, tiptoe around the most haunted house in the Midlands and step on the spot where three 14th-century burial pits for plague victims were discovered.

Head to National Trust Brockhampton and walk through the grounds of this Tudor style manor house, learning all about the vibrant world of moths, their stunning colours, and fascinating behaviours. Little explorers will adore discovering the fascinating world of these quite remarkable creatures through a series of interactive activities, creative challenges, and educational displays.

Step into the shadows on a thrilling Ghost Tour of Hereford, through the city’s eerie past with spine-tingling tales of a Welsh vampire, executions, and haunted secrets. As you follow your guide through the ancient streets, you'll hear tales of an orphaned girl haunting a popular pub, a cannibalistic old lady hidden in a local church, and the unlucky butcher's apprentice who met a bloody end. Warning, this one's not for the faint-hearted...

Every year The Courtyard in Hereford hosts Herefordshire’s Family Festival during October Half Term. You can find all manner of fun activities, shows and experiences suited to all the family. This year’s theme is Myths and Legends and events include children’s theatre, a parade, a silent disco, an interactive storytelling session and craft activities.

Dracula - the Panto, is also on the programme. A hilarious spoof of the Dracula story done in glorious panto style. A bewildering series of costume changes with just two performers brings you a Dame, a naughty Count, countless others and great songs too. This show has
captivated and tickled both adults and kids all over the country for a number of years – it is full of big laughs, big songs and big teeth!