Discover Gloucestershire’s ghoulish side this Halloween, with spooky celebrations promising fang-tastic fun for the whole family in October half term.
SoGlos never misses a trick (or treat), with its spooktacular Halloween guide revealing the very best the county has to offer for frightful family fun while the little terrors are off school.
October half term activities in Cheltenham
Halloween half term at the Everyman Theatre
When and where?
With absolutely no spookiness, but plenty of silliness expected, a trip to the Everyman Theatre to see Madagascar The Musical on stage is a lovely October half term treat for all the family.
What’s happening?
If Halloween isn’t your cup of tea, Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo will be taking to the stage in Madagascar The Musical, where crowds can expect belly laughs, musical dance numbers and brilliant costumes as the iconic DreamWorks characters escape from New York’s Central Park Zoo for a new life in King Julien's Madagascar, this October half term.
SoGlos loves
With live music and puppetry, little ones will also love Stories In The Dust on the Everyman Theatre stage on Halloween day itself. Suitable for ages five and up, families can expect a funny, heartfelt, post-apocalyptic family show that takes you to another world...
The important bits
Madagascar The Musical is on stage from Tuesday 31 October until Saturday 4 November 2023 with performances starting at 7pm, and matinee performances on specific dates at 2pm. Ticket prices start from £20.
How to book
Visit everymantheatre.org.uk.
Glow in the Park at 270 Climbing
When and where?
Hit one of Europe's tallest high ropes courses after dark, as 270 Climbing opens for night-time Glow in the Park sessions on Saturday 28 and Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Located on Bentham Lane between Cheltenham and Gloucester, the activity centre is also running its usual daytime sessions every day during October half term.
What's happening?
Gloucestershire's biggest daredevils can illuminate their Halloween with a hair-raising, night-time climb at 270 Climbing Park, traversing its high ropes course in the pitch black. With nothing but a head torch and a few glow sticks to guide you — and up to two hours to find your way around — only parts of the course will be lit up enough so you can actually see where you're going...
Younger children can test their nerve too, experiencing up to one hour of after-dark adventures on the low ropes course. This lower-level challenge is best suited to little adventurers between five- and eight-years-old, although all primary school-aged children are welcome to give it a go.
Feeling extra fearless? Take the ultimate leap of faith off the 18-metre-tall Activity Tower and try not to scream as you plummet into the darkness below!
SoGlos loves
After all that adrenaline-pumping adventure, fix your feet firmly on the ground and head to the cabin for a warm, sugary pick-me-up — with free hot chocolates for all brave Glow in the Park participants!
The important bits
Glow in the Park low ropes sessions cost £15 per child, while Glow in the Park high ropes sessions cost £35 per person.
Usual age and height restrictions apply, as do rules around adult supervision: children over 12 can explore the high ropes alone, while under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Parents can't take part on the low ropes course but can accompany children from the ground.
Halloween costumes and flashing jewellery are welcome, as long as you don't wear anything that interferes with the safety equipment. It's important that your harness can be fitted safely; that you're not at risk of getting caught up in any of the obstacles; and you'll need to wear a helmet too, so no elaborate headgear or hats. 270 Climbing Park also asks participants to refrain from wearing lots of make up or face paint, as this can rub off on the kit.
How to book
Visit 270climbing.com/glow-in-the-park.
Halloween activities and dining at The Brewery Quarter
When and where?
The Brewery Quarter in Cheltenham is a hive of activity this Halloween half term, with everything from ghastly golf to spooky soft play and fang-tastic foodie offers to snap up.
What's happening?
Hollywood Bowl is offering 25 per cent off for bowlers hitting the lanes before 11am during October half term, plus there's a 'fa-boo-lous' Halloween party on Tuesday 31 October 2023 with two games of spooky bowling, nachos and a drink costing from £15 for under 16s and from £17 for adults.
Mr Mulligans is running its Wicked Weekdays offer with 50 per cent off pool tables on Monday, 50 per cent off electro-darts on Tuesday and crazy golf for £5 on Wednesdays; little monsters can run wild at The Play Farm, with its popular Disco Tots session happening on Friday morning; plus for family film fans, new movie Trolls Band Together comes to the big screen at Cineworld on Friday 20 October 2023 — with adults paying kids prices with a Cineworld family ticket.
While at Creams, it's no tricks and all treats with its Halloween specials, like the Ghoulish Graveyard Waffle, drizzled with blood-red strawberry and milk chocolate sauces, sprinkled with dark chocolate dirt and jelly worms, topped with a meringue and vanilla ice cream ghost, complete with googly eyes! Kids in costume can also get a free Spooky Sundae Funday during half term week, with any order of £5 or more.
SoGlos loves
Ideal for frugal families, kids eat free at Hub Box with a paying adult from 12pm to 5pm throughout the October half term, too.
The important bits
To redeem Hollywood Bowl's half term early bowlers offer, book a lane online using the code SPOOKYBOWL25.
To redeem Mr Mulligans Wicked Weekday offers, book online using codes WICKEDPOOL; WICKEDDARTS; or WICKED for golf.
Children receive a free main and side from the kids menu when an accompanying adult is ordering a main meal between 12pm and 5pm from Monday 23 to Friday 27 October 2023 at Hub Box.
The Ghoulish Graveyard Waffle and Spooky Sundae Funday offer at Creams are available until Tuesday 31 October 2023.
How to book
Visit thebreweryquarter.com.
October half term activities in the Cotswolds
Halloweek at Sudeley Castle
When and where?
Sudeley Castle and Gardens puts the magic and sorcery into Halloween 2023, for a week of fearsome fun during the October half term holidays.
Taking place from Saturday 28 October until Sunday 5 November 2023, board your broomsticks and head to the historic castle grounds in Winchcombe for exciting craft workshops and activities that will leave you spellbound!
What's happening?
Over a number of activities and workshops throughout the week, children can flex their creative muscles — all while learning new skills and having fun.
Kids can catch a glimpse of the Wise Woman who lives at the castle as she shares the secret power of plants, as well as telling tales of her gruesome remedies, with visitors able to mix their own Tudor-style perfumed pomander to take home. She appears on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 October and again on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November 2023, before she heads back into the shadows once more...
Get messy at the Silly Science Workshops taking place on Tuesday 30 October 2023, creating spooky slime and magic potions; and on Friday 3 November 2023, learning all about rocket popping and chromatography.
Then from brewing sensory potions to making magic wands, the Dig and Delve sessions taking place on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 November 2023 are sure to get little witches and wizards in the spooky spirit — plus, they'll be able to craft their own herbal bath bags to take home for an extra special addition to bath time.
SoGlos loves
Halloweek activities are all included within the cost of admission to Sudeley Castle and children under the age of three go free!
The important bits
General admission to Sudeley Castle and Gardens costs £17.55 for adults; £7.88 for children aged three to 15-years-old; with a family ticket for two adults and two children costing £43.20.
How to book
For more information and to book tickets for Halloweek at Sudeley Castle, visit sudeleycastle.co.uk.
October half term activities at the Corinium Museum
When and where?
The Corinium Museum is hosting a range of family-friendly Halloween activities throughout the October half term, offering little ones and bigger kids the opportunity to explore spooky skeleton trails and decorate creepy cupcakes.
What's happening?
Inviting visitors to enjoy a bone-jangling time, keen explorers can follow the Corinium Museum's special spooky skeleton trail this Halloween — which includes the chance to win a special prize!
Back by popular demand, kids can take part in the Creepy Corinium Cupcakes workshop during half term, where little ones can create their very own monster cupcakes. During the sessions, Halloween cake designers will also get to hear about some of the creeps in the museum's collection.
Then teens can get ready to discover Haunted Cirencester,
with a spooky tour telling visitors all about some of the haunted stories, urban legends and ghostly
happenings associated with the historic buildings across the town.
SoGlos loves
For a fun activity without the spookiness, get crafty at family drop-in sessions which allow children to colour, cut, stick and explore their imaginations, leaving with a unique piece of art inspired by the museum.
The important bits
Entry to the Corinium Museum starts from £7.40 per adult, £3.45 for children aged five to 16 and is free for under fives. The museum is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday and 2pm until 5pm on Sunday.
The Dem Bones, Dem Bones children's trail is suitable for children aged five and up and takes place from Saturday 28 October to Sunday 5 November 2023 between 10am and 5pm. Tickets cost £2.50 per person.
Family drop-in sessions are suitable for those aged six and up and take place on Monday 30 October 2023 from 11am until 1pm, costing £2.50 per person.
The Creepy Corinium Cupcakes event is suitable for ages five and up and runs on Tuesday 31 October 2023 from 10.30am to 12pm, with prices starting from £9 per person.
The Haunted Cirencester tour takes place on Thursday 26 October 2023 at 7pm and lasts approximately one hour. The tour is recommended for those aged 16 and above and ticket prices start from £8.
How to book
Visit coriniummuseum.org.
October half term activities in Gloucester
October half term fun at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester
When and where?
Celebrate autumn at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester with indoor play and seasonal nature activities during October half term. Plus, Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow is visiting on Wednesday 1 November 2023, with some amazing reptiles and invertebrates to meet.
What’s happening?
Spend a day at the National Waterways Museum at Gloucester Docks, where there's lots of inspiration to get out on the waterways for autumnal family adventures and delicious hot drinks and treats to warm up with in the cafe.
Step onboard the boat Sabrina 5, a fully accessible floating classroom, for a wild adventure with Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow — bringing exotic snakes, geckos and tropical insects to Gloucestershire for unforgettable animal encounters.
SoGlos loves
One ticket to the National Waterways Museum Gloucester allows you to come back as many times as you like for 12 months, which means you can take advantage of its seasonal holiday and weekend activities for a whole year.
The important bits
Entry to the museum costs £8.50 for adults, £5 for children aged six to 15-years-old and tots under five go free. A family pass costs £22. You'll need a museum ticket to be able to attend the Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow session and you can buy this on the day.
Tickets to Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow cost £7 per child; one accompanying adult can attend for free but additional adults need to purchase a ticket, as spaces are limited.
There are two 90-minute sessions running at 10.30am and 12.30pm on Wednesday 1 November 2023. The experience is best suited to children aged four and over.
How to book
To book a place on Jonathan's Jungle Roadshow, email gwm@canalrivertrust.org.uk with the session time you would like and the number of children and adults in your group. Places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Halloween menu at Coal Kitchen
When and where?
Jump on your broomsticks and join in the spooky fun at Gloucester Quays this October, with a special spook-tastic menu at Coal Kitchen to sink your fangs into from Saturday 14 to Thursday 2 November 2023.
What's happening?
Coal Kitchen is based in the atmospheric Pillar & Lucy Warehouse at Gloucester Quays, so little ones can keep a look out for ghastly ghosts while they tuck into their grisly chicken tenders, boo burgers and petrifying pizzas.
Dinky diners can start their day the spooky way by building their own breakfasts from just £3.50, too, with spooky sausages, monster mushrooms, how-loumi slices and lots more blood-curdling ingredients to tuck into.
SoGlos loves
There's Halloween-themed colouring on the children's menu to keep little monsters occupied while you wait for the cauldron to finish bubbling your order.
The important bits
The limited edition kids' menu runs from Saturday 14 to Tuesday 31 October 2023 and is served all day, costing £6 for a starter, main, side, dessert and glass of squash; while the broomstick breakfast starts at £3.50 for three items and £4.50 for four items.
How to book
To book a table, pull out the bat phone and call (01452) 523760 or visit coalkitchen.co.uk.
Halloween activities and offers at Gloucester Quays
When and where?
Gloucester Quays is getting spooky this October half term, with scary movies, photo opportunities, a fun family trail and tasty treats all available in the centre between Friday 20 October and Tuesday 3 November 2023.
What's happening?
Little devils can embrace their scary side and follow the Halloween trail around Gloucester Quays to find Ralph and his spooky friends, with a bag of treats if they find them all; while Halloween fans big and small can get their best costumes on and strike a pose in the pumpkin-themed photo opportunity in the centre, with a face painter on hand for the kids and a host of cute or spooky designs available.
Shoppers can enjoy tricks from a close-up magician; treats from the retailers; and graveyard-themed puddings across the Halloween weekend. There are plenty of scary movies on the big screen at Cineworld, too, like the 35th anniversary screening of Beetlejuice, with Trolls 3 for anyone who fancies something a little less spooky!
SoGlos loves
The restaurants at Gloucester Quays are joining in with spooky season, too, with special treats including apple pie or pumpkin spice hot chocolates and a Cherry Scary sundae at Hotel Chocolat; a special kid's Halloween menu and broomstick breakfasts at Coal Kitchen; petrifying pancakes with brownie chunks, scary marshmallows, whipped cream and syrup at Bill's; not to mention new autumn specials at Côte and Pizza Express.
The important bits
The Halloween Spooky Trail is available from Saturday 21 October to Tuesday 3 November 2023 and costs £1 per child. The floral pumpkin photo opportunity is in the centre from Friday 20 until Tuesday 31 October 2023.
Halloween entertainment, including close-up magic, takes place in-store on Saturday 28 October 2023.
How to book
For more information, or to book Cineworld tickets, visit gloucesterquays.co.uk.
Halloween fun at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester
When and where?
Looking for a family thrill without the spookiness this Halloween? Develop some impressive ninja skills at Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester, suitable for all ages, and take part in exciting challenges throughout the October half term.
What’s happening?
Offering plenty of obstacles with varying degrees of difficulty, the whole family can get involved in a selection of activities this October half term, including climbing, balancing, swinging, jumping — and even take on a wickedly warped wall!
With the venue inspired by the hit television show Ninja Warrior UK, children can race their friends and family and see if they could be crowned champion, whilst developing some nifty ninja skills along the way.
Families can refuel after a session of adrenaline pumping fun at the venue's on-site cafe, choosing from a selection of hot and cold food and drinks.
SoGlos loves
Got a ninja in need of an epic birthday party this October? Celebrate in style with Ninja Warriors' party packages, jam-packed with action and adventure for your ninja on their special day.
Each party includes an hour of action on the park; 45 minutes in your very own party room; Ninja Warrior UK headbands and gloves for all guests; unlimited squash and water; buffet-style hot food; and more.
The important bits
Ninja Warrior UK Gloucester is open every day during October half term, welcoming ninjas from 9am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am until 6.30pm on Sunday.
Tickets cost from £13 for children aged five and up.
How to book
Tickets must be booked online in advance via ninjawarrioruk.co.uk/gloucester.
October half term activities in Stroud
Halloween activities at Berkeley Castle
When and where?
Berkeley Castle near Stroud is open from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 29 October to Wednesday 1 November, as well as on Sunday 5 November 2023, during October half term.
What's happening?
Monsters-in-the-making will get to learn how to frighten their friends at Ghoul School, enrolling for new students at Berkeley Castle just in time for Halloween.
Described as an interactive, self-led audio adventure, children will meet a bunch of terrifying teachers as they follow the trail around the castle, with a timetable of ghastly lessons educating them in everything from Halloween history to becoming a successful vampire.
SoGlos loves
A medieval fortress that dates back to the 12th century, there are sure to be some haunted rooms at Berkeley Castle — not least because King Edward II was imprisoned and allegedly murdered there back in 1327. Brave visitors can even see the cell he was kept in!
The important bits
Ghoul School tickets cost £2 per child, in addition to standard admission fees. Tickets to Berkeley Castle cost £14.50 for adults, £7.50 for children aged three to 16 and children under three-years-old go free.
How to book
Visit berkeley-castle.com/ghoul-school to book tickets online and see Ghoul School at Berkeley Castle for more information about the event.
Halloween pumpkin picking at Cattle Country Farm Park
When and where?
Cattle Country Farm Park's Halloween pumpkin patch is open every Saturday and Sunday in October, as well as from Wednesday 25 to Tuesday 31 October 2023 for October half term. The farm park opens at 10am and closes at 4pm.
What's happening?
Celebrate spooky season at Cattle Country Farm Park, with thousands of pumpkins and gourds to pick from its homegrown patch — this year in a brand-new location behind the Animal Barn.
Find your pick of the crop, with squashes of all shapes, colours and sizes to choose from, and don't forget to strike a pose at the pumpkin patch photo booths for a family selfie!
Tickets include full access to the farm park, too, with seasonal activities like marshmallow toasting along with all of Cattle Country's animal experiences and regular attractions to enjoy.
SoGlos loves
Perfect for rainy October days, there are lots of indoor activities for children at Cattle Country Farm Park — from meeting furry friends in the covered Animal Barn to zooming down slides and climbing around the newly opened Cowshed play barn.
The important bits
Tickets cost £16.50 for children aged four to 17, £13.50 for toddlers aged one to three and £12 for adults. Children under one go free.
Entry to the pumpkin patch also includes a full day of fun at the farm park and all pumpkins are priced by size, starting at £1.
How to book
Visit cattlecountry.co.uk/pumpkin-patch to book tickets online and see Pumpkin patch at Cattle Country Farm Park for more information about the event.
October half term at Slimbridge Wetland Centre
When and where?
eek! week at Slimbridge Wetland Centre is taking place from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 5 November 2023, with daily activities from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
What's happening?
Explore the wetlands and all of their weird wonders this October half term, with Slimbridge's interactive eek! week trail bringing a spooktacular selection of sensory activities for the whole family to test their bravery.
Find out what lurks beneath the water, take part in pond dipping for critters, dare to reach inside the touch and feel boxes and don't miss the chance to grab a photo with the bat cut-out, too!
There's also the chance to join eccentric Professor Slug in his House Of Bugs, helping all kinds of invertebrates to solve their problems in a vibrant, interactive show that features puppets, catchy songs and fun facts galore.
SoGlos loves
This autumn, visitors can experience the magic of Slimbridge through Quentin Blake's eyes. Pick up a guide beautifully illustrated by one of the UK's best-loved cartoonists and follow the Drawn to Water Trail to explore the site's seasonal highlights in a whole new way.
The important bits
There are no additional costs for eek! week, with all activities included in the admission price. Tickets to Slimbridge Wetland Centre cost from £15.90 for adults and from £10.45 for children aged four to 16, while children under four go free.
Professor Slug's House Of Bugs shows are on at 11am, 12.30pm and 2.30pm on Saturday 28, Sunday 29 October, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 November 2023. Tickets are free but booking is essential due to limited availability.
How to book
Visit wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/eek-week and wwt.org.uk/slimbridge/professor-slug to book tickets. See eek! week at Slimbridge Wetland Centre for more information about the event.
The Great Scarecrow Hunt at Painswick Rococo Garden
When and where?
Search for scarecrows hiding in the grounds of Painswick Rococo Garden, as The Great Scarecrow Hunt takes over the attraction for October half term week, from Saturday 28 October to Sunday 5 November 2023.
What's happening?
Follow the new autumn trail at Painswick Rococo Garden, hunting for all kinds of scarecrow characters to win a prize. Each scarecrow has been hand-created by local businesses, groups and the Rococo Garden team — be sure to keep an eye out for SoGlos's very own scarecrow, Sabrina, hanging out in the garden on your travels!
It's also a stunning time of year to visit the 18th-century pleasure garden as its woodland blazes with autumn colours.
The important bits
It costs £1 to take part in The Great Scarecrow Hunt trail, in addition to standard admission. Trail sheets can be purchased on arrival.
Painswick Rococo Garden is open every day from 10am to 4pm during October half term.
October half term activities in Tewkesbury
Free Halloween party at The Roses Theatre
When and where?
Turning Tewkesbury into Spooks-bury for one day only, The Roses Theatre is hosting a FREE Halloween party from 11am until 12.30pm on Tuesday 31 October 2023.
What's happening?
Little monsters are encouraged to dress up in their spookiest, scariest or cutest costumes for this free party, taking over Eric's Bar at The Roses Theatre on Halloween day.
They can get their hands dirty making their own spooktacular snacks; express their creativity by having a go at creepy crafts; as well as taking part in Halloween-themed games, all while making new friends.
SoGlos loves
The Roses Theatre is also handing out prizes for the best dressed attendees, so whether your little ones want to be the wickedest witch, the creepiest cat, a mortifying mummy or even their favourite character from a TV show or movie, make sure to come dressed to impress!
The important bits
There's no tricks, only treats at this Halloween party, as the event is completely free to attend and there's no need to book a place in advance — just turn up!
How to book
There's no need to book. For more information, visit rosestheatre.org.
October half term activities beyond the border
October half term at The Roman Baths
When and where?
Perfect for little ones who aren't so keen on the spooky stuff, The Roman Baths in Bath has plenty of fun activities to get stuck into this October half term 2023.
What's happening?
Little historians can come face-to-face with the gilt bronze head of Roman goddess, Sulis Minerva, at The Roman Baths, following the family trail to learn all about the gods and goddesses of ancient Rome.
They can even make their very own Minerva mask as part of Museums Week 2023. Using Minerva as their muse, they can show off their creativity and make a mask fit for a god or goddess, with this crafty activity being ideal for children aged three to 11.
SoGlos loves
Admission to The Roman Baths includes a free audio guide narrated by beloved children's author, Michael Rosen, featuring a host of Roman characters and their stories to enjoy as you explore this fascinating historical site.
The important bits
Minerva mask making sessions take place from 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 4pm from Monday 23 to Friday 27 October 2023.
Both the family trail and mask making activity are free with admission, with family tickets starting from £38 for one adult and up to four children aged six to 18.
How to book
Visit theromanbaths.co.uk.
